Best beach in Cozumel?

[Cruisesfun65]

Next month I'll be in Cozumel with a group of friends and we want to end up at the beach after a private tour.

We realize there aren't white powder beaches there like HMC, but which is the best beach to visit? Easy entry, not rocky, etc.

(Not Nachi Cocom).

[c-leg5]

A lot depends on what sort of tour you are doing and which pier you are at?

 

Also when you say “tour” do you mean ship tour where you will return to the ship and have to set off again, or do you mean private tour with a driver? 
 

A few more details would be helpful regarding suggestions and timescale. You are not going to get easy entry, none rocky close to any of the piers.

Edited June 13, 2022 by c-leg5

[Cruisesfun65]

Thanks. We're doing a private tour with a private driver for the day.

Port hours are 10.30 am - 6.30 pm and we don't intend to spend the entire day at the beach. The plan is to drive around a little, get lunch at a local place then swim for like an hour. But we're looking for a pretty beach.

Since we live in the Caribbean where the beaches are white and powder sand-like, walking on rocks won't be fun. 😀

[c-leg5]

 

 

OK if you have a driver for the day I would take the lead from him as to sargassum situation and beach suggestion on a given day.

 

If you want to finish at a beach:

 

If you do a clockwise tour of the island the best  option for a PAYG, sandy beach is probably Palancar (tables and chairs free loungers/umbrellas extra) although I haven’t been in a while and I don’t know how the storm that reduced a lot of the beach at Occidental affected it. 

 

If you go anticlockwise round, Punta Morena would be good. Actual ocean “swimming “ is not recommended on the east side due to currents and undertow although the “best beaches” are on the east side, providing it isn’t sargassum season. However, there are some safer locations on the east side that your driver can direct you to where you can dip in the sea and cool off, if it is sargassum free. I am not sure if Punta Sur is in your tour plans but that has a good beach.

 

There are no sandy beaches within walking distance of any of the piers. There are places with sandy, man-made areas. You could do your tour and ask to be dropped off at a beach and taxi back to the port but IMO you would be better to just pay the driver an extra hour ($20) and have him wait. It would cost you at least $25 for a separate taxi from Palancar and more from Punta Morena, if you can even find a waiting taxi there. The only place I would consider getting dropped off and a separate taxi would be Money Bar and that is not a sandy beach but loungers on a man-made sandy area, predominately for snorkeling. Other possible places to end up would be Sanchos or Paradise Beach IF you can get PAYG which seems to be a problem presently. 

 

Not sure where you plan to tour but we have used Toursplaza many times and enjoyed several tours of the island.

[brickelldream3]

Your best option will be the other side of Cozumel Other side of cozumel we did a private jeep tour recently and went to punta sur and lots of other great spots. I’d recommend checking them out and support a family business instead of the cruise ships. We’ve used them before to snorkel Cozumel cruise excursions

 

you can read our most recent review on their TripAdvisor page. Truly had an amazing time

[c-leg5]

3 minutes ago, brickelldream3 said:

Your best option will be the other side of Cozumel Other side of cozumel we did a private jeep tour recently and went to punta sur and lots of other great spots. I’d recommend checking them out and support a family business instead of the cruise ships. We’ve used them before to snorkel Cozumel cruise excursions

 

you can read our most recent review on their TripAdvisor page. Truly had an amazing time

Sounds like PP IS using a local company but thanks for your recommendation.Welcome to CC.
 

I agree Punta Sur is a good place to visit and east side SO LONG AS SARGASSUM HAS ABATED - not enjoyable when sargassum is bad.

[bguppies]

14 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

Sounds like PP IS using a local company but thanks for your recommendation.Welcome to CC.
 

I agree Punta Sur is a good place to visit and east side SO LONG AS SARGASSUM HAS ABATED - not enjoyable when sargassum is bad.

First thing I thought when OP asked about the seaweed.

If you're worried about the west side beaches, avoid the east side beaches at all costs.

 

[c-leg5]

38 minutes ago, bguppies said:

First thing I thought when OP asked about the seaweed.

If you're worried about the west side beaches, avoid the east side beaches at all costs.

 

The OP didn’t ask about seaweed, I was just forewarning them as I have been disappointed by some of my favorite locations in the past.

 

It is seasonal. Unfortunately it has been bad this year and I agree it is likely to be bad by next month which is why I would take the lead from the driver, who will hopefully give an honest opinion, and discuss before I left the port. It is always nice to see the natural beauty  of the east side (Coconuts is always good for the view, high above the seaweed albeit touristy and overpriced.) but the east side is not the side to linger on the beach when affected.
 

It builds up and accumulates on east side. West side is only affected temporarily when winds change directions due to storms. Punta Sur remains relatively clear from what i have heard but comes with an entrance fee to the park and may take up more of your tour time than you want depending on your other plans. 
 

There is too much to see and do in one tour which is why it is necessary to have a clear understanding  with your driver before you leave so you can manage your time.

[Ellaleah]

22 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

OK if you have a driver for the day I would take the lead from him as to sargassum situation and beach suggestion on a given day.

 

If you want to finish at a beach:

 

If you do a clockwise tour of the island the best  option for a PAYG, sandy beach is probably Palancar (tables and chairs free loungers/umbrellas extra) although I haven’t been in a while and I don’t know how the storm that reduced a lot of the beach at Occidental affected it. 

 

If you go anticlockwise round, Punta Morena would be good. Actual ocean “swimming “ is not recommended on the east side due to currents and undertow although the “best beaches” are on the east side, providing it isn’t sargassum season. However, there are some safer locations on the east side that your driver can direct you to where you can dip in the sea and cool off, if it is sargassum free. I am not sure if Punta Sur is in your tour plans but that has a good beach.

 

There are no sandy beaches within walking distance of any of the piers. There are places with sandy, man-made areas. You could do your tour and ask to be dropped off at a beach and taxi back to the port but IMO you would be better to just pay the driver an extra hour ($20) and have him wait. It would cost you at least $25 for a separate taxi from Palancar and more from Punta Morena, if you can even find a waiting taxi there. The only place I would consider getting dropped off and a separate taxi would be Money Bar and that is not a sandy beach but loungers on a man-made sandy area, predominately for snorkeling. Other possible places to end up would be Sanchos or Paradise Beach IF you can get PAYG which seems to be a problem presently. 

 

Not sure where you plan to tour but we have used Toursplaza many times and enjoyed several tours of the island.

This is very helpful information for my tour as I have booked Tours Plaza.  I’m planning maybe 5 hours.  It is our first trip to Cozumel and you seem to know it so well.  Should we bother to see the ruins if we have that planned in Costa Maya?  Is the chocolate factory pretty much the same as the one in Roatan.  I will be traveling with two 20 year olds and a 13 year old.  They like snorkeling.  I was thinking about being dropped off at one of the beaches as our last stop if we did only 3 hours.  I guess, after reading  your comments, I would only trust the Money Bar to get a taxi.  Do you have any advice about “must see or do” activities?  Are Palancar and Punts del Sur a much better snoklinh experience from the shore?  
thank you for your comments and anymore that you might add.

[LHARTWICK]

22 hours ago, brickelldream3 said:

Your best option will be the other side of Cozumel Other side of cozumel we did a private jeep tour recently and went to punta sur and lots of other great spots. I’d recommend checking them out and support a family business instead of the cruise ships. We’ve used them before to snorkel Cozumel cruise excursions

 

you can read our most recent review on their TripAdvisor page. Truly had an amazing time

Thank you SO MUCH for this info!  We've been to Cozumel a number of times, but have never heard about this area or this vendor.  Just glancing at their website, this has moved up to #1 on my list for our October cruise.  Looking at the Jeep or Dune Buggy tour.  😁 For the OP, we always enjoy Paradise Beach.  

[c-leg5]

34 minutes ago, LHARTWICK said:

Thank you SO MUCH for this info!  We've been to Cozumel a number of times, but have never heard about this area or this vendor.  Just glancing at their website, this has moved up to #1 on my list for our October cruise.  Looking at the Jeep or Dune Buggy tour.  😁 For the OP, we always enjoy Paradise Beach.  

Looks like cruiseexcursions.NET has invented a new name.

[c-leg5]

19 hours ago, Ellaleah said:

This is very helpful information for my tour as I have booked Tours Plaza.  I’m planning maybe 5 hours.  It is our first trip to Cozumel and you seem to know it so well.  Should we bother to see the ruins if we have that planned in Costa Maya?  Is the chocolate factory pretty much the same as the one in Roatan.  I will be traveling with two 20 year olds and a 13 year old.  They like snorkeling.  I was thinking about being dropped off at one of the beaches as our last stop if we did only 3 hours.  I guess, after reading  your comments, I would only trust the Money Bar to get a taxi.  Do you have any advice about “must see or do” activities?  Are Palancar and Punts del Sur a much better snoklinh experience from the shore?  
thank you for your comments and anymore that you might add.

 

OK I replied earlier but it went into the CC dark hole!

 

The ruins on Cozumel are “interesting” and a nice walk but definitely not “must-do” - I would save that for Costa Maya.

 

There are two main chocolate locations - Kaokao (original chocolate factory off transversal) and Mayan Cacao (built later, more touristy, near Playa Mia). I have done the factory tour at  Kaokao where you actually make the chocolate from scratch, when we were staying on the island. It was interesting but took about 2 hours if I remember correctly and I think would be a long time out of your tour time, paying for your driver. I think they also do a shorter “viewing”. I haven’t been to the chocolate place on Roatan. 

 

Other “informative” visits you may consider - Mayan Bee Sanctuary or Pueblo del Maiz. I haven’t been to either of these yet but would like to take my grandkids.

 

I am not a snorkeling expert and will defer to @mitsugirly blog. She has intensive photo reviews of most snorkeling locations on Cozumel. She also has reviews of many beach clubs.The PP wanted a sandy beach therefore not suitable for snorkeling so my comment regarding taxis referred to cost of taxi back from Palancar or Morena due to distance vs paying the driver you already have to wait. 

 

It is easy and safe enough to get dropped off at any location south of the piers as far south as Palancar to get a taxi back but price increases. Money Bar is closest to the piers and taxis wait across the road. 

 

Palancar snorkeling would be by boat I believe. I have read good reviews of snorkeling from Punta Sur but you have to be quite a good swimmer and go out a distance, best with a guide. Punta Sur requires an entrance fee to the park and is best as a prime destination for the day, good beach bar, snorkeling, lagoon ride, lighthouse for views - not much time to add on other activities. It is not easy to get a passing taxi back from the east side or Punta Sur. You need to pay and  keep your driver waiting in that area. 

 

Snorkeling locations south of piers usually include Sky Reef, Playa Corona or Money Bar.There are also snorkeling areas north of town which @mitsugirly has reviewed although I don’t remember her going to Hemingways, or La Monina. We have seen many locals snorkel there when we have stopped for a drink. No cover charge at the places I have mentioned as long as you buy a snack or drink.

 

Happy Hour:

Sky Reef 12-3

Money Bar 5-7

La Monina 12-5

 

Just remember you can’t do everything Cozumel has to offer in a day. Be sure to outline with your driver what your priorities are before you leave so you have a time plan. I have mentioned many places so you can check out their websites.
 

We have toured with Gerry (and some of his other drivers) many times - tell him and Eduardo,  cleg5 says “hi”!

[Ellaleah]

2 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

 

OK I replied earlier but it went into the CC dark hole!

 

The ruins on Cozumel are “interesting” and a nice walk but definitely not “must-do” - I would save that for Costa Maya.

 

There are two main chocolate locations - Kaokao (original chocolate factory off transversal) and Mayan Cacao (built later, more touristy, near Playa Mia). I have done the factory tour at  Kaokao where you actually make the chocolate from scratch, when we were staying on the island. It was interesting but took about 2 hours if I remember correctly and I think would be a long time out of your tour time, paying for your driver. I think they also do a shorter “viewing”. I haven’t been to the chocolate place on Roatan. 

 

Other “informative” visits you may consider - Mayan Bee Sanctuary or Pueblo del Maiz. I haven’t been to either of these yet but would like to take my grandkids.

 

I am not a snorkeling expert and will defer to @mitsugirly blog. She has intensive photo reviews of most snorkeling locations on Cozumel. She also has reviews of many beach clubs.The PP wanted a sandy beach therefore not suitable for snorkeling so my comment regarding taxis referred to cost of taxi back from Palancar or Morena due to distance vs paying the driver you already have to wait. 

 

It is easy and safe enough to get dropped off at any location south of the piers as far south as Palancar to get a taxi back but price increases. Money Bar is closest to the piers and taxis wait across the road. 

 

Palancar snorkeling would be by boat I believe. I have read good reviews of snorkeling from Punta Sur but you have to be quite a good swimmer and go out a distance, best with a guide. Punta Sur requires an entrance fee to the park and is best as a prime destination for the day, good beach bar, snorkeling, lagoon ride, lighthouse for views - not much time to add on other activities. It is not easy to get a passing taxi back from the east side or Punta Sur. You need to pay and  keep your driver waiting in that area. 

 

Snorkeling locations south of piers usually include Sky Reef, Playa Corona or Money Bar.There are also snorkeling areas north of town which @mitsugirly has reviewed although I don’t remember her going to Hemingways, or La Monina. We have seen many locals snorkel there when we have stopped for a drink. No cover charge at the places I have mentioned as long as you buy a snack or drink.

 

Happy Hour:

Sky Reef 12-3

Money Bar 5-7

La Monina 12-5

 

Just remember you can’t do everything Cozumel has to offer in a day. Be sure to outline with your driver what your priorities are before you leave so you have a time plan. I have mentioned many places so you can check out their websites.
 

We have toured with Gerry (and some of his other drivers) many times - tell him and Eduardo,  cleg5 says

I am very appreciative of all this information.  I have been reading about Cozumel  for a few years as our first cruise was canceled.  Still you have mentioned snorkeling spots and Pueblo Del Maiz, which I have yet to hear about.  Thank you very much.  Anyone else have input about the best places to Snorkle from the shore?  Has anyone been to Pueblo Del Maiz?

[mitsugirly]

I have been all over Cozumel for years (since 2010) and have been to most of the beaches, either for the beach and hanging out and swimming or for the snorkeling. 

 

You are welcome to take a look at my blog under the Cozumel section (must be viewed by computer...phone does not show all the places) and see if anything interests you and I could answer any questions if you had any about a certain location (at least my experience there..ymmv). 

 

I have also done several tours...either by boat to El Ceilo, by jeep along the east side (and on our own when staying on the island) and also the buggies to the cenotes (lot's of fun!).

 

As for Pueblo Del Maiz...this is the first time I'm hearing about this place as well. Do tell Leg.... ??

[mitsugirly]

Oh, I forgot to add the link to Cozumel .... CLICK HERE

[Ellaleah]

39 minutes ago, mitsugirly said:

Oh, I forgot to add the link to Cozumel .... CLICK HERE

Ty very much for reminding me to look at this again.  I will be in Cozumel along with 8 other ships on the same day. I have two 20 year olds and a 13 year old that would like to Snorkle.  We are going with tours plaza, but I thought I would make our last stop.  Let me know what you think our best beach choices.  I don’t want AI as we are not drinkers.  Thanks for the info!

[MississippiMom]

On 6/15/2022 at 10:06 AM, c-leg5 said:

I have read good reviews of snorkeling from Punta Sur but you have to be quite a good swimmer and go out a distance, best with a guide. Punta Sur requires an entrance fee to the park and is best as a prime destination for the day, good beach bar, snorkeling, lagoon ride, lighthouse for views - not much time to add on other activities. It is not easy to get a passing taxi back from the east side or Punta Sur. You need to pay and  keep your driver waiting in that area. 

 

Looks like we are heading to Cozumel (again) on a multigenerational family cruise in July 2023.  We are just now at the booking cabins stage and haven’t even started talking about possible excursions.  In theory, we do not plan on large group excursions, but various subsets.  However, I envision that my husband & I will offer to take our young adult children (and SIL) on an excursion in Cozumel.  During past port stops, we have been to Chankanaab, Isla de Pasion (twice) and Paradise Beach.   Punta Sur looks beautiful and something new for us.  I don’t mind paying for a taxi driver to stick around, if needed, but is their a private car service that you might recommend?  (I did see that Black Hat Tours pops up as a recommendation.). Ideally, one that might have larger vehicles, since their might be 8 of us.

 

Thanks!

 

 

[c-leg5]

32 minutes ago, MississippiMom said:

Looks like we are heading to Cozumel (again) on a multigenerational family cruise in July 2023.  We are just now at the booking cabins stage and haven’t even started talking about possible excursions.  In theory, we do not plan on large group excursions, but various subsets.  However, I envision that my husband & I will offer to take our young adult children (and SIL) on an excursion in Cozumel.  During past port stops, we have been to Chankanaab, Isla de Pasion (twice) and Paradise Beach.   Punta Sur looks beautiful and something new for us.  I don’t mind paying for a taxi driver to stick around, if needed, but is their a private car service that you might recommend?  (I did see that Black Hat Tours pops up as a recommendation.). Ideally, one that might have larger vehicles, since their might be 8 of us.

 

Thanks!

 

 

We always use Gerry (or one of his drivers) from ToursPlaza. We probably first toured with him 15 years ago and have done multiple trips over the years both as a couple and multi- generational, including taking my 89- year old mother once, and 18-month old grandson another.

 

He has, or can acquire, vehicles of various sizes but 8 is fairly standard. Emails are usually very efficiently answered by Eduardo, whose English is very good.

https://www.toursplaza.com

 

Tell Eduardo, cleg-5 says “hi”!

[MississippiMom]

3 hours ago, c-leg5 said:

We always use Gerry (or one of his drivers) from ToursPlaza. We probably first toured with him 15 years ago and have done multiple trips over the years both as a couple and multi- generational, including taking my 89- year old mother once, and 18-month old grandson another.

 

He has, or can acquire, vehicles of various sizes but 8 is fairly standard. Emails are usually very efficiently answered by Eduardo, whose English is very good.

https://www.toursplaza.com

 

Tell Eduardo, cleg-5 says “hi”!

Many thanks!