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Guide to Cozumel Beaches
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.
Typical West (leeward) Beach
Typical East (windword) beach
Cozumel Insider Beach Chart
Here is a Beach Chart with descriptions, photos, hours of operations and amenities! Just click on the names of each of the beaches for complete descriptions. May we suggest our: Do-it-youself Snorkel Tour
  BEACHES

West Coast - North of San Miguel
  Playa San Juan   A             E    
  Playa Azul   A           E  
  Playas Las Casitas   S L                            
West Coast - South of San Miguel
  Playa Calatita & Sun Park   A L                            
  Playa Villa Blanca   E             A  
  Playa Bella Vista   E                   E
  Sunset Beach   E                     A
  Marina Caleta Playa Paradise Reef   E                       A    
  PalMar Estate Beach Club E               E View All Coupons
  Patas & Alas Butterfly Sanctuary E               E View All Coupons
  Dzul Ha Beach Club   E                   A   View All Coupons
  Piratas Beach   A                     A     View All Coupons
  Playa Uvas - Norte   A L                              
  Playa Uvas - Sur   A                 E View All Coupons
  Chankanaab National Park E L     E View All Coupons
  Playa Corona   E               A   View All Coupons
  Carlos N Charlie's Beach   A             E   View All Coupons
  Playa San Francisco   S L     E
  Paradise Beach   S             E  
  Playa Sol - (Playa Mia) S L     E
  Mr. Sanchos   S L     E
  Nachi-Cocom   S       E  
  Albertos Beach AKA Playa El Paso del Cedral   S                     A     View All Coupons
  Playa Palancar   S                 A   View All Coupons
  Punta Sur Ecological Park & Lighthouse A                 E
East Coast - Continuing from Southern Tip Northward
  Paradise Café & Rasta's at Playa Box                     A    
  El Mirador                                        
  Playa Punta Chiqueros & Restaurant                         A    
  Playa San Martin & El Galeon                               A    
  Playa Chen Rio   A L                     A     View All Coupons
  Coconuts                               A     View All Coupons
  Punta Morena     L                       A     View All Coupons
  Playa Oriente & Sr. Iguana's                         A     View All Coupons
  Playa Oriente & Mezcalitos                     A     View All Coupons
East Coast - Off Road by Tour Only
  Punta Ixpalbarco                                          
  Playa Santa Cecilia                                          
  Playa Bonita Norte                                          
  Castillo Real                                          
  Punta Molas Lighthouse                                          
 
Legend:
  General: Yes / Available, C Entrance Coupon
  Swimming: L Swimming with Lifeguard
  Snorkeling: E Excellent, A Average
  S Conditions Sparse due to lack of lack of coral in sandy beach areas
  Restrooms: E Excellent, A Average
Beach Conservation
Cozumel has a protected Marine Park area that extends from the southern cruise ship piers southward and all the way around the tip of the island and up the other (east) side to Punta Chiqueros. Inside this area, the taking of ANY items from the SEA OR BEACH is prohibited by federal law and punishable with fines and/or imprisonment if caught. Even shells that wash up on the shore can become a home for some critter so please leave them in place in order to help preserve the natural beauty of the area.

There are many stores and kiosks in town that sell shells however no one really knows the origin of these shells and if they were harvested from a protected area of the island or an open one. So in general, if your desire is to help our conservation efforts, it's best not to purchase shells at all. For this only encourages poaching and illegal harvesting when naturally available supplies are depleted.

I know it's very tempting to say "well it's only one shell so..." but if you keep in mind that according to Carnival cruise lines recently, there will be a couple of MILLION cruise ship visitors this next year to Cozumel, then you can see the impact if each person elects to take just one shell!

Perhaps consider adopting the SCUBA DIVER'S CREDO WHEN TRAVELING THE WORLD: "Take only pictures and memories and leave only bubbles behind!" ~ Sherri
A few beachy things you might be interested in!
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 Ford Fiesta Auto from AVIS
4-Door with Standard Transmission & Air Conditioning $33/day, $198/week
 Jeep Wrangler Automobile from AVIS
2-Door Convertable with Standard Transmission and No Air Conditioning $52/day, $312/week
 Jeep Wrangler (Automatic)Automobile from AVIS
2-Door Convertable with Automatic Transmission and No Air Conditioning $59/day, $354/week
 GEO Automobile from Less Pay
GEO from Less Pay $49.50/day (out the door) low season
 Island Sites/San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
An enjoyable combination of Cozumel sites and the Mayan Ruins $103/person
 Island Highlights Tour
Get the big picture overview with this guided tour around Cozumel. See jungles, beaches, ruins, shopping etc. followed up with lunch at a beautiful beach area! $95/person
 Jeep Automobile from Less Pay
Jeep Automobile. $49.50/day (out the door) low season
 Design Your Very Own Custom Mainland Tour!
Tired of visiting the sights as part of the "herd?" Not seeing an excursion that exactly fits how you'd like to spend your day on the mainland? No problem! COZUMELINSIDER can custom design a mainland excursion just for you and your group! From US$168
 Franko's Island Map & Reef Creatures Card
Beautifully drawn and virtually indestructible Cozumel Map and Fish Identification cards showing lots of detail! From $4
 Zwick's Cozumel Chart (Island Map)
The original hand drawn, detailed historic reference chart of Cozumel Island is back and available only through Cozumelinsider. From $35
 Fox Hill Underwater Video ~ The Beauty of Cozumel
Share the beauty of Cozumel's reefs with family and friends with this spectacular underwater video! Only $25
 Fox Hill Underwater Video ~ Eagle Rays of Cozumel
Enjoy rare video footage of the grace of Cozumel's spotted eagle rays as they glide through Cozumel's crystal clear waters. Only $25
 Punta Sur Ecological Reserve Tour
Adventure into the Ecological Reserve of Punta Sur to discover the largest variety of birds, turtles, fish and coral along with a visit to a lighthouse and museum. $100/person
Ruin at San Gervasio on Cozumel Island
Island Sites/San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
Mayan Calendar
Island Highlights Tour

Design Your Very Own Custom Mainland Tour!
Jeep Wrangler - Automatic Transmission
Jeep Wrangler (Automatic)Automobile from AVIS
Personal Experiences
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I got my beautiful map today and it is great -- thanks! It is for hanging on the wall in my daughter's room. They both look forward to visiting Cozumel again some day if we can. Kay H. ~ St. Louis, MO

Thank you very much - I got my map yesterday and it's everything that was promised - I'm most pleased! R. Metituk ~ Wembley, Canada

As a published underwater photographer with 15 years experience, I was amazed by how much I learned from your underwater photo course. Your depth of knowledge, friendly teaching style and technical tips made the day a great investment for me. I would highly recommend your course! Thank you! Fox Hill Underwater Photography Class M. Cowman ~ Fla

The material presented was so much more than I would expect. Everything was explained clearly. The manner in which it was taught made the concepts easy to understand and follow. I learned a tremendous amount and I look forward to significantly improving my photographic efforts and experience. Fox Hill Underwater Photography Class Ryan Meglathery ~ Not Given

Just want you to know that everything worked out great with LessPay! They honored their web price, let us pick up a day early, and when the car had problems (bad brakes & clutch), they happily swapped it out for another car the next day, no questions asked. We were very impressed with how efficient they were with paperwork, and they even offered to drive us to the ferry when we turned the car back in! We will definitely use them again and will recommend them to others. Their prices were reasonable and they were very friendly (and spoke English, too). R. Wolf ~ Mimon, MA
Beach Safety is Important!
Cozumel's Green Angels
Please consider all beaches to be "SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK"

Beach Warning and CautionsBring life vests for any persons with limited water skills wishing to partake in water activities.

Observe all beach signage and warning flags posted on beaches which indicate current swimming conditions.

There are lifeguard towers and lifeguards at some beaches but do not count on this assistance for Cozumel's lifeguard program is in it's infancy and continues to develop. Read more here about our Lifesaving Program.

Should you encounter automotive problems while on your journey around the island look for Cozumel's Green Angels. The green trucks with uniformed personnel patrol the highways especially during high season to render aid to those who find themselves stranded road-side. They carry basic car/moped repair items and are friendly and eager to help vacationers get back to having a fun time in Cozumel. Tips are always appreciated.
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