Adrian Ortega drives a taxi in Cozumel, Mexico and he's seen tourists do just about everything you could imagine, including plenty of mistakes.

Royal Caribbean cruises regularly visit Cozumel, Mexico on so many of their sailings, and with the cruise line poised to open a beach club there soon, even more tourists will be going there.

Cozumel is one of the more well-established Caribbean cruise ports you can visit. It has so many things you could do, and Mr. Ortega shared with me the things tourists should and should not do while they visit.

While having so many choices of what you can do is a good problem to have, it's easy to choose the wrong kind of experience leading to disappointment.

Here's what he recommends anyone visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship should do for a great visit.

Don't rent a scooter

When I asked Adrian what mistakes he sees tourists making, he didn't hesitate to immediately call out renting a scooter as a major potential problem.

As a taxi driver, he drives all around the island of Cozumel, and those scooter rentals have lead to a lot of tragedies.

The issue is a lot of people don't know how to drive them properly, and it leads to many accidents.

He's seen lots of scooters going down the wrong direction on a street, which is not only illegal, but causes accidents.

These accidents cause not only damage to the scooter, but injuries to the tourists involved.  Road rash and more severe injuries are common with these vehicles.

Skip the first tour opportunity you see

Another mistake he sees tourists making are overpaying for tours around the island.

"If they want a tour, maybe don't take the first one, because normally the first one inside the cruise ship, is the highest price," he explained.

There are shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean that take guests around the island and that will cost a premium to go through the cruise line.

He estimates if a tour offered on the ship or in the port area costs $200 for 3 or 4 hours, that same tour could be had by an independent guide for around $100-130.

How to find reputable tour guides in Cozumel

Adrian's advice of going with a local guide is a good suggestion, but I'm sure many reading this would want to know how to find a good tour guide.

When you walk around Cozumel, there are many drivers offering tours of Cozumel.  It can be daunting to know who to pick.

Adrian's recommendation is to look for a few important details in any driver:

• Make sure the taxi has a taxi license plate or a printed license inside the cab to be a taxi guide
• Make sure the guide can speak English well

"It's going to be uh sure a boring tour because nobody can speak each other," he explained why it's important to work with someone that speaks English well.

If you'd like to contact Adrian, his phone number is +52 987 564 5430. We make no promises or guarantee about Adrian or his work, but you can contact him at your own risk.

His favorite beaches in Cozumel

Which beaches would Adrian recommend to someone spending the day in Cozumel?

He really likes the beaches on the western side of the island because of how sandy their beaches are. They don't have pools or other facilities, but he likes to go for the serenity it has.

"In my opinion, I prefer go there because it's more private for you. You only pay what you eat, what you drink, and you can stay at the beach the whole day."

However, if you want more facilities with your beach day, he prefers Paradise Beach, "Paradise Beach I think is the best beach club in the island."

He also really likes Playa Palancar Beach Club, or Chankanaab.

Where not to go in Cozumel

I asked which places he hears from tourists they didn't like, and he stressed it's important to go to a beach that has the amenities you care about.

He used Skyreef Beach Club as an example because it's great if you want to snorkel, but a bad choice for a sandy beach day because of how rocky it is.

Don't eat at the restaurants near the port

Cozumel has a lot of restaurants, but the ones near the port are usually overpriced.

He says the restaurants downtown are going to be less expensive.  The more you're willing to venture into town, the better the prices.

One issue with eating off the beaten path is going to be the language barrier. He said there's probably less English being spoken there, but as long as you have the basic phrases, you should be fine.

Eat at the better restaurants in town

I asked Adrian for his favorite restaurants in Cozumel.

Adrian's top choices are:

• La Monina
• Casa Mission
• La Mission
• La Choza

Piggybacking on his earlier advice of getting a guide for the day, drivers should know which restaurants are the best and help you with navigating any language barriers that exist there.

"In my opinion, take a tour guide for the whole day. It's going to be a little more expensive, but they know the recommendations of which places are the best go to go and everything."

Try the seafood

Mexican cuisine can be quite varied, so I asked Adrian what food is the best when in Cozumel.

"Seafood," he replied quickly.

Cozumel has a large fishing operation, and the best restaurants source fresh fish in their restaurants.

He's a fan of the fresh caught octopus or sea snails as two foods worth trying while in Cozumel.

I thought I knew all the great beach spots to visit in Cozumel until I kept seeing people recommend a beach club I'd never heard of before.

Cozumel is known for a great beach day, and I've sampled plenty of them.

On a recent visit to this island in Mexico, I wanted to try something different and I was enticed by the overwhelming recommendations to try Buccanos.

I joined a Facebook group that's dedicated to all things Cozumel, and I was surprised by how many people consistently recommend Buccanos over places I had heard of (and been to) many times before.

Part of the reason I didn't know about Buccanos is that it's located on the north end of the island, closer to the hotels.  Most cruise ship visitors opt to go to the beaches on the southern side of the island.

But it seemed all the recommendations were coming from people that live in Cozumel, and that caught my attention.

Getting there takes a few minutes longer

If you're visiting Cozumel on a cruise ship, a taxi will get you to any beach club.

Except for Del Mar Latino Beach Club or El Cid, you're probably taking a taxi to find a beach spot. 

To get to the north side of town, the taxi will go through downtown and past the airport.  There's not usually much traffic, so it took us about 15 minutes each way.  The cost of the taxi for 3 of us was $20 each way.

Buccanos is pay as you go instead of all-inclusive

The first thing I noticed was unlike so many of the popular beach clubs in Couzmel, it wasn't all-inclusive.

All-inclusive pricing is great if you're a big eater and drinker, but sometimes I'm not in that mood.  Plus, I feel my kids never eat or drink enough to break even on their cost.

The entry cost is 400 mx per person, which is about $20.  That cost goes towards any food or drink you order while there.

There's a pool and beach, with seating around both.  Most of the seating is centered near the beach, but the distance between the beach and pool is perhaps 20 steps.

Seating is on a first-come basis. I arrived right at opening, so I could have any spot. Because we were there in January when it wasn't very hot, the club never got too busy and there were seats available.

The vibe is very much chill and enjoy being on the beach

Very quickly it became apparent that this place was all about relaxing.

Every beach club in Cozumel that I've been to has a different style to it, and Buccanos is more mellow than others. There are no inflatables to climb in the ocean, there's no DJ or party music, and it's not a massive operation either.

Kids are allowed here, and the few that visited on the same day I did were in the pool because the surf was a little rough.

There's waiters who come by your chair periodically to see if you need anything, but it's very much about relaxing and enjoying being in or around the water.

The food quality was amazing

If there's one thing I was really impressed by at Buccanos, it was the presentation of the food offered.

Everything is priced a la carte, so you only pay for what you order.  I started off with guacamole, and because I was feeling peckish, I also ordered the avocado toast.

Most beach clubs have decent food, but it's not going to be sit down restaurant quality.  This was served as if I was at a resort restaurant.

Both plates were huge and well beyond what I expected in terms of quality.

We also ordered a bucket of beers to share, along with a bloody mary to have in the morning.

The prices aren't super cheap, but at least the food quality matches what you pay.  I've been to resort day passes in other countries where you definitely overpay for what you get.

At lunch, we opted to eat at the nearby restaurant instead of at the beach.  This was because the bird situation was too annoying for my taste.  If you turn your back for a second, a bird will swoop in to get your food.

Since we were in Mexico, we ordered fish tacos and shrimp/beef burritos.

Once again, great quality of food.  Our lunch order took a while to come out, but I suspect it was because everyone else was trying to eat lunch at the same time too and the food isn't mass produced.

In total, we paid $132 before tip for 3 people to enjoy a bucket of beers, one cocktail, guacamole, avocado toast, tacos, 2 burritos, and a soda.

Buccanos is a good spot for a beach day without much else

I enjoyed our visit to Buccanos, and quickly saw what all those locals liked about it.

To be fair, I think the locals prefer Buccanos because they can drop in for a bite to eat, beer, and sit by the water.  Perhaps they aren't investing all day like one might at another beach club.

Without a doubt, the food quality was better at Buccanos than any other beach club I've been to in Cozumel.  

The fact it's priced a la carte means you could stop in for half a day, allowing some time downtown to shop and then head to the beach to cool off.

If you're looking for a party vibe, adults-only experience, or lots for kids to do, this isn't the spot for you. This is where you want to go to have beer, admire the view of the ocean, and top it off with a great lunch.

If your cruise ship is visiting Cozumel, Mexico than there's a good chance you're interested in visiting Paradise Beach.

For over a decade, Paradise Beach was one of my top spots to visit while in Cozumel because it offered a white sand beach and pool, at a good price. 

I think most people that are looking for a beach day in any port want somewhere that has good amenities, conveniently located, and is priced reasonably.

There are dozens of beach resorts you can visit in Cozumel, and each has their pros and cons.  It can be overwhelming to find the right one for your family.

When Paradise Beach approached me to partner with this site, I jumped at the chance to go back to a favorite spot and re-visit it to see how it stacks up today and what the all-inclusive access program is all about.

Paradise Beach is a private beach resort that you book on your own (it's not available through Royal Caribbean).

Disclaimer: Paradise Beach invited me to visit on their behalf and provided complimentary access to their beach.  I've been to Paradise Beach around 10 times or more on my own, and my opinions remain my own.

Admission types

Paradise Beach has two ways to enjoy your day there: a la carte or all-inclusive.

The all-inclusive is their most popular option where you pay one price for unlimited food, drink, and pool and beach access.  

The cost of a Paradise Beach all-inclusive pass are:

• Adults: $67 per person
• Teens (12-17): $47 per person
• Kids (5-11): $41 per person
• Infants (0-4): Free

Alternatively, there's an a la carte day pass that costs $10 per person with a minimum consumption of $10 US per person to use our facilities.

Prior to this visit, I had always done the a la carte option because of the flexibility it provided in that my kids rarely "break even" on any all-inclusive pass I've been to in the Caribbean.  Moreover, I like the idea of exploring Cozumel and then when it gets too hot, taking a taxi to Paradise Beach for a beach day to cool off in the afternoon.

However, the all-inclusive option makes it simple and it's clearly what a lot of cruisers are looking for in their visit to Cozumel. 

In addition to both fare types, there are extra add-ons you can purchase: beach bed cabanas, hair braiding, spa massages, and a $18 fun pass that includes all the water inflatables, trampolines, beach floats, and more.

Paradise Beach has offered a special rate just for Royal Caribbean Blog readers!

If you use the promo code RCBLOG, you can save 10% off new bookings made through May 31, 2024 on any trip through December 31, 2024.

What you can do in Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is comprised of three major areas.

When you check-in, you'll be guided to your chairs for the day.  You'll have the choice of whichever chairs are available on a first-come, first-claimed basis. You'll have two waiters assigned to you, who can take any food or drink orders you like.

You can go between the pool and beach as you like, but your assigned waiters are who can assist you.

As you walk in, you'll see the pool first.  The pool at Paradise Beach is massive, and it's also heated.  These are two things you won't find at other Cozumel beach resorts.

The size of the pool is a welcome perk, as there's more than enough space even on the busiest of days. 

There's shallow seating, deeper water, and in-water loungers.

Beyond the pool is the sprawling beach. Lots of sand, loungers, and sea water to enjoy.

Paradise Beach has a reputation for offering many amenities beyond just the beach, and I think the beach inflatables are the most well-known.

These inflatables are a challenge and thrill for guests of all ages, but I think kids tend to gravitate towards them the most.  

It costs $18 per person extra to access the inflatables. When I took my kids one on visit it's when I quickly realized I'm not as limber as I used to be.  Nonetheless, the kids loved climbing, jumping, splashing, and then doing it all over again.

You'll also find a couple of bars around the resort.  While there is not a swim-up bar, there's a bar near the pool, as well as bars with swings at the beach.

There's also bathrooms that the resort prides itself on being clean, as well as changing rooms, and lockers you can rent ($4 each).

Paradise Beach amenities

• Beach access
• Pool access
• Lounge chairs and umbrellas
• All you can eat and drink
• Free high-speed WiFi
• Restrooms
• Changing rooms

Food and drinks at Paradise Beach

I have a pet peeve about going to Mexico and not getting better Mexican food than I can get at home.  So I expect any beach resort in Mexico to have great good choices.

Paradise Beach has a large menu, which means you're going to find a wide selection of Mexican fare.

Tacos, burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas, there's plenty and it was all cooked freshly.

The guacamole was clearly made that day (and not out of a jar), along with salsa that had a good amount of spice to it.

We tried burritos, tacos, fajitas and more.  By far, I think their tacos are the best food item they have.  In fact, there's a taco truck between the pool and beach that cook up fantastic tacos you can order from your waiter or right from the truck.

Paradise Beach also prides itself on its top shelf liquor. You'll find name brand liquors, as well as Mexican beers and more. 

I've been to a number of beach pass resorts in Cozumel where well alcohol is served, and it can best be described as "gasoline" in terms of its smoothness.  No such problem at Paradise Beach!

Comments

I've tried a lot of beach resorts in Cozumel, but Paradise Beach remains at the top of my recommended list because of the variety of options and value offered.

First and foremost, I love their giant pool because of how nice it is and the fact it's heated.  Nearly every other beach resort in Cozumel has a small pool that can be downright frigid in the winter months. 

The pool at Paradise Beach is heated, and I can always find a spot to hang.  The staff will bring you drinks right to the pool's edge, and it's my favorite spot.  Admittedly, I prefer the pool over the beach.

The beach is large enough that you can find a spot for your family, and the sand is quite soft.

I've also recommended Paradise Beach because of their a la carte option, where you can drop in for just a few hours. It's also really nice if you're not a big drinker and can't "break even" on the all-inclusive price.

The downside to the a la carte option is you can't make a reservation, so you have to hope there's room for you.

If there's a downside to visiting here, it's that it's no secret that Paradise Beach exists and it can be busy.  Paradise Beach has a maximum capacity of around 800, and while it may not get close to that number on the day you visit, it certainly won't be a private retreat for your family.

Nonetheless, I think the variety of activities and reasonable price for its all-inclusive option make it a great choice for couples, families, and groups looking for a fun day with great service.

In fact, the waiter service is very good with some waiters having been working at Paradise Beach for many years. The owner has been there since the beginning, and it's clear they want their customers to return over and over again.

Ultimately, I like the variety of ways to spend your day at a reasonable price. Their food quality and drink menu stand out, and the beach's close proximity to where Royal Caribbean's cruise ships dock is convenient.

How does Paradise Beach compare to other popular Cozumel beach passes

Inevitably, everyone wants to know how Paradise Beach compares to the beach days you can find elsewhere on Cozumel.

It's a subjective question, but having been to the top ones, here's how I would rank each versus Paradise Beach.

Nachi Cocom

Nachi Cocom has a far lower limited capacity, which is it's best feature.

However, Nachi's pool is tiny and cold, and their liquor selection limited compared to Paradise.

There's also no floats or other kid-friendly amenities in the ocean that may leave families with less to do.

Mr. Sanchos

Mr. Sanchos has ocean floats and multiple pools with swim-up bars.

On my last visit, their WiFi did not work at all, and I found their food to be subpar. 

How to get to Paradise Beach

It is a short drive from where Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock in Cozumel, perhaps 10 minutes by taxi.

When you exit the Cozumel port, look for the taxi stand and ask to go to Paradise Beach. 

There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Paradise Beach to take you back, and the staff are happy to call you a taxi should there not be on that meets your needs.

I travel for food, and I’ve just found the best Caribbean cruise port for foodies: Cozumel, Mexico.

Mexican food is among the world’s most popular cuisines for a reason: it’s fresh, flavorful, diverse, and spicy. After all, who doesn’t love chips, guacamole, and tacos?

And although Cozumel is best known for its beaches and world-renowned scuba diving, I decided to plan a self-guided food tour on my recent cruise ship port day.

The plan was simple: find the most delicious, authentic Mexican restaurants in Cozumel for breakfast, lunch, and dessert. Yet with only 8 hours in port before my cruise ship would depart the island, I knew I had to strategize to find the best food in such a short amount of time.

Follow me on a self-guided food tour in Cozumel, which will surely inspire you to eat your way around Mexico on your next Caribbean cruise. I hope you’re hungry!

Getting to downtown Cozumel

If you’re visiting Cozumel on a cruise, there are two main cruise terminals: the Langosta pier, located right downtown, and the International Cruise Terminal, located three miles south of downtown.

Royal Caribbean ships dock at the International terminal, so we paid $8 one-way for a taxi from the port to downtown. For convenience, I had the taxi driver drop us off at Parque Benito Juárez, the main square in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel.

From here, countless restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance, and the square is a relaxing place to spend time throughout the day.

After a brief walk around the square, it was time to check off our first item of the day: breakfast.

Breakfast

Tacos and enchiladas may get all the attention when it comes to Mexican cuisine, but Mexican breakfast is severely underrated. Whether sweet pastries or hearty plates of eggs, tortillas, and salsa, you can’t go wrong with breakfast in Mexico.

Here are some of the best breakfast dishes to try when you visit Cozumel:

• Chilaquiles: tortilla chips simmered in a red or green sauce, often served with eggs or chicken
• Huevos rancheros: fried eggs placed over crispy corn tortillas and topped with a red salsa
• Huevos divorciados: a form of huevos rancheros drenched in green salsa on one side and red on the other
• Huevos motuleños: A Yucatán specialty of fried eggs on tortillas served with black beans, cheese, ham, and peas
• Concha: a sweet, fluffy bread topped with a crackly crust that resembles a seashell

Mexican breakfast is, by far, my favorite type of food to eat in Mexico. There are countless restaurants offering breakfast downtown, but I settled on La Candela, a breakfast and lunch restaurant located just a few blocks from the city center.

The ambiance of the restaurant was charming, with a palapa-style roof and open-air patio. I ordered the chilaquiles—my favorite Mexican dish—while my dad ordered huevos divorciados.

Both dishes far exceeded my expectations. In fact, the chilaquiles were the best, most flavorful chilaquiles I’ve ever had. I'm still dreaming about them a week later!

Of course, you can’t enjoy breakfast without a fresh-squeezed jugo de naranja (orange juice).

In total, we spent 300 pesos ($16 USD) on breakfast.

Food markets

After breakfast, we wanted to continue checking out Cozumel’s food scene, so we headed to the Mercado Municipal, just an 8 minute walk from Parque Benito Juárez.

From the incredible aroma of barbecued beef and chili peppers to the more... unpleasant odor in the raw meat aisles, Cozumel’s main food market immediately ignites all of your senses.

Although not the biggest open-air market I’ve been to in Mexico, the Mercado Municipal boasts restaurants, produce and meat stalls, a candy shop, and aisles of convenience stores.

Walking through the market can be an excellent way to learn more about daily life in Cozumel while sampling various dishes, candies, and fruits.

We couldn’t pass up the chance to try Mexican candies, and purchased a few for 60 pesos ($3 USD).

We walked back to Cozumel’s waterfront and enjoyed the candies with an ocean view. This is an excellent place for people watching and enjoying the sea breeze in between your Cozumel food tour.

Lunch

Despite our goals of trying as much food as possible during our 8 hour port day, we faced one problem: we were still full from breakfast! To pass the time, we headed to the Museo de Cozumel, a museum with artifacts and information on the island’s history, geography, and culture.

The entrance fee was only $7 USD per person, and I was impressed by the museum’s exhibits and technology, which gave me a new understanding and appreciation of the island. Of course, the air conditioning was a nice touch, too!

Hungry once again, we were back on Cozumel’s streets in search of lunch. On our way to the market earlier in the morning, we passed many small, unassuming restaurants and decided to head that way again.

A quick Google Maps search led me to Las Flamitas, a local spot just a few blocks from the Mercado Municipal. The first thing I noticed as I approached the restaurant was a nonchalant chalkboard with a list of daily specials, and I took that as a good sign.

Our waiters were exceptionally friendly at Las Flamitas, and we started the meal with a refreshing bottle of Fresca soda followed by a comforting bowl of chicken soup, which came included with our meal.

For our main courses, I ordered enchiladas with green salsa and my dad ordered chicken fajitas. Just as we hoped, both dishes were flavorful, fresh, and satisfying, although we found it a bit funny that the fajitas were served with a side of spaghetti!

In total, we spent 280 pesos on lunch, or $15 USD, and I’d definitely come back to Las Flamitas again.

Bakeries

In the mood for something sweet? Cozumel has you covered, and the moment I stumbled upon La Cozumeleña bakery, I knew I had to pick up some pan dulce.

Like Mexican breakfast, Mexican bakeries are highly underrated, but once you try the diverse assortment of baked goods—from savory empanadas to fruit-filled cakes—it’s easy to become addicted.

I settled on three items: a coconut empanada, guava and cheese empanada, and oatmeal-cinnamon cookie. The coconut empanada was the clear winner, but you can’t go wrong with any Mexican bakery item!

Street food stalls

Our final stop of the day was back to Parque Benito Juárez, where we had one final goal: street food.

If there’s anything that gets me excited about tasting new cuisines, it’s street food, but I was disappointed to see only a few street food stalls during my day in town. I may have been in the wrong area or perhaps the street food scene is more active at night, but I expected to see more food carts around downtown.

Nonetheless, my plan was to find a street food stall selling marquesitas, a dessert native to Mexico’s Yucatán state. These sweet snacks are made by rolling a thin crepe like a taco and filling it with caramel, condensed milk, edam cheese, and other optional ingredients like fresh fruits or jam.

Unfortunately, my search for marquesitas in downtown Cozumel left me empty handed, as most of the street stalls I saw were not open.

I was still determined to grab dessert from one of Cozumel’s food stands, though, so I continued walking around the park looking for something to eat.

This is when I made perhaps the best discovery of the day: a machacado de frutas.

In a corner of Parque Benito Juárez, in front of the Fat Tuesday bar, I noticed an older gentleman attending to his food cart (attached to a tricycle, might I add), and I was immediately intrigued.

The cart was stacked with bananas and a variety of colorful syrups along with cans of condensed milk and jars of cinnamon. Even with these context clues, I had no idea what this local man sold at his cart, so I decided to ask.

“¿Qué tipo de comida es esta?” What type of food is this?

“Machacado,” he responded kindly.

His answer left me even more confused. I had never heard of this dessert before (was it even a dessert?). Unlike churros, flan, and tres leches cake, the word 'machacado' had never appeared in any Spanish textbook, YouTube video, or articles I’ve seen about Mexican food.

Needless to say, l couldn’t say no to my curiosity, and he began preparing me the best dessert I’ve ever tasted in Mexico.

First came the mashing of two bananas, which were placed in the bottom of a large plastic cup. Next was a generous scooping of crushed ice, followed by a layer of creamy sweetened condensed milk. The dessert was topped with a drizzle of vanilla syrup, which soaked into the ice below, and a liberal dash of cinnamon.

I handed the gentlemen 30 pesos (roughly $1.60 USD) and I was on my way.

I had never tasted anything quite like this dessert before. It felt as if I were eating a homemade cinnamon roll coated in a thick layer of icing and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

It was everything I could have ever dreamed of in a dessert, and even my dad, who had just proclaimed he ‘couldn’t eat another bite of food,’ kept sipping away at his machacado.

My tips on planning a food tour in Cozumel

If you’re a foodie who’s interested in discovering Mexican cuisine, I can’t recommend planning a food tour enough. Cozumel certainly has gorgeous beaches, but walking the colorful streets downtown and trying a variety of local restaurants was, by far, the best day I’ve had on the island yet.

Here are my top tips for planning your own food tour in Cozumel:

Self-guided versus with a guide

I planned a self-guided tour in Cozumel because I value the flexibility of exploring without a schedule and choosing the restaurants myself. However, if you’re more comfortable with a local guide, you can book guided food tours on websites such as Tripadvisor and Viator.

A guided tour will likely provide you with more knowledge about Cozumel’s cuisine and take you to areas you might otherwise not visit yourself. On the downside, these tours will be more expensive than planning the day on your own.

Cozumel 4 You Facebook Page

A valuable resource I used when planning this tour was the Cozumel 4 You Facebook Page. This page is a hub of information on Cozumel with restaurant recommendations and ideas on how to spend your day on the island.

What to do in between eating on your food tour

An unexpected problem we encountered during our day-long food tour was not feeling hungry. If you’re planning a full day of eating in Cozumel, you’ll run into the same problem, so it’s helpful to know what to do in between meals.

I recommend visiting the Museo de Cozumel, sitting by the waterfront, and walking around various shops downtown to pass the time.

A variety of coffee shops are located throughout downtown as well, including the popular Aqui + Ahora Coffee Bar, and this can be a nice way to spend time throughout the day.

Download offline maps

While Cozumel’s downtown is walkable, having Google Maps on your phone can help you better navigate to your destination.

If you don’t have international cell phone coverage in Mexico, be sure to download an offline version of downtown Cozumel in Google Maps to allow for easy access when your phone is on airplane mode.

Pay with Mexican pesos instead of US dollars

While most places in Cozumel will accept US dollars, it's easier to pay with pesos, especially if you're eating at restaurants further away from the main tourist area.

There are several banks located downtown with ATMs depositing pesos, and having pesos on hand will make your life much easier throughout the day. Plus, you can ensure you are getting the best rate when paying in local currency.

If you’ve cruised in the Caribbean, there’s a good chance you’ve visited Cozumel, Mexico. Between the gorgeous beaches, incredible snorkeling and proximity to Tulum and Cancun, this is a popular port for cruisers. 

In fact, Cozumel has over 3.6 million annual visitors just from cruise ship traffic alone!

As someone who loves to cruise, I’ve been to Cozumel probably a dozen times. At this point, it feels like I’ve done everything that the island has to offer. Now, one of my favorite ways to spend the day in Cozumel is at an all-inclusive resort.

With a day pass to an all-inclusive resort, you can access almost everything the resort has to offer while enjoying unlimited drinks and food. This can be a great option for cruisers who want to enjoy a low-key day in port while still enjoying the amenities of an all-inclusive resort. 

There are also day passes to all-inclusive clubs in Cozumel - including the Del Mar Latino Beach Club. 

Description

Del Mar Latino Beach Club is described as being the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere with Latin Caribbean ambiance. 

With a regular rate of $39.95, this beach club offers a truly all-inclusive experience in Cozumel. Located within walking distance of the cruise ports, this exclusive club only allows a maximum number of 30 people each day. 

A daily pass to Del Mar Latino Beach Club includes unlimited food and drinks; you also have access to the pool, loungers, bathroom facilities and internet. 

Since this club is meant to offer a relaxing and intimate experience, Del Mar Latino Beach Club is fairly small. The beach club features a large pool surrounded by sun loungers and umbrellas. Del Mar Latino Beach Club also features a bar lined with high-top tables and chairs. 

We booked this beach club the week before our cruise; luckily, the club still had availability for the day that we would be in Cozumel. Since Del Mar Latino Beach Club caps the daily admittance at 30 people, reservations should be booked in advance to secure a slot. 

It appeared that the days leading up to our arrival were already booked, so we were excited to see our port day had availability. It was $8 for a deposit to reserve our slot for the day, in which the remaining balance would be due at arrival.  

Getting to the club

According to the information that was emailed with our reservation, the Del Mar Latino Beach Club operates from 9am to 5pm. 

When we arrived in Cozumel, we took our time in the morning getting breakfast on the ship since we had the full day. By the time we started walking to the club, it was pouring rain - so we waited in the Duty Free Shopping area for the rain to pass.

Our phones indicated that it was a short walk from the cruise terminal upon our arrival. The Royal Caribbean terminal is just a 5 minute walk to the entrance of the beach club. We walked outside of the terminal and, sure enough, we arrived quickly to Del Mar Latino Beach Club.

I felt safe walking in this area, especially considering there was a lot of traffic and a taxi would have probably taken just as long. 

When we arrived, we walked up to the bartender and checked in. They had a list with our names on there and we paid the remaining amount for the day. We were given wristbands to wear for the day.

All-inclusive experience

Upon arrival, we quickly made our way to the bar and ordered a round of piña coladas. There’s no better way to start a day in Mexico than with a cool, refreshing piña colada! It was delicious and creamy. 

After looking around the club, we decided to get in the pool. The pool is a decent size with plenty of room for everyone to sit comfortably. We had a gorgeous view of the ocean and the cruise ships nearby. 

The waitress came over to us multiple times during our time in the pool. My choice of drink is always a mojito and Del Mar Latino Beach Club’s mojitos were absolutely delicious! 

We also tried a Miami Vice, Chunky Monkey and Tequila Sunrise. There wasn’t a cocktail at this beach club that we didn’t enjoy! The drinks went down smoothly and we were having a wonderful time relaxing in the pool and listening to the music played by the DJ. 

As we lounged in the pool, we realized we did not bring towels with us off the ship. We reviewed the reservation notes and found that it did not state to bring towels; however, it also didn’t state that towels were included. We inquired with the staff about towels and they stated we could rent them for $5 each. This was reasonable, but we opted to just air dry after we enjoyed some time in the loungers. This was an oversight on our part and we should have brought towels just in case. 

After a few drinks in the pool, we had the munchies and decided to order food. Since everything was included from the snack menu, we ordered a variety of options. We tried the quesadillas, fried chicken tacos and chicken strips. 

Everything we ordered was hot, fresh and very tasty. We even ordered a second round of food because the portions were snack size and we enjoyed everything we tried. 

Throughout the day, we also made trips to the beach club’s bathroom facilities. These were well-kept and clean, which we appreciated. 

After 4-5 hours at Del Mar Latino beach club, we decided to walk back to the cruise terminal and head back to the ship after a wonderfully relaxing day. 

Final Comments

There are a few components that make an all-inclusive day pass worthwhile: fair price, attentive service, well-kept pools and freshly made food and drinks. 

We were very satisfied with our experience at Del Mar Latino Beach Club and felt all of these expectations were met.

To start, the price of $39.95 feels like a great value considering the drinks and food are unlimited. We had a tasty lunch and multiple drinks during the day, so the price of admission was very fair just in the amount of food and drink we consumed. 

We found the drinks and snack menu to have a wide selection to choose from. We tried almost every drink on the menu and agreed that the mojitos were the best, although everything tasted yummy. We also enjoyed everything we ordered from the snack menu - especially the quesadilla! 

The pool was well-kept and very comfortable; we saw a pool attendant come around and check the levels of the pool while we were swimming. The pool is also covered, which was nice since it rained a few times throughout the day. 

We were very impressed with the service provided as well. There was a waitress who attentively served us in the pool and brought us drinks throughout the afternoon. It was nice that we didn’t need to get out of the pool to get another drink. We were always served our drinks quickly!

The overall ambiance was very low-key and relaxing, especially with the wonderful ocean views and delicious drinks. With less than 30 people at Del Mar Latino Beach Club during our stay, it never felt cramped or crowded. 

Since this exclusive club is located near the cruise port, there isn’t a sandy beach to enjoy. If you are hoping to sit on a beach during the day, this might not be the best option. There is a man-made entrance to the sea from the club, but you’re essentially jumping right into the sea. I didn’t see anyone in the ocean during our time there, so I think most people stick to the pool. 

I would absolutely return to this beach club because of the incredible value and overall convenience to the cruise port. It was great being able to walk right to the club and not need to take a taxi. I live near the beach here in Florida, so I am fine sacrificing a beach day for a day at this exclusive and relaxing beach club. 

Is it possible to have a bad time at an all-inclusive day pass beach resort? It depends on how many other people are trying to do the same thing.

Since cruise ships restarted sailing in 2021, I've made an effort to re-visit some favorite spots in the ports of call Royal Caribbean's ships visit to ensure the experience has not changed since the last time.

In March 2022, I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel, after having visited Paradise Beach and Nachi Cocom recently. 

My goal was to see how it stacked up to the other resorts, and see what's changed since my last visit in 2018.

Overview

Like so many other all-inclusive beach resorts in Cozumel, Mr. Sanchos advertises unlimited food, drink, beach and pool access for one price.

Located on the south western side of Cozumel island, it's about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from where Royal Caribbean docks.

Reservations are optional, but it's a good idea to make a reservation to assure your family of a spot. A deposit is required in advance.

Once you arrive, you will check in and pay the remainder of the balance.

Before you get to the beach or pool, there are a series of souvenir stands that you can stop at in order to buy something. Some people buy it before or after their visit, although most tend to walk past it all.

At this point your waiter is assigned to you, which means this is the person to place all your food and drink orders.  This person will also assign you a set of chairs and umbrella.

Most people end up near the beach, but you could ask for an open set of chairs elsewhere, including closer to the pool.

The layout of Mr. Sanchos is a series of pools with swim up bars that extend parallel to the beach.

The beach itself looks great, although there is substantial seaweed and rocks in areas under water, so it's necessarily to tread lightly.

There's an optional aqua park with inflatable objects to climb on. Access to this costs extra.

The aquatic park includes:

• Large climbing Iceberg
• Climbing rock
• Two large trampolines
• Two medium trampolines
• Pyramid slider
• Two water totters
• Moonwalk with two bouncers
• Rock slider
• Stadium ball

Each of the pool areas has a swim up bar, along with seating around the edge. There's enough room to wade and enjoy a drink. Kids may find enough space to swim a bit.

Food and drink is included with admission, and you'll find the typical mix of Mexican fare and beach-friendly options.

You have the choice of going to a buffet station and serving yourself, or asking your waiter to bring you the food. No difference in price.

Comments

Mr. Sanchos tries to offer everything you might want in an all-inclusive beach day, and its popularity seemed to have lead to the one faux pas of any beach spot: overcrowding.

On the day I visited, there were at three or four cruise ships in port, and by mid-morning I noticed almost all the tables and chairs were occupied. The result was an experience I found to be overcrowded and unenjoyable.

Our waiters did a good job of keeping up with demand, but the pools and beach were pretty full. On an island where there are so many different beach options, I found it disappointing how busy things were because it felt like we were all pushed together a little too much.

It didn't help there were two different families who smoked cigarettes adjacent to our table. I asked the waiter if there was perhaps a non-smoking area we could be moved to, but he said smoking was allowed anywhere outdoors. Obviously this was just bad luck of the draw in terms of being close to these folks, but it also detracted from the experience.

Then there is the food, which was equally poor. Much of the food came overcooked and under impressive. 

Being in Mexico, I'd expect the Mexican fare to be better than average, but I found much of it to be something I might get back at home in a Chilis. Then again, Chilis doesn't serve up nearly as dry food as we had.

I freely admit that one visit is not necessarily indicative of what your experience was like, but Mr. Sanchos seemed to be too crowded when you consider the other options available.

There were certainly people enjoying themselves, and my kids had a good enough time splashing around. But the overcrowded setting, poor food, and murky ocean water left me wanting to leave.

In fact, I cannot recommend Mr. Sanchos if you're looking for an all-inclusive beach day. I think Nachi Cocom is a far superior all-inclusive option because they limit the amount of people each day.  If you want something else with more for the kids, consider a Cozumel day pass to a resort. 

It's a shame we didn't have a better time, but the overcrowding ended up overshadowing what is otherwise a picturesque beach to enjoy.

How to book: Reservations can be made online via the Mr. Sanchos website.

One of the most popular all-inclusive beach resorts in Cozumel for cruise ship passengers is Nachi Cocom Beach Club, but how does the resort hold up following the cruise industry shutdown?

For years, the resort was one of the best and highly recommended spots for cruisers who wanted to enjoy a beach day that included all the food and drink they could want, with the added bonus of having a limited capacity. Unlike other beach resorts in Cozumel, Nachi promised a hard cap of 130 guests per day.

I wanted to see if Nachi is still as good as I remember it, and if many months without cruise ship guests impacted the experience at all. 

I visited Nachi Cocom in September 2021 while sailing on Odyssey of the Seas to check it out for myself.

Overview

Nachi Cocom Beach Club is about a 15 minute taxi ride away from where Royal Caribbean docks its ships, and it has among the best reputations for an all-inclusive beach day. For a group of 5, it cost $23 each way via taxi.

Guests can choose between the beach, pool and hot tub, while enjoying unlimited food and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

The facilities include:

• ocean view swimming pool with swim-up bar
• Large Jacuzzi
• Beach chairs with your own palapa
• Large restaurant area if you prefer to dine there
• Beach bar
• Restrooms
• Hammocks
• Fresh water showers
• Wifi internet

When you arrive at Nachi, you take a group photo that can be purchased later if you wish, and then you check-in. Reservations are highly recommended because the resort can easily sell out. You can make a deposit online and pay the remainder when you arrive.

At the time of review, the cost of admission was:

• Adult (16 years old and over): $59 per person
• Child 12-15 years old: $45 per person
• Child 04-11 years old: $19 per person
• Infant 3 and under: $0

After being checked-in, you will be escorted to a palapa of your choice along the beach. 

As is the custom with almost every all-inclusive resort in Cozumel I have been to, there is a waiter assigned to you that can handle all of your requests for food and drink.

The beach is pristine and has soft sand.  There is a large water front that is mostly free of any large rocks, so getting in and out of the water was easy. 

The water clarity and color was not as good as previous trips, but that has more to do with the weather and you can expect likely better conditions when you visit.

One thing Nachi does not have is any sort of inflatable water toys that other beach resorts in Cozumel offer.

Nachi does not offer activities, but they do partner with a third-party company that offers beach massages, water sport rentals, parasailing and more.  The representatives for this company can be found roaming the beach, if you so choose.

There is a large pool you can go to at any time as well. Seating outside the pool is limited, with a few tables that offer little shade.

There are two bars at Nachi: the beach bar and the pool bar.

Your waiter can bring you anything you want to your beach chair, but some people like to sit at the bar.

You will find a menu of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy throughout the day, such as beers, cocktails, mixed drinks and more.

Comments

The only questions I had coming into my visit to Nachi Cocom was is it still as good as I recall from previous visits, and were there any noticeable changes following cruise ships returning again.

The answer is I did not see anything out of the ordinary, and I was pleasantly surprised how similar things are to before the shutdown.

Guests were instructed to keep their face masks on when they initially walked in and while being checked in.  After that, masks could be removed.

Nachi delivers on two basic promises: unlimited food and drink and a hard capacity on how many guests can be there. On the day I visited, there were quite a few people at the resort, although most seemed to be there from the Carnival Cruise Line ship that was in Cozumel that day as well.  After lunch, most guests had departed.

Anyone looking for a relaxing place to enjoy unlimited food and drink at the beach will find Nachi among the best choices. Their pool is larger than I remembered, but not nearly as large as Paradise Beach.

The food was great and had a mix of American and Mexican dishes. The Mexican food was freshly prepared, and while not the most authentic Mexican fare, it was certainly better than anything I run across back in the United States.

If you had to find fault with Nachi, it would be it lacks the inflatable toys many families look for in a beach day.  If that is important to you, Mr. Sanchos or Paradise Beach would be better options.

In short, Nachi Cocom is still a great choice for anyone that wants to enjoy a beach day with as much to eat and drink as they like. The price for adults remains a great value, especially if you will have a few drinks during your stay.

As the cruise industry reaches the one year mark of being shutdown, Cozumel has proposed it transition from port of call to homeport.

During a radio interview, the mayor of Cozumel proposed allowing cruise ships to sail from the island so that cruises could restart in the Caribbean more easily.

Riviera Maya News posted the transcript of a radio interview by Pedro Joaquín Delbouis, where he said he has reached out to at least one cruise with the proposal.

In his frustration that the cruise industry remains shutdown, Mayor Delbouis thinks cruises could sail from Cozumel to destinations in the Caribbean.

Read more: Things to do in Cozumel on your Royal Caribbean cruise

"There is constant communication with the United States authorities and the Caribbean Cruise Association and there is nothing scheduled for this first quarter, so together with the Secretary of Tourism, we propose that we be a home port."

"There is still no answer with the US lines, but we are in talks with the MSC, which managed an itinerary through the Caribbean without touching North American soil."

"If they cannot leave from the United States, let them make a route to the Caribbean sailing from Cozumel."

Cozumel has long been a destination for cruise ships to visit, but sailing from the island would present a series of challenges, including facilities for embarkation, supplies, and getting passengers easily to the island.

Mayor Delbouis added he thought sailings could include stops in places such as Havana, Cuba or Progreso, Mexico.

His idea is to have, "one or two weekly departures from here."

Read more: Best Cozumel beach resorts

The Mayor did concede that the plan would not be easy to get started, "We know that supply logistics is not easy at all, and more so from an island, but it can be done."

In a separate statement, Mayor Delbouis called on Mexico's federal government to provide support for the plan, "The cruise ships could sail from Cozumel, but we need the support of the federal government."

The key to having cruise ships sail from Cozumel is based on the construction of the fourth cruise ship dock in Cozumel, which began work in October 2020.

This infrastructure is among the 39 projects that make up the Agreement for the Economic Reactivation that President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signed with the Private Initiative (IP) in October 2020.

Mayor Delbouis said the dock could be the perfect facility for Cozumel to transition from port stop to embarking passengers.

On social media, Mayor Delbouis insisted this idea needs both federal and state government support so that the port could make cruise lines see Cozumel as their port of departure for Caribbean sailings.

Cozumel is known for a great many fun ways to spend your day, including time relaxing at the beach or pool with a drink in hand.  The El Cozumeleño resort is one such offering, and it has quickly risen to the top of my favorite places in Cozumel for a beach break.

After first visiting over a year ago, I wanted to check back in to see how well it stacks up these days.

Overview

El Cozumeleño sells day passes [link contains affiliate link, which costs you nothing extra!] to its resort that can be purchased online, and it offers guests unlimited access to the resort grounds, food, drink and activities.

The hotel is located on the north end of Cozumel, and is about a 10-15 minute taxi ride from where Royal Caribbean docks its cruise ships at the International Pier. The posted price for 1-4 people to get to El Cozumeleño is $16.

Once you arrive at the resort, you will check-in and receive a welcome drink.  It should be noted that a form of payment and identification will be kept at the front desk during your stay.

Towels are available to rent for an additional charge ($5 per towel).

The resort itself is sprawling, with two pool areas, a long beach, and multiple dining venues to enjoy.

One of my favorite features of the resort are the hammocks near the beach, which are not only extremely comfortable, but a prime napping spot.

During our visit, a storm had passed through the area the night before, so the ocean was a bit more stirred up that on my previous visit. The result was the surf was quite strong and the beach a bit worse for wear.  Throughout the day, the resort staff worked to clean and reticulate the beach.

By far, the pool area is the primary focus of the resort.  While many visitors enjoy time at the beach, the resort's pools are as massive as they are lovely to see.

The pool has a variety of depths, and the north end pools are much shallower and welcoming for younger children.

Your day pass is good from morning through the afternoon and into the early evening, so breakfast and lunch are part of the admission fee.

Your day pass includes:

• Beach access
• Pool access, with swim-up bar
• Chairs & Lounge Chairs
• Unlimited food
• Unlimited drinks (alcohol & non alcohol)
• Non-motorized water sports including snorkeling equipment & Kayaking
• Children ́s activities center
• Children’s wading pool
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service in lobby

There is a large buffet dining venue between the two pool areas that serves meals and snacks throughout the day. 

In the morning, the buffet features typical breakfast fare, along with an omelet station.

At lunch, the offerings change to a traditional Mexican lunch with grilled meats and vegetables available on demand. 

In addition to the sit down options, waiters are happy to bring food and drink to your chair by the pool or beach as you need it. The wait staff roam the grounds and regularly check if you need anything else.

The food menu is a mix of Mexican favorites and American food.  Ceviche, pizza, salsa, guacamole, quesadillas and more are available and unlimited too.

Likewise, there is a good assortment of beverages to enjoy. The selection of beer and liquors is limited in terms of brands (Dos Equis beer, and typically one type of liquor).

Comments

When I visited El Cozumeleño in 2018, I loved the balance of price, offerings and service, and it seems like the resort maintains that equilibrium quite well.

There are no shortage of great day pass resorts in Cozumel, so what makes El Cozumeleño stand out is the ample space, good food and drink, along with attentive service.

The resort looks great, and it feels like a step above your average resort.  It is no Ritz Carlton by any means, but the staff do a great job maintaining it.

Some of our readers have reported during busier times of the year (popular holidays), chairs go quickly and are often claimed by resort guests earlier in the day.  While I have not experienced this in my two visits, it is worth noting if you plan a visit over a holiday season.

At the time of our visit, the price was $69.00 per adult and $40.00 for children aged 3-11 years old (2 and under are free). 

Do you have a Royal Caribbean cruise to Cozumel booked and trying to figure out what to do on the island? We have a brand new video detailing the important info about what Cozumel offers!

Cozumel is a popular Western Caribbean port known for its beautiful waters, exquisite beaches, culture and cuisine.  There is lots to consider, and we break down the basics when it comes to Cozumel in this new video.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: What is your favorite thing to do in Cozumel?