Naturally, the beaches are the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft sands and brilliant water. The Hotel Zone is really just one long beach separated from the mainland by a system of lagoons. The calmest beaches are found windward along the Bahía des Mujeres. Playa Linda, Playa Langosta, Playa Tortugas and Playa Caracol are ideal for water sports and swimmers of all levels. These beaches have all the usual amenities such as restaurants, change rooms and showers. South of Punta Cancún, the eastern beaches face the open sea. Playa Chac-Mool, Playa Marlin and Playa Delfines have bigger waves and stronger currents. While on windy days they may not be the best for swimming, they still have the spectacular view of that turquoise water. Depending on where your hotel is you will have access to either northern or eastern beaches. Do pay attention the flags posted on the beaches – they can save your life as they are posted to let you know if it’s safe to swim. Green or blue flags indicate that the water is calm, yellow means swim with caution while red or black means danger, don’t go into the water. Remember not to swim alone or when you are tired, overheated or right after eating.