Beaches
Cozumel's beaches split into two completely different worlds: the calm, clear west coast and the wild, wave-battered east coast. Pick your vibe.
🌊 West Coast
Calm, clear, warm. Protected from Atlantic swell. Where all the beach clubs, snorkelling and swimming are. Best for families and first-timers.
🌀 East Coast
Wild, dramatic, powerful. Atlantic waves hit straight. Few tourists, raw beauty. Not for swimming at most spots — but unforgettable.
⚓ Offshore
Boat access only — but that keeps them pristine. Marine park protected, unforgettable snorkelling.
🌊 West Coast
3 spotsPlaya Palancar
Paradise beach
White sand, crystal clear water, calm conditions year-round. Full beach club with food, drinks and snorkel gear for rent. Palancar Reef — one of the top 5 dive sites on earth — is right offshore.
Arrive before 10am on cruise days. Grab a sun lounger early — they fill up fast.
Playa San Juan
Free local beach
The best free beach near downtown — calm Caribbean water, no entry fee, no minimum spend. A favourite with locals and budget travellers. Some small palapa bars nearby. About 3km north of the ferry pier.
Bring your own snorkel — the reef patches here are surprisingly good. Easy taxi ride from the plaza.
Beach Clubs Norte
All-inclusive beach clubs
Several large beach clubs stretch north of town — Mr. Sancho's, Playa Mia, Nachi Cocom. Day passes include chairs, umbrellas, pools, water sports and food/drinks. Busiest on high cruise days.
Book ahead on days with 3+ ships. Day-pass prices: $35–$65 USD depending on club and season.
🌀 East Coast
3 spotsChen Río
Wild east coast gem
Natural rock pools on the windward Atlantic side. The formations shelter you from the surf, creating protected swimming areas. Famous for its Sunday ceviche — the restaurant here has been doing it the same way for 30+ years.
Go on a Sunday for the full experience. Check conditions first — rough swell can close the pools.
Playa Bonita
Dramatic surf beach
The Atlantic hits here with full force. Not safe for swimming, but stunning for photography — blowholes, dramatic rock formations, crashing waves. The east coast road makes a great afternoon drive loop from town.
Combine with a full east coast loop drive (~45km round trip). Rent a scooter or golf cart for the best experience.
Punta Morena
Remote east coast stop
Remote east coast spot with a legendary coconut shrimp restaurant that's been a Cozumel institution for decades. Occasional surf when swell is running. Authentic experience well off the cruise ship circuit.
The coconut shrimp is non-negotiable. Bring cash — no card readers here.
⚓ Offshore
1 spotEl Cielo
Starfish sanctuary (boat only)
A shallow sandy flat 2–6m deep covered in hundreds of starfish. Only reachable by boat — which is exactly why it stays pristine. Protected within the marine park. Most dive shops run snorkel trips here daily.
Don't touch or move the starfish — it stresses them and is illegal in the marine park. Book a snorkel trip from the pier (~$25–35 USD per person).
East Coast Safety
East coast beaches have strong rip currents and unpredictable surf. No lifeguards on duty. Rock pools at Chen Río can be swum in safely, but open water along the rest of the east coast is not safe for swimming. When in doubt, stay out.