Cozumel Mexico: Top 6 Best Beaches in Cozumel, Mexico & Things To Do.

Best Beach in Cozumel

After visiting Cozumel more than 15 times over the past four years, we’ve gotten to know this island inside and out—and we’ve spent a lot of time exploring its shores.

Out of everywhere we’ve been, our personal favorite is the stretch of coastline from Playa Punta Morena down to Playa Chen Rio.

This eastern side of the island is home to some of the most laid-back, scenic, and authentic beaches you’ll find anywhere in Cozumel. The food, the people, and the raw beauty of the shorelines here always keep us coming back.

But Punta Morena isn’t the only standout.

Cozumel has no shortage of fantastic beaches and beach clubs, each offering something a little different depending on what you’re after.

Below, we’re breaking down our top picks—no fluff, just real experiences and honest opinions. Whether you want calm waters, a lively scene, great food, or just a quiet spot to unwind, there’s a beach here for you.

Keep reading to see which Cozumel beaches made our list, and why each one might be the perfect fit for your next visit.

Playa Punta Morena (My Personal Favorite)

Best For: Families or couples who want a secluded beach and a scenic drive.
Playa Punta Morena tops my list for a reason.

Getting there is half the fun—whether you’re on a four-wheeler, moped, or in a rented car or jeep, the drive out is absolutely worth it.

Picture a movie-worthy, scenic ride: wide open roads, ocean views, and that feeling like you’ve left the crowds behind.

One thing I love most about Punta Morena is the space. I’ve rarely seen this beach crowded, even during busy cruise days.

Unlike some of the more popular spots closer to the port, here you can actually stretch out, relax, and enjoy the sound of the waves without elbowing for a spot in the sand.

If you value peace and room to breathe on vacation, this is your place.

Punta Morena is tucked away on the eastern side of the island, so you’ll need to plan your transportation ahead. The good news? The main road across Cozumel is easy to follow, and the drive itself is part of the experience.

Because it’s farther from the cruise port, Punta Morena feels like a true hidden gem. When you arrive, you’ll find a string of beautiful beaches and a few souvenir shops if you want to grab something local.

Drive a bit further and you’ll hit the Punta Morena Restaurant—do not skip this stop. Their beachside food is top-notch.

I’m not exaggerating when I say the coconut shrimp and calamari here are some of the freshest I’ve had, minus any fishy aftertaste. And the tacos? Absolutely worth it.

After you eat, wander down to the shore for some real relaxation.

Heads up: bring swim shoes, as the shore can be rocky, and the tides are usually strong. I don’t recommend swimming out past knee-deep here, but if the beach by the restaurant isn’t your style, just drive a little further and go to Playa El Cielo.

Read about Playa El Cielo below.

The water is crystal clear, and you’ll notice the beaches are mostly empty compared to the busy areas near the ferry and cruise ports.

If you’re after a calm, peaceful experience away from the crowds, Playa Punta Morena is a must.

Pro Tip: I’ve always been able to pay by credit card here, but once the machine was down for about 30 minutes. As with anywhere, bring some cash just in case.

Playa Corona Beach

Best For: Calm waters, great snorkeling, and a laid-back atmosphere close to the cruise port.

Playa Corona is one of the most convenient beaches to reach—just a quick trip from the cruise ports and close to plenty of shops.

If you’re looking for a spot that’s easy to get to without a long drive, this one’s hard to beat.

What really sets Playa Corona apart is the snorkeling. The water here is crystal clear, and the sea life is incredible.

On our first visit, we signed up for a guided snorkel and had a blast. We’ve snorkeled in quite a few places around the world, but Playa Corona still stands out in our memories—that says a lot.

You don’t have to snorkel to enjoy this beach, though. We came back on another trip just to swim and relax, and it was just as enjoyable.

Compared to Playa Punta Morena, Playa Corona is much calmer, both in terms of the water and the overall vibe. If you’re mainly looking to swim or just chill out without big crowds, Playa Corona is a solid choice.

When hunger hits, head to Corona Beach House right on the beach.

The food is decent—some menu items were better than others. Oddly enough, I ended up enjoying their salads more than the fish dishes, and the burger was just okay. Still, it did the job.

Where the Beach House really shines is the drink menu. If you want to relax with a cold drink in hand and a great view, you’re in the right place.

Playa El Cielo

Best For: Families or couples who want a quiet, scenic beach; advanced snorkelers; anyone up for a beautiful boat ride.

Nicknamed “Heaven Beach,” Playa El Cielo sits at the southern tip of Cozumel and truly lives up to its name.

It does cost a bit more to access than most other beaches on the island, but honestly, it’s worth every penny.

If you’ve been following along, you know I’m all about finding space and avoiding crowds.

El Cielo delivers on that—there’s always noticeably less foot traffic here compared to the usual beach clubs. The vibe is peaceful, the water is consistently calm, and it’s my go-to spot whenever the tides at Playa Punta Morena get too rough.

El Cielo is also famous for snorkeling, but a quick heads-up: this isn’t your typical walk-in-and-snorkel spot. The best reefs are farther out, so either know your way around the water or book a sailboat tour.

It’s a slightly more advanced snorkeling experience, but if you’re comfortable, it’s absolutely stunning.

On the food and drink front, we’ve heard from friends—and noticed ourselves—that the drinks here are a step above. Bartenders actually mix up local cocktails from scratch, so if you’re into fresh, authentic drinks, this is your place.

If you’re searching for a high-quality beach with calm water and minimal crowds, Playa El Cielo is a top pick.

Sunset Beach (Sunset Restaurant & Bar)

Best For: Anyone wanting a convenient beach close to the cruise port and shopping.

I had to include a beach that’s all about convenience—Sunset Beach is just a short walk from the Cozumel cruise port.

If you don’t mind a 10–15 minute stroll in the warm Mexican sun, you’ll save on taxi fares and get to enjoy the scenery along the way. It’s also close to shops, making it one of the most accessible spots for cruisers.

One time, we docked on the Carnival Jubilee and, after a late start, needed a beach close by. Sunset Beach was the perfect answer. We could actually see our ship from the water, which was a cool bonus.

Read about our Carnival Jubilee review here.

While Sunset Beach can get busy—especially when multiple ships are in port—it’s still less crowded than places like San Francisco Beach, at least in my experience.

Just a heads-up: there are some rocky patches here, so bring swim shoes or look for clearer entry points.

Lockers and outdoor showers are available for a small fee, which is handy if you want to rinse off before heading back to the ship.

Snorkeling is possible here, but honestly, Playa Corona is a much better choice if you’re serious about seeing marine life. The ship traffic at Sunset Beach tends to scare most of the fish away.

As for food, you’ll find the usual Mexican beach restaurant fare—nothing fancy, but it hits the spot. The tacos were definitely the standout from everything we tried.

Note: there’s a per-person minimum (it was $10 when we visited), so be prepared.

If you want a beach where you can easily hop between swimming, shopping, and grabbing a bite, Sunset Beach is a solid pick.

Once you’re done at the beach, you’re just a five-minute walk from a bunch of shops and restaurants across the street—perfect for souvenir hunting or a quick meal before heading back to the ship.

Mr. Sancho’s All Inclusive – Playa Mia Beach

Best For: Families or couples who want the best all-inclusive beach club with great food, drinks, and service.

No list of Cozumel beaches is complete without an all-inclusive beach club, and Mr. Sanchos is the gold standard.

The all-inclusive day pass covers unlimited food and a wide range of mixed drinks for as long as you’re there. At $68 per person (as of this writing), it’s not the cheapest option—but you get what you pay for.

Here’s the truth: I’ve been to more all-inclusive resorts and beach clubs than I can count, and the usual letdowns are bland food, watered-down drinks, or subpar service.

Mr. Sanchos breaks that mold.

The service was genuinely outstanding—some of the best hospitality I’ve experienced anywhere on the island.

The food? Surprisingly great. The fried fish is a must if you’re a seafood fan, and the shrimp tacos and coconut shrimp are standouts.

We did wait about 30 minutes for our food, but with the beach right there, the time flew by.

If you’re into a lively, party vibe, Mr. Sanchos delivers with fun music and a great atmosphere. We happened to visit on a quieter day, but from what I’ve read, it’s usually packed—so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience.

Feeling adventurous? Mr. Sanchos offers extras like ATVs, horseback riding, parasailing, water sports, and jet skis (for an additional fee).

If you’re after a top-notch, all-inclusive beach club experience in Cozumel, Mr. Sanchos is hard to beat.

San Francisco Beach & Day Pass

Best For: Anyone looking for an inexpensive, lively beach club with plenty of amenities and adventure.

San Francisco Beach is where adventure meets the party scene.

It’s also one of the most convenient spots on the island—their website makes booking a day pass and arranging transportation super easy.

If you’re after specific excursions or unique packages, their site has plenty of options to choose from.

This stretch of beach is lively, with multiple resorts offering different vibes and amenities. Depending on the resort and the package you pick, you can expect:

• Beach access
• Lounger chairs and umbrellas
• Outdoor showers
• Drink service*
• Food service*

*Some packages include food and drinks; others are à la carte, so check the details before booking.

We personally went with a basic day pass that included transportation, and the process was smooth from start to finish.

When we arrived, the place was packed—lots of energy and plenty of people, especially earlier in the day. We still found chairs and had a blast.

There were inflatables in the water, which I couldn’t resist—I was out there running through the obstacle courses in no time.

The water at San Francisco Beach isn’t as crystal clear as some other Cozumel spots, but it’s still a great place to swim and hang out.

As the afternoon goes on, the crowds thin out—most cruise ship visitors head back to their ships around 4 or 5 pm, so if you prefer a quieter scene, stick around later in the day.

Not in the mood for the beach? There’s a pool right next to the bar that’s usually less crowded and perfect for relaxing.

The area also has souvenir shops for convenient shopping. As for the food, it was solid—my fajitas hit the spot, and everyone in our group was happy with their meals.

Overall, San Francisco Beach Club is a great pick if you want a fun, affordable beach club with lots of activities, convenience, and a streamlined experience.

Final Thoughts

It’s no secret—Cozumel is one of my all-time favorite destinations, whether I’m arriving by cruise ship, catching a flight, or hopping over on the ferry from the mainland.

This island packs in more incredible beaches and unique experiences than most places in the Caribbean, making it a spot I recommend again and again.

No matter your style—laid-back and quiet, adventurous and lively, or somewhere in between—Cozumel has a beach for you.

Just remember, when you visit can make a big difference. The time of year and cruise schedules can impact how busy things get, so plan ahead if you want to avoid the crowds and soak up the best of what this island has to offer.

Ready to explore? Pick your favorite from the list, and let Cozumel surprise you.

Kam’s Honest Tips for Enjoying Cozumel

What I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Cozumel

• I wish I’d realized just how big and spread out Cozumel really is. It’s not just a single strip of sand—some of the best beaches and snorkeling spots are a drive from the cruise port, so planning your transportation ahead is key. I also wish I’d known how much prices can vary for the same activity depending on where you book. Do your research, and don’t be afraid to walk away if something feels overpriced.

How to Avoid Tourist Traps

• Skip the “one-size-fits-all” tours sold right at the cruise port—they’re usually crowded and overpriced. Instead, venture a bit farther from the port or pre-book with reputable local operators (but check reviews first). Don’t get pulled into shops or restaurants just because someone is waving you in—take your time and choose places that feel right. Also, always agree on taxi fares before you get in, and avoid any spot that feels pushy or too eager for your business.

How to Make the Most of a Cruise Stop or Longer Stay

• If you’re only in Cozumel for a day, pick one or two things you really want to do—don’t try to cram everything in. I recommend hitting a top beach early, then exploring local eats or a quick snorkeling trip. For longer stays, rent a car or scooter and explore the east side of the island, where it’s quieter and less touristy. Don’t just stick to the main drag; some of the best food and views are off the beaten path. And above all, slow down and soak it in—Cozumel is more than just a checklist.

FAQ’s

Is Cozumel safe for tourists and cruise passengers?

Yes, Cozumel is generally considered very safe for tourists and cruise passengers. The island relies heavily on tourism, so there’s a strong focus on keeping visitors safe. Like anywhere, use common sense: stick to well-traveled areas, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid wandering alone late at night. Most visitors have a trouble-free experience.

What’s the best time of year to visit Cozumel?

The best time to visit Cozumel is from November to April, when the weather is warm, sunny, and less humid. This is also the peak season, so expect more crowds and higher prices. Hurricane season runs from June to November—travel is cheaper, but there’s a higher chance of rain and storms. If you want fewer crowds and don’t mind some heat, late spring or early fall can be a sweet spot.

Do I need a passport or visa to visit Cozumel on a cruise?

For U.S. citizens on a closed-loop cruise (one that starts and ends in the same U.S. port), you technically don’t need a passport—just a government-issued photo ID and an original birth certificate. However, bringing a passport is highly recommended in case of emergencies. If your cruise is not closed-loop, a passport is required. Most visitors don’t need a visa for short visits.

What currency is used in Cozumel, and do places accept USD?

The official currency in Cozumel is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, shops, and restaurants. You’ll usually get change in pesos and the exchange rate may not be in your favor, so small bills are best. For the best value, use pesos for purchases when possible.

How do I get around the island (taxis, rental cars, scooters)?

Getting around Cozumel is easy:

• Taxis: Plentiful, safe, and the most popular choice for cruise passengers. Fares are set by zone, so confirm the price before you get in.
• Rental Cars & Scooters: Both are available and a great way to explore at your own pace. Driving is straightforward, but watch for speed bumps and local traffic rules.
• Bikes: Some areas are bike-friendly, especially near the waterfront.

• • Public Buses: Limited, not commonly used by tourists. For most visitors, taxis or a rental car/scooter are the most convenient options.

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