Beaches · Cozumel · Mexico
The best beaches in and near Cozumel
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Wasquewhat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Playa Palancar (About 20 km south of town). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in January–December.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 6
- Swimming season
- January–December
- Warmest sea
- 30°C (86°F)
The beaches
About 20 km south of town · Snorkelling and calm swimming
1.Playa Palancar
A sandy beach on the southwest coast facing the famous reef, with a beach club, calm water and snorkelling.
About 15 km south of town · Families and beach clubs
2.Playa San Francisco
A long stretch of white sand on the southwest coast with beach clubs and resorts.
About 30 km by road from town · Swimming on the wild east coast
3.Chen Río
A sheltered cove on the east coast with a natural rock barrier creating calm water.
About 27 km south of town · Nature and quiet
4.Punta Sur beaches
Quiet beaches inside the southern reserve, with snorkelling and turtle-nesting areas.
About 25 km by road from town · Beach walks and scenery
5.Playa San Martín
A long, wide beach on the east coast with big waves and few people; good for walking, not swimming.
About 9 km south of town · Shore snorkelling
6.Dzul-Ha
A small beach club with steps into a shallow reef, ideal for shore snorkelling.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 27°C (81°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| February | 26°C (79°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
| March | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| April | 27°C (81°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| May | 28°C (82°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| June | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| July | 29°C (84°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| August | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 30°C (86°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| October | 29°C (84°F) | 30°C (86°F) |
| November | 28°C (82°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| December | 27°C (81°F) | 28°C (82°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$$ · Best for quiet stays, couples and beach
North Hotel Zone
North of town and the airport, a short strip of hotels and condos faces the channel with calm water, small beaches and docks for snorkelling. It is quieter than the south and a few minutes by taxi from the centre.
- Good
- Calm, quiet waterfront; Short ride to town; Away from cruise traffic
- Watch out
- Fewer reefs nearby than the south; Limited restaurants outside hotels
- Nearby
- Centro and malecón, Airport
Getting to the beaches
- Ferry — Passenger ferries cross between Playa del Carmen and the pier opposite Plaza del Sol in about 45 minutes, with frequent departures through the day.
- Scooter — Scooters are widely rented for exploring the island, but accidents are common on sandy, busy roads; only ride if you are experienced and wear a helmet.
- Car — A rental jeep or car is the easiest way to loop the island's southern half, including Punta Sur and the east coast, in a day.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in December–May. The busiest of those is February, so book early.
Beach safety
Currents on the east coast and on some dive sites are strong; swim only in sheltered spots and dive with licensed operators. Scooter accidents are a common cause of injury, so ride carefully or use taxis, and use reef-safe sunscreen against the strong sun. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Cozumel have beaches?
Yes: Playa Palancar, Playa San Francisco, Chen Río, Punta Sur beaches, Playa San Martín and Dzul-Ha.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Cozumel?
Usually January–December, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Cozumel?
Playa Palancar: A sandy beach on the southwest coast facing the famous reef, with a beach club, calm water and snorkelling.