Playa Chen Rio

Playa Chen Rio is located on the east coast of Cozumel. Curving slightly as it meets the Caribbean Sea, it has slightly less protection from the waves than beaches on the opposite side of the island, but is nonetheless a mesmeric place to spend a few hours – or even days.

Its white sands sweep down from low grass-covered dune-like formations which develop out of the island’s natural flora of fleshy tropical plants and palms. The sands themselves are largely clear of obstruction, but where they meet the sea there are several attractive rock formations. You may have to cross a thin ribbon of seaweed on the tide line to get your feet wet, dependent on the time of year.

Restaurants serve up fish caught fresh that day, alongside a handicraft stall. Generally one of the island’s quieter beaches, Playa Chen Rio is at its busiest on Sundays, when island residents use their day of rest to enjoy all the beach has to offer.

The waves closest to it are protected from rip tides since rocks that look like a small wall at low tide help to form a natural pool. However, the waters off Playa Chen Rio should be avoided after heavy periods of rain because of runoff from the surrounding land.