Whether you're cruising and Cozumel is your port of call for
the day, or you took the ferry over from Playa del Carmen, or you're enjoying
resort vacation on the island, chances are, you'll want to experience at least
one of
Because the surf is rough and the undertow great on
On the west side, since the waves are much calmer, visitors enjoy snorkeling, swimming and other water-sport activities.
Beaches on the West Side of Cozumel
Playa
San Francisco
This beach is located 10 miles south of San Miguel, the only town of
any size on the island. Along this 200-yard beach are two outdoor restaurants each with a bar, dressing
rooms/restrooms, a gift shop area, volleyball nets, beach chairs and
water-sport equipment rental shops. The
remote part of this beach stretches south three more miles before becoming
This beach is very popular with the folks coming off of cruise ships, so there are times when it is more crowded than others. This beach also has all the amenities of
Playa San Francisco plus horse rental should you choose to ride on the
beach.
Playa
Corona
The beachside restaurant here serves conch, shrimp, cerviche and fajitas. It is less crowded than Playa San Francisco.
Beaches on the East Side of Cozumel

Punta Chiquero
This moon-shaped cove is also known by
other names such as Playa Bonita, Playa San Martin or Tortuga Desnudo. The sea here is very rough so the palapas
with chairs or loungers on the beach are very appreciated for sunbathing or
just watching the wild surf. The Playa Bonita restaurant here serves fresh fish daily. They also have a bar on
site for refreshments.
Playa Chen Rio
This beach
is about 3 miles north of Punta Chiqueros.
The clear water here is protected by a rock formation jutting out into
the sea so the sea isn't quite as rough as it is in other places along the east
shore. With the thatched-covered palapas
and beach furniture, it makes for a casual afternoon to sit and sunbathe or watch
the waves come ashore. If you get
hungry, the Chen Rio restaurant serves fresh fish, shrimp and lobster dishes
and they have a bar serving all of your favorite drinks. Alongside the
restaurant is a small gift shop selling locally made handicrafts at reasonable
prices.
Playa Oriente
This beach is at the east end of the