Best Cozumel Sunsets
What’s the one major problem with Cancun, Playa del Carmen, & Tulum ~ three of the most popular beachfront resorts in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula?  It’s that, 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 in the Yucatan that DOES face west, though? Yes ~ COZUMEL!! And in this post, I’ll tell you where to find the best Cozumel sunsets on the island…
So…Where is Cozumel?Â
Cozumel is a little island (well actually, it’s 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.Â
Locations for Best Cozumel SunsetsÂ
Like I said, you can catch some of the best Cozumel sunsets pretty much anywhere on the island. Â The spots on the map below happen to be where I repeatedly captured some of my best shots. Â So use this as a jumping-off point ~ I know you’ll discover plenty of Cozumel sunset magic all on your own!
Jeannie's
Hotel Cozumel
Turquoise
Las Palmeras
El Palomar
The Money Bar
My Cozumel Sunsets Routine…
Every night, no matter what, I found myself drawn outside to witness the spectacular Cozumel sunsets. Â I’ve never seen anything like it. Â For one month, night after night, I witnessed one phenomenal sunset after another. Â
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. Â
The Locals-Only Spot
A rainbow-colored sunset & cliff-diving at a “Local’s Only” spot ~ just a 5-min drive north of town. I could tell you where it is…but the locals might kill me ; )
  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, watching the sunset & shooting the shit.  This spot is a 5-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.Â
Along the Promenade…
Now let’s walk along the main drag ~ but on the ocean side, so as not to be bothered by shopkeepers. Â If you start near the International Airport & head south, you’ll come across interesting fountains & statues ~ which make great backdrops for sunset shots. Â Head south & take photos at your leisure while the sun sinks.Â
Next Stop ~ El Palomar
El Palomar is a restaurant & bar set in one of Cozumel’s oldest, loveliest buildings, about a 5-minute walk north of the main ferry terminal.  You’ll know you’ve reached El Palomar 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 B.S. 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. Â And the good news: Jeannie’s is typically busy at lunch (with the cruise ship crowd), & much quieter at sunset (when most cruise ships have left). Â Which makes it heaven for YOU ~ & the perfect place to capture amazing sunset shots. Â
Sunset at Jeannie’s, & one of the most “liked” Instagram pics I’ve ever posted: 656 like & counting…
Sunset after the Storm
 Turquoise Bar, across from Villablanca Garden Resort, & a 30-minute walk south of town, has great Moscow mules, swings, & 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, minus the majority of tourists. Â
So Long, Best Cozumel Sunsets…
Have you been to Cozumel?  Did you visit as part of a cruise, or did you stay longer than a night or two? Let me know your experience of the island & if you managed to catch any crazy Cozumel sunsets in the comments below!Â
Read Next: How to Get to the Pink Sea in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula!
What is your favorite place to watch the sunset in Cozumel?? Mine was at Jeannie’s!
Fun stories about the sunsets! I write Local Knowledge Travel Guides/Best of Isla Mujeres, and the Cozumel book should be out April/May. Love El Palomar. Regards, Kip