Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Cozumel
Discover Cozumel's wild south at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, featuring wildlife, Mayan ruins, a lighthouse, and a beautiful beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Cozumel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better wildlife viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cozumel's wild south at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, featuring wildlife, Mayan ruins, a lighthouse, and a beautiful beach.
"A gorgeous, serene stop that has something for everyone, from wildlife to history."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's spread-out attractions. Be ready for a bumpy dirt road! :car:
💰 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets, food, and souvenirs often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Punta Sur Lighthouse
Southern tip of the park
Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea. A must-see!
Lagoon Boat Tour
Lagoon area
Explore the mangroves and spot crocodiles and diverse birdlife with an informative guide. Runs hourly.
Punta Sur Beach
Southern beach area
A serene, beautiful beach with clear waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Some say it's sargassum-free.
Mayan Ruins & Museum
Near the lighthouse
Discover ancient history and learn about the park's conservation efforts in this small, insightful museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There & Around
Timing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's spread-out attractions. Be ready for a bumpy dirt road! :car:
💰 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets, food, and souvenirs often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared. :moneywithwings:
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
Mosquitoes can be intense on the hiking trails. Vendors sell it, but it's pricey. :facewiththermometer:
⏰ Check Park Hours
Some areas close at 4 PM, while others stay open until 5 PM. Plan accordingly! :alarm_clock:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Essential for exploring the park's spread-out attractions. Be ready for a bumpy dirt road! :car:
💰 Bring Cash for Everything
Tickets, food, and souvenirs often require cash. ATMs are scarce, so come prepared. :moneywithwings:
🦟 Bug Spray is a Must
Mosquitoes can be intense on the hiking trails. Vendors sell it, but it's pricey. :facewiththermometer:
⏰ Check Park Hours
Some areas close at 4 PM, while others stay open until 5 PM. Plan accordingly! :alarm_clock:
🏊♀️ Strong Swimmers for Reef
The reef is far out and requires strong swimming skills. The beach area is calmer for general swimming. :ocean:
🐊 Be Croc Aware
Crocodiles inhabit the lagoons. Stay on marked trails and be cautious near the water's edge. :crocodile:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is praised for its natural beauty, diverse activities, and conservation efforts. Visitors love the stunning lighthouse views, informative boat tours, and serene beach. However, some find the park large and requiring a car, with certain on-site amenities being overpriced.
"Beautiful Virgin beach, but you have to be a great swimmer in case you want to snorkel. Swimming of at least one kilometer through the dense sea weed will finally take you to the clear turquoise water for snorkeling. The food at the local restaurant was awesome ."
Sujita Kar
"Punta Sur is a gorgeous, serene stop that has something for everyone. There are so many activities that admission covers including beach access with chairs, showers, restrooms, swings, hammocks, hiking trails, Mayan ruins, a lighthouse, a museum, beautiful lagoons, and a lagoon boat tour. Additionally your ticket goes to conservation efforts like restoring mangroves. The beach closes at 4:00, but the rest of the park stays open til five. The road is long, and there are some potholes, but as long as you drive slow they are not an issue. You need a car and cash to visit.
The boat tour needs to see your ticket for admission, and it runs from 12:00-14:00 with a departure every hour. Our tour guide was very informed and witty; we learned a ton about mangroves and the lagoons. There are crocodiles so be cautious on trails and when getting on the boat. During our tour crocodiles hung out under the dock we were on.
For hiking make sure to bring bug spray! The vendors onsite sell it but it is marked up super high. We decided to take a hike and got eaten alive by mosquitoes. The hike was super nice other than the bugs and you reach an nice observatory tower for taking pictures. There are tons of iguanas on the trail and the trail overlooks a crocodile pond too.
The beach itself is gorgeous and one of the closest spots to El Cielo. These is great snorkeling, and the water is sargassum free. On the beach there are bats and restaurants. These places only take cash. At the bar “El Cielo” they had good drinks."
Alisah Rodriguez
"The park is open from 9 to 4 not 5.
From San Miguel to the entry it will take good 30 minutes when the traffic is not busy.
From the entry on the dirt road was rough. To drive to the light tower , it took 15 minutes, from the light tower to the beach another 20 minutes. The road has no shade at all. Too long to hike. You need a car to visit this park.
The view from the top of the tower is stunning. The small museum is very interesting. The boat ride in the Lagoon is wonderful with the guide telling us about the origin of the park and how the citizens of Cozumel chose to decline mass tourism to conserve their beautiful island. The captain and guide are extremely familiar with the whole environment. They know where the crocodiles can be spotted. They called the names of the crocodiles.
We saw lots of birds including flamingos
After lunch, we snorkel in the calm blue sea and saw fish and stung ray.
Our driver told us about the turtles .
A true magical trip."
H H cindy Todd
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is located at the southern tip of Cozumel. The drive from San Miguel takes about 30 minutes without heavy traffic. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, as the park is quite spread out. Be prepared for a rough dirt road for the last part of the journey. Taxis are available but can be expensive for the round trip.
The road to Punta Sur can be rough, especially the dirt road section. Driving slowly is advised to avoid potholes. Having a rental car with decent clearance is beneficial.
Yes, you can take a taxi, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand. Given the distance, it might be more cost-effective to rent a car if you plan to explore the park thoroughly.
While not strictly mandatory, a car is highly recommended. The park is large, and attractions like the lighthouse and beach are a significant distance apart. Walking between them can be very long and hot.
Once inside the park, a car is still the most efficient way to move between the lighthouse, museum, lagoon, and beach areas. Some visitors mention the distances are too long to hike comfortably.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but typically include access to various activities. It's best to check the official website or purchase tickets at the gate. Many reviews suggest bringing cash for entry.
Admission usually covers beach access with chairs, showers, restrooms, hiking trails, Mayan ruins, the lighthouse, a museum, lagoon boat tours, and conservation efforts. Some packages might include food and drinks.
Yes, you can purchase admissions through the official website, www.cozumelparks.com, or at the official ticket booth.
The park is generally open from 9 AM to 4 PM, with some areas like the museum and lighthouse potentially staying open until 5 PM. Always verify current hours before your visit. +1
Some sources mention all-inclusive options that include food and drinks, often associated with specific beach clubs within or near the park. Check the official website for current offerings.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming and relaxing at the beach, take a guided boat tour of the lagoon to see crocodiles and birds, climb the lighthouse for stunning views, explore Mayan ruins, visit a museum, and hike nature trails.
The beach area is reported to have clear, sargassum-free water suitable for swimming and some snorkeling. However, the main reef is quite far out and requires strong swimming abilities. +1
Yes, crocodiles are present in the lagoons. Guides on the boat tour are knowledgeable about their locations and will point them out. Be cautious on trails and near the water.
Besides crocodiles, you can spot various bird species, including flamingos, and numerous iguanas on the trails.
Punta Sur offers a variety of activities that can appeal to families, including the boat tour, beach access, and exploring the natural environment. However, the distances and potential hazards like crocodiles require supervision.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are restaurants and bars on-site, particularly near the beach area. Some reviews mention 'El Cielo' bar having good drinks. Be aware that many vendors only accept cash.
Admission typically covers park access and activities. Food and drinks are usually an additional cost, though some all-inclusive packages might be available.
Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire directly with the restaurants on-site upon arrival.
Some reviews suggest that food and drinks at the beach bars can be overpriced. Bringing your own snacks or being mindful of your budget is recommended.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check park policies regarding outside food and beverages. However, given the on-site options, it might be permitted.
📸 📸 Photography
The view from the top of the lighthouse is spectacular. The lagoon with crocodiles and diverse birdlife offers unique photo opportunities. The beach itself is also very picturesque.
Yes, the park offers many scenic spots. However, be mindful of your surroundings, especially near wildlife and water.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views from the lighthouse and the coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with park management or local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing plenty of snacks and drinks, as on-site options can be pricey. Bug spray is essential for the hiking trails to keep little ones comfortable. While the park is large, a car rental will make navigating between attractions much easier with children. Ensure constant supervision, especially near the water and wildlife areas.
🚗 Independent Explorers
Be prepared for the rough dirt road leading to some park sections. Bringing cash is crucial for entry fees and any purchases, as card acceptance can be limited. Pack essentials like water, sunscreen, and bug spray to ensure a comfortable and self-sufficient adventure.
📸 Photographers
Consider bringing a wide-angle lens for the expansive landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife shots. The Mayan ruins and the natural beauty of the lagoons also present compelling compositions. Remember to protect your gear from the sun and potential sea spray.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife of Punta Sur
Beyond the lagoon, the park's hiking trails offer opportunities to encounter iguanas and other smaller reptiles. The diverse ecosystem supports a rich bird population, making it a rewarding destination for birdwatchers. Remember to stay on marked paths and maintain a safe distance from wildlife, especially the crocodiles.
Conservation efforts are a key aspect of Punta Sur, aiming to protect its unique environment. By visiting, you contribute to the preservation of these natural resources, ensuring that future generations can also experience the park's biodiversity.
The Lighthouse and Mayan History
Adjacent to the lighthouse, you'll find a small museum that delves into the history of the park and Cozumel. It provides insights into the island's past, including its Mayan heritage. Exploring these ruins offers a glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region.
The journey to the lighthouse involves a drive through the park, and while the climb can be a bit of a hike, the stunning vistas from the summit make it well worth the effort. It's a significant landmark that encapsulates both the natural beauty and historical depth of Punta Sur.
Beach Bliss and Snorkeling
For those interested in snorkeling, the beach area provides a good starting point. However, it's important to note that the main reef, which offers more vibrant marine life, is located quite far offshore. This requires strong swimming abilities and is not recommended for novice swimmers.
Practical tips for the beach include bringing cash for on-site bars and restaurants, as many only accept cash. While the beach itself is a major draw, remember that some parts of the park may close earlier than others, so plan your beach time accordingly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit