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…

Is this heaven…?? No ~ just Cozumel!

So…Where is Cozumel? 

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. 

Sunset from the popular Money Bar, a 10-min taxi ride south of Cozumel’s main town, on the western side of the island.

Locations for Best Cozumel Sunsets 

Like I said, you can catch some of the best Cozumel sunsets pretty much anywhere on the island.  The spots on the map below happen to be where I repeatedly captured some of my best shots.  So use this as a jumping-off point ~ I know you’ll discover plenty of Cozumel sunset 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

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. 

Just hanging with the boys of summer…

Along the Promenade…

Now let’s walk along the main drag ~ but on the ocean side, so as not to be 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 sinks. 

The warrior who stands guard over Cozumel, watching out for pirates or something..

More statues along the promenade…

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.

Watching the sunset from El Palomar, a 5-minute walk north of the main ferry.

Sunset at the Ferry Terminal

Sunset over Cozumel, with the ferry terminal in the distance.

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), & 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 at Jeannie’s, & one of the most “liked” Instagram pics I’ve ever posted: 656 like & counting…

Sunset after the Storm

Sunset after an intense rain storm, right next to Turquoise bar. No filter.

 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.  

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! 

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