Cozumel is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. With a rich history, Mayan relics, and natural wonders, it’s an authentic paradise in the middle of the sea with white beaches, beautiful sunsets, and famous worldwide for its coral reefs. It’s a destination of adventure and relaxation where all kinds of activities are available in impressive natural settings. Here is a list of the best beaches in Cozumel that will help you explore this beautiful island.
El Cielo Beach
Unique for its beauty, El Cielo is one of the best beaches in all of Cozumel. The water is crystal clear, and its name means “The Sky,” and you’ll realize how it got its name as soon as you dive into the ocean. Here you will find hundreds of starfish that can be admired on the bottom of the sea when you go snorkeling. To protect this beach (and all beaches, for that matter), you should use sunscreen free of chemicals that could harm flora and fauna of the region.
Palancar Beach
Palancar Beach is a true paradise for divers due to the reef located in this area. You will be amazed by all the marine life diversity that can be admired. You can reach this beach by public transport, and you will find it has all the services, equipment rental, tours, as well as food and drinks. Palancar is one of the smaller and quieter beaches, so you can either go and explore or just relax while sipping your favorite beverage.
San Francisco Beach
San Francisco is one of the most popular beaches with cruisers on a schedule due to its proximity to the cruise ship terminal. Here you can go kayaking or snorkeling, and you will find respite from the sun in any of its shady sections. This fun beach is always buzzing with activity, and you will find all the amenities to experience Cozumel at its finest.
Punta SurBeach
Punta Sur is one of Cozumel’s most iconic beaches. It’s an amazing spot for nature lovers. There is an archeologic zone where you can explore Mayan ruins or visit the Celarain Lighthouse for spectacular views of the island. Here you will also find an incredible eco-park where you can admire crocodiles, exotic birds, turtles, among other species.
Chen Rio Beach
A favorite spot for locals, Chen Rio beach, is one of Cozumel’s best-kept secrets. Its beautiful landscape is quite natural as there are no hotels in the vicinity. This location is also filled with vegetation, making it a great place to enjoy the beach and wildlife. Chen Rio has many restaurants to choose from, so you will enjoy authentic Mexican seafood dishes and so much more. If you’re on a cruise schedule, it is recommended to rent a car or book transportation for your return.
Punta MorenaBeach
Located on the east coast of Cozumel, this is a popular spot for surfing. It has the traditional palapas to catch some shade and relax. Part of the beach forms a small bay, which is also perfect for swimming. You can rent equipment for surfing, boogie boards, and many other water activities. Another plus is they have a beach club with all the amenities. This location is a surfers paradise and one of the best beaches in Cozumel. Because of its popularity, we suggest arriving earlier in the day and enjoy a vibrant place with all the services you would expect.
Passion Island
Passion Island is one of the top-rated beach locations in all of Cozumel. This private beach is located in the northern part, and to get there, you need to book a tour. Its exclusive beach club includes all the services, and the water is so calm, it’s like a swimming pool with the finest white sand. The landscape is so incredible; it’s a popular destination for weddings and events. Take into consideration that the tours leave from the ferry terminal, which is about 30 minutes from the main port. This tour is worth it if you enjoy one of the most stunning views in a very romantic space.
In Cozumel, you will find beaches with low or intense waves and for all kinds of tastes; they’re all equally spectacular, and their waters are home to a great wealth of marine flora and fauna. If you are cruising through Cozumel, be sure to spend the day at any of these paradise locations.