Best Cozumel Sunsets

What’s one major problem with Cancun, Playa del Carmen, & Tulum ~ three of the most popular beachfront resorts in the Yucatan Peninsula?  Unless you’re on a rooftop: you won’t see the sunset in ANY of them!!  They all face east, not west ~ which means they don’t face the sunset.  Which is a travesty.  Because the sunsets in Mexico are some of the best in the world.  Is there somewhere nearby that does face west?  Yes!!  And it’s COZUMEL!!  Here, I’ll tell you where to find the best Cozumel sunsets on the island…

So…Where is Cozumel? 

Cozumel is a little island (actually, the biggest island in Mexico) off the coast of Playa del Carmen ~ just a 45-minute ferry ride from the mainland.  The entire western side of Cozumel faces due west, making it prime-time sunset real estate.  Virtually anywhere on the west side of the island, you’ll be able to catch the sunset. 

The popular Money Bar is also one of my favorite snorkel spots in Cozumel…..

Locations for Best Cozumel Sunsets 

The spots on the map below are where I repeatedly captured some of my best sunset shots.  So use this as a jumping-off point ~ I know you’ll discover plenty of Cozumel magic all on your own!

My Cozumel Sunsets Routine…

Every night, no matter what, I found myself drawn outside to witness the spectacular Cozumel sunsets.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  For one month, night after night, I witnessed one phenomenal sunset after another.  

Below, we’ll take a little photo tour around town, to some of the places listed on the map above.  Our tour starts just north of town, & from there, we’ll work our way south.  

The Locals-Only Spot

  Our first sunset stop is just a few minutes from town…but it feels miles away.  I call this the “Locals-Only” spot, because if you end up there at sunset, you’ll find a bunch of locals cliff-diving & hanging out along a rocky wall, shooting the shit.  This spot is a five-minute drive north of town, past Cozumel’s International Airport.  You’ve got to take a little dirt path down to this spot, & head thru a few bushes ~ then you’ll end up at a long, rock wall with a ledge.  Climb up, join the locals, & cliff dive if you dare. 

Along the Promenade…

Now let’s walk along the main drag ~ on the ocean side, so we’re not bothered by shopkeepers.  If you start near the International Airport & head south, you’ll come across interesting fountains & statues ~ which make great backdrops for sunset shots.  Head south & take photos at your leisure while the sun sets over the ocean. 

Next Stop ~ El Palomar

El Palomar is a restaurant & bar set in one of Cozumel’s oldest, loveliest buildings, a five-minute walk north of the main ferry terminal.  You’ll know you’ve reached it when you see a graceful white building with a huge, wrap-around porch, that simply beckons you to come up & have a drink.  Their margaritas are the best in town: top-flight tequila with fresh lime juice ~ no sweet & sour here!  Grab a margarita & enjoy the sunset from the porch, or take it to-go for your sunset stroll.

Sunset at the Ferry Terminal

Best Cozumel Sunsets at Jeannie’s

Jeannie’s is a popular restaurant, & a 10-minute walk south of the ferry terminal, where I captured my favorite photos of the trip.  And the good news: Jeannie’s is typically busy at lunch (with the cruise ship crowd), but much quieter at sunset (when most cruise ships have left).  Which makes it heaven for YOU ~ & the perfect place to capture amazing sunset shots.  

Sunset after the Storm

 Turquoise Bar, across from Villablanca Garden Resort, & a 30-minute walk south of town, has great Moscow mules, swings, & is a perfect vantage point for sunset viewing.  Like most places in Cozumel, they’re busier during the day ~ but at sunset, you can eat & drink in peace.  

So Long, Cozumel Sunsets…

Have you been to Cozumel?  Did you visit as part of a cruise ~ or did you actually stay on the island?  Let me know your experience of the island, & if you managed to catch any amazing sunsets below! 

Read Next: Where to Stay in Cozumel for ALL Budgets

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