Sight guide · Cozumel · Mexico
Visiting East coast drive
The coast road on the island's windward side runs past a string of empty beaches, limestone platforms, blowholes and a natural rock arch, with a few beach bars along the way and almost no development.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: NASA, Public domain
Quick answer
East coast drive is an experience in East coast, Cozumel. Allow half a day; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Experience
- Area
- East coast
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- views, outdoors, photo spot and couples
- Best months
- February–April
About East coast drive
The coast road on the island's windward side runs past a string of empty beaches, limestone platforms, blowholes and a natural rock arch, with a few beach bars along the way and almost no development. The surf and currents are strong, so this is mostly for scenery, beachcombing and lunch.
Tip: Drive it clockwise from the south so the sea is on your side, and only swim in sheltered coves such as Chen Río.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: Half a day.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: East coast.
Best time to visit East coast drive
East coast drive is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- March: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 4 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- April: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 3 rainy days, busy crowds.
- February: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, very busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-March the sun sets at about 18:58 local time (calculated for Cozumel).
When to visit Cozumel has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Cozumel itinerary visits East coast drive on day 3, together with San Gervasio and Museo de la Isla de Cozumel.
- No. 10 of the 14 sights in our Cozumel things-to-do list.
- Day 3 of the 5-day plan.
- One of the picks in outdoors in Cozumel.
Near East coast drive
Also in East coast, so you can walk between them:
- Chen Río — 2 hours, free
If you like East coast drive
- Punta Sur Eco Beach Park — Punta Sur, Half a day
- Malecón (Avenida Rafael E. Melgar) — Centro and malecón, 1 hour
Staying near East coast drive
Where to stay in Cozumel compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at East coast drive?
Plan half a day. With Chen Río nearby, it fits a half-day in East coast.
+Is East coast drive free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit East coast drive?
February–April for the most comfortable weather. Drive it clockwise from the south so the sea is on your side, and only swim in sheltered coves such as Chen Río.
+Do I need to book East coast drive in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.