11 Best Free Beaches in Cozumel (and 5 Almost Free)
I lived in Cozumel for over two years. During that time, I searched the island over to find the best places to swim and snorkel without having to pay.
Or with only paying a small amount, which is usually credited toward your food and drinks.
If you’re here on vacation, especially if you’re just here for a day, you don’t want to waste time searching for the perfect beach. And you might not want to shell out a bunch of money just to go swimming for a couple of hours.
Don’t worry. I’m here to help. I visited every one of these beaches personally and I’ve got all the details. Some of them are hidden.
Some are definitely better than others. But they’re all either free or free with purchase. (The exception is Playa Palancar, which just recently changed its policy.)
Now that you’re armed with this list, you’ll be able to find the best free beaches in Cozumel to enjoy the Caribbean Sea.
Important Information About Cozumel Public Beaches
Before we get started, there’s one thing you need to know: All beaches in Mexico are public. Technically, you are able to access any beach without having to pay. But the free zone only extends a bit beyond the high tide mark.
I say technically because this isn’t how it actually works in many places, including Cozumel. There are, however, many places where you can access the beach for free.
Now, if you want to use beach loungers, umbrellas, or restrooms, you’re going to have to pay. At most places I’ve encountered, if you’re buying food and drinks, the loungers are free.
In Cozumel, there are three kinds of beaches: totally 100%, free with purchase, and all-inclusive.
Totally 100% Free Beaches in Cozumel
At the real free beaches, you’ll find no amenities. It’s just a stretch of land that anyone can access and jump in. Most of them are rocky. But some do have a sandy area above the rocks.
The free beaches get pretty crowded with locals on the weekends. Go early to get a spot with some shade.
“Free With Purchase” Beach Clubs
Cozumel has a ton of these beach clubs. Here’s how they work:
You pay an entry fee, usually around $20 to $25 USD, which is usually credited toward your food and drink purchases. Sometimes this includes a beach lounger, but sometimes you’ll pay extra.
There are also small beach clubs that don’t charge an entry fee but expect you to buy something. I’ll talk about some of these beach clubs since they’re “almost free.”
All-Inclusive Beach Clubs
In Cozumel, there are several big, all-inclusive beach clubs. I’m talking about Mr. Sanchos, Nachi Cocom, Paradise Beach, and Playa Mia Grand Beach Park (among others).
These clubs are huge and have all kinds of things to do, like big floating playgrounds to climb on.
These big clubs usually have an entry fee, which could be up to $90 USD. But that is most often an all-inclusive price that covers all you can eat, drink, and do.
I’m not going to talk about these beach clubs here. You can read about some of them in my post about the best beach bars in Cozumel.
Best Free and Almost Free Beaches in Cozumel
Cozumel is known for its mostly rocky beaches, which might not be your first choice for laying down your towel. However, these are the places where you’ll find the most fantastic snorkeling spots.
I don’t mean rocks as in loose pebbles and stones. It’s a solid rocky ground.
Many beach clubs and hotels have created a sandy area for lounging. Then there will be stairs built into the rocks to get in and out easily. Or maybe a pier and ladder.
At the free beaches, you need to scramble in and out on your own.
Pro tip: Always wear water shoes. The region is home to poisonous sea urchins that tend to hide underwater, making them quite hard to spot. Trust me, you don’t want to step on one of these.
The rocks can also be very jagged or very slippery. Water shoes will help you get in and out safely. If you have the kind of snorkel fins with a strap on the back, you can just put them on over your water shoes.
Cozumel does have some nice, sandy beaches, too. Most of them are on the south end of the island. But keep in mind that sandy areas are not the best for snorkeling. For a decent snorkeling experience, you’ll want to head to the rocky entries.
Okay, let’s get to it!
Notes: Distances are estimates from the downtown ferry terminal.
The map is not even remotely close to scale. It’s just to give you a general idea of where the beaches are.
Where there’s a fee, I’ve quoted it in U.S. dollars. Most places have been $20, but when the dollar isn’t as strong, prices have been raised to $24 when paying in USD. In pesos, it’s $400.
Beaches on the North End of Cozumel
These are the beaches to the north of downtown San Miguel. We’re going to start from the far north and work our way around the island counter-clockwise.
Playa Azul
Distance from downtown: 5.3 km
Entry Fee? $24 entry fee goes towards food/drinks.
Sandy or rocky? Rocky but with some sand
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: Restrooms, restaurant, bar, palapas, loungers, children’s play area, kayak rentals, showers.
Where is it? Next to The Westin Hotel (see on map)
Playa Azul isn’t one of the 100% free beaches, but it needs to be on the list because it’s one of the best beaches on the north end of the island.
For $24 USD, you get full access. And the $24 goes towards your food and drinks.
Playa Azul is the same beach as Playa San Juan. I’m not sure why there are two names. I suspect it was Playa San Juan when it was completely free before the Playa Azul beach club popped up.
They have a sandy beach area, but entry to the water is rocky. They have made it easy to get in and out, though.
You may be able to access a free portion of the beach here by asking for the public access area. I’ve heard of people who were able to do this, but when I went there, I was told that’s not possible. Like many things in Mexico, it may depend on who you ask.
Playa Las Rocas
Distance from downtown: 4.2 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Rocky
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Next to Las Brisas Condos (see on map)
Playa Las Rocas is very popular with the locals. It’s 100% free, which means it has literally no amenities. It’s very rocky and a bit steep to get into the water. It may be difficult for some people to get back out.
Playa Las Rocas has a hidden secret. Next door to the beach are condos called Las Brisas. Next to the condos is a house that was turned into a beach club called Tequila Beach.
If you get there before it’s too crowded, you can walk over from Playa Las Rocas and get a spot on the sand. You can’t use any amenities, but you’ll have a nice beach.
If you want to use Tequila Beach’s amenities, you can as long as you’re purchasing something.
Playa Casitas
Distance from downtown: 2 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Rocky
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Just north of Hemingway’s (see on map)
Playa Casitas is the closest free beach to downtown San Miguel. It’s across from the Air Force and Army base and is a popular place for them to go after work.
They have a reputation for getting a little rambunctious, so it might not be the best place for families in the late afternoons.
Right next to Playa Casitas is a small restaurant called El Rincón Caribeño where you can get some of the best seafood on the island.
Cozumel’s Central Beaches
These beaches are located between downtown San Miguel and Puerta Maya (Carnival Cruise Line’s port).
If you’re arriving in Cozumel on a cruise ship and want a quick stop at a beach, these are good options.
Playa Caletitas
Distance from downtown: 2.4 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Next to the car ferry (see on map)
Playa Caletitas is right next to the car ferry. It’s a tiny little beach popular with locals. You’ll have to park on the street or in the residential area across the road.
There are no amenities or anything else at this beach. It’s simply a small spot to get in the water.
There is a small restaurant next door called Playa Cosmica if you get hungry.
Be warned that it gets packed full of locals on weekends. But if you want a spot to jump in and do some snorkeling, this is a good choice.
Stingray Beach
Distance from downtown: 2.1 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Next to Blue Angel Resort (see on map)
There are two parts to Stingray Beach. The first part is owned by cruise ships and includes a fenced-in area where people can pay to interact with stingrays. There may be activities like snorkeling, photos with the stingrays, etc.
I’m not a fan of keeping animals in captivity. These stingrays were moved here for the tourist attraction. They get taken out of the water for photos, which is stressful for them. Of course, it’s up to you if this is something you want to do.
Next to the fenced area is the free beach area. It’s small but pretty nice. You’ll have to find a spot to park on the street, which is limited.
Sunset Beach
Distance from downtown: 3.6 km
Entry Fee? Free with purchase
Sandy or rocky? Rocky
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: Restaurant, bar, restrooms, water equipment rentals
Where is it? At Sunset Beach Club (see on map)
Sunset Beach is another small beach club that is free as long as you purchase food or drinks. It’s a wonderful place to watch the sunset (shocking, right?). It’s pretty close to town and actually near the end of a bus route (number 20).
Sunset Beach Club has really good food, so it’s definitely worth it. There’s often live music and dancing. The prices do tend toward tourist pricing, so don’t expect $1 tacos, but it’s a nice spot to hang out for the day without spending a ton of money.
You can rent snorkel equipment at Sand Dollar Sports. They also have diving, snorkeling, and snuba tours.
Cozumel’s Southern Beaches
These beaches are located south of Puerta Maya. This is the most popular beach area in Cozumel.
Playa Dzul-Ha
Distance from downtown: 7.3 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Next to Money Bar (see on map)
Dzul-Ha is a small beach named after the reef that is just offshore. It’s a bit rocky entering the ocean, but there’s sand to lie on.
If you want any food or drinks, I recommend just going to Money Bar next door. Otherwise, this is a great little beach with excellent snorkeling.
Money Bar Beach Club
Distance from downtown: 7.3 km
Entry Fee? Free with purchase
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: Restaurant, bar, restrooms, showers, snorkel gear rental
Where is it? (See on map)
Money Bar is one of the most popular small beach clubs in Cozumel. They have a nice sandy area with loungers and umbrellas. To get into the water, you go down some stone steps. They’re slippery, so be careful.
You have to swim out about 50 feet to get to the reef, but you’ll see lots of fish all the way out.
Snorkel tours stop just outside the swimming area, and the guides feed the fish so they are always plentiful.
In fact, they may be a bit too plentiful! I was a bit overwhelmed when I put my face in the water and there were fish surrounding me!
I think they expected me to feed them. Once they realized I had no snacks, they went on with their business.
The food at Money Bar is really good, but definitely tourist prices. I paid $20 USD for a cheeseburger, although it was an excellent cheeseburger.
You can rent snorkel gear from a little kiosk. If you plan to rent snorkel equipment more than once, it’s definitely cheaper to buy your own set.
Playa Uvas
Distance from downtown: 8.7 km
Entry Fee? Free with purchase
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Near Paradise Condos (see on map)
Playa Uvas is a small beach next door to Playa Uvas Beach Club. There is a free area, but the beach club is inexpensive and might be worth purchasing something to use their facilities.
Playa Uvas Beach Club is actually very charming. It feels more authentic than some of the clubs. I love the Palapa bar and all the foliage. It’s a cool, welcoming area perfect for a hot day.
Playa Corona
Distance from downtown: 10.7 km
Entry Fee? Free with purchase
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: Restaurant, bar, restrooms, showers
Where is it? South of Chankanaab (see on map)
Playa Corona used to be a totally free beach, but a beach club is there now. It’s actually a really good club and worth visiting.
You can snorkel on the Chankanaab Reef, which runs offshore. Playa Corona is a fun beach club and worth a visit. You can snorkel and relax in the sun or shade all day without spending a lot of money.
Playa San Francisco
Distance from downtown: 15.1 km
Entry Fee? Free
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? No
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Next to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park (see on map)
Playa San Francisco is one of those hidden beaches. There’s a small path just south of Playa Mia. The entrance doesn’t look like an entrance at all. It appears to be a place where you aren’t supposed to go.
But it’s okay. Follow the path along to the left and you’ll come to a long beach.
When you arrive, you may see a ton of cars and scooters parked along the road and think it will be crowded. Don’t worry. It’s a long beach with many different places to lie down. Just keep walking and you’re sure to find a spot under a palm tree.
Be careful to avoid the areas with lounge chairs (unless you want to pay for them). There’s an area along here where the Fury Catamaran Tours bring their guests for lunch. Once you get to an area without any chairs, you’re good to sprawl out.
Playa San Francisco is one of the rare free sandy beaches. There can be a bit of seaweed on the beach, but when I went, it wasn’t too bad.
I took my dog with me, which seemed to be fine. There were locals there with their dogs also, so it appears to be allowed.
Playa Palancar
Distance from downtown: 19.4 km
Entry Fee? $20 entry fee
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? No
Amenities available: Restaurant, bar, restrooms, pool, water toys rentals
Where is it? Way down on the south end of the island (see on map)
Playa Palancar is arguably the most picturesque beach in Cozumel. Its sandy shores make it less suitable for snorkeling, but it remains an incredibly scenic location.
The beach club here is a bit pricier compared to others, with an entry fee of $20 per person. Unlike before, this fee is not redeemable against your food and drink purchases.
Despite this, the beach’s breathtaking beauty might still make it a worthwhile visit, even though it’s more expensive than other beaches on this list.
Playa Palancar is a bit of a journey from town. A taxi ride from the ferry terminal is priced at $400 MXN each way (approximately $23 USD). However, finding a taxi for the return trip isn’t usually a problem, as they are often available in the parking area.
Beaches on Cozumel’s East Side
The east side of Cozumel, also known as the “Wild Side” is mostly inhabited. There is no electricity on the east coast and the entire section is closed off at night. The only exception is one small hotel called Ventanas al Mar.
The water on the east side is rough and there are often dangerous rip tides. Most sections are not safe for swimming. There are, however, a few beaches where you can swim most of the time.
But never go far from shore because the current can get strong and the rip currents are unpredictable.
The east side is where you’ll find pretty much no crowds. Most cruise ship passengers stay on the west side of the island. It’s a bit of a trek to get there but it’s definitely worth it.
One thing I don’t recommend is renting a scooter to go to the east side. There are way too many terrible accidents involving scooters. Stick to a taxi or rental car.
If you take a taxi, be sure to get the driver’s phone number so you can call to get picked back up.
Most of the restaurants and bars on the east side don’t accept credit cards. Be sure to take cash in case you get hungry.
Playa San Martin
Distance from downtown: 40.5 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Sometimes when the water is calm
Good for snorkeling? No
Amenities available: None
Where is it? See on map
Playa San Martin is a lesser-known beach spot that prioritizes natural beauty over commercial frills. If peace away from the crowds is what you’re after, this is your spot.
The beach has a rustic charm without amenities but there is a small restaurant across the street. If you’re not there to eat, you can use their restrooms for $1.
Be cautious if you decide to take a dip. The open coast can have strong waves and rip currents. Unfortunately, snorkeling isn’t the best here due to the rough waters. You should be fine just getting far enough into the water to cool off.
Playa Bonita
Distance from downtown: 26.4 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? No
Amenities available: None
Where is it? See on map
Playa Bonita is another gorgeous spot on the east coast. This area is usually better for swimming with gentle waves. But still use caution since it can get rough.
There’s room to park just off the main road. You won’t find any amenities, and there isn’t much shade. But you may end up having the entire beach to yourself.
Playa Chen Rio
Distance from downtown: 20.9 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Both
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? See on map
Playa Chen Rio is perhaps the most popular east coast beach. There is a somewhat protected cove, making this is good spot for swimming and snorkeling.
In some places, there is even a rock barrier protecting a pool of water. This makes it popular with families with children, so it does get busier than other beaches on the east side.
Playa Chen Rio is close to a couple of different restaurants, so if you get hungry, you have options. The closest is Mariscos Chen Rio.
Playa Punta Morena
Distance from downtown: 18 km
Entry Fee? None
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? No
Amenities available: Restaurant, bar, loungers, hammocks, restrooms
Where is it? See on map
Playa Punta Morena is the closest east coast beach to San Miguel. It offers a unique beach club with a rustic, secluded experience.
There’s a small protected natural pool for swimming. Plus, with an on-site beachfront restaurant, you can unwind without missing out on beach club comforts.
Just note, there’s a $10 minimum to relax in their hammocks and loungers. The food at Punta Morena is fantastic, and their drinks are super strong.
If you don’t want to use any amenities, you can hang out on the beach for free.
Bonus Beach: Playa El Cielo
Distance from downtown: 25.6 km but only accessible by boat
Entry Fee? None, but you’ll have to pay for a boat to get there
Sandy or rocky? Sandy
Good for swimming? Yes
Good for snorkeling? Yes
Amenities available: None
Where is it? Just before Punta Sur Eco Park (See on map)
El Cielo has to be on the list because it’s so beautiful. You can only get there by boat. Unless you happen to have your own, that means you’ll need to book a snorkeling tour.
El Cielo is Spanish for the sky or the heavens. That’s because the sandy ocean bottom here is dotted with sea stars. You may also see giant rays swimming along.
The thing to do at El Cielo is to dive down close to a star for a photo. This photo is my best effort. I couldn’t get any closer. I guess I’m too buoyant.
El Cielito is near El Cielo and it is the place where snorkel tours stop for snacks and drinks. You’ll be standing in the crystal clear water while rays swim around your feet.
If you go snorkeling, choose a tour that stops at El Cielo.
Frequently Asked Questions: Free Beaches in Cozumel
Are Cozumel beaches free?
Technically, beaches in Mexico are supposed to be free. However, in Cozumel, many beaches will charge for access. Some beaches, however, are completely free to use.
Can you walk to the beach from the Cozumel cruise port?
The closest beach to Puerto Maya and the International Pier is Playa Caletitas, which is about a 30-minute walk from either cruise terminal.
What is the best free beach in Cozumel for snorkeling?
Cozumel’s best free beach for snorkeling has to be Playa Dzul Ha. The beach is nice and clean and the reef is just off shore.
What is the best free sandy beach in Cozumel?
The best free beach in Cozumel that is sandy is Playa San Francisco. There’s plenty of room even on busy days and palm trees for shade.
Which free beach is closest to Cozumel’s cruise port?
Playa Caletitas is closest to Puerta Maya and the International Pier. It’s about a 30-minute walk from either terminal
What’s the best free beach close to downtown Cozumel?
The free beach closest to downtown is Playa Casitas. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
What’s the best free beach on Cozumel’s west side?
The best free beach on Cozumel’s west side is Playa Dzul Ha. It has excellent snorkeling and some palm trees to sit under.
What’s the best free beach on Cozumel’s east side?
The best free beach on Cozumel’s east side is Playa Punta Morena. There are stretches of empty beaches, but also restaurants nearby.
Is Cozumel safe?
Yes, Cozumel is a very safe place. There is an extremely low rate of violent crime and only minimal petty crime.
Are Cozumel’s beaches better than Cancun’s?
Whether Cozumel or Cancun has better beaches depends on what you want. Cozumel has better snorkeling right from shore. Cancun has more white sand beaches.
Wrap-Up: Best Free Beaches in Cozumel
So there you have the best free beaches in Cozumel … and a few almost-free beaches.
Whether you’re here on a cruise ship, taking a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, or staying for a while, you won’t run out of beaches to visit.
As a person who loves beaches but who is also very thrifty (okay, cheap), I recommend paying a little bit for the beach clubs so you can use their amenities. At places like the Money Bar, there is no minimum amount. As long as you buy something, you’ll be fine.
But if you just want to jump in the water for a quick swim or snorkel, one of the totally free beaches will do the job.
Related Posts
- Best Places to Snorkel in Cozumel
- Best Snorkel Tours in Cozumel
- Best Tequila Tours in Cozumel
- Cozumel Pronunciation – How to Sound Like a Local
- What Not to Do in Cozumel: 15 Things to Avoid
- Navigating Cozumel Airport: The Complete Guide
- Legal Drinking Age in Cozumel: All the Facts
- Best Beach Bars in Cozumel
- Is Cozumel Safe?
- Best Time to Visit Cozumel: Month-by-Month Guide
- Best Places For Ziplining in Cozumel
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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.
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