If you want that famous bright blue Caribbean Ocean in your photos – you want to go to the Cancun Hotel Zone. The Zona Hotelera Cancun is a six miles strip of all-inclusive resorts, shops and restaurants. The high-rise hotels block much of the access to the beach However, but there are several public access points like Playa Marlin, next to The Riu Palace and Live Aqua and Playa Ballenas, squeezed between Secrets the Vine and Hard Rock. It’s worth noting that those same high rise resorts cast long shadows. It’s often worth planning for photos up to 2 hours before true sunset – especially since Cancun is on the East coast.


Another important thing to note for Cancun Hotel Zone photography: even if you are staying in a Cancun Hotel Zone Resort, the beach in front of your hotel is still public! If you want to avoid crowds weekdays are best. Be SURE to avoid holidays and long weekends (puente) as the beaches are heaving! If you’re coming at a very busy time of year consider waking up for a sunrise shoot – you’ll have the beach to yourself.