Cozumel, Mx

We’ve been in Playa for a year and a half, and while we have incredible beaches right in our backyard, Cozumel offers a completely different vibe. We caught the first ferry from the downtown pier at 8:00 AM to make sure we had a full day to explore. It’s only a 40-minute ride across the channel, but as soon as you step off and see the giant golden swallow statues at the terminal, you know you’re on island time. One of the best parts about Cozumel is that, because of where the island is positioned, you don't have to deal with the sargasso that can sometimes hit the mainland.
 

The water here is legendary—crystal clear with visibility that can reach 200 feet. While most people come for the world-class diving on the Mesoamerican Reef, the island is actually the third largest in Mexico, being about 30 miles long. Walking isn't really an option once you leave the ferry area, so you'll want to rent a scooter, a buggie, or a Jeep to really see the coast.
 

Buccanos Beach Clubs
We spent one of our days at Buccanos Beach Club. It’s one of those spots where you can just park the family for the day and let the kids be kids while you enjoy the view. The water is calm and perfect for snorkeling right off the shore. If you're looking for other spots, Sky Reef is another solid choice because they don't charge an entrance fee as long as you're ordering food and drinks.
 

Chulas Pool Party and Beach Bar
On a different day, we headed over to Chulas Pool Party and Beach Bar. This was a huge hit with the kids because of their floating play areas. They have these inflatable sections out in the shallow water where the kids can climb, jump, and play while staying cool. The water is shallow and warm enough that you don't have to worry about deep drops, which makes it much easier to relax and actually enjoy a drink while they burn off some energy.
 

Exploring the Coast
If you have a rental, make sure to drive down to Punta Sur, the southernmost tip of the island. There’s a $16 entrance fee, but it covers a lot—including a lighthouse you can climb for 360-degree views and a boat tour of the Colombia Lagoon where you can spot crocodiles and diverse birdlife. We also hit Chen Rio on the east side, which is one of the few spots on that side of the island with a sandy beach and calm enough water for swimming thanks to the natural rock barriers.
 

Skip the Trial and Error
Cozumel is a big island, and if you don't know which beach clubs have the best kids' setups or where to find the calmest water for snorkeling, you can waste a lot of your day just driving around. I’ve done the legwork so you don't have to.
 

I’m building out full weekend itineraries and private, family-tailored tours to help you experience the best of the island without the stress. Whether you want a door-to-door private excursion or a curated plan for your own scooter adventure, I can get you set up.