Superb snorkeling and a laid-back atmosphere makes this Cozumel beach the sort of place visitors stop at for an afternoon and end up staying for a week.

Palancar Beach is situated on Cozumel, an island destination renowned for its snorkeling and diving. The island is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest reef in the world and the largest reef in the Americas. This beach is the quintessential Mexican Caribbean experience, with darting tropical fish visible from the beach, calm water and palm trees.

The wonderful thing about Palancar Beach is that it feels like a private beach. It’s quieter than most other beaches on Cozumel and offers great activities and a calm atmosphere.

Sway in a hammock under the palms and order a margarita from one of the beachside bars. The seafood here is fabulous. Make sure you try the local favorites: ceviche, a seafood dish marinated in citrus juice with chilies or peppers, and filete al mojo de ajo, grilled fish and garlic.

When it’s time to get active, rent some snorkeling gear and simply float out from the beach, or join a dive trip to one of the spectacular nearby reefs.

The beach offers plenty of other water-based activities too, from sea kayaking to paragliding.

Palancar Beach is the perfect place to rejuvenate the mind and body. Book a beachside massage or beauty treatment in one of the resort spas, then find gifts and souvenirs among the local arts and crafts from the small market stalls.

Easy to get to, Palancar Beach is only 20 minutes’ drive south of San Miguel, via the coastal road. Rent a motorcycle or car, or hail a taxi or minivan.

Plan a trip to see Palancar Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort

Zona Hotelera Norte

Save 100% on your flight

per person

May 26 - Jun. 2

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Cozumel (CZM)

8.2/10 Very Good! (841 reviews)

I found my room to be without a small frig but I was provided one once requested. Good morning breakfast options on menu . Friendly and prompt service It opens at 8am fyi

Reviewed on Mar. 2, 2025

Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

per person

Apr. 26 - May 2

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Toronto (YTO) to Cozumel (CZM)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)

This property grew on us. It’s a smaller resort than we are used to, but they did a great job with it. The staff were very accommodating and nice. The food was good. The snorkeling was amazing! Our studio room was so nice. The view we thought we would have from that room was not the best, but not the worst either. We had an ocean view, but only from one side. The other side was blocked by trees. We had to go down and get our own bags as we waited about 45 minutes for them and requested them, but I guess they were busy. The only real downfall was there really isn’t a walkable beach, but the snorkeling makes up for that.

Reviewed on Mar. 21, 2025

The Explorean Cozumel - All Inclusive

Save 100% on your flight

per person

May 7 - May 11

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Hamilton (YHM) to Cozumel (CZM)

9/10 Wonderful! (556 reviews)

Loved it! Food and drinks were good. Definitely one of the better resorts I’ve been too! Will go again.

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2025

Tours & day trips

See all 238 activities

Transparent Boat & Snorkel Tour with drinks

Free cancellation available

Private & custom tours

See all 84 activities

Private Cozumel Jeep Tour & Water Park, Kayaks, Paddle Board, Snorkel With ...

Free cancellation available

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 35 activities

Cozumel: El Cielo, Palancar Reef, and Beach Party with Food

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

See all 22 activities

Cozumel Jeep Adventure to Jade Caverns with Lunch and Snorkel

Free cancellation available

Shows & concerts

See all 7 activities

Cozumel: Mexican Lucha Libre Experience! Classic Package

Free cancellation available

Popular places to visit

Nachi Cocom Beach Club & Water Sport Center

Bring your family to Nachi Cocom Beach Club & Water Sport Center and enjoy some excitement at this amusement park in Cozumel. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Mr. Sancho's Beach Club

4/5(7 reviews)

Enjoy an outing to Mr. Sancho's Beach Club during your stay in Cozumel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park

3.5/5(2 reviews)

Bring the family to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Cozumel. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Paradise Beach

4/5(100 reviews)

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Paradise Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cozumel. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

Explore the lovely green spaces of Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and enjoy the snorkeling spots in Cozumel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its seafood restaurants.

Laguna Colombia

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Laguna Colombia during your travels in Cozumel. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.