Playa Ballenas is a wide, wilder beach at about km 14, right by Playa Marlín, with strong waves and few facilities. It suits couples who want a raw, open look more than families with small children.
This is one of the less developed public stretches in the middle of the Hotel Zone. Fewer facilities means fewer people, and that can be exactly what a photographer wants.
Where We Shoot
The open sand. Long and uncluttered, with big skies.
The strong sea. Deep blue water and white spray for dramatic portraits.
The neighbours. Kempinski, Secrets The Vine and other resorts are nearby if you need a second setting.
The Best Hour
Times for the Hotel Zone on the 15th of each month in 2027. Beaches here are public, so no resort pass is needed for the sand.
| Month | Sunrise | Golden | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7:27 am | 5:54 pm | 6:26 pm |
| February | 7:17 am | 6:15 pm | 6:45 pm |
| March | 6:56 am | 6:27 pm | 6:56 pm |
| April | 6:28 am | 6:36 pm | 7:06 pm |
| May | 6:09 am | 6:47 pm | 7:18 pm |
| June | 6:05 am | 6:58 pm | 7:30 pm |
| July | 6:14 am | 7:00 pm | 7:32 pm |
| August | 6:26 am | 6:47 pm | 7:17 pm |
| September | 6:34 am | 6:21 pm | 6:50 pm |
| October | 6:43 am | 5:53 pm | 6:23 pm |
| November | 6:57 am | 5:34 pm | 6:06 pm |
| December | 7:16 am | 5:35 pm | 6:08 pm |
Cancun Hotel Zone, Through Our Lens
Real IVAE Studios work on this coast, so you can see how this light and water look on camera. It shows our work in the area, not necessarily at Cancun Hotel Zone.
Which Collection
A beach this size needs little walking. The Keepsake at 45 minutes or The Chapter at 60 minutes is usually enough. See every Hotel Zone resort, by stretch if you want a resort close by.
| Collection | Time | Photos | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Postcard | 35 min | 15 | 295 USD |
| The Keepsake | 45 min | 25 | 375 USD |
| The Chapter | 60 min | 35 | 475 USD |
| The Story | 75 min | 50, 2 looks | 545 USD |
| The Editorial | 90 min | 70, 2 looks | 645 USD |
| The Heirloom | 90 min | Full gallery, 2 looks | 895 USD |
Booking, Step by Step
There are three steps. First, you send us your dates and the people involved. Second, we choose the hour from the real sun times for Cancun Hotel Zone on your dates, and we confirm the plan with you. Third, we shoot, and your private 4K gallery reaches you within one to three business days, while the trip still feels recent.