Beach clubs are great for vacationers or larger groups, but if you live on the island or visit frequently, finding a free beach becomes essential. Even though Cozumel’s coast is lined with beach clubs, there are still plenty of free beaches for you to take advantage of.
To make it simple, I have created the ultimate list of the best free beaches in Cozumel, Mexico. While you may not find beach umbrellas or chairs for rent, you will have plenty of space to spread out your towel and bask in the sun. If you are looking to snorkel for free, be sure to bring your own mask, fins, and snorkel along with you as well.
Keep reading to discover a few of my favorite spots for you to explore!

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Best Free Beaches in Cozumel, Mexico

*Don't forget to pack essentials like water, snacks, and snorkeling gear—mask, snorkel, and fins.*

Note: When parking alongside the beach, be sure to lock up all items, including your helmet, inside the seat of your bike or in your car. Take all valuables with you.

The Money Bar Beach Club

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The Free Beach Club (well as long as you buy a drink)

Situated on the Dzul-Ha Reef, this newer and smaller beach club offers incredible turquoise blue water views and plenty of dining options for the entire family. Although entry is free, the staff expects you to purchase some of their food and beverages while you are there. This is the best spot for families seeking beach access with basic amenities and food options. There are plenty of fish swimming in the water nearby, making snorkeling a fun experience as well. Discover excursions and tours here.

Distance from Downtown: 15 minutes by car or around 25 minutes by bicycle.

Pro Tip: There is a small free public beach option to the right (if you are facing the water) of Money Bar Beach Club.

San Fran Beach

The Best Sandy Beach in Cozumel

This beach entrance is more hidden than most and can be found after Playa Mia. You will know you have arrived when you see a parking lot and an opening to the right that leads down the path. Follow it to the long sandy beach where you can set up for the day. While snorkeling is not exceptional here, it can still be enjoyable if you are just looking to get into the water.

Distance from Downtown: A 20-minute or so drive or an hour bicycle ride.

Tip: Remember to bring your own snorkeling rental gear and towels.

Playa Cosmica Beach

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The Best Tiny Beach

To the right of Playa Cosmica Restaurant and Bar lies a beach nestled within a small cove. This spot is slightly rocky and favored by locals. It is an excellent spot for snorkeling and swimming, with shallower waters perfect for small children.

Optimal times for visiting are early mornings or before the end of the school day, as the beach tends to get busier with children out of school. If the main cove is too busy, keep walking along the sidewalk until you find a sandy opening leading you to the ocean. This area is also known as Playa Escondida with plenty of little rock pools to cool off in.

Distance from Downtown: 7 minutes by car, 10-15 by bike, and 30-35 minutes by walking.

Playa Corona & Las Uvas Hidden Coves

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The Best Free Snorkel Spots

Located anywhere from next to Playa Corona Beach Club to Las Uvas are hidden gem spots for snorkeling. The Chankanaab Reef sits nearby, creating an abundance of sea life. The closer you are to Playa Corona, the more boat traffic and snorkelers, so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Closer to Playa Corona, you will find rock formations and loads of sea life such as parrot fish, damselfish, and eels.

Closer to Las Uvas, smaller formations and corals are teeming with life, including triggerfish, turtles, and barracuda. I even saw an eagle ray just before heading into the water!

Distance from Downtown: 30-40 minute bike ride or 15-20 minutes by car.

Villa Blanca Coves

***Psst… you can shore dive here too!***

The Best Free Snorkel Spot Within Walking Distance

Located right beside Villa Blanca Hotel, you can find lots of little beach coves to dive into the water from. The reef here has a variety of life, from colorful corals to a wide variety of fish– damsel, angel fish, filefish, trumpet fish, puffers, and many more. A few small wrecks are lying about closer to the docking area. If you are lucky you may even spot some rays lying around or a moray eel if you dive down for a closer look…

Distance from Downtown: A 45-minute walk, 25-minute bike ride, or 10-minute car ride.

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General Information on Cozumel

Best Time to Visit:

Cozumel is great to visit 365 days a year, but I think the best time is March to early June–after peak season and before the real rainy season begins. Peak season is December-February so expect it to be busy. Rainy and hurricane season is mostly July-November but of course, it can expand into before or after those months. I have been here during March, April, May, June, and July.

Tips:

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How to Get to Cozumel:

Flying (the best option): Cozumel has an airport right on the island that is located only 3-4 km from downtown San Miguel.
Ferry: You can take the 45-minute passenger ferry into Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. This ferry runs every hour with 3 companies running them: Winjet (orange) Xcaret (blue) and Ultramar (yellow). Check the sites for updated schedules and pricing. The 2024 price I paid was 260 pesos ($15 USD).

Mode of Transport in Cozumel:

Taxi, bicycle, motorbike. Cozumel is very walkable and transport is only really needed to tour the entire island or to reach specific beach clubs or beaches that are further away. I took 1 taxi during my time here and it was from the airport. Motorbikes are around $350-450 pesos daily. Bicycles are around 250 pesos.

Where to Stay:

I recommend staying right in San Miguel to be within walking distance of nearly everything you need. The beaches however will be a bit farther by foot or you can opt to rent a motorbike or bicycle.