Public Beaches In Cozumel
Free Public Beaches In Cozumel, Mexico
Everyone wants to find the best beach in Cozumel, but I personally don’t always want to pay $20 just to get close to the ocean, so I want beach hunting.
Not everyone wants big crowds, expensive drinks, bland food or all the amenities (pool, chairs and toys). Some of us just want to put out a towel and read or relax peacefully. Well, i’ve got you covered with the list of Cozumels FREE Public beaches.
Imagine someone says “hey this beach in Cozumel is free” but when you get there they ask for $20 entrance fee. Well not with my blog, let’s dive in.
Are Beaches in Cozumel Public?
Yes, every beach in Cozumel is technically public by Mexican federal law but that doesn’t mean you can just walk onto it, keep reading. No person or entity can own the sand or water extending from the ocean up to the highest tide line (approx 20ft) it’s federal public property.
This means you have the legal right to walk, swim, and sunbathe on this strip of sand anywhere on the island. This universal public right is a crucial fact for visitors to know, but it’s only part of the truth.
Are Beaches In Cozumel Free?
Generally, no, many of the most desirable beaches are not “free” for the purpose visitors accessing them how you would think. There are Free beaches with Public access, you just have to know where to look. But, remember public and free are different. Before I tell you about the beaches let me clear up the confusion.
West side of Cozumel beach
The confusion is access to the beach. Resorts, beach clubs, and restaurants own the surrounding land between the road and water which is where we would normally park and walk up to access the beach.
View Cozumel Taxi Rates 2026
So these Cozumel beach clubs often charge a “entry fee” or enforce a minimum consumption to grant you access to their property. This is what Playa Palancar now does. These are the prime beach areas (on the east side of the island) and that’s why they charge.
There are handful of beaches that are genuinely 100% free, meaning you can walk right onto the sand without passing through a business or paying anything are the true hidden gems. Remember, these don’t have amenities like restrooms, chairs, or shade, and I list them for you below.
Free Beaches In Cozumel
These beaches have free public access to anyone and offer safe swimming when the water is calm. They’re ideal for travelers visiting Cozumel on a budget or looking for free things to do in cozumel without breaking the bank just to swim.
Playa Casitas Beach
Cost: free
Distance From Port: 3 miles
The beach entrance
This is a small free public beach open for anyone. It’s at the northern end of the island just right outside town next to the airport. This is the #1 choice for cruise passengers looking for beaches near Cozumel cruise port. It’s also one of the few on the East side of Cozumel which means calmer waters!
Playa Casitas beach
I recommend you bring food, a towel and snorkel gear. This beach it’s great for getting some peace and quiet. Because of it’s distance from the cruise port (12 minutes) it’s less busy than others but one public and free of the Cozumel beach options.
The church across from Playa Casitas
Tourists have said they drive past it and missed the entrance. So look for this church, you won’t be able to miss it. The beach is on your left coming from downtown.
It doesn’t have sand like you would prefer. It’s rocky which is common here but there are places to get some shade and food isn’t far of you decide your hungry.
Playa San Martin
Cost: Free
Distance from port: 34km
This is a great place for a peaceful break away, but keep in mind it is further than Casitas. San Martin is located on the east side of the island (opposite to cruise port) so you will need to take a taxi or rent a vehicle.
Known as the 7-miles of virgin beach it’s A large open public beach. Waves can be stronger here, so check conditions — but on calmer days, it’s a wide, gorgeous place to swim with lots of space. There is also a bar & Grill within walking distance of you get hungry and also bathrooms shown in the photo below.
This side of the island is WINDY be prepared and check the wind before
Remember this beach requires you to get there and back, so it’s not recommend for cruise pass.egera bit id your port call is longer then 3 hours you can absolutely do it. It’s also a great addition to a private tour that you can get by hiring pretty much any a taxi driver. The tours will include some of the things I mention in my article fun things to do linked above.
Playa Chen Río
Cost: Free
Distance from port: 28km
About 4 miles down the road from San Martin is Playa Chen Rio Beach. This is the most popular beach in Cozumel for multiple reasons. It’s Free, has a area protected from rough waves and has good nearby. Lots of locals and tourist come here for a break away.
I don’t recommend this beach for cruise passengers because it would take up to much of your time for travel. This beach is great for people taking a day trip from playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The location and transportation needed makes it ideal for people with their own vehicle or multi- day vacations in cozumel.
It’s busy and popular. Located on the west side and known for its rock-protected natural pools that break the waves and create safe swimming pockets. One of the best options for a public beach on the east side with added protection.
Playa Palancar. Popular
Cost: Free *No longer Free*
This beach is located on the southern most west side of the island furthest away from the cruise port. They are a beach club yes, but they are one of the few no entrance fee beach clubs in Cozumel. Also among the most popular public beaches with some of the calmest water on the west side. Recent research shows that Palancar beach club changed their policy and now require visitors to spend at least 200 pesos ($16 usd) and the access is free.
You can just hop a taxi and head down. With a massive rock free swimming area palancar beach is great for swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, and escaping crowds while still having optional paid amenities nearby if you change your mind
Playa San Francisco
Cost: Free w/ $20 food purchase
Although its surrounded by beach clubs, the shoreline itself is public. The water here is typically very calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming and families.
Parasailing Near San Francisco Beach – see prices
*NOTE: Don’t get this confused with our Jer asking Cozumel location within San Francisco Beach Club. The free beach itself is further down. See photo.
Beaches Near Cozumel Cruise Port
There are only two beaches within walking distance from Cozumel cruise ports. These don’t require you to take a taxi or rent a care. I list three other beaches slightly further that have free beach access too
- Caletita Beach: The absolute closest beach, generally walkable (approx. 0.1 miles). Best for a quick dip or short visit, but note it is rocky and has limited services.
- El Cid La Ceiba Hotel: Located right by the International Cruise Terminal (0.1 – 0.5 miles, walkable). Offers the quickest access to calm water and lounge chairs if you secure a day pass.
- Money Bar Beach Club: A very short taxi ride (1 – 1.5 miles, 5 minutes) from the main piers. An excellent, convenient option known for its great snorkeling right off the shore, with full-service food and drinks
Best Public Beach In Cozumel
The best Public beach for swimming in Cozumel is Chen Rio (about a half km south of Coconut’s.) The public access is right before El Pescador.
This public swimming area has a small tidal pool and a nice beach that makes it safe for families. This is the spot for a completely free and natural experience on the island’s.
Travel details to Chen Rio from cruise port
- Distance: Approximately 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 km) from the main cruise ports (Puerta Maya or International Pier).
- Travel Time: The drive typically takes about 25 minutes one-way, as it requires crossing the island
- Cost: For a taxi ride from the cruise port to Chen Rio you can expect to pay $30-$35
Keep in mind majority of cozumel’s shoreline is Rock so public swimming places are few and far between. Be aware that the East Side is known for large waves and strong currents, which is largely my reason for writing this blog as a part of my is Cozumel safe for tourists series. Looking for beaches close to the Cozumel’s cruise port. Keep reading.
Not all beaches have lifeguards. Be carefully and look for danger flags
Where To Eat Near Chen Rio
If you choose Chen Rio to swim from our list of free access beaches in Cozumel, I HIGHLY suggest you don’t pass up the chance to experience Coconuts Bar & Grill. It’s Just down the road like 1 mile.
They have lots of animals like a small zoo, and you get the chance to eat on a cliff overlooking the ocean! This is an adult bar families are ok eating there but be cautious most customers are adults and that’s what the staff are used to dealing with.
With over 2k Google reviews and a 4.5 star rating Coconuts Bar & Grill is a must see place. It’s super cool even just walking up to the bar. It’s like your favorite small bar back home with tons of history and memories only this one has love animals.
What is The Nicest Beach In Cozumel
The “nicest” beach in Cozumel is Playa Palancar. Remember, palancar is no longer free, but it is still a top choice for a large beach with a relaxing atmosphere. It’s busy but less crowded than other beaches. While Paradise Beach is ideal for those seeking amenities like water sports, pools, and food service. For snorkeling, both Playa Corona and the accessible reef at Playa Palancar are excellent options.
Best Beach For Snorkeling In Cozumel
The best beach for snorkeling in Cozumel is Money Bar Beach. This is the top public swimming area chosen for frequent snorkelers and is also a free public access beach. Don’t get it mixed up with the beach club entrance. Specifically the small sandy area to the right of the beach club access.
- Dzul-Ha a.k.a “Money Bar This is one of the best shore-access snorkeling spots on the island. It has a reef close to shore, easy water entry, shallow water, and abundant marine life even without a boat.
- Playa Corona – Is named among top snorkeling beaches from shore. It has a small reef relatively close to the shore, good clarity, and accessible without extensive boat travel or fees.
- Playa Palancar – Is commonly suggested as one of the best beaches in Cozumel and also for it’s snorkeling area — though much of the reef is accessed by boat; the shore-entry snorkeling may be limited depending on conditions.
Some of the best snorkeling spots (reefs) require boat access — for example deeper reefs like those in marine-park zones or off-shore reef systems. For these ultimate experience consider booking our all inclusive Cozumel snorkel tour.
Our snorkel tours start at $75 and range from 1-3 hours. Each include a trip to El Cielo reef after stopping at 2 other coral reefs. The snorkel excursion is literally unforgettable once you see just how clear the water is. See images from our tour below.
No matter which of the public beaches in Cozumel mexico you choose, remember that not all public access points are patrolled by lifeguards, so always stay vigilant, use the buddy system, and know how to spot the dangers of rip tides.
Beach Swimming Safety
Swimming in the waters of Cozumel Mexico is generally considered safe, but now is probably to tell you about our article with tips on what not to do in Cozumel mexico. I have to warn you, in my many trips to the island, I’ve encountered some things that I think you should know about before you set off.
Beach Facts To Remember
There a couple things you should consider before choosing your beach here they are
- Sandy Beaches are sparse – Most of the northern island is rocky. More than 50% of the beaches in this list have rocks requiring water shoes for safety.
- West vs East – Beaches on the west are calm, closer to the ports and offer more amenities. It’s also where 90% of beach clubs are. The east side is furthest from cozumel’s cruise ports, usually windy and is less developed. Rip tides are a big danger learn more about them below.
- 100% Free Beaches – There are only three truly free beaches the rest are creative in how you access them.
Dangers of Beach Swimming
The island’s waters are home to a variety of marine species from the uncommon sea urchins, to my worst fear. Jellyfish, coral reefs, and the many creatures living around them. Explore our post to learn more about dangerous animals in Cozumel.
