Cozumel island has three distinct types of beaches: 
Sandy walk-in beaches on the west or leeward side of the island generally have 
calm water. Snorkeling may be disappointing in the sandy areas since any 
disturbance on a sandy bottom [waves, walking, jumping, playing] suspends sand

particles in the water which decrease visibility and make it very hard 
for coral polyps to thrive. Without coral for camoflage and protection, one will 
not see as much marine life.

Beaches with a rocky limestone shoreline on the west coast are the best 
forsnorkeling or shore dives since less sand is disturbed so visibility and 
coral growth are better.

Sandy surf and large waves alternating with rocky limestone coastlines on the 
east or windward side of the island are beautiful but can be dangerous. The 
roaring surf creates strong breakers and undertows. Never enter the water alone. 
Swimming is not recommended on most of the east side beaches. There are now many 
areas where flags are displayed showing the level of safety for a particular 
area. Despite the dangerous swimming conditions, these beaches are stunning and 
serene for those wanting sunbathing, long walks or playing in the water very 
close to shore. 

BEACHES NORTH OF SAN MIGUEL
Playa San Juan has sandy beaches with beach bar and restaurant. 
No entrance fee 

Country Club Beach is just beach with no facilities. 
No entrance fee 

Playa Azul Beach Club is a lovely beach with restaurant, children's park, 
showers, volleyball, snorkel equipment, and aquatic bicycles. 
No entrance fee 

BEACHES SOUTH OF SAN MIGUEL
Villa Blanca is the closest public beach south of San Miguel. 
No entrance fee 

Chankanaab Eco-Park has a beach area, snorkeling, baby pool, dolphin encounter 
[$120 USD], restaurants, bars, lockers, restrooms, and showers. 
$10 USD entrance fee 

Playa Maya is a rustic sandy beach with restaurant and bar. 
No entrance fee 

Playa San Francisco has a nice beach for kids, snorkel equipment is available 
for rent. 
No entrance fee 

Playa Sol Beach Club has a beautiful beach with restaurants, bars, shops, banana 
boat rides, windsurfing, jet skis, parasailing, diving, swimming pool and a 
small zoo. There is also a giant inflated "iceberg" for kids to play on. It 
floats in the water just off the beach. 
Entrance fee 

Mr. Sancho's is a fun place with a nice beach, bars, restaurants, shops, jet 
skis, parasailing, windsurfing, swimming pool, diving, trampolines, restrooms, 
showers and horseback riding.
No entrance fee

Playa Nachi Cocom is a nice beach with windsurfing, jet skis, parasailing, 
restaurant, bar, swimming pool.
No entrance fee 

Playa Palancar is a beautiful rustic beach area with lots of beach, small bar 
and restaurant. 
No entrance fee 

EAST SIDE BEACHES
To get to the east of Cozumel you can either drive around the southern tip or 
cut across the interior. The east coast of the island is virtually undeveloped 
except for a few small beach bars/restaurants and secluded beaches. All beaches 
are free on the east side. 
 At the southern tip is Parque Punta Sur, an ecological reserve with lighthouse, 
restaurant, snorkeling and tours. 

After Punta Sur the road curves and goes north down the coast. 

Playa Bosh is the first beach area on the eastern side of the island. There are 
two small bars/restaurants there. 

Along the road is Cocos. A bar on the side of a cliff. You cannot see this bar 
from the road so watch for signs. 

Two spots that are usually calm enough for swimming are Punta Chiqueros and Chen 
Rio, both are in sheltered coves. You can camp at both beaches. There is not 
much at either beach but Punta Chiqueros has a small restaruant, "Paradise 
Cafe". 

Mezcalitos is the last beach before the road cuts back across the island to the 
other side. There you will find a deserted beach and the popluar Mezcalitos 
restaurant. 

North of Mezcalitos [on the dirt road] is Playa Bonita then Playa Santa Cecilia. 
These beaches will more than likely be deserted. You can camp at Playa Bonita so 
sometimes you will have company.