The 5 Best Beaches In Cozumel
Without The Crowds
Updated September 2023
Welcome to Cozumel
A gorgeous tropical island just off the east coast of the Yucatan Peninsula (across from Playa del Carmen), Cozumel has some of the most beautiful waters in the Riviera Maya and is a top beach and diving destination. There are plenty of wonderful beach clubs on Cozumel sporting groomed beaches with pools, music, lounge chairs, and other amenities. That’s all well and good, but here at Island Life we also love to get away from it all.
Our list below of the best beaches in Cozumel without the crowds includes stunning wild beaches to enjoy nature at its finest.
Cozumel Map
Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park
This wonderful eco-reserve on the southern tip of Cozumel is well worth the small entrance fee. There are protected lagoons with wild crocodiles and birds galore, a lighthouse you can climb to the top of for epic views, and then the beach area… This is one of our favorites. Several restaurants line the entrance to the beach zone with loungers and decent food, beer and cocktails. But we suggest you keep walking up the beach. This stretch seems to go on forever! Walk ten minutes up from the restaurants, and you’ll feel like you’re on your own private island. Find a place to throw down a blanket and jump in the water. Bring some snorkel masks and look for turtles, or just swim in the turquoise water. An excellent day out.
Beach Amenities: Admission Fee Required, Ample Parking, Public Restrooms, Public Showers, Restaurants, Souvenir Stands, and Life Guards On Duty.
Passion Island Beaches
This idyllic “island” is actually connected by a small land bridge off the north coast of Cozumel, but it’s still an island in our eyes! To get there, you can visit the island as part of an all-day boat tour package or take a ferry over from Cozumel’s north coast. To get to the ferry dock, you’ll need to rent a jeep or arrange a ride with a local outfitter, as the dirt road up to the terminal is bumpy and about 30 minutes north of town. Passion Island has a little pay entry beach club with a restaurant, bathrooms, and some umbrellas, loungers, and hammocks, but that’s it. Besides that, this beautiful little tropical gem is truly a taste of the Island Life!
Beach Amenities: Only Accessible By Boat Ride, No Amenities Available Outside of the Beach Club.
Playa Punta Morena
Are you looking to really escape the crowds? This beautiful stretch of sand and turquoise water on the remote East Coast of Cozumel is easily reached with a car or motorbike. Bring a blanket and lay out on Punta Morena’s white sand, or make a purchase to use a lounger or hammock at the adjacent local restaurant. Bathrooms and showers are available. One of our favorite spots.
Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches (and Playa del Carmen, Cancun, etc.) from April to August. Thankfully, the west coast of Cozumel is one of the only places in the region spared from the smelly stuff, so we recommend visiting Punta Sur or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs during this time.
Beach Amenities: Public Restrooms, Lounge Chairs and Umbrellas Available with Restaurant Purchase, Easily Accessible, Public Parking Area.
Playa Chen Rio
One of the most beautiful spots on the island, Chen Rio is more than just a beach as a narrow lagoon makes for an extraordinarily picturesque place to relax in the water. We consider this a MUST VISIT locale when exploring the island. Chen Rio is a bit far to reach and can be a little bit busy at times, but don’t let that dissuade you! The natural beauty of the area is absolutely worth it. The nearby El Pescador restaurant has some tasty seafood available as well. Playa Chen Rio is also on the remote East Coast of the island.
Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches (and Playa del Carmen, Cancun, etc.) from April to August. Thankfully, the west coast of Cozumel is one of the only places in the region spared from the smelly stuff, so we recommend visiting Punta Sur or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs during this time.
Beach Amenities: Public Parking, Beach Restaurants with Restrooms, Lifeguards On Duty During High Season, Rentable Umbrellas and Chairs
Playa San Martin
On the wild East Coast of Cozumel, this long stretch of white sand is perfect for sunbathing. The currents can be a bit strong here sometimes so swimming isn’t allowed, but it’s definitely worth a stop when driving on the wild side of the island. This is one of the more remote beaches to reach, so you’ll need a car or a hired driver to get there. Near Chen Rio.
Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches (and Playa del Carmen, Cancun, etc.) from April to August. Thankfully, the west coast of Cozumel is one of the only places in the region spared from the smelly stuff, so we recommend visiting Punta Sur or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs during this time.
Beach Amenities: Public Parking, Public Restrooms, Lifeguard On Duty, Rentable Umbrellas and Chairs, Beach Restaurants.
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This list of the top 5 beaches is so helpful. Thank you for this!
Happy to help! Be sure to check out our Beach Clubs guide as well.
Great recommendations here, our kids were in total heaven at Punta Sur park. The crocodiles were so cool, also loved the swimming at Punta Morena. Thank you again.
OH my…no matter where you go in Cozumel it is stunning and this guide really helped my family find our favorite spots. Playa San Martin is perfection.
Wow this was so helpful, we had no idea about half of these beaches before we found your guide. Well done mate!
I LOVE Chen Rio! Thanks so much!