8 Best Beaches in Cozumel You Should Experience

 

Cozumel, Mexico is a beach lover’s dream come true. A cruise to Cozumel will bring you right to the verge of beautiful and varied beaches for sunbathing, hammocking, swimming, snorkeling and an enticing assortment of other fun activities, ranging from horseback riding to fine seaside dining. You can get to the sunny sands by foot, taxi, rental car or boat ride, with visits to many beaches included in various Carnival shore excursions. Here are 8 of the best beaches in Cozumel you should experience.

1. Savor Mexican-Style Family Fun at Isla Pasion

Ready for a full, fun-packed beach day at a nearby island? Sign up for the All Inclusive Passion Island by Power Catamaran excursion and take a 45-minute cruise by motorized catamaran to Isla Pasion, where you can lounge in a hammock, swim in the sparkling sea, shop souvenir stores, ride a kayak along the shore and try your hand at beach volleyball. A complimentary open bar serves both soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.

Children will crave the family area, featuring an activity center inspired by a Mexican fair atmosphere. There, the kids can play marble games and ring toss, learn the ins and outs of the Mexican lottery game and join in on an exciting scavenger hunt where they follow mystery clues to win prizes. For lunch, devour your choice of items from a Mexican-style buffet offering treats like chicken fajitas, grilled fish, rice with bananas, seasonal fruits, guacamole and a lot more.

2. Hop a Quick Cab to Paradise Beach

Do you and the kids want to hit the beach just about as soon as you pull into port on your Cozumel cruise? Then hop a cab for a short ride to nearby Paradise Beach, where you’ll find a long stretch of beautiful sand, rentable beach chairs and cool inflatable beach toys such as climbing icebergs and floating paths.

To steer clear of any parts of the water that are too rocky for swimming, stick to areas marked with a green flag.

3. Frolic in and Around the Private Fury Beach

To revel in a little bit of just about everything under the Mexican sun, take Carnival’s Deluxe Beach, Catamaran Sail & Snorkel excursion. A catamaran will meet your cruise ship at the pier and transport you to Paradise Reef, a favorite exploration site for the the legendary French diver (with the red beanie).

After the crew gives you a safety briefing, you can don your snorkel gear and descend into the water from the boat’s stairway to gaze at exotic sea life like brain coral, sea fans, Sergeant Major damselfish, blue tang and butterfly fish.

When all snorkelers are back on board, the boat will motor over to private Fury Beach, where you and your family can jump on a water trampoline, slide down the Aquaglide, chill out on a hammock or a beach float, and fill up on goodies like Black Angus cheeseburgers.

4. Live It Up on the Beach at La Casa

Get away for a day and be pampered in style on the VIP La Casa Beach Retreat for Adults Only excursion, including a deluxe Mexican beach house offering an open bar, swanky lunch prepared by your personal chef, and lessons in mixology and Mexican cooking.

While sipping fresh margaritas and other signature drinks, luxuriate at the pool or on a lovely private beach surrounded by palm trees. Swing serenely on a hammock, or take a refreshing power nap on a lounge chair or beach bed. Splash in the warm Caribbean waters. Snorkel gear is provided, too, if you wish to do some undersea exploring.

This is a divine place for celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another special occasion. Simply notify Carnival’s excursion staff about your special event.

5. Go Mayan at Playa del Carmen

Another Carnival excursion will take you to the fashionable resort town of Playa del Carmen, a  top vacation spot because of its natural beauty and unique fusion of Mayan, Mexican and European cultures.

On an alternative tour option, visit the globally renowned Xcaret Eco-Archaeological Park, where you can cavort in natural pools, channels and lagoons or take a traditional Mayan swim, floating along for 30 minutes on the surface of an underground river.

While you’re in Playa del Carmen, also take advantage of the chance to visit the museum of Mayan Cities, the butterfly pavilion, bird-breeding aviary and aquarium.

6. Grab Great Views at Sunset Beach

To snorkel in a different venue, head on over to Sunset Beach, a rocky beach situated near the town of San Miguel. The snorkeling here is outstanding because reef balls added to the water have attracted fish colonies. You can either tote your snorkeling gear and snorkel on your own or join in with others on snorkeling and SNUBA trips.

Grab great views and photos of the western side of the island, along with tasty and authentic tacos at the on-site restaurant.

7. Enjoy a Massage Under the Palm Trees at Playa Palancar

If palm trees loom large in your vision of the perfect beach, Playa Palancar is the ideal place for you to go. On this stunning sandy beach situated on the southwestern-leeward side of Cozumel, you can rest in a hammock amid the palms, sunbathe and take leisurely dips in the water. For extra pampering, massages are available directly on the beach.

If you’re up for a more active day, partake in your choice of deep sea fishing, snorkeling, snuba and kayaking trips.

8. Surround Yourself With Pristine Paradise at Punta Sur

If you’re more into nature walks or jeep adventures than water parks or live entertainment, Punta Sur Echo Beach is the spot for you. Located on the leeward side of the island, it’s right next to an ecological park, a mangrove forest and a crocodile lagoon below.

If you prefer, take Carnival’s Adventure Jeep & Snorkel at Punta Sur excursion. Travel through dirt roads in an off-road vehicle and stop along the way at a small Mayan ruin, where you’ll hear intriguing tales about the lives of the ancient Mayans. Drive over to the lighthouse, and then either hit the beach or take an optional snorkeling excursion. Before heading back to the cruise ship, perk up your taste buds with a delectable Mexican buffet.

There’s a beach for everyone at Cozumel, whether you’re keen on active water sports, exploring local culture and cuisine, or simply unwinding. You’re likely to enjoy yourself so much that you never want to leave the beach. Just make sure to keep track of your time, though, so you don’t miss your cruise ship. You can always return to Cozumel on a future cruise to get to some of the other many beaches in paradise.

Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.