If your cruise ship is visiting Cozumel, Mexico than there's a good chance you're interested in visiting Paradise Beach.
For over a decade, Paradise Beach was one of my top spots to visit while in Cozumel because it offered a white sand beach and pool, at a good price.
I think most people that are looking for a beach day in any port want somewhere that has good amenities, conveniently located, and is priced reasonably.
There are dozens of beach resorts you can visit in Cozumel, and each has their pros and cons. It can be overwhelming to find the right one for your family.
When Paradise Beach approached me to partner with this site, I jumped at the chance to go back to a favorite spot and re-visit it to see how it stacks up today and what the all-inclusive access program is all about.
Paradise Beach is a private beach resort that you book on your own (it's not available through Royal Caribbean).
Disclaimer: Paradise Beach invited me to visit on their behalf and provided complimentary access to their beach. I've been to Paradise Beach around 10 times or more on my own, and my opinions remain my own.
Admission types
Paradise Beach has two ways to enjoy your day there: a la carte or all-inclusive.
The all-inclusive is their most popular option where you pay one price for unlimited food, drink, and pool and beach access.
The cost of a Paradise Beach all-inclusive pass are:
- Adults: $67 per person
- Teens (12-17): $47 per person
- Kids (5-11): $41 per person
- Infants (0-4): Free
Alternatively, there's an a la carte day pass that costs $10 per person with a minimum consumption of $10 US per person to use our facilities.
Prior to this visit, I had always done the a la carte option because of the flexibility it provided in that my kids rarely "break even" on any all-inclusive pass I've been to in the Caribbean. Moreover, I like the idea of exploring Cozumel and then when it gets too hot, taking a taxi to Paradise Beach for a beach day to cool off in the afternoon.
However, the all-inclusive option makes it simple and it's clearly what a lot of cruisers are looking for in their visit to Cozumel.
In addition to both fare types, there are extra add-ons you can purchase: beach bed cabanas, hair braiding, spa massages, and a $18 fun pass that includes all the water inflatables, trampolines, beach floats, and more.
Paradise Beach has offered a special rate just for Royal Caribbean Blog readers!
If you use the promo code RCBLOG, you can save 10% off new bookings made through May 31, 2024 on any trip through December 31, 2024.
What you can do in Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is comprised of three major areas.
When you check-in, you'll be guided to your chairs for the day. You'll have the choice of whichever chairs are available on a first-come, first-claimed basis. You'll have two waiters assigned to you, who can take any food or drink orders you like.
You can go between the pool and beach as you like, but your assigned waiters are who can assist you.
As you walk in, you'll see the pool first. The pool at Paradise Beach is massive, and it's also heated. These are two things you won't find at other Cozumel beach resorts.
The size of the pool is a welcome perk, as there's more than enough space even on the busiest of days.
There's shallow seating, deeper water, and in-water loungers.
Beyond the pool is the sprawling beach. Lots of sand, loungers, and sea water to enjoy.
Paradise Beach has a reputation for offering many amenities beyond just the beach, and I think the beach inflatables are the most well-known.
These inflatables are a challenge and thrill for guests of all ages, but I think kids tend to gravitate towards them the most.
It costs $18 per person extra to access the inflatables. When I took my kids one on visit it's when I quickly realized I'm not as limber as I used to be. Nonetheless, the kids loved climbing, jumping, splashing, and then doing it all over again.
You'll also find a couple of bars around the resort. While there is not a swim-up bar, there's a bar near the pool, as well as bars with swings at the beach.
There's also bathrooms that the resort prides itself on being clean, as well as changing rooms, and lockers you can rent ($4 each).
Paradise Beach amenities
- Beach access
- Pool access
- Lounge chairs and umbrellas
- All you can eat and drink
- Free high-speed WiFi
- Restrooms
- Changing rooms
Food and drinks at Paradise Beach
I have a pet peeve about going to Mexico and not getting better Mexican food than I can get at home. So I expect any beach resort in Mexico to have great good choices.
Paradise Beach has a large menu, which means you're going to find a wide selection of Mexican fare.
Tacos, burritos, fajitas, and quesadillas, there's plenty and it was all cooked freshly.
The guacamole was clearly made that day (and not out of a jar), along with salsa that had a good amount of spice to it.
We tried burritos, tacos, fajitas and more. By far, I think their tacos are the best food item they have. In fact, there's a taco truck between the pool and beach that cook up fantastic tacos you can order from your waiter or right from the truck.
Paradise Beach also prides itself on its top shelf liquor. You'll find name brand liquors, as well as Mexican beers and more.
I've been to a number of beach pass resorts in Cozumel where well alcohol is served, and it can best be described as "gasoline" in terms of its smoothness. No such problem at Paradise Beach!
Comments
I've tried a lot of beach resorts in Cozumel, but Paradise Beach remains at the top of my recommended list because of the variety of options and value offered.
First and foremost, I love their giant pool because of how nice it is and the fact it's heated. Nearly every other beach resort in Cozumel has a small pool that can be downright frigid in the winter months.
The pool at Paradise Beach is heated, and I can always find a spot to hang. The staff will bring you drinks right to the pool's edge, and it's my favorite spot. Admittedly, I prefer the pool over the beach.
The beach is large enough that you can find a spot for your family, and the sand is quite soft.
I've also recommended Paradise Beach because of their a la carte option, where you can drop in for just a few hours. It's also really nice if you're not a big drinker and can't "break even" on the all-inclusive price.
The downside to the a la carte option is you can't make a reservation, so you have to hope there's room for you.
If there's a downside to visiting here, it's that it's no secret that Paradise Beach exists and it can be busy. Paradise Beach has a maximum capacity of around 800, and while it may not get close to that number on the day you visit, it certainly won't be a private retreat for your family.
Nonetheless, I think the variety of activities and reasonable price for its all-inclusive option make it a great choice for couples, families, and groups looking for a fun day with great service.
In fact, the waiter service is very good with some waiters having been working at Paradise Beach for many years. The owner has been there since the beginning, and it's clear they want their customers to return over and over again.
Ultimately, I like the variety of ways to spend your day at a reasonable price. Their food quality and drink menu stand out, and the beach's close proximity to where Royal Caribbean's cruise ships dock is convenient.
How does Paradise Beach compare to other popular Cozumel beach passes
Inevitably, everyone wants to know how Paradise Beach compares to the beach days you can find elsewhere on Cozumel.
It's a subjective question, but having been to the top ones, here's how I would rank each versus Paradise Beach.
Nachi Cocom
Nachi Cocom has a far lower limited capacity, which is it's best feature.
However, Nachi's pool is tiny and cold, and their liquor selection limited compared to Paradise.
There's also no floats or other kid-friendly amenities in the ocean that may leave families with less to do.
Mr. Sanchos
Mr. Sanchos has ocean floats and multiple pools with swim-up bars.
On my last visit, their WiFi did not work at all, and I found their food to be subpar.
How to get to Paradise Beach
It is a short drive from where Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock in Cozumel, perhaps 10 minutes by taxi.
When you exit the Cozumel port, look for the taxi stand and ask to go to Paradise Beach.
There will be plenty of taxis waiting at Paradise Beach to take you back, and the staff are happy to call you a taxi should there not be on that meets your needs.
