| Some of the prettiest beaches in the world circle the | | | | offshore. For a quieter but just as lovely setting, head |
| island of Cozumel. They vary from long, treeless | | | | just a bit farther south to the beach at Palancar with |
| sandy stretches of white sand to isolated coves and | | | | it's view of the Palancar Reef, water sports center |
| rocky shores. There are two sides to the island - the | | | | and bar-café. |
| leeward (western) side where the coast is sheltered | | | | On the windward side of the island there are |
| from storms by the proximity of the mainland and the | | | | numerous narrow, powdery beaches and deserted |
| windward (eastern) side. The beaches on the | | | | rocky coves. Swimming on this side of the island is not |
| windward side require a bit more of an effort to reach, | | | | encouraged due to the treacherous undertow that can |
| but if you make the trip, you'll be rewarded by some of | | | | sweep you out to sea in minutes. But the views and |
| the most beautiful, serene beaches in the world. | | | | solitude of the area, and the opportunity for some truly |
| On the leeward side, the best beaches can be found | | | | world class sunbathing are unequaled by sites on the |
| in the southern half of the island. Most of the beaches | | | | western side. Playa Bush is known for it's café |
| along the northern hotel strip have rocky shores with | | | | serving ice cold beer and a beach that offers up |
| little sand. Heading southward, the first beach of note is | | | | treasures from the sea that have washed up during |
| Nachi-Cocom in front of the Casa del Mar Hotel. Open | | | | the night. Punta Chiqueros called Playa Bonita by the |
| to everyone, there you'll find a Mexican restaurant, | | | | locals is known as one of the swimming beaches on |
| lounge chairs and beach umbrellas. Further on you'll find | | | | this side of the island due to it's fine sand, clear water |
| Playa Corona, a relatively quiet beach with snorkeling | | | | and moderate waves. It is also a campground of |
| equipment and some fabulous underwater fauna to | | | | unmatched beauty for those who like to vacation in |
| explore. Probably the most crowded beach on the | | | | the great outdoors. For the surfing crowd, there is |
| island is the Playa San Francisco. Popular with cruise | | | | Punta Morena with a pounding surf and primitive rooms |
| ship passengers who have limited time, the beach | | | | on the beach for a mere $10 per night. At Chen Rio, |
| offers a varied sampling of Cozumel without having to | | | | another camping spot, soldiers patrol the beach |
| venture inland. There is usually live music, a collection of | | | | stopping tourists from poaching turtle eggs that are |
| locals selling arts and crafts, a choice of moderately | | | | protected by law. For the serious explorer, Punta |
| priced restaurants, gift and souvenir shops and an | | | | Molas, beyond where the paved road ends, offers |
| ample amount of recreational equipment for rent. | | | | unspoiled beach beauty for sunbathing and communing |
| Divers use Playa San Francisco as their jumping off | | | | with nature. Whatever your beach desires, they can |
| points to San Francisco reef and the Santa Rosa wall | | | | be completely fulfilled at Cozumel! |