13 Best Beach Bars in Cozumel – By a Local
Are you looking for the best beach bars in Cozumel? I lived in Cozumel for nearly two years and made it my mission to scout out the best beach bars. (It’s a tough job I have!)
The good news is that Cozumel has many amazing beach bars. The only bad part is trying to choose one. To make it easier for you, I’ve rounded up the best of the best so you can find your perfect spot.
Soon you’ll be sipping an umbrella drink under a palapa.
Best Beach Bars in Cozumel – Downtown & North
Let’s start on the northern end and work our way downtown. Further down in this article, I have a map that shows the approximate location of each place.
Note: Prices and hours may change.
1. Buccanos Beach Club
Many people consider Buccanos to be the best beach club in Mexico, and it’s hard to disagree.
They have excellent service, a beautiful and clean beach, and amazing Mexican food. Be sure to read my full review on Buccanos.
The $20 entrance fee goes towards your food and beverages. The use of beach chairs is included. There is good snorkeling right off the beach. People often see eels and lionfish in addition to the usual assortment of colorful tropical fish.
If you’re staying on the island, be sure to make a reservation for Buccanos at Night. It’s an experience you don’t want to miss.
For an additional cost, you can book a seaside massage, go parasailing, or rent a jet ski.
2. La Monina
La Monina is a nice, laid-back beach bar and restaurant. It’s about a 15-minute walk north of downtown.
Their food is delicious and they have great prices. They don’t have an entrance fee, and you can use the beach loungers as long as you’ve purchased something.
La Monina isn’t a busy beach club, but a place where you can relax without a big crowd. As a bonus, it’s dog-friendly!
3. No Name Sports Bar
If you want to walk off your cruise ship and into one of the best beach bars in Cozumel, make No Name Bar your first stop. The atmosphere is always festive, especially if there’s a big game on TV.
No Name is located downstairs in the Barracuda Hotel and is a long-time favorite of cruise ship crew members. Head outside and enjoy the pool and beach.
They don’t have a sandy beach, but they do have a nice patio and you can find good snorkeling right off the shore.
4. Jeanie’s
In addition to being one of the best beach bars in Cozumel, Jeanie’s is a great place to go for breakfast. I love their Mexican eggs.
After breakfast, you can soak up some sun on the beach and do some snorkeling.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite again, you can order lunch. Really, it’s an all-day affair.
Since it’s within walking distance from the downtown cruise terminal, Jeanie’s is a great place for snorkeling or just watching the boats go by.
Jeanie’s is one of my favorites because they allow dogs.
Best Beach Bars in Cozumel – South End
As you head south out of town, you’ll come to some more great beach bars.
5. The Money Bar
The Money Bar has a great two-for-one happy hour, and they also often have live music. Their food and drinks are always highly rated.
They do have tourist prices on food, so be prepared for that. I paid $20 for a cheeseburger. But it was an excellent cheeseburger.
The Money Bar is one of the best places for some snorkeling right off the shore. You can rent your snorkeling gear right on the beach. There’s a coral reef full of fish just a couple of feet from where you get into the water.
I was actually a bit alarmed to see how many fish were swarming around me. I think some of the snorkel guides feed them here, so they’re always looking for snacks.
6. Paradise Beach Club
Paradise Beach Club has one of the best all-inclusive packages with an open bar. You’ll have a great time swimming, snorkeling, eating, and playing. Or just lounge on the beach while the waitstaff keep bringing you drinks.
For an additional fee, you can rent wave runners, kayaks, go on banana boat rides, or try out parasailing. If you prefer, you can hang out at one of the swim-up bars.
Be sure to read my full review of Paradise Beach.
7. Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club
Mr. Sancho’s and their 1,500 feet of white sand beach is the perfect place for a fun-filled beach day.
Mr. Sancho’s is well-known as one of Cozumel’s best beach clubs. It has a festive atmosphere and is often called the party spot.
There are other things to do here besides party, such as horseback riding tours, paragliding, and renting wave runners. They also have a fun water park and two swim-up pool bars.
If you prefer, you can find a quiet corner and just enjoy the views and warm Caribbean weather while dining on Mr. Sancho’s fabulous food.
8. Nachi Cocom
Nachi Cocom is a full-service beach club. You can use a lounge chair and umbrella and place your drink and food orders from the servers who are never far away.
Nachi Cocom tends to be a bit more low-key than Mr. Sancho’s, so it’s the best beach bar if you’re looking for a quieter day.
If you feel energetic, you can play some beach volleyball or rent some snorkeling equipment.
9. Alberto’s Beach Bar and Grill
There are several different Alberto’s locations in Cozumel. Be sure to tell your taxi driver you want Alberto’s Beach Bar.
Alberto’s is a friendly bar and restaurant with beautiful views and lounge chairs on the white sand beach. They’re known for their good drinks and delicious, freshly-caught seafood.
While you’re here, you can book a fishing trip, snorkeling, or glass bottom boat tours, or a variety of other fun activities.
If you’re in Cozumel in the evening, Alberto’s is the perfect quiet spot to watch the sunset.
Best Beach Bars in Cozumel – East Side
Many people consider the east side of the island to be the absolute best. (I’m one of them!) It’s also known as the Wild Side because, well, it’s wild. There is almost no electricity. No one lives on the east side.
The east side contains a large turtle habitat where thousands of turtles come to nest every year. Cozumel does a great job of protecting them by prohibiting people from even coming to the east side at night.
There is a small hotel called Ventana del Mar, which is the exception to the curfew (and the electricity). If you have a chance to spend a night here, do it! The stars are bright and plentiful.
Since the east side faces the open ocean, the waves are bigger, and there are often riptides. There are, however, a few places that are safe for swimming. Just be sure to check the flags. A red flag means it’s not safe.
If you want seclusion, you’ll find several free beaches on the east side with very few people.
Some of the restaurants get their energy from solar panels, generators, or car batteries. They usually produce just enough to run a blender or play music (not both).
Take cash when you go to the east side because, with a couple of exceptions, they don’t take credit cards.
The best way to get to the wild side is to book a private driver or a bar-hopping tour. There are far too many deadly accidents coming back to town.
10. Rasta’s
Rasta’s, also known as the Bob Marley Bar, is right on the main road at the southeastern tip of Cozumel. It’s a popular spot with amazing views.
Be sure to try their peanut butter tequila. It’s surprisingly delicious. They have a small restaurant that’s famous for their shrimp quesadillas.
Relax on the beach with your drinks, or upstairs where you can see the Caribbean Sea for miles. Be sure to stop across the street to see the Crocodile.
11. El Pescador
El Pescador is a great beach bar for not only great drinks and fresh seafood (try the coconut shrimp!) but also the place to go for some pampering.
You can get a massage on the beach at a reasonable price. There are hammocks you can relax in while the Caribbean breeze keeps you cool.
This is one of the handful of places on the wild side where you can safely swim. There’s a nice sheltered area perfect for kids.
12. Coconuts
Coconuts is probably the most well-known beach bar on the east side, and for good reason.
It has a fun atmosphere and the best conch ceviche I’ve ever had. Coconuts definitely has an “R-rated” vibe, so be warned.
Coconuts is set on a cliff with no beach access, but plenty of amazing views. It’s definitely worth a stop, but it might be hard to leave.
13. Punta Morena
Whether you want to sit under the palapa or in the beach chairs on the sand, you’ll get great service at Punta Morena. Their nachos are fantastic, and their margaritas are strong and delicious.
There are several shops lining the restaurant area for some souvenirs. You can also take a dip in the ocean here if you need to cool off. Just watch out for the current.
Layout of Cozumel Island
The primary town on the island of Cozumel is San Miguel. Since there’s really only one main town, most people refer to the town and island as simply Cozumel.
Where Will Your Ship be Docking?
There are three cruise terminals: Punta Langosta, the International Pier, and Puerta Maya. All are located on the west coast.
These are the general guidelines for the cruise lines. Be sure to double-check the info for your ship because they could switch things up. This website shows all the cruise ships and where they’re docking.
Punta Langosta
Punta Langosta is right downtown. You can easily walk to the main square and to all the great downtown restaurants and bars. Two of the best beach bars in Cozumel (No Name Bar and Jeanie’s) are just a short walk from the port.
The ships that dock at Punta Langosta are:
- Norwegian
- MSC
- Disney
- Oceana
- Viking
- Virgin
- Mein Schiff
- Other small ships
As you get off the ship you’ll enter a shopping mall. There are a lot of restaurants and bars here, but do yourself a favor and move away from the immediate port area. You’ll get better prices and a more authentic Mexico experience.
If you want to pick up some supplies, there are two grocery stores within two blocks of the terminal.
Head north to get to the center of town or south for the closest beach bars. (If you’re directionally challenged like I am, the ocean will be on your left if you’re going north and on your right if you’re going south.)
There will be taxis lined up to take you anywhere on the island. Always agree on the fare before you get in.
International Pier
The International Pier is three miles south of downtown San Miguel and is the oldest pier in Cozumel. Ships that dock at the International Pier are:
- Royal Caribbean
- Celebrity
- Other large ships
There are a lot of restaurants and shops just outside the pier, although it is super touristy. You’ll find taxis waiting for you.
Puerta Maya
Puerta Maya is about five miles from downtown and is Carnival Cruise Line’s private pier. Ships that dock at Puerta Maya are:
- Carnival
- Princess
- Costa
Puerta Maya has an entire little village as you exit the ship. Shops, restaurants, bars, it’s all here.
It’s a fun area, although not really authentically Mexican. Still, if you need some quick souvenirs before you get back onboard, it’s a convenient last stop for shopping.
Passenger Ferry Terminal
If you arrive from Playa del Carmen on the ferry, you’ll land smack in the middle of downtown.
Walk across the street, and the main square is right there. It’s a lovely park with vendor stalls and restaurants.
This is a great place for a photo op with the Cozumel sign.
The beaches right downtown are not great. You need to go a little ways north or south to find a nice, swimmable beach. Luckily, you don’t have to go too far.
From the ferry, you can walk south to Jeanie’s or No Name Bar or north to La Monina. It’s about a 15-minute walk either way.
Of course, the taxis are there to drive you, and it won’t cost very much.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Beach Bars in Cozumel
Which side of Cozumel has better beaches?
The west side of Cozumel has better beaches for swimming. Here the water is calm. The east side has rough water and strong rip tides in most places, but far fewer people.
What is the best beach in Cozumel with no seaweed?
All of the beaches in Cozumel have little to no seaweed. Occasionally, a bit will come in, but it’s rarely a problem.
Are there swimmable beaches in Cozumel?
Yes, there are many swimmable beaches in Cozumel. Most of the good swimming beaches are on the west side. The east side is very rough, but there are a couple of beach clubs where you can swim.
Does Cozumel have good nightlife?
Compared to Cancun, the nightlife in Cozumel is pretty tame. However, you can find live music and dancing in town, especially on the weekends.
What’s the best way to get to Cozumel?
You can either fly directly into Cozumel International Airport or fly into Cancun and make your way to Cozumel.
Wrap-Up: Best Beach Bars in Cozumel
The good news is that it’s hard to go wrong when looking for Cozumel beach clubs. Whether you want peace and quiet or a lively atmosphere, you only need to hail a cab.
For your next adventure, you might take a tequila tour to get some cultural enrichment while you sample Mexico’s most famous liquor.
Related Posts
- Is Cozumel Safe?
- How to Get to Cozumel From Cancun – and Back Again
- Best Time to Visit Cozumel: Month-by-Month Guide
- Day Trip to Cozumel From Playa del Carmen
- Guide to Getting Through Cancun Customs Quickly and Easily
- Cancun or Cozumel: Which is Better for Your Vacation?
- Best Cozumel All-Inclusive Family Resorts
- Best Places to Snorkel in Cozumel
- Best Snorkel Tours in Cozumel
- Best Tequila Tours in Cozumel
Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips
Do I need travel insurance?
YES. No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing. They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.
Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?
YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company. They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.
Will my phone work in Mexico?
Maybe — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.
You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.
What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?
For Mexico hotels, Booking.com is the best site, but for hostels, check out Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to check VRBO, which is often cheaper with more options.
What do I pack for Mexico?
My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.
What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?
For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Probably Not. U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa check the Mexican Consulate’s website.
For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa.
