Cozumel is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea renowned for its scuba diving and snorkeling. The reefs around the island attract many visitors from all over the world, and the clear turquoise waters make for some incredible underwater views. I went on a two-week trip to this island, and it was an amazing experience. And to make your vacation even better, I’ll share my top 13 picks for the Best Beaches in Cozumel. I’ve also included some helpful information about each beach, so you can easily find the perfect spot for your vacation.
Best Beaches In Cozumel, Mexico
1. Playa Corona
Did you know that Playa Corona was one of the first Cozumel beaches to attract tourists because of its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities? Now you do! This beach is located on the island’s west coast, and it’s known for its clear waters and beautiful coral reef.
I took a snorkeling excursion at Chankanaab reef, and it was absolutely beautiful. The clarity of the water was amazing, and there was so much to see. After our snorkeling adventure, we were taken to a secluded beach where we could relax in the sun. This was the perfect spot to catch some rays and take a dip in the water.
And if you’re looking for a little more adventure, Playa Corona is also a great spot for scuba diving. There are several dive shops in the area that offer both beginner and advanced dive courses.
Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddle boarding are also popular here. Beach huts are available if you want some shade, and there is a beach restaurant nearby that offers typical Mexican dishes as well as burgers and fries.
2. Playa Azul
Are you looking for the best beaches in Cozumel, perfect for a romantic beach getaway? Then you need to check out Playa Azul. This secluded beach is located on the island’s northwest side and is known for its pristine coastline, clear waters, and tranquil atmosphere.
The soft white sand and crystal-clear water make this beach absolutely stunning. And because it’s so secluded, it’s the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are plenty of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs to keep you cool, as well as a few restaurants and bars if you get hungry. You can also rent kayaks and Stand up Paddleboards if you’re looking for some adventure. But the best part of this beach is definitely the snorkeling. The reef here is absolutely incredible, with tons of colorful fish and coral to see.
3. Paradise Beach
I’m sure you’ve seen the pictures of turquoise water and white sand beaches in Cozumel. Well, that’s what you can expect at Paradise Beach. As one of the most popular beaches in Cozumel, it definitely lives up to its name. With plenty of activities, restaurants, and hammocks to relax in, you’ll never want to leave.
My trip here started with a little bit of excitement when our taxi driver took us on a “shortcut” that ended up being a very bumpy dirt road. But it was all worth it when we reached the gorgeous beach.
There’s a reason why this place is called Paradise Beach. As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by powdery white sand and bright blue water. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming, wading, and floating. And if you’re looking for something more adventurous, you can go kayaking, paddle-boarding, or even snorkeling.
Since all I wanted was to relax, I hired an inflatable water toy for $21 and floated around in the ocean for a while. It was so relaxing and exactly what I needed after a long week of work. I was also charged $3 for a beach chair and umbrella.
Note that there is an entrance fee per person. However, this also includes access to the beach chairs, bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms. But all in all, Paradise Beach truly is a slice of paradise. So come early, find a spot, and enjoy the day.
4. Playa Punta Morena
Playa Punta Morena is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. This beach, located on the midpoint of the east coast, provides surfers with good waves. In fact, this beach holds annual surfing competitions during peak wave season.
But even if you’re not a surfer, this beach is still worth a visit. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft and white. It’s absolutely stunning. And although this beach was hit by Hurricane Wilma a decade ago, it has since been completely rebuilt and is better than ever.
Unfortunately, Playa Punta Morena is not a swimming beach. The waves here can be pretty strong, and the currents can be dangerous. But don’t let that discourage you from visiting. There’s still plenty to do here. You can lounge on the beach and soak up the sun. Or you can go for a walk along the coastline and take in the stunning views. There are also several restaurants and bars in the area if you’re looking for a bite to eat or a cold drink.
5. Playa Chen Rio
If you’re looking for a more laid-back beach day, then Playa Chen Rio is the place for you. This small beach is located on the windward eastern coast of the island and is known for its calm waters and serene atmosphere. This makes it one of the best beaches in Cozumel for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
When I arrived at Playa Chen Rio, it was already pretty crowded. But because the beach is so large, there was still plenty of room to find a spot to relax. I ended up finding a spot near the water’s edge where I could sit in the sand and enjoy the view.
The water here is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a deep blue color and is very clear. You can see all the way to the bottom. And because the water is so calm, this beach is perfect for families with small children.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy at this beach. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also go snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also a volleyball net if you’re looking for some beach competition.
If you get hungry, there’s a beachfront restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a view. And when you’re ready for a break from the sun, there are plenty of umbrellas to keep you cool.
6. Playa El Cielo
No words can describe the beauty of Playa El Cielo. Turquoise water, sugary sand, and a beautiful coastline make this place a true paradise. Not only is the beach gorgeous, but it’s also very popular for the thousands of starfish that live in the shallows.
This beach can only be accessed by boat, which makes it much less crowded than some of the other beaches in Cozumel. There are many tours that will take you to Playa El Cielo, or you can also hire a water taxi for the day and explore on your own.
During this trip, I was accompanied by a friend who is a local. She told me that the best time to see the starfish is early in the morning, before people start to swim and scare them.
We arrived at Playa El Cielo around 9:00 am, and sure enough, there were starfish everywhere. It was an incredible sight. We spent the morning exploring the shallows and taking pictures. And when the sun got too hot, we jumped in the crystal clear water for a swim.
This beach really is a slice of paradise. So if you’re looking for a place to relax, unwind, and take in the natural beauty of Cozumel, this is the place for you.
7. Playa San Juan
Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown, Playa San Juan is one of Cozumel’s best beaches. Its proximity to resorts and shopping plazas makes it a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike.
The sparkling turquoise water and soft white sand are what makes this beach so special. There are plenty of beach umbrellas and sun loungers available for rent, as well as a few restaurants and bars.
If you’re interested in snorkeling, this is definitely the place to do it. The reef here is teeming with colorful fish and other marine life, making this beach a perfect spot for underwater explorers. There are several dive shops in the area that offer snorkeling and scuba diving equipment and excursions.
I rented some snorkeling gear from the dive shop near the beach and spent a couple of hours swimming around. It was an incredible experience seeing all the different fish and coral up close. And after a few hours of snorkeling, I was ready for a break. I grabbed a bite to eat at one of the beachside restaurants and then laid out on a sun lounger to relax. The view here was absolutely breathtaking, and I could have easily spent the entire day lounging on the beach.
8. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
If you’re looking for an all-inclusive beach day, then Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is the place for you. This popular beach park is located on the western side of the island and is known for its expansive beach, water activities, and food options.
This beach is also popular with cruise ship passengers, so it can get pretty crowded. But because the beach is so large, you can usually find a spot to yourself.
The good thing is that there are plenty of activities to keep you busy at this beach. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also go snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and boating.
The waterpark area was my favorite part of the beach. It has a lazy river, several water slides, and a wave pool. I spent most of my time floating around in the lazy river. But I also took a few turns down the water slides.
When you start to get hungry, there are plenty of food options. There’s a beachfront restaurant, a pizzeria, and a hamburger stand. And if you want something to drink, there are several bars scattered throughout the beach.
9. Playa Dzul-Ha
Playa Dzul-Ha has been rated as one of the best beaches in Cozumel for snorkeling. The reef is just offshore, and you’ll not need to take a boat to reach it. You can simply swim out from the beach.
I came to this beach purposely to snorkel. I joined a tour group that included snorkeling gear and a guide who took us to Money Bar, one of the best spots for snorkeling. And although we did not need a boat to reach the reef, I recommend wearing water shoes because there are a lot of rocks in the water.
The snorkeling here was excellent. We swam through a channel in the reef and saw all sorts of colorful fish. Our guide even pointed out a barracuda that was swimming nearby. After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, we returned to the beach, where we enjoyed some freshly made guacamole and chips.
Unlike other beaches in Cozumel, Playa Dzul-Ha does not have soft and powdery sand. Instead, the beach is a bit rocky. However, I could see people swimming and relaxing under the palm trees that line the beach. Behind the beach is a bar where you can get drinks and food.
10. Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel, known for its turquoise water and powdery sand. It’s located on the southern end of the island and is a great spot for snorkeling and swimming.
The beach is over a kilometer long, so there’s plenty of space. And because it’s closer to the rustic Cozumel coast, there are fewer crowds here than at some other beaches.
There are several restaurants and bars in the area, as well as a few small hotels. But the beach is still relatively quiet and relaxed. The water here is absolutely beautiful. It’s a perfect place to cool off after spending some time in the hot Cozumel sun. And if you’re looking for some adventure, there are plenty of snorkeling and diving excursions available.
I loved the tranquility of Playa Palancar and spent most of my time swimming and floating in the water. Snorkeling here is also excellent, but I didn’t have a chance to try it.
11. Passion Island Beach
I have been looking forward to visiting Passion Island Beach ever since I saw pictures of its beautiful turquoise waters. This small island is located just off the coast of Cozumel and is only accessible by boat. But the boat ride is definitely worth it.
We took our boat ride to this beach from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal. The ride only took about 5 minutes and was very smooth. As soon as we arrived at the island, we were greeted by the most beautiful turquoise water I’ve ever seen.
The island itself is very small. But because it’s so beautiful, it doesn’t need to be big. There’s plenty of white sand to relax on, and the water is perfect for swimming. Palm trees that line the beach provide plenty of shade. There are also several beach umbrellas and chairs for rent.
I recommend booking a full-service tour of the island. This package includes a round-trip boat ride, unlimited food and drinks, and use of the island’s amenities. It’s a great deal and definitely worth it.
Passion Island Beach is the perfect place to spend a day if you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The turquoise waters and white sand beaches are absolutely breathtaking. And with plenty of food and drink options, you won’t go hungry or thirsty. I would definitely recommend this beach to anyone visiting Cozumel.
12. Mr. Sanchos Beach
My trip to Mr. Sanchos Beach was a bit of a last-minute decision. I had heard good things about the beach and decided to check it out. This beach got its name from the beach club that sits on it. The beach club is located on a private beach, so you’ll have to pay. But once you’re inside, everything is included in the price. This makes it a great option if you’re looking for a stress-free day at the beach.
The beach club has a ton of different activities to keep you entertained. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also go horseback riding, parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, and other water sports.
I spent most of my day swimming and sunbathing. But I also took a break to go horseback riding. It was a lot of fun and a great way to see the beach from a different perspective.
The best part about Mr. Sanchos Beach is the food. The beach club has a restaurant, a bar, and a buffet. I tried a little bit of everything, and it was all delicious. I even had a chance to try some authentic Mexican dishes that I hadn’t had before. All in all, this is one of the best beaches in Cozumel if you’re looking for a fun-filled day at the beach.
13. Stingray Beach
As one of the most popular beaches in Cozumel, Stingray Beach definitely lives up to the hype. This beach is known for its stingrays, which are always swimming offshore. But don’t worry, they’re harmless, and you can even swim with them if you want. The water here is absolutely beautiful. It has a deep blue color with plenty of fish to see.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at this beach. And during the excursion, you can even touch and feed the stingrays. If you’re not a fan of snorkeling, you can still enjoy the view from the shore.
Note that there is an entrance fee to this beach. But the fee is well worth it, as this beach is definitely one of the best in Cozumel.
In summary
Have fun in the sun at any of these 12 best beaches in Cozumel. With something for everyone, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the incredible views. And finally, don’t forget to enjoy a delicious meal with a view at one of the beachfront restaurants.