Cancun Photo Spots
From world-class resorts in the famous Hotel Zone, kicking back with a Mexican cerveza on tap at the local cantina, to exploring the beautiful beaches along the Riviera Maya, 🍺 Cancun has something for everyone. Nestled on the Yucatán Peninsula, the warm azure waters and white sand beaches beckon everyone to enjoy the good life outdoors. Rounding up our favourite places to take photos in Cancun was no small task with such beauty to be found off the coast of the Caribbean Sea 🌊 ¡Salud!
We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip, forever. Let’s explore all the beautiful places in Cancun!
TLDR
- Get the best pictures of Cancun beaches at Playa Delfines.
- Spend a sunny day swimming at Playa Ballenas.
- Indulge in fresh seafood in Isla Mujeres Beach & Town.
- Explore the perfect place for a photoshoot in Cancun at Playa Chac Mool.
- Learn about Myan history at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
- Delight in beach activities at Playa Gaviota Azul.
- Admire one of the wonders of the world at Chichen Itza.
- Dance the night away in Downtown Cancun.
- Discover breathtaking cenotes in Tulum.
- Take a day trip to the charming city of Playa del Carmen.
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Luciana and family capture memories in Cancun with a family photoshoot at Playa Delfines.
1. Playa Delfines
The wide sandy beach and viewing deck make Playa Delfines a popular spot for classic Cancun beach pictures. Grab a shady spot under a thatched umbrella, or palapa, that dot the beach and enjoy the view. 🏖 Just north of the Hotel Zone, this beach is a stunning spot to spend the day with your toes in the powder-white sand and a snorkel in your hand. Don’t miss a photo op with the Cancun sign, for one of the most iconic places to take photos in Cancun! 📸
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Adora and partner capture memories in Cancun with an engagement photoshoot at Playa Delfines.
2. Playa Ballenas
Located directly in front of some of the major resorts in the Hotel Zone, Playa Ballenas is one of the best beaches if you’re looking for easy-access sand, sunshine, and a perfect spot for a Cancun photoshoot. Crystal blue waters meet endless blue skies, and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. If your dream is rolling out of bed and straight into a sunrise photo session on the beach, you can’t get more convenient than this. (We just recommend changing out of your PJs first 😉)
Photo: Julieta in Cancun for Flytographer. Shawana and family capture memories in Cancun with a birthday photoshoot at Playa Ballenas.
3. Isla Mujeres Beach & Town
Only a quick ferry ride from Cancun in the Caribbean, Isla Mujeres is the perfect island getaway. With plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood, popular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, the Cancun Underwater Museum, and a local crew of sea turtles, this is a must-see destination during any trip to Cancun. 🥽 Compared to the bustling resorts, Isla Mujeres is a place where time moves a little slower and “island time” is a way of life. 🏝⏱
Looking for another island adventure? North of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy National Park is a picturesque, protected island that is worth the day trip. You can swim with whale sharks here too! 🦈
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Alejandra and family capture memories in Cancun with a family photoshoot in Isla Mujeres Beach & Town.
4. Playa Chac Mool
Just south of the Hotel Zone, Playa Chac Mool offers both rocky outcrops and sandy shores, perfect for a dynamic Cancun photo. In one direction, nothing but clear waters stretch into the horizon. In the other direction, take in the breathtaking views of the skyline from this beautiful public beach. There are so many different places to take photos in Cancun here! 😍 Rough waters are common, but strong swimmers will enjoy an invigorating swim 🏊♀️ Despite its proximity to many of the resorts, it retains a laid-back atmosphere, and it’s absolutely stunning at sunrise! Cancun beach photoshoot here we come!
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Liz and partner capture memories in Cancun with a couples photoshoot at Playa Chac Mool.
5. Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
When you’re relaxing on a stunning Cancun beach surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s easy to forget the beautiful natural habitats that still thrive outside the city. The Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside of Cancun, and it’s the largest natural protected area in the Mexican Caribbean. Pristine beaches, tropical rainforests and 23 archaeological sites dating back more than 2,000 years to Mayan times. It’s one of the most iconic Cancun Instagram spots. The name itself is a guarantee of its beauty: “Sian Ka’an” means “gate of heaven.” ✨
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Hannah and partner capture memories in Cancun with a couples photoshoot.
6. Playa Gaviota Azul
The soothing ocean waves of the easy-to-access Playa Gaviota Azul make a perfect, centrally located photo spot for a photoshoot in Cancun. This little beach gem is located at the end of the bay and features breathtakingly clear, turquoise waters and gorgeous sprawling sand, perfect for laid-back water sports with little ones. Not to mention, one of the best places to take photos in Cancun if you’re bringing the kids along. If you prefer locations that are as easily accessible as they are beautiful, this is the Cancun beach for you. ✨
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. Jasleen and partner capture memories in Cancun with a pre-wedding photoshoot at Playa Gaviota Azul.
7. Chichen Itza
Hear us out 👂 While 120 miles away from Cancun isn’t exactly a walk down the road, Chichen Itza is a popular day trip from the city due to its historical importance and beauty. These Mayan ruins are one of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and the famous El Castillo pyramid dominates the center of the complex. As Mexico’s most-visited archaeological site and popular places to take pictures of Cancun. It’s worth the drive out to step foot in this ancient Maya city. 🚗
Photo: Flytographer in Cancun. Olga and family capture memories in Cancun with a birthday photoshoot.
8. Downtown Cancun
Don’t forget to pack more than just swimsuits for your trip! 👙 While beaches and all-inclusive resorts are unsurprisingly the main draw for many visitors, there’s more to the city than just the “Zona Hotelera.” Many bars, beach clubs, restaurants and a lively, social vibe are what make this part of Cancun special. Mingle with the locals at Parque Las Palapas or enjoy an authentic Mexican market experience at Market 28. Downtown Cancun’s recently upgraded Avenida Tulum offers wide pathways perfect for an evening stroll. 🌴 This is one of the best places to take photos in Cancun if you want to capture memories off the beach!
Photo: Claudia in Cancun for Flytographer. RoseMary and family capture memories in Cancun with a family photoshoot.
9. Tulum (day trip)
While Cancun beaches have so much to offer on its own, we recommend taking a day trip to Tulum for breathtaking views in a laid-back atmosphere. Incredible cenotes just down the road, breathtaking beaches for snorkeling, and some of the best beaches in Quintana Roo make a day trip to Tulum a must-do on your Mexican vacation. Despite its rising popularity, it still retains its boho, sleepy fishing town roots. 🐟
Fly tip! If you are looking for the perfect cenotes, dos ojos should be at the top of your list.
Photo: Tati in Tulum for Flytographer. Alyssa and partner capture memories in Tulum with an engagement photoshoot.
10. Playa del Carmen (day trip)
Another popular Mexican destination and an easy full day trip from Canun, the heart of the Riviera Maya is known for its wide array of restaurants, entertainment and nightlife. Playa del Carmen is smaller than Cancun, while still packing plenty of charm and of course, activities! If you’re looking for some extra family fun, be sure to check out Xcaret Park for tons of exciting outdoor adventures, including zip lines and an underground river! There are also plenty of incredible archaeological sites scattered between Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun for visitors to explore. After all, A trip to this beautiful country wouldn’t be complete without exploring some of Mexico’s deep history and culture… and tacos! 🌮
Photo: Claudia in Playa del Carmen for Flytographer. Melanie and friends capture memories in Playa del Carmen with a friends photoshoot.
Capturing Memories in Cancun
Ready to explore all that Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Mexico have to offer? Capture the magic with a Flytographer shoot, celebrate with a little tequila, and say “hola” to your newest favourite destination with a Cancun photographer! 🌎
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“Julieta was fantastic! Not only was she incredibly helpful in guiding us through poses, but she also created an atmosphere where we felt completely at ease in front of the camera. Working with her felt like spending time with a friend! Our photos turned out absolutely stunning! We’re so grateful to Julieta for making the shoot so enjoyable and for capturing such beautiful moments. She truly is a gem, and we can’t thank her enough!”
Brodie
Playa Chac Mool, Hotel Zone km 10
“Jorge was amazing, we have 5 children who are not fans of family pictures and he made it so fun they want to come back and do it yearly! We are very happy with the pictures they capture our family beautifully! Thank you Jorge you are so wonderful!!”
Brooke
Custom Route
“ Tati was extraordinary! Before our shoot, she communicated really well in giving us directions and options of times. Upon arrival, she was super personable and made conversation easy between us. Tati asked questions in order to get to know and did a great job giving us directions on poses and what she wanted us to do. She was respectful and inclusive!! We absolutely loved our shoot and would recommend her to anyone.”
Miranda
Custom Route
