A Guide to the Beaches of Cozumel
Written by Alex Ruelas
Cozumel has some of the finest beaches in the Riviera Maya. The island is famous for being not only extraordinarily beautiful, but also very diverse: The sheltered west coast is a Caribbean Eden; the north coast has romantic hidden nooks; the east is wild and exciting, and the southern tip is a striking natural wonder. Each of these places has beaches worth exploring.
Below, you will find a full guide to the best spots on Cozumel's coastline. It's time to grab your hat, put on some sunblock, and discover why travelers from all over the planet keep falling in love with this island.
Palancar Beach
In a nutshell: Spectacular white sands and a gateway to the breathtaking reef.
Located 20 kilometers south of San Miguel Cozumel's town center, it is possibly the most popular beach in Cozumel. Palacar Beach is easily accessible through a road that takes you from the main highway to the beautiful white sand beach. Here, you will also find a beach club with a restaurant, bar, sunbeds, and various activities. Read all about the Palancar beach and reef here.
El Cielo
In a nutshell: Starfish turquoise heaven.
Absolute must-visit. Hundreds of starfish covering the white ocean floor make this beach and off-coast sandbank one of the most memorable sites on the island. El Cielo can only be reached by boat, either a private vessel with the proper permits or a guided tour. Learn all about how to visit this incredible place here.
Chen Río Beach
In a nutshell: Natural pools make it a locals’ favorite.
This quiet beach is a local’s secret. At Chen Río, named after a small river that used to flow through the area, the rocky coast creates natural sandy pools that are delightful to relax in and perfect for children. It is seldom packed, as not many tourists know it. It is busiest on Sundays, when locals are off from work and come to enjoy the water.
Punta Sur
In a nutshell: Pristine coast and nature reserve with loads to see.
This long white sand beach is the coastal portion of the Colombia Nature Reserve, and there are many things to do and see. Wildlife lovers can take a boat tour of the Colombia lagoon to spot birds and crocodiles, while others can climb to the top of the beautiful Faro Calarain lighthouse to enjoy the view. There is even a maritime museum, and of course, also sunbeds and a seaside pergola for you to relax.
Punta Morena
In a nutshell: Beginners’ surf and family beach club.
Dunes, natural pools, and even surfable waves make Punta Morena a delight. The wide beach is famous for being a spot for keen surfers. Waves are not very high, which makes them perfect for beginners. Here you will also find a beach club with a restaurant, a playground for children, and even massage booths.
Las Rocas Beach
In a nutshell: Beautiful rocky coast and crystalline waters.
It is not very sandy, but it is still rather beautiful. Located north of the town center, Las Rocas is known for its clear waters and a rocky coast that is great for sunset photos. Boats usually anchor nearby to enjoy the shallows. So bring your sandals, jump into the sea, and you will have a great time.
Caletita
In a nutshell: Close to the city center and one of the cleanest in Mexico.
Located close to the ferry pier in San Miguel Cozumel, this beach is popular among locals. The cozy inlet has very calm waters that make it ideal for families. And although it can seem a bit too close to maritime traffic, it was recently found to be one of the cleanest beaches in Mexico. You can also take great pictures with the Caletita Lighthouse in the background.
San Juan Beach
In a nutshell: Palm trees and antidotes to boredom on the northwest coast.
This long white sand beach on the north hotel zone is a place to relish the clear warm waters and chill by the ocean. The palm trees along the coast are ideal for relaxing. But if you are feeling more active, horseback riding, windsurfing, snorkeling, and other activities are also available. You will not struggle either to services such as palapas with sunbeds and restaurants.
Corona Beach
In a nutshell: No crowds and fantastic snorkeling.
This beach has stayed off the beaten path. It is admittedly not long and sandy, but if you are looking for a place with a chill atmosphere and no crowds, this is it. There is a small restaurant with basic facilities, such a small palapas and tables, and a few stone steps that go down to the sea. Make sure to bring a snorkeling mask. The underwater landscape is superb.
Punta Chiqueros
In a nutshell: Off-beaten explorer’s reward.
This half-moon cove is located on the virtually deserted east side of the island. Winds are a bit rougher and the waves a bit hight than in the cozy west, but if you go on a calm day, you will be rewarded with an expansive beach sheltered by the shape of the coast and the close-by reef.
Isla de la Pasión
In a nutshell: Entrhalling island that lives up to its romantic name.
Uninhabited and just one kilometer long, this gorgeous island is one of the most coveted spots in Cozumel. It sits just off the north coast and is part of a wildlife refuge. And although the name is a bit cheesy, the location is truly idyllic –plus, it is actually a popular wedding destination. There are no roads to the island, so you must take a tour or catch a private boat. Once there, you can relax at the beach, enjoy the beach club, or paddle a kayak along the mangrove canals of the lagoon.
