All of Cancun's beaches are public, regardless of what the resort hotels would prefer. The north-side beaches (Playa Las Perlas, Playa Linda, Playa Caracol) have calm water and gentle currents, making them better for families and swimming. The east-side beaches face the open Caribbean with stronger waves — Playa Delfines at the southern end of the Hotel Zone is the most scenic and least crowded. Playa Ballenas in the middle is good for water sports. The white sand genuinely does stay cool in the sun, which is its most pleasant surprise.