Playa Palancar

Playa Palancar is a white sand beach whose ribbon of sand runs for around a mile along the southwest coast of Cozumel Island. Easily reached via the island’s main highway – Quintana Roo C-1 – it is approximately 20 minutes from where the cruise ships dock. It is backed by shade giving palms and a handful of thatch-roofed huts which meld perfectly into this tropical paradise.

Lined by well-spaced sun loungers and umbrellas, there are none of the crowds of the beaches on Cancun or the Riviera Maya, and never a feeling of lacking personal space. Its waters have incredible visibility, a light blue colour and mainly sandy floor.

For the more actively-minded, water sports include the chance to take in Playa Palancar from the air with the aid of a parasail, or whip across its gentle waves on the back of a jet ski. Forming part of the Grand Mayan Reef – the second largest in the world – it is also a top site for snorkelling and scuba diving adventures.

Appetites can be refreshed at the beachside restaurant. You’ll want to bring cash in Mexican pesos or US dollars as credit cards are not accepted. Other facilities for visitors include restrooms, outdoor showers and changing rooms. A sun lounger and umbrella will cost around $10 for the day, although often come free when you order food or drink.