This Beach Near Cozumel Rated The Best In The World By Tripadvisor

Share The Article

Tripadvisor just dropped its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, and the number one beach on the planet isn’t in the Maldives, Greece, or Hawaii.

It is Isla Pasion, a tiny, remote island just off the northern coast of Cozumel.

Beating out heavyweights like Eagle Beach in Aruba and La Jolla Cove in California, this one-kilometer stretch of sand took the global crown. But what pushes a small Mexican island past the most famous coastlines in the world?

Here is why Isla Pasion took the top spot for 2026, and exactly how you can pull off a day trip from Cancun.

The Capacity Limit

The massive appeal of Isla Pasion lies in its strict access rules.

Unlike the crowded public beaches of Playa del Carmen or the densely packed Cancun Hotel Zone, this island is strictly day-use only. Capacity is naturally capped by the boats that bring people in. There are no hotels, no aggressive vendors walking the shoreline, and zero need to claim a lounge chair at dawn.

When you step off the boat, you are met with flat, shallow water protected by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Because there is virtually no wave action, the conditions are ideal for kayaking and snorkeling. If you swim just past the shoreline, it is incredibly common to spot hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles feeding in the seagrass.

The Setup

While the island is geographically isolated, you do not have to rough it. Isla Pasion operates as a highly organized, full-service beach club.

Your ticket functions as an all-inclusive pass for the day. The infrastructure is built for comfort, featuring over-water hammocks, shaded palapas, and ocean swings.

The food is straightforward and authentic. A large buffet serves chicken and pork fajitas, fresh fish, and guacamole, alongside a domestic open bar pouring beer and margaritas. For families, the island is fully equipped with clean restrooms, freshwater showers, and a kids’ area with water trampolines. If you want a quieter experience, massage stations and a small local craft kiosk are tucked further back under the trees.

The Logistics: The Cancun Day Trip

Can you visit Isla Pasion as a day trip from Cancun? Yes. But it requires a full day dedicated to transit.

This multi-step journey is the exact filter that keeps the massive tourist crowds away. If it were easy to get to, it wouldn’t be the best beach in the world.

Step 1: The Southbound Transit From Cancun, you need to get to Playa del Carmen. You can take the ADO bus from downtown or hop on the Tren Maya. Expect this leg to take roughly one hour and twenty minutes.

Step 2: The Ferry Crossing Walk to the Playa del Carmen terminal and board the passenger ferry to Cozumel. The crossing takes about 40 minutes depending on the water conditions.

Step 3: The Island Transfer Once you arrive at the San Miguel de Cozumel pier, you have two primary options to reach Isla Pasion:

• The Jeep Route: You can book a 45-minute guided Jeep drive north over rugged, unpaved terrain to Bahia Ciega. From there, it is a quick 15-minute flat-bottom boat ride across the lagoon to the island.
• The Speedboat Route: For a faster, high-adrenaline arrival, you can book the “Twister” jet boat directly from the main Cozumel port. It blasts you up the coast doing 360-degree spins and drops you directly on the beach.

Taking the title of “Best Beach in the World” means the secret is officially out. If you are heading to the Mexican Caribbean in 2026, book your island passes well in advance.