Cozumel is a Caribbean island near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is a favorite stop for cruise ship travelers due to its natural beauty and unique Mayan culture.
While Cozumel’s beaches are stunning, those close to the cruise port can be a bit rocky, making them less ideal for sunbathing or swimming. Due to the rocky coastlines, it is advisable to wear non-slip water shoes to protect your feet.
The rocky shoreline on the west side of Cozumel is known as the ‘iron shore.’ To enhance accessibility, many rocky beaches in this area have been transformed into hybrids, combining natural formations with fill sand for a more user-friendly experience.
These man-made hybrid beaches near the port cater mainly to cruise ship passengers. Though less natural, they offer a convenient spot to relax, enjoy water activities, and sample local cuisine.
Some of the most pristine, white-sand beaches are further south from the Cozumel cruise ports and on the eastern side of the island. These beaches face the open sea, offering a traditional beach experience.
The west coast beaches, closer to the cruise port, offer calmer waters and better snorkeling conditions than the east side. However, they can get crowded. In contrast, east coast beaches have rougher waters, providing a less-crowded environment but are less suitable for leisurely swimming.
Although the majority of Cozumel’s beaches are accessible to the public, a few require an entrance fee.
Beaches in Cozumel: Amenities and Costs
While Cozumel beaches are public, many amenities come with a fee. Admission fees, day passes, or an ‘expectation’ to order food and drinks may apply, offering facilities like umbrellas, restrooms, showers, lockers, and swimming pools, depending on the chosen beach club.
Beaches in Cozumel: Private Beach Clubs
For an enhanced experience, consider visiting Cozumel’s private beach clubs. Despite a fee, these clubs often provide excellent value, bundling food, drinks, private beaches, pools, and sometimes water toys into the package. The private beach experience offers tranquility, free from crowds and vendors.
Whether you prefer the rugged ‘iron shore,’ the classic white sand, or the exclusive ambiance of a private beach club, Cozumel’s beaches near the cruise port cater to various preferences. This ensures an unforgettable seaside experience for every cruise ship passenger.
Cruise Ports in Cozumel
To find the best beaches in Cozumel near the cruise ports, start by figuring out where your cruise ship will dock. Cozumel has three cruise terminals, each serving specific cruise companies.
Punta Langosta Pier
In the center of San Miguel, you’ll find the Punta Langosta Pier, which is the main cruise port on the island.
Used by: Disney, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC, Oceania, Silversea, and Marella Cruises
International Cruise Terminal
The port is located about 3 miles (5 km) away from San Miguel.
While it’s a bit more distant from San Miguel, it experiences significant traffic because Royal Caribbean docks at this location.
Used by: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises
Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal
This port lies around 3 miles (5 km) from San Miguel. It is located right next to the International Cruise Terminal.
Used by: Carnival Corporation
The Best Beaches in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port
Here are some of the best Cozumel beaches near the port, listed by their proximity to the cruise ports.
Playa Caletita
Playa Caletita, often regarded as a hidden gem, is a small beach located on the west side close to Cozumel’s cruise terminals and San Miguel. It is one of the only free, public beaches near the cruise port.
There are mostly rocks on Playa Caletita, with only a small amount of sand. The sand itself is quite coarse, so it’s a good idea to have some footwear on hand.
Despite the lack of sand, the beach more than makes up for it with its stunning views, crystal clear waters, and close proximity to the ports.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 1.5 miles (2.4 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 2.4 miles (3.8 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Mostly quiet, may be crowded during the weekend
- Accessibility: Short drive or walk from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Hardly any sand and lots of rocks
Sunset Beach
Only a short taxi ride from the ports, Sunset Beach is one of the closest free beaches to San Miguel.
The beach itself has some artificial sand, although the shoreline itself is mostly rocky.
Sunset Beach is a popular destination for snorkeling, with an amazing artificial reef and underwater statues to explore.
At this beach, you’ll find a club with a bar, a restaurant, and all the usual amenities. The restaurant serves popular dishes such as ceviche, nachos, and quesadillas.
The beach club offers sun loungers, umbrellas, and massages. The club is also recognized for its scuba diving and snuba lessons.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 2.2 miles (3.5 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 3.5 miles (5.6 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Most of the time, it is not super crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Has some sand and is rocky
Money Bar Beach Club
The Money Bar Beach Club is a beachside bar, meaning you will have to order something at the restaurant to access the beach and its services.
The Money Bar Beach Club is only a short drive from Cozumel’s ports. The beach itself is quite rocky, so you will have to use steps to access the water. Additionally, the spot is also quite popular for snorkeling.
You’ll find a selection of comfortable loungers and umbrellas provided for you to enjoy during your beach visit. The beach also has convenient access to restrooms and showers.
As the evening unfolds, the beach offers the perfect setting to witness the beautiful sunset.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 4.6 miles (7.4 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 1.7 miles (2.8 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Most of the time, it is not super crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Has some sand and is rocky
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Chankanaab is a beach adventure park that offers an extensive selection of activities, restaurants, and amenities, catering to a diverse range of visitors.
Chankanaab has a sandy area along the beach, although the shoreline itself is quite rocky. On the beach, you’ll find many lounging options: chairs, hammocks, and beach huts.
The top activities at the park include leisurely walks in the botanical gardens, watching sea lions and crocodiles, and swimming with manatees and dolphins. Don’t forget to check out the tequila tasting and the swimming pools as well!
The park is also a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers can explore captivating underwater statues and the beauty of Chankannab Reef.
Alongside the activities, the park offers three ocean-view restaurants to choose from: Blue Lagoon, Dolphin Discovery Restaurant, and El Bucanero.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 5.8 miles (9.3 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 2.9 miles (4.7 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Not too crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Has soft, white sand and some rocks on the shoreline
Playa San Francisco
If you want a rock-free beach near the port, Playa San Francisco is your best bet. This beautiful beach is sandy right up to the water.
Most people visiting this beach stay at the San Francisco Beach Club, where you’re sure to have a great time with options to rent jet skis, wave runners, or kayaks. Plus, there are fun activities for kids, such as water trampolines and slides.
The beach also has a restaurant and a bar offering pina coladas, tequilas, and coconut water.
At the beach club, you can enjoy amenities like umbrellas, loungers, and even free Wi-Fi.
Keep in mind that the beach can get quite crowded, depending on the season.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 9 miles (14.5 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 6.1 miles (9.9 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Very crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: The beach has soft, white sand and no rocks
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia is the perfect beach park for families looking to have a great time together. The park is recognized for its rock-free, sandy shores and calm waters.
The park offers a variety of exciting activities, such as parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling trips, and jet skiing. You’ll also find activities that cater to children, such as a splash park, waterslides, and volleyball.
Playa Mia offers a tasty Mexican buffet restaurant with classic offerings like tacos, quesadillas, and salsa. There’s even a swim-up pool bar!
Interestingly, Playa Mia has an artificial Mayan city underwater that you can explore while snorkeling at the park.
Apart from the main activities, the park also provides two pools, a professional photographer, and even a Mayan chocolate museum.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 9.4 miles (15.1 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 6.5 miles (10.5 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Passion Island
If you’re looking for a serene island excursion to escape the crowds, consider stopping by Passion Island. To access the island, you must buy an all-inclusive day pass.
Getting to Passion Island from the cruise ports will involve a boat ride, which may take up to 45 minutes. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the sight of lush palms, crystal clear waters, and powdery white sand.
The day pass includes access to kayaks, showers, lockers, hammocks, and loungers, along with a Mexican-style buffet restaurant and open bar.
Additionally, there are kid-friendly activities such as a children’s castle, maze, and sports like volleyball and soccer.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 6.8 miles (11 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 8.9 miles (14.3 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Mostly quiet spot, small crowds
- Accessibility: Only way to get here is a 45 minute boat ride
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a stunning beach just a short taxi ride from the ports. While it’s advertised as public, there have been reports of an admission fee for entry.
The beach itself is sandy and rock-free, although some reviewers have mentioned that there are some rocks underwater.
The beach features a club that provides various amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, a swim-up bar, and a Mexican restaurant.
Additionally, the club has a swimming pool and offers a range of activities for kids, like water inflatables and slides, as well as activities for adults, such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 8.8 miles (14.2 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 6.15 miles (9.9 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Beach is sandy, though there are rocks underwater
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club
Mr. Sanchos is one of the most popular beach clubs in Cozumel. The club offers visitors access to a long, sandy shore and the luxury of unlimited food and beverages. It is only a short taxi ride from the cruise ports.
The club offers fun activities, including a floating water park, jet skiing, wave running, and even horseback and ATV riding.
Mr. Sanchos offers an oceanside dining experience, giving you the choice of ordering from a menu or enjoying a buffet. Reviewers often praise the coconut shrimp, quesadilla, tacos, and guacamole.
Those who are more laid-back will appreciate the wide selection of beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, and cabanas that the park offers.
Traveling with a partner? Check out the Mr. Sanchos’ Romantic Day Beach Pass, which offers a personal cabana, massages, and an extensive all-you-can-eat menu.
Since Mr. Sanchos is one of the most popular shore excursions, it is usually quite crowded.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 9.9 miles (16 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 7.1 miles (11.4 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Crowded
- Accessibility: Short drive from Cozumel’s ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is a gorgeous, secluded beach on the southwestern coast of Cozumel. Although there is a beach club, the entrance to the beach itself is free of charge.
The beach itself is rock-free, with crystal clear, turquoise waters and soft, powdery white sand. Consider bringing your own beach equipment since there’s a charge for renting beach chairs and umbrellas.
Playa Palancar’s beach club has fewer facilities in comparison to other beach clubs on the island. Despite this, it stands out from other beaches due to its natural beauty and seaweed-free waters, making it a must-visit.
The beach club has a restaurant and bar with open-air seating.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 12 miles (19.3 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 9.1 miles (14.7 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: 15 to 25 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Playa El Cielo
Playa El Cielo is a stunning beach known for its clear, turquoise waters and soft white sand. It’s no wonder that ‘El Cielo’ literally translates to ‘heaven’ in Spanish!
Playa El Cielo is approximately 16 miles (26 km) south of San Miguel de Cozumel. However, it isn’t accessible by car, as there are no roads leading to it. Most visitors reach the beach by boat, with the journey lasting around 40 to 50 minutes from the island’s main ferry terminal.
Playa El Cielo is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Cozumel. While snorkeling, you are sure to see plenty of starfish, as well as some stingrays and fish.
You’ll find an abundance of beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach, along with a restaurant and bar nearby.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 13.5 miles (21.8 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 11.2 miles (18 km)
- Cost: Boat trip will cost money
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: Only way to get to the beach is a 40 to 50 minute boat ride
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Playa Punta Morena
Playa Punta Morena, situated along the middle of the east coast, ranks among Cozumel’s most picturesque beaches.
Playa Punta Morena is a hotspot for surfers, and it even hosts a surfing competition during the high wave season.
There is a beach club nearby that provides hammocks, loungers, and palapas, along with a selection of food and beverages.
Because of the waves, swimming isn’t an option, but fortunately, there’s a pool available for all beach club guests.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 12.2 miles (19.7 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 13.2 miles (21.3 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: 30 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and some rocks on the shoreline
Playa Chen Rio
Playa Chen Rio, located on the east coast of Cozumel, is a favorite among both locals and tourists. This beautiful beach is a 30 minute taxi ride from the ports.
The beach features a vast, sandy expanse and distinctive rock formations. You’ll also find lagoons along the shore with calm waters, perfect for swimming.
Keep in mind that beach chairs and umbrellas will need to be rented. If you prefer not to pay a fee, you can simply bring your own beach towel.
Playa Chen Rio also has a local Mexican-style seafood restaurant and bar.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 13.2 miles (21.3 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 15 miles (24.1 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: 30 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and some rocks on the shoreline
El Mirador
El Mirador, located on Cozumel’s southeastern coast, is a popular beach celebrated for its striking rock formations.
El Mirador features a substantial rock arch sculpted by erosion, commonly serving as a lookout point. You should definitely climb it to soak in the breathtaking ocean views.
Please be aware that swimming at El Mirador may not be advisable because of the powerful currents and rocky terrain.
The beach has some local vendors available where you can purchase some refreshing drinks and snacks.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 20.6 miles (33.2 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 17.8 miles (28.6 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: 30 to 40 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and lots of large rocks on the shoreline
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
For those who want to get in touch with nature, consider visiting Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Located at the island’s southernmost tip, this unspoiled coastal haven is a bit of a drive from the ports.
In this park, you can encounter a diverse range of animals, including crocodiles, tropical fish, birds, turtles, iguanas, and flamingos.
In addition to its natural beauty, the island features unspoiled beaches with soft white sand. Beach amenities include chairs, hammocks, and umbrellas.
If you’re willing to pay more, you can try other activities, including tequila tasting, massages, and kayaking. You also have the option to rent snorkeling gear or dine at the park’s restaurant for an extra fee.
The park includes a lighthouse that you can climb for a panoramic view of the park. Other attractions include the Mayan ruins of El Caracol and a nautical museum at the lighthouse base.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 22.9 miles (36.8 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 20 miles (32.2 km)
- Cost: Admission fee
- Crowd level: Can be crowded, but the beach is mostly quiet
- Accessibility: 30 to 50 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Playa San Martin
Playa San Martin is a quiet, public beach on the east coast of Cozumel. Strong currents are common at this beach, making it less ideal for swimming but a haven for surfers.
The beach itself is rock-free and has expansive stretches of soft, white sand. Depending on the time of year, there may be some seaweed along the shoreline.
The beach provides umbrellas and chairs, but you’ll need to buy something at the restaurant or pay a fee to use them.
The beach is known for its turtles, which frequently visit to lay their eggs. These turtle nests are well protected from public interference.
- Distance from Punta Langosta: 25.2 miles (40.5 km)
- Distance from Puerta Maya/International Pier: 22.3 miles (35.9 km)
- Cost: Free
- Crowd level: Quiet spot, very little crowds
- Accessibility: 35 to 45 minute drive from the ports
- Sand/Rocks: Soft, white sand and no rocks
Best Beaches in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port – FAQ
How do you get to the beaches on the east side of Cozumel?
If you want to get to the beaches on the east side of Cozumel, you have two options: take a taxi or rent a car and drive yourself.
If you rent a car, you’ll need to drive through downtown San Miguel and follow Trans. de Cozumel road until you reach the coast. From there, the closest beach is Playa Mezcalito.
Is it safe to swim in Cozumel?
Swimming in Cozumel is generally considered safe, especially in areas with designated swimming spots. Just like anywhere, make sure to follow warnings and keep an eye on the weather and water conditions before swimming.
Note that swimming on the eastern shore may be slightly less safe due to strong currents and waves.
Can you walk to a beach from Cozumel’s ports?
The beaches you can easily walk to are located near Puerta Maya, where Carnival docks. These include Sunset Beach, just a 15-minute walk, and Stingray Beach, which is a 25-minute walk. Another option for a beach within walking distance is Playa Caletita, which is around a 30-minute walk from both Puerta Maya and Punta Langosta.
What beaches in Cozumel have no seaweed?
The type of seaweed found in Cozumel is known as sargassum. Sargassum is primarily found on beaches along the island’s eastern side. The eastern shoreline acts as a shield, keeping the beaches on the western side seaweed-free.
Final Words and Recommendations
Cozumel has a variety of beautiful beaches, with some conveniently situated near the cruise port and others a bit farther away.
If you’re looking for scenic sandy shores and don’t mind larger crowds, you might want to check out popular spots like Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park or Mr. Sanchos Beach Club.
For a quieter and more serene beach experience, consider heading to the eastern side of the island and visiting Playa San Martin.
If you prefer a beach close to the port and enjoy activities like snorkeling or simply relaxing in the sun, Playa Caletita and Sunset Beach are good options.
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