Free Beaches In Cozumel
Photo Credit: Cruising Writers
Free Beaches In Cozumel
If you are looking for a nice free beach to spend the day at in Mexico, I have a few for you. However, most Cozumel beaches are not pretty. Cruisers imagine white sandy beaches with miles of powder-white shoreline. However, this is not the case at every beach Cozumel has to offer as a majority of the island's coastline is rocky. Only a few small sections offer the tropical beach experience
Cozumel beaches on west coast of Cozumel (the side facing Mexico) has much calmer water. This allows it to be protected thus allowing coral to thrive. However, the east side (the side facing the Gulf of Mexico) has much larger waves and stronger currents. These strong currents make it worse for snorkeling and swimming. However, this side of the island has much smaller crowds than you'll find on the west side and closer to the cruise port.
PLAYA CORONA
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
You can book an excursion through a company that will take you here to snorkel which will average you about $45. You can skip this by taking a taxi ride and getting in the beach free. You'll only be out the taxi ride. However, you will need to bring your own snorkel gear.
People have reported being charged $5-$10 per person to enter. You should not have to pay this. However, if you plan to eat at the restaurant you will need to bring cash for this.
PLAYA CHEN RIO
Photo Credit: Mexican Caribbean
Playa Chen Rio is the perfect place if you want to get away from the cruise port and avoid the crowds. This beach is more secluded due to being much farther from the cruise port. However, it can be a little crowded on Sundays as local have a tradition of gathering here on Sundays. The beach is located on the other side of the island and not protected by the Gulf of Mexico's waves and tides which makes for larger stronger waves. This is a great option for a beautiful scenic beach. This beach is not a great option for swimming all day but offers a great tide pool for lounging. This beach does offer many amenities and bathroom use is not available unless eating at the restaurant. There are also no machines to run cards here so you will need to bring cash if you plan to eat.
With this beach being located on the east of the Island and the cruise terminal on the west you can expect to spend a bit of time an money to get there. A taxi will cost you about $30.00 each way and you can expect a 25 minute taxi ride.
Playa Chen Rio is a more natural looking beach and one can expect seaweed on he beach and in shallow waters. However, the sand tends to be gorgeous and a great beach to dig your toes in. There’s a shallow, protected area for wading which might be good for kids looking to snorkel. However, if you’re hoping to see fish, coral, and deeper underwater environments, you may want to opt for a different beach option than Playa Chen Rio. With it being on the eastern side of the island, the waves and currents cause for unsafe swimming and murky snorkeling conditions.
Sunset Beach is the closest beach to all the three cruise terminals in Cozumel. It is also the most popular for snorkeling and located near the cruise port. There is not a beach area only steps to access the water for snorkeling. There is a restaurant located adjacent to the shore an offers several amenities. There is not an entrance fee for this beach but most visitors will dine or have a drink. It is good to note that the food is reportedly better here than Playa Corona. Also, there is a Sand Dollar Sports and Snorkel shop were scuba and snorkel equipment can be rented. A taxi ride to this beach is fairly ship as is just along the northeast coast near downtown San Miguel. Taxi fares average $8 each way.
With this beach being located on the east of the Island and the cruise terminal on the west you can expect to spend a bit of time an money to get there. A taxi will cost you about $30.00 each way and you can expect a 25 minute taxi ride.
Playa Chen Rio is a more natural looking beach and one can expect seaweed on he beach and in shallow waters. However, the sand tends to be gorgeous and a great beach to dig your toes in. There’s a shallow, protected area for wading which might be good for kids looking to snorkel. However, if you’re hoping to see fish, coral, and deeper underwater environments, you may want to opt for a different beach option than Playa Chen Rio. With it being on the eastern side of the island, the waves and currents cause for unsafe swimming and murky snorkeling conditions.
SUNSET BEACH
Photo Credit: Shore Excursioneer
You can also purchase an organized snorkel tour with equipment and instructions at The Sand Dollar which will cost approx. $24.00.
PLAYA PALANCAR
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Playa Palancar is not the closest free beach near Cozumel cruise port and is about 20 minutes south of the cruise port. A taxi could cost you about $25 each way (more or less each, depending on your terminal). Due to its popularity you can expect this beach to be more crowded than several of the other beaches mentioned above.
This is one of the best beaches when looking for soft, white sand and picturesque tropical beach that many expect from the Caribbean. The beach is larger and offers a more scenic landscape. While this beach is great for snorkeling you want find the colorful fish or reefs.
Playa Palancar offers several resort day pass options as well which offer many resort amenities.
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Playa San Martin is the furthest free beach option near the Cozumel cruise port. Like Playa Chen Rio, it’s situated on the opposite side of the island from the cruise port. You will have to take a taxi straight across the island and then a bit south which will take you an extra 10 or 20 minutes. You will also need to be prepared to pay approx. $30 each way. However, this beach is exclusive compared to those on the port side and definitely worth it to avoid the crowds. There are few amenities other than the restaurant (El Diablo) just across the street. You can expect few if any vendors here, so make sure to bring most of what you need.
Playa San Martin has some of the best sand of any beaches near the cruise port and you can expect spectacular views as waves crash down on the shoreline. You'll have plenty of ideal spots to choose from due to the long stretch of beach.
Playa San Martin is not good for snorkeling due to the rough waters which make for a murky view and dangerous conditions. If your looking to lounge around in the water all day, this beach and beaches on this side are not swimmer friendly. If you don't plan to eat at El Diablo you can still use the restrooms for a small fee of $1.
PLAYA SAN FRANCISCO
Photo Credit: Trip Advisor
Playa San Francisco is probably the most popular of all beaches near Cozumel cruise port. However, it is known more by the beach clubs that inhabit its shoreline such as Mr. Sanchos and Nachi Cocom, which are the most popular destinations in port and because of their all-inclusive option.
What to Read More?
For more upgraded beach options including all inclusive click here to check out our: Best Beaches In Cozumel
Click here to check out our experience and Review of: Mr. Sancho's Beach Club
#carnival #cruising #barelycruising #travelagent #vacation #beaches #cozumel #mexico #free #playasafrancisco #Playacorona #playasanmartin #playapalancar #sunsetbeach #playchenrio
.png)
Comments
Post a Comment