Playa San Francisco Cozumel
A beautiful Cozumel beach with clear, calm waters, offering lively beach clubs and a free public access option.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Warmest water, fewer crowds
Playa San Francisco Cozumel
Best Time
Warmest water, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful Cozumel beach with clear, calm waters, offering lively beach clubs and a free public access option.
"The water is incredibly clear and calm, perfect for a relaxing day by the Caribbean Sea."
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Best way to get here! Gives you flexibility to explore other spots too.
📞 Pre-book Taxi Pick-up
Taxis are scarce for return trips. Arrange pick-up time with your driver.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal-Clear Waters
Main beach area
Enjoy incredibly clear, calm turquoise waters perfect for swimming and water sports.
Beach Club Fun
Adjacent beach clubs
Experience vibrant beach clubs with music, food, drinks, and water activities.
Hidden Free Access
North end of the beach
Discover a less crowded, free entry point for a more serene beach experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Transportation is Key
Beach Club vs. Public Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Best way to get here! Gives you flexibility to explore other spots too.
📞 Pre-book Taxi Pick-up
Taxis are scarce for return trips. Arrange pick-up time with your driver.
🤫 Find the Secret Entry
Access the beach for free by looking for the hidden entrance.
🎶 Beach Club Vibes
Enjoy music, food, and drinks at lively beach clubs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom
Best way to get here! Gives you flexibility to explore other spots too.
📞 Pre-book Taxi Pick-up
Taxis are scarce for return trips. Arrange pick-up time with your driver.
🤫 Find the Secret Entry
Access the beach for free by looking for the hidden entrance.
🎶 Beach Club Vibes
Enjoy music, food, and drinks at lively beach clubs.
☀️ Arrive Early for Best Spots
Secure a good spot on the sand and enjoy the calm waters.
🍹 Try a Coco Loco
A must-try refreshing drink at the beach clubs!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa San Francisco is praised for its stunningly clear, calm waters and vibrant beach club atmosphere, offering a fun day out with plenty of activities. However, transportation can be a challenge, and the beach clubs can be noisy for those seeking pure tranquility.
"its a public free beach which you can arrive with a 20 min drive from cozumel. The entrance seems a bit hidden and scary but the beach is really good and not crowded. (not talking about the beach club next to it)"
Cemal Aytekin
"Playa San Francisco is a stunning beach destination that offers a slice of paradise in Cozumel. However, there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure you make the most of your visit.
Important Tips for Visiting Playa San Francisco
1. Plan Your Day Wisely
• If you’re only in Cozumel for a day, this beach may not be the best choice due to its distance from the town center. You could end up spending most of your time traveling instead of enjoying the beach.
2. Transportation
• There’s no public transportation to Playa San Francisco.
• Rent a Car: Renting a car is the best option—it’s affordable and gives you the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Taxi Option: If you take a taxi, arrange for your driver to return at a specific time to pick you up, as finding transportation back can be challenging.
3. Arrive Early
• To fully enjoy the beach, arrive early in the day. This allows you to experience the crystal-clear water, jumpers, and sandy spots at a leisurely pace.
4. Best Time to Visit
• Visit during the summer for the warmest water and the ultimate beach experience.
5. What to Do at Playa San Francisco
• Relax and Play: The beach offers clean water, fun jumpers, and plenty of space to relax on the sand.
• Eat and Drink: You can bring your own picnic or purchase food and drinks from nearby vendors.
Final Thoughts
The key to enjoying Playa San Francisco is proper planning—transportation is essential, and getting there early ensures you’ll have plenty of time to soak in the beauty. Once there, you’ll be rewarded with a serene and unforgettable beach experience."
Miriam Isaac
"Beach is nice, if the other side of the island has too much waves, the water here is usually calm. There is a secret entry near the building, so you can enter the beach without paying anything. But for everyone who’s loving it quite, it’s not the right place, cos there is a big beach club, with loud annoying music."
Carlos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Playa San Francisco is located on the west coast of Cozumel. There is no public transportation, so renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Taxis are available but it's advised to arrange a pick-up time with your driver beforehand, as finding a return taxi can be difficult.
Playa San Francisco is about a 20-minute drive from the main town of San Miguel de Cozumel.
Yes, renting a scooter is another viable option for reaching Playa San Francisco, offering similar flexibility to a car.
Yes, there is parking available, especially near the beach clubs. If you find the free access, parking might be more limited.
While accessible, it's a bit of a drive from the cruise port. Consider if you have enough time for the travel and enjoyment, especially if you're on a short port day.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The beach itself has a free public access point, often described as a 'secret entry' near the resorts. However, the adjacent beach clubs typically charge an entrance fee or have a minimum spend.
Beach club day passes can range from around $20 USD to $68 USD for all-inclusive options, which often include food, drinks, and access to amenities like pools and water toys. 
Day passes typically include access to loungers, umbrellas, pools, and sometimes non-motorized water sports like kayaks or paddleboards. All-inclusive options add buffet meals and unlimited drinks.
It's not always necessary to book in advance, especially on weekdays. However, booking ahead can guarantee your spot, particularly during peak season or weekends.
While the public beach access is free, be mindful of minimum spend requirements or additional charges for activities and food/drinks at the beach clubs.
🎫 🏖️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sand. Beach clubs offer water sports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and inflatable water toys.
While the waters are clear, Playa San Francisco is generally not considered the best spot for snorkeling directly from the beach. For better snorkeling, consider tours to El Cielo.
Beach clubs offer a variety of food, from buffet options to à la carte menus, and unlimited drinks. You can also find seaside cafes and pubs.
Yes, the water is typically calm and clear, making it suitable for swimming and families, especially when other parts of the island might have rougher seas.
If you use the free public access, you can bring your own picnic. However, beach clubs usually have policies against outside food and beverages.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the turquoise waters, sandy shores, and vibrant beach club setups. The clear water and palm trees offer beautiful backdrops.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and be mindful of other beachgoers. Some creators have captured aerial views.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the beauty of the beach without too many distractions.
The colorful beach umbrellas, loungers, and the expansive turquoise ocean are the main visual attractions. Some beach clubs have unique decor.
Yes, beach clubs provide a lively and photogenic environment. Be respectful of other guests and any club policies regarding photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Renting a car provides the flexibility to bring all your family's gear and snacks. Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen and hats, as the sun can be intense. While snorkeling directly from the beach isn't ideal for kids, consider a boat tour to El Cielo which is fantastic for younger children to see marine life in shallow, calm waters.
💰 Budget Travelers
While renting a car offers convenience, consider pooling resources with other travelers if possible. Alternatively, if you're staying in San Miguel, you might be able to find a taxi willing to negotiate a round-trip fare. Look for deals on beach club passes, as some offer discounts or lower prices on weekdays.
couples
Consider visiting during the week to avoid larger crowds. If you choose a beach club, look for one with a more relaxed ambiance or a dedicated VIP section. The 'Coco Loco' drinks are a fun and festive way to toast your vacation together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Transportation to Playa San Francisco
The drive itself is scenic, taking you along the coast. Be prepared for potentially unpaved sections closer to some of the less developed areas. The journey typically takes around 20 minutes from San Miguel.
For those seeking a more adventurous route, renting a scooter is also a viable option, providing a similar level of independence as a car. Whichever method you choose, ensure you have a reliable way back to your accommodation or the cruise port.
Beach Club Experience vs. Public Access
+1For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking tranquility, there's a 'secret' free entry point to the beach. This allows access to the same beautiful waters and sand without the cost of a club pass. However, it's important to note that this area might be less maintained and lacks the amenities of the clubs.
Many visitors recommend experiencing both if possible. You can spend some time at a beach club to enjoy the services and then retreat to the quieter public section. Be aware that the beach clubs can be quite loud, so if you're looking for a peaceful escape, the free access or visiting during off-peak hours at the clubs is advisable.
Making the Most of Your Visit
While the beach itself is lovely, it's not the prime spot for snorkeling. For underwater exploration, consider booking a tour to El Cielo, a famous sandbar known for its starfish and abundant marine life. Many tours depart from Cozumel and include transportation to these snorkeling spots.
Don't forget to try some of the local flavors! Many visitors rave about the 'Coco Loco' drinks, a refreshing and tropical beverage perfect for a beach day.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit