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Cancun, Mexico Opens Its First Fully Inclusive, Accessible Beach

Playa Las Perlas in Cancun now has a fully inclusive and accessible beach [Image by ZOFEMAT Benito Juárez on Facebook]
The Quintana Roo city of Cancun has taken a step further with its popular and idyllic beaches by providing a fully accessible and all-inclusive beach. Meanwhile, Playa Las Perlas is the city’s first official inclusive beach, catering for the disabled. Read on to learn about the facilities that are now available.

Cancun launches its first fully inclusive and accessible beach

Cancun on the Mayan Riviera is always taking steps to improve its tourist infrastructure and recently opened its first fully accessible, inclusive beach to serve everyone. Mayor Ana Paty Peraltz explained that the Federal Maritime Land Zone (Zofemat) will take charge of keeping the public beach resort in top condition for Cancun’s visitors.

The beach in question is the popular Playa Las Perlas, which is set to give access to the beach for disabled tourists and residents. Cancun has provided everything necessary to allow anyone to enjoy the beach, whether in or out of the water.

Speaking at the launch of the new inclusive beach, the mayor said:

We can proudly say that the beauty of our sea is accessible to everyone. We know that people with disabilities face many obstacles and it is our responsibility, as a society, to break them down one by one.

With actions like these, we are closing those gaps of inequality, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can enjoy these wonderful spaces.

About the equipment on the accessible beach

Amphibious chairs for the disabled similar to those used in Cancun [Image taken in La Cala de Mijas in Spain by Anne Sewell]
According to Zofemat Director Justo Román Miranda Rocha, the beach has been provided with three wheelchairs, three amphibious chairs and two amphibious lounge chairs and two amphibious walkers and mats to ensure that everyone has guaranteed access to the water from the beach. Moreover, the equipment allows the elderly or disabled to enjoy a comfortable, safe and convenient space.

Moreover, to comply with universal accessibility regulations, Playa Las Perlas has had other adaptations made, including separate bathrooms for those with disabilities. Zofemat has also provided ramps, railings, and a deck with exclusive palapas, the installation of a tactile line, and signage with a QR code.

The code provides more details about the beach with an explanatory video of Playa Las Perlas, including sign language for those with hearing disabilities.

About Playa Las Perlas

White sand and blue waters on Playa las Perlas, Cancun [Image by Vladimix on Flickr]
When compared to other beaches in Cancun, Playa Las Perlas is smaller, but this just makes it more appealing for some visitors and locals. The beach nestles at the edge of the Hotel Zone, making it conveniently placed, but is often quite secluded and is typically occupied by a few residents and locals. While the water isn’t as bright blue as other local beaches, it is crystal clear and clean. Moreover, the beach features palapas to shade beachgoers while relaxing on the sand.

Meanwhile, Playa Las Perlas is a pleasant walk along Kukulcan Boulevard from downtown Cancun and is ideal for families with its clean white sand, shallow waters and gentle waves. Now, the beach has been improved further with the new fully accessible, inclusive beach.

 

Anne Sewell: Anne is a freelance writer and travel writer who has spent much of her life in southern Africa (Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa, and is now living on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
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