Cozumel Beaches for the Caribbean Cruises

The soft white sand, crystal turquoise waters and waving palm trees are the most powerful Caribbean resort imagery. Cozumel beaches are home of such Caribbean’s most beautiful resorts many cruisers dream of. In fact, Cozumel is one of the top cruise destinations in the Caribbean. (source)

My first visit to Cozumel was as a member of the scuba diving society. We experienced more than three hundreds of scuba diving spots around the world. Cozumel Island is certainly one of the best places.

We enjoyed scuba diving and snorkelling at every corner of Cozumel Island for a month. Let me show you the best beaches in Cozumel, Mexico and the best places for snorkelling.

Beaches are everywhere in Cozumel. But then, how can you know which beach is the best for your day out?

It is only one day if not an overnight stay. If you did not pick up the right one, you would be disappointed. It’s important to know which beach can be the best fit for you.

In this article, you will find the top 12 beaches in Cozumel, Mexico. Before you start reading through this article, I have a quick question for you. What is your cruise style?

Do you cruise with your family or kids? Will you cruise with your loved one? Are you an advanced swimmer? Do you embrace solo travel?

Once you are clear about your cruise style, it is easy to pick up the right beach for you. Find out the best beaches in Cozumel. Plan ahead and make a beautiful day out at Cozumel beaches.

Cozumel Beaches

Cozumel has plenty of beaches. You may imagine Cozumel as the island with a lot of powdery sandy beaches along the white coastline. Unfortunately, many Cozumel beaches are not like the image.

Cozumel is a flat island. The island is based on limestone. This is why many beaches of Cozumel tend to have rocky areas.

You need good water shoes to protect your feet. Small kids need some attention. Keep them away from rough waters and limestone beaches.

But then, that is not you are looking for in Cozumel. You want to go to white sand beaches instead of limestone rocky beaches.

In this article, I have selected some white sandy beaches where calm waters lap up nicely against the soft sands.

Best Beaches in Cozumel

The best beaches in Cozumel can be indicated as:

• White sandy beaches with a beautiful coastline
• Calm waters
• Transparent water for snorkelling
• A beach near Cozumel cruise port
• Scenic landscape with turquoise water

Snorkelling in Cozumel is popular. You will chase colourful tropical fish and sea animals. Such beautiful creatures tend to inhabit in rocky and hard coral beaches. Inevitably, the beaches for snorkelling can have some rocky areas. Limestone beaches are in fact top spots for snorkelling. 

Map of Cozumel

How to Get the Best Beaches in Cozumel, Mexico

Many of you fly off to Florida and set sail from the Port of Miami. The Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise destinations.

As soon as you disembarked the cruise ship at the Cozumel port, you want to go to the beach straight. Right? That’s possible!

Cozumel has three cruise ports.

• Punta Langosta
• International Pier
• Puerta Maya Terminal

You may not know which port your ship disembarks. No problem. All the cruise ships dock on the north of the West Coast in Cozumel Island. The island’s best beaches are located near the port.

If you would like to go to the opposite side of the cruise port, a taxi will cross the coastal road of Cozumel Island. The driver will take you to your dream beach on the East Coast.

All the beaches are accessible by taxi. You can hail a taxi from the port. There is always plenty of taxies. Bring cash with you. I have not seen any taxi accepting credit cards in Cozumel yet.

It’s easy. I never had any problem with them. Whichever the cruise port your ship docked, it’s my impression but the taxi fare is not significantly different.

Taxi rates are rather fixed. In fact, the prices are not negotiable. It is even not allowed to do. But then it’s good for us too. The taxi drivers cannot charge more than fixed prices.

Top 12 Cozumel Beaches

WEST COAST

Cozumel’s West Coast has some beautiful sandy beaches. Calm waters make you feel comfortable at a beach. The West Coast is close to the downtown, San Miguel de Cozumel. Many beaches are located near Cozumel cruise ports on the Western Coast.

You are visiting Cozumel with your family. You have kids. Then the beaches on the West Coast are the ones you can pick up for a Cozumel day out.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is the best for family cruisers with kids. In fact, there are a lot of children on this beach. You can take your kids to a white sandy beach surrounded by beautiful pine trees. The calm waters are the best for them swimming. Keep them away from the rocky parts of the beach.

You will love Paradise Beach. Paradise is one of the most popular beaches in Cozumel. It is a beautiful beach and is huge in size.

Paradise’s heated pool is currently the largest in Cozumel. The highlight for kids is the famous water park with slides. They can also play with trampolines, climbing ice-berg and beach floats. The Fun Pass includes snorkel equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddle and the toys in the water park.

Paradise charges a small admission to enter. You need the Pass to use the water park, the pool and facilities.

How to get Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is located on the West Coast. It is one of the most popular beaches near Cozumel cruise port.

You can take a taxi from the Cozumel cruise ship pier. Taxi fare is $15 for 1 to 4 persons. The total travel time from the port to Paradise is about less than 20 minutes.

Mr Sanchos Cozumel

Mr Sanchos (Playa San Francisco) is one of the best and perhaps the most popular beaches among the Caribbean cruisers.

The calm waters come and go against the white sandy beach. The coastline is beautiful. It is the largest Cozumel private beach for any ages.

You will enjoy the great service in this beautiful beach. Plenty of beach chairs are set up on the white sands. There is a lounge on the beach. Hammocks are situated. Three large swimming pools and pool bars are situated.

The day pass gives you access to all the facilities. You will also enjoy their delicious meals and drinks. Mr Sanchos is one of the most popular Cozumel beach clubs among the cruisers.

There is no charge for entry. This service makes Mr. Sanchos more popular. The beach could be a little crowded for this reason. If you do not have a reservation in advance, you may not able to enter once the beach is crowded. So it is recommended to purchase the ticket in advance.

How to get Mr Sanchos Beach Club

Mr. Sanchos is located on the West Coast. The beach is considered as one of the best beaches in Cozumel near the cruise port.

A taxi from Cozumel cruise port to will cost about $18. It depends on which cruise port you disembark. The total travel distance from port to the resort is about 20 minutes.

Playa Mia Cozumel

The calm waters crap on the white sandy beach. The beach is gorgeous and large. It is not huge but is just perfect in size.

You will love this beach club. Kids will enjoy the most. Playa Mia can be the best place for a family beach day out.

Water sports are rich. You can enjoy kayaking, parasailing and wave runners. Have fun with the twin 200-foot long water-sliders and the kids’ pirate-themed water park. Find out a sunken Maya village under the water. The pools, water slides and beach toys, kids will love them.

How to get Playa Mia

Playa Mia is located on the West Coast. The beach is one of the closest beaches near Cozumel cruise port.

Taxi takes about 15 minutes ride and costs around $18. The beach is considered as one of the best beaches in Cozumel near the cruise port.

PREMIERE PRIVATE BEACH

Passion Island

Passion Beach is the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. The beach is located in a resort island called Passion Island.

Passion Island is one of the best places for snorkelling. It’s no doubt that Passion Island is one of the most popular shore excursions in Cozumel.

If you would like to get this heavenly island, you need to join an all-inclusive tour excursion. You will be sent to Passion Island by a boat.

Food and drink are available there. You can also rent a car and explore this tropical island. Book in advance and take an all-included day trip out to Passion Island. Water sports are available. So spend your day and plan the best of what this beautiful island can offer!

How to get Passion Beach

Passion Beach is located on Cozumel’s north coast.

The beach is situated on Passion Island.

It is a resort island on Cozumel. Cruisers can only access via an excursion tour.

COZUMEL SNORKELLING

It’s no doubt that snorkelling is one of the best things to do in Cozumel Island. I am an experienced scuba diver, NAUI licenced, and have done even the filming for an assignment job professionally.

I tell you underwater experience in Cozumel is truly incredible! You can have a world-class snorkelling experience on the top beaches in Cozumel.

In my experience, scuba diving and snorkelling in Cozumel are one of the best around the world. I really hope we humans can maintain this natural beauty in Cozumel and pass it to the next generations.

There are also beaches for snorkelling. You can enjoy snorkelling right off the beach and without a boat. That’s truly amazing. The coral reef here is very close to the beaches. Find out beaches for the best snorkelling in Cozumel before you set sail.

Cozumel has exceptionally clear waters. The water transparency can be the 30 m ahead and depth in scuba diving. Enjoy a coral reef snorkelling. The sea itself is National Park. Sea animals are protected. Fish is not afraid of humans. It’s a paradise!

Cruise line’s Cozumel beach excursions will take you to the beach in Cozumel you desire. But then, if you knew about Cozumel beaches, it’s unnecessary to pay around $100 each person. You can save money and buy your snorkelling or scuba diving gear instead of renting. OK. Let’s go!

Playa Palancar

Playa Playacar can be a wonderful place for snorkelling. The beach club provides dedicated service for snorkelling, scuba diving and watersports. They are also attentive to safety. Palancar Reef snorkelling can be one of the best experiences in Cozumel.

Playa Palancar is ideal not only for those who enjoy snorkelling and water sports.

You can be away from the crowd. And yet, still, you find one of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in Cozumel.

Cozumel beaches can get crowded by cruisers on the West Coast.

Do you prefer a little quieter and not commercialised beach club? And yet, it is still a beautiful beach? Then playa Palancar can be the one for you.

Playa Palancar is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. It is not a large beach club but has a beautiful picturesque landscape.

Calm waters are just comfortable. Pine trees make shadows for rest. You will find a fine powdery white sand beach. The club provided a dedicated service. The restaurant provides fantastic food too.

Palancar Beach has free access, but there is a cost for facilities to use. The characteristics of Papancar Beach are:

• A large beach
• Scenic landscapes
• Soft white sands
• Calm waters
• Water sports service

How to get Playa Palancar

Playa Palancar is located on the Weste Coast in Cozumel. The beach is not one of the closest beaches near Cozumel cruise port but is worse to visit.

Taxi takes about 25 minutes ride. You would pay around $25 less or more. The beach is considered one of the best beaches in Cozumel.

Playa Corona

Playa Corona is one of the oldest beaches in Cozumel. This is because Playa Corona is one of the popular places among scuba divers and for snorkelling!

The beach of Playa Corona is not typical white powdery sands along some coastlines in the West Coast.

It has a small stretch of sand. Rough limestone rocks are everywhere. You need beach shoes to protect your feet. I always use gloves to protect my hands.

A limestone beach can be the best place for snorkelling. Colourful tropical fish and sea animals inhabit in such a place. Playa Corona is not an exception. It is one of the world-class snorkelling spots. Chankanaab reef is also close to the beach.

Note: some people are talking about payment for the beaches heading further south from Playa Corona.

How to get Playa Corona?

Playa Corona can be the best beaches in Cozumel near cruise port for people who seek snorkelling.

The beach is located on the West Coast. It is located just beyond Chankanaab Adventure Park.

Taxi costs about $13 for a taxi each way. Playa Corona is a wonderful place to relax, swim and snorkel.

Dzul Ha

Dzul Ha is one of the best places for snorkelling in Cozumel.

Dzu Ha reef is close enough for divers and snorkelers from the shore.

Without a boat to reach the reef. you can have the best snorkelling in Cozumel. Dzul Ha is truly a gem of Cozumel!

You will find a lot of tropical fishes, soft and hard corals and colourful sea animals. The water is crystal clear. The beach is not huge in size.

Since this is the beach for snorkelling, limestone rocks are everywhere. Sand and pebbles surround the beach but are slim. You need to bring beach shoes and groves.

After some beautiful snorkelling experience, you can take a rest at Money Bar Beach Club in Cozumel. It is behind the beach offering drinks and food.

How to get Dzul Ha

Dzul Ha is located on the western side of Cozumel near San Miguel town.

It is one of the best known Cozumel beaches near the port for snorkelling. You can enjoy snorkelling right off the beach.

Get off the main road heading south out of town Parque Chankanaab and do not miss the frontage road.

Taxi costs about $12 to Money Bar for a taxi each way. Remember Dzul Ha pronounces ‘Zool-Ha’ and tell a taxi driver so.

Sunset Beach

The beach is certainly one of the best beaches for snorkelling in Cozumel. It is also one of the closest near the Cozumel cruise ports. This is why I included Sunset Beach to the section, Cozumel Beaches near Crusie Port. Please jump to the Sunset Beach for further details.

Cozumel Beaches near Crusie Port

Cozumel receives millions of visitors annually. The island has enough cruise ports to welcome them.

There are three cruise piers in Cozumel. They are located on the West Coast in Cozumel Island.

• Punta Langosta Pier Cruise Terminal
• The International Pier
• The Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal

Tender boats are coming from Playa del Carmen and dock at the San Miguel Pier right in the centre of town.

Cozumel Cruise Port Location

When you disembark at Punta Langosta Pier Cruise Terminal, the centre of San Miguel de Cozumel is very easy to access. You can just walk to get in.

You will arrive at San Miguel Pier if you arrive in Cozumel by tender boat.

The International Pier and the Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal are 5 miles south from downtown. It takes a 10-minute taxi ride towards the south from the downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. If you cruise with Carnival, your ship will dock at Puerta Maya Cruise Termina. It is Carnival Cozumel Port.

Unfortunately, there are no beaches in Cozumel near port within walking distance. If such beaches exist, they can be hotel beaches. Cozumel beaches near port can be accessible by taxi. Here I introduce some beaches as follow.

Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is one of the closest beaches to San Miguel de Cozumel downtown area.

It is a good idea to combine walking around the downtown and world-class snorkelling experience.

You can have some snorkelling without a boat. Step into the beach and start snorkelling right off the beach! You need beach shoes to protect your feet though.

If you’re looking for white sand and with a great lounging, Sunset Beach is not for you. It is a beach for snorkelling and scuba diving. Colourful tropical fish and sea animals are attracted to limestone beaches. Sunset Beach is not an exception.

Make your day for a beautiful snorkel experience. Snorkelling will consume a lot of energy. You will get hungry. Then enjoy wonderful meals.

How to get Sunset Beach

Sunset Beach is one of the closest beaches near Cozumel ports whichever the terminals you disembarked.

It takes about less than a 5-minute taxi ride from the International Pier and the Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal. You would pay around $8 for a taxi. It can be the cheapest taxi fare in Cozumel.

Playa Azul Beach Club

Playa Azul is a good place for snorkelling.

This rocky and sharp limestone beach is very typical for the great snorkelling experience.

Water is crystal deep blue colour. The beach is not crowded. If you are looking for a comfy, laidback and relaxed atmosphere, Playa Azul is the one for you.

How to get Playa Azul

Playa Azul can be one of the best Cozumel beaches near the port.

If you disembark at Punta Langosta Pier Cruise Terminal, Playa Azul is one of the best options for you.

The beach is located in the north part of the West Coast. Taxi costs about $10 for one day. It takes 10 minutes by taxi.

Playa Corona

Playa Corona is one of the best Cozumel beaches near the cruise port. The beach is about 10 minutes by taxi from the International Pier and the Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal. It is the cheapest taxi rate from the port.

I have already introduced Playa Corona as the best Cozumel beach for snorkelling. Please jump up to Playa Corona for further details on the beach.

SCENIC BEAUTY

The East Coast is for breathtaking landscapes and scenic beauty. The East Coast is rather wild and is unprotected. That means the East Coast is not commercialised area. It is a heavenly place. Get away from the crowd. Enjoy spectacular landscapes and scenic beaches!

The West Coast has some white sandy beaches and great beach clubs as I have already introduced. The East Coast has many rocky and sharp beaches. The powdery sandy beaches are very slim. However, I will introduce you white sandy beaches of the East Coast. Keep reading!

Playa Bonita

It’s no doubt that Playa Bonita is frequently mentioned as Cozumel’s most romantic beach. The beach is far away from the island’s most commercialised and crowded areas.

Playa Bonita is located in a remote place of the island, the East Coast.

Still, unlike other beaches in the East Coast, you can expect wide soft powdery white sand at a beach. It is truly a beautiful beach. The sounds of the wave are just comfortable and calming. It’s also romantic.

Playa Bonita is the best for relaxing, swimming and kayaking. A small ruin is situated at this beach. The ruin is very important among the locals.

The Mayans considered this spot is the end of the Mayan civilization. This furthest eastern spot on land where you can see the sunrise. The Mayans believed that the world stopped where the sun rises. (source)

Enjoy a quieter atmosphere. You can only listen to the sounds of crashing waves with your loved ones. Lovers can literarily occupy the picturesque landscapes and scenic beaches for just you.

How to get Playa Bonita

Playa Bonita is located on the south of the East Coast in Cozumel.

It is one of the most beautiful and romantic Cozumel beaches for loving couples. Enjoy the clear water and soft sands.

Taxi costs about $30 to Playa Bonita for a taxi each way. The transfer is costly to the beach. One thing to remind you this is Cozumel public beach and is a free beach. The entry fee is not required.

Playa Chen Rio

Playa Chen Rio is one of the most beautiful and quieter beaches on the East Coast of Cozumel.

Enjoy the clear water and soft sands. Unlike other beaches in the East Coast, the beach has a wide white sandy space.

Are you looking for a quieter atmosphere? The beach is the best for the cruisers who want to get away from the crowd. It is only crowded by locals on Sunday.

Currents are stronger than the beaches of the West Coast, but you can still swim and enjoy snorkelling. It is the place for stunning landscapes and the scenic beach. Enjoy clear blue water and the crashing waves. It’s so dynamic.

There is no facility on the beach but can use the bathroom if you order meals at the Chen Rio Restaurant on the beach. The fried fish and ceviche are popular at the restaurant. Enjoy them on the white sandy beach.

How to get Playa Chen Rio

Playa Chen Rio is located on the south of the East Coast in Cozumel. It is a beautiful remote sandy beach.

Taxi costs about $30 to Playa Chen Rio for one way from the cruise port terminal. It takes about 25 minutes to get the beach by taxi.

$30 sounded costly to transfer from the port to the beach. If you pay for the entry tickets for two people and add meals, it costs about $50 to $60 easily at a beach club. Playa Chen Rio is a free beach and no entry fee.

Playa San Martin

The area is rather undeveloped. You may only meet only a few people while you walk on the beach. Your privacy is protected.

The real natural beauty is preserved in such a hidden secluded place. There is literary no facility on this beach. There is the restaurant, El Diablo.

Playa San Martin is absolutely exceptional. It is a place to admire the natural beauty. Enjoy relaxation and calming the mind with the sounds of waves.

There are gorgeous tropical scenery, white sands and a stunning crystal clear blue water. You hear only the sounds of crashing waves. You can connect yourself by calming your mind.

On May and June, Playa San Martin beach is closed. It is the sea turtle breeding season.

How to get Playa San Martin

Playa San Martin is located on the south of the East Coast in Cozumel. It is a truly beautiful remote sandy beach.

A taxi will cross the coastal road to go to the opposite side of the cruise port. It costs about $30 to Playa San Martin for one way from the cruise port.

It takes about a 30 minute or less taxi ride. It sounded costly to transfer from the port to the beach. One thing to remind you is that Playa San Martin is the Cozumel public beach and is a free beach. There is no entry fee.

Tips for Beaches in Cozumel, Mexico

1. Check dangerous currents with the flags

One thing to be noted is the flags on the beach. Indications are such but ask if not certain:

• Green Flag – Water conditions are safe for swimming.
• Yellow Flag – Use caution while swimming.
• Red Flag – Dangerous conditions.
• Black Flag – The highest warning level. Do not swim.

2. Stick with a bottled water

My suggestion is to drink only bottled water in Cozumel. Water in Mexico tends to be very expensive. Beer is cheaper than bottled water. I cannot remember how many Corona beer I had instead of water. Avoid ice cubes even on flesh juice if your stomach is sensitive.

3. Keep away from any trouble

Cozumel is fairly safe for visitors. There is nothing to be worried as far as concerning to safety in Cozumel. You can follow common safety tips:

• Not going to the beaches alone at night
• Not get involved in drugs
• Keep eye on your valuables
• Don’t carry much cash
• Hail only licensed and registered “sitio” taxis

4. You need cash if…

• As far as I know taxies in Cozumel only accept cash.

• The beach clubs are popular and hence are crowded. You may prefer to be away from the crowd. Then you can go to the beaches on the East Coast. You will discover spectacular landscapes and scenic beaches. There are no facilities there but only local restaurants. They will not accept a credit card but only cash. Bring some cash with you.

Conclusion

Cozumel beaches have been reviewed. Have you found the way to pick up the best Cozumel beach for your day out?

The best way to find the Cozumel beach for you is to know your cruise style. Do you cruise with your family or kids? Are you cruising with your loved one? Or you embrace solo cruising? Are you an advanced swimmer and are passionate about snorkelling?

The beach clubs of the West Coast are the best for the family cruisers. All the facilities are ready for kids and family in one package.

You can find romantic and beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Get away from the crowd. You can rest on a powdery white sandy beach. No one around but you can occupy the picturesque landscapes together. There are only the sounds of crashing waves.

Pick up your snorkelling gear and a bottle of water. Go to some limestone beaches. You can have world-class snorkelling experience just off the beach and without a boat. Or if you are solo traveller, join a tour. Cozumel has plenty of beaches. The best one is just waiting for your arrival.

You may be interested in reading more on the Caribbean cruises:

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Ultimate Guide for Best Cozumel Beaches