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Buccanos Cozumel – Full Review and Tips For Visiting

BySherry Arkfeld Updated

Cozumel has no shortage of beach clubs. How do you know which one to choose?

I lived in Cozumel for nearly two years, so I’m here to help with a full review of Buccanos, one of Cozumel’s nicest beach clubs.

It has a beautiful beach, great activities, and some of the best food on the island.

Buccanos is actually a two-in-one. At night, it transforms into Buccanos at Night, a lovely dinner experience that you must try at least once. (But you’ll want to come back again.)

Let’s take a closer look at all Buccanos has to offer so you can decide if it’s the right place for your beach day.

🌴Already know you want to go? Reserve your spot here.

Overview of Buccanos Cozumel

Entry Fee: $400 Mexican Pesos which goes toward your food and drinks.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed Monday)

Buccanos is located in Cozumel’s North Hotel Zone. It’s not too far from downtown so it’s easy to get to. Plus you won’t get stuck in traffic getting past the cruise terminals.

Unlike many places in the north, Buccano’s has a sandy beach. There are still rocky areas which makes it good for snorkeling from the shore.

Usually, you get either a nice sandy beach or good snorkeling but not both. That’s one of my favorite things about Buccanos. You get the best of both worlds.

However, don’t expect a long stretch of sandy beach. There are a lot of rocky sections.

Buccanos is one of the more laid-back beach clubs in Cozumel. If you’re looking for loud music and rowdy drinkers, this may not be the place for you. But if you want a peaceful beach day with a fun but relaxed energy, you’ll find it at Buccanos.

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A wooden and stone entrance sign for "Buccanos" stands against a stunning turquoise ocean backdrop in Cozumel, Mexico. The clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds enhances the tropical beach setting. The stone walkway beneath the sign leads toward the water, inviting visitors to this picturesque seaside destination.

Activities

Buccanos Beach Club has several activities, most of which you pay for separately. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available:

Beach Chairs and Palapas: Included with your admission is the use of the beach chairs and general palapas.

Swimming Pool: All guests have access to the beautiful beachfront swimming pool.

Restaurant and Bar: Your admission fee is credited towards food and drinks.

Snorkeling: You can snorkel right from the beach. Bring your own equipment or rent there. I saw all kinds of fish plus some squid (which I was really excited about!).

Activities For Additional Cost

  • Jet Skiing
  • Parasailing
  • Kayak rentals
  • Massage on the beach
  • Snorkeling: Snorkel rental is $400 MXN.
  • Private palapas: These palapas are much larger and can be rented for the day for $1,000 MXN (about $56 USD).
  • Shopping: The Agua de Coco Beach Boutique has all your beach necessities. You’ll also find a beautiful collection of handmade Mexican fashion and jewelry. It’s pricier than shops in town, but they do have some nice things.
  • Photography studio: Buccanos has a professional photography studio right on-site. It’s the perfect place to get some great family photos. They do portraits, underwater photography, and even drone photography. (Learn more.)
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A tranquil beach scene at Buccanos in Cozumel, Mexico, featuring blue lounge chairs lined up on soft white sand under the shade of swaying palm trees. The turquoise ocean stretches to the horizon, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. Sunlight filters through the palm fronds, casting dappled shadows for a perfect tropical getaway ambiance.

Amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Showers
  • Changing rooms
  • Lockers
  • Wi-Fi

Food and Drinks

This is what really sets Buccanos apart from all the other beach clubs in Cozumel. The food is absolutely amazing. They specialize in seafood but you’ll also find plenty of non-fish items.

The food and drink prices are pretty typical for a beach club, which is to say “tourist prices.” Still, their prices seem to be better than at other touristy places. And the quality is much, much better.

It will be very easy to use up the $400 MXN on your food and drinks.

Buccanos at Night

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Reservation only. Call or WhatsApp +52-1-987-114-5607

Buccanos at Night is a truly special event. Book as far in advance as possible because they sell out.

The dinner menu is spectacular (you can see it here). It’s some of the best food on the island. Add that to the view and the sunset and you’ve got an amazing night.

If you’re looking for a special night out, Buccanos at Night should be at the top of your list.

Tips for Cruisers Visiting Buccanos

Buccanos is a great place to go while you’re here on a cruise. It’s usually less crowded than the other large beaches like Mr. Sancho’s or Paradise Beach.

It’s best to book your spot in advance to ensure you get a spot. Since it’s not a huge club, there is limited space.

Pay attention to the time. Often ships stay on “ship’s time” not on the local time.

There will be taxis outside when you’re ready to get back to your ship. If you’re on a Carnival cruise and docked at Puerta Maya, allow a bit of extra time. Sometimes there can be a lot of traffic getting past the other two cruise terminals.

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A scenic view of Buccanos Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico, taken from the crystal-clear turquoise waters. The sandy shore is lined with lounge chairs and thatched-roof palapas, surrounded by lush green palm trees.

How to Get to Buccanos

Buccanos is in the North Hotel Zone about 6 km from the ferry terminal. Just hop in a taxi and you’ll be there in a few minutes.

I’ve heard a few people say that their taxi driver wouldn’t take them to Buccanos. The driver said they were full and they tried to force them to go to a different beach club.

Often drivers will get a commission when they bring in customers. If your driver tries to tell you Buccanos is full, tell them you have a reservation. (Better yet, actually make a reservation!)

Most of Cozumel’s taxi drivers are honest, but I’ve heard this story a couple of different times from different people.

Pros and Cons of Buccanos

While I adore Buccanos, it might not be for everyone. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons to make sure you’ll like it as much as I do.

Pros

  • Excellent food
  • Smaller and more intimate
  • Low entry fee
  • Activities are a la carte so you only pay for what you want to do
  • Quiet, low-key atmosphere (which is also a con if you want a party spot)
  • Good snorkeling right from shore

Cons

  • No all-inclusive option
  • No long stretch of sandy beach
  • If you want a party spot, this isn’t it
  • Food and drinks are a bit pricey
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Frequently Asked Questions: Buccanos Beach Club

How much does it cost to get into Buccanos?

Buccanos’ entry fee is $400 MXN, which is credited toward your food and drinks.

Where is Buccanos Cozumel?

Buccanos is located in the North Hotel Zone, about 6 km from the ferry terminal.

Is Buccanos worth it?

Absolutely! The beach club is beautiful and clean and the ocean is gorgeous. Plus they have some of the best food on the island.

Can you snorkel at Buccanos?

Yes, the snorkeling at Buccanos is really good. There are rocky areas that are home to a variety of tropical fish.

A peaceful beach scene at Buccanos in Cozumel, Mexico, featuring a sandy shoreline with a small stone pier extending into the clear turquoise waters. The deep blue ocean meets the horizon under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Wrap-Up: Buccanos Cozumel

Buccanos is one of my favorite places in Cozumel. Not only is it gorgeous and uncrowded, but the food is some of the best I’ve had here.

Plus, there is really good snorkeling. You can see parrot fish, trigger fish, angel fish, and a bunch I don’t know the names of.

If you want more of a party scene, this might not be the spot for you. But if you want a nice beach and great service, you should definitely give it a shot.

Book your day in advance to ensure you get a spot.

🌴Reserve Your Spot

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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.

Sherry Arkfeld is a digital nomad, travel blogger, and copywriter living her dream of being able to work from anywhere in the world while exploring new places with her little dog, Shelby. Sherry is passionate about sharing her experiences to help other travelers and digital nomads. Sherry and Shelby are currently traveling slowly around Mexico with plans to eventually go (almost) everywhere.