Time For Your Vacation

(The following is an updated review from 2024 of Paradise Beach from 2024)

Look, I’ve been to a lot of cruise port beach clubs. A lot. From the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, I’ve sat in more beach chairs than I care to count. And here’s what I’ll tell you straight up: Paradise Beach in Cozumel isn’t perfect. But it might just be the best option you’ll find when your ship docks at this Mexican island paradise.

Let me break down exactly what you’re getting into, the spectacular service, the underwater magic, the food that’ll surprise you (sometimes in good ways, sometimes… not so much), and the one taxi trap that could cost you an extra $22 if you’re not paying attention.

This isn’t a sponsored post. This is a real review from a real visit. I chose the beach over the pool, I paid for my own food, and I’m going to tell you exactly what worked and what didn’t.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

The Taxi Situation: Bring Cash or Pay Double

Let’s get the most annoying part out of the way first.

You’re going to need a taxi to get from the cruise terminal to Paradise Beach. It’s not walkable. The ride takes about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic, and here’s where things get interesting.

If you pay cash, the ride costs $18 one way. Pretty standard for Cozumel.

If you want to use a credit card? That same ride suddenly costs $20.

This isn’t Paradise Beach’s fault, it’s just how the taxi system works in Cozumel. Most drivers strongly prefer cash, and they’ve essentially built a “convenience fee” into credit card payments that’s more than double the cash price. It’s frustrating, it feels predatory, and it’s something you need to know before you leave the ship.

My advice? Hit the ATM on your cruise ship or bring small bills from home. A $20 bill will get you there with change to spare. If you’re traveling as a couple or family, you can split one taxi and make it even more economical.

First Impressions: Where Paradise Beach Gets It Right

The moment you walk through the entrance, something becomes immediately clear: the staff here genuinely care about your experience.

This isn’t the robotic, going-through-the-motions service you sometimes get at cruise port attractions. The team at Paradise Beach is warm, attentive, and honestly seems happy to see you. They’ll greet you with smiles, explain your options clearly, and point you toward the beach or pool depending on your preference.

The check-in process is smooth. You’ll make a decision about packages (more on that in a minute), and then you’re free to stake your claim on the perfect spot.

Here’s what I loved about the service throughout the day: it was consistent. Whether you needed another drink, had a question about the snorkeling equipment, or wanted a fresh towel, someone was always nearby and ready to help. No hunting down staff members. No waiting forever for attention.

In the world of beach clubs catering to cruise passengers, this level of service is rare. Really rare. Most places are focused on volume over experience. Paradise Beach manages to do both.

The Big Choice: Pool or Beach?

When you arrive, you’ll face a decision that will define your entire day: do you want to set up at the pool or the beach?

Both have their advantages. Both have comfortable chairs (though some reviews mention they’re not the most luxurious you’ll ever sit in, I’ll be honest, they’re fine but not spectacular). Both offer the option to upgrade to a daybed if you want more space and comfort.

I chose the beach.

Why? Because we have a pool at home. When I’m on a Caribbean island, I want my toes in the sand and my eyes on the ocean. That’s the whole point.

The beach at Paradise Beach delivers exactly what you’d expect from the Mexican Caribbean: white sand, turquoise water, and that gentle lapping of waves that makes you forget you have responsibilities waiting back home. The water access is immediate and easy, no long walks, no obstacles, just a few steps from your chair to the water.

If you’re traveling with kids who are obsessed with pool activities, or if you prefer the controlled environment of a swimming pool, the pool area is genuinely nice. It’s well-maintained, offers inflatables and water features, and has a fun, family-friendly vibe. From what I observed, the pool crowd seemed just as happy as the beach crowd.

The daybed upgrades are available at both locations. They’re worth considering if you’re traveling as a group or want a more private, comfortable setup. You’ll get more space, better cushioning, and a bit of separation from the masses.

But here’s my take: the standard beach chairs are perfectly adequate for a port day. Save your upgrade money for drinks and food.

The Beach Experience: Relaxation in Paradise

Let me paint you a picture of what a day on the Paradise Beach sand actually looks like.

You’ve claimed your chair. You’ve stripped down to your swimsuit. You’ve slathered on sunscreen (please, for the love of all that is holy, wear sunscreen). And now you’re staring at the most gorgeous shade of blue water you’ve seen in months.

This is where Paradise Beach earns its name.

The beach itself is clean and well-maintained. The water is calm, warm, and incredibly inviting. Unlike some Cozumel beaches that deal with significant seaweed problems (especially during certain seasons), Paradise Beach does a decent job of keeping the swimming areas clear.

Is it the pristine, magazine-cover perfection you see in resort brochures? Not always. Nature happens. Some days the water has a slightly murky look, and yes, there might be some seaweed floating around. But compared to the alternatives in the area, it’s one of the better beach experiences you’ll find for cruise passengers.

The vibe is wonderfully relaxed. This isn’t a party beach with thumping music and spring break energy. It’s families building sandcastles. Couples reading books under umbrellas. Solo travelers taking contemplative walks along the shoreline.

After the chaos of getting off the ship, navigating the port, and dealing with the taxi situation, this relaxation is exactly what you need. You can feel your shoulders drop, your breathing slow, and that vacation mentality finally kick in.

The location, just a short ride from the cruise port, means you’re not sacrificing hours of your port day to transportation. You can be in the water within 30 minutes of stepping off your ship. That proximity is gold when you’re working with limited port time.

The Snorkeling: Underwater Magic

Here’s where Paradise Beach really shines.

The snorkeling here is legitimately good. Not “good for a beach club” good, actually good.

You can rent snorkeling equipment on-site (or bring your own if you’re the type of traveler who packs their own gear). The rental process is straightforward, the equipment is in decent condition, and the staff will point you toward the best spots.

The underwater visibility varies depending on conditions, but on a good day, you’re looking at a surprisingly diverse marine ecosystem. I spotted colorful tropical fish, interesting coral formations, and that magical underwater landscape that makes Caribbean snorkeling so addictive.

This isn’t Cozumel’s famous wall diving, but it doesn’t need to be. For a casual snorkeling experience that doesn’t require a boat or special excursion, it’s fantastic. Families with kids will especially appreciate how accessible it is, you can keep an eye on younger snorkelers while they explore.

The water depth is manageable for beginners but interesting enough for experienced snorkelers. You’re not just floating in three feet of water looking at sand.

One tip: go snorkeling earlier in the day if possible. The water tends to be clearer in the morning, and you’ll beat some of the crowds.

Food & Drinks: The Hits, The Misses, and Everything In Between

Let’s talk about the food situation at Paradise Beach, because this is where opinions get complicated.

First, you need to understand your options. You can either:

1. Go à la carte and pay for individual food and drink items as you order them
2. Purchase a drink package that covers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
3. Purchase a food and drink package that covers meals and drinks

For a full day at the beach, most people find the all-inclusive package worthwhile. You’ll drink and eat enough to justify the upfront cost, and you won’t have to think about prices every time you want a margarita.

Now, about the actual food quality.

The hits: Some of the dishes here are genuinely impressive. The tacos are fresh and flavorful, with quality ingredients that taste like real Mexican food rather than Americanized cruise port cuisine. The quesadillas hit the spot when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. The pizzas are solid, nothing groundbreaking, but perfectly acceptable beach food. And the fruit? Fresh, sweet, and refreshing in the Caribbean heat.

The misses: Not every dish is a winner. Some items felt like they were sitting out too long or prepared in bulk with inconsistent quality. Without getting too specific (because your mileage may vary), I’d say stick to the Mexican specialties and avoid anything that looks like it’s been under a heat lamp for a while.

The drinks are where Paradise Beach really delivers. The bartenders know what they’re doing, the portions are generous (by cruise port standards), and you won’t feel like you’re drinking watered-down approximations of real cocktails. The margaritas are particularly good, made with real ingredients, not powdered mix.

Coffee, smoothies, and non-alcoholic options are plentiful and well-executed. If you’re traveling with kids or non-drinkers, they won’t feel shortchanged.

Here’s my honest assessment: the food is inconsistent but generally good enough to keep you satisfied throughout the day. Set your expectations at “quality beach club food” rather than “fine dining,” and you’ll be happy. When you hit a great dish, it’s a pleasant surprise. When you hit a mediocre one, it’s not a disaster, just skip it next time and order something else.

The variety is solid. You won’t get bored eating the same thing all day. And the ability to order multiple times throughout your visit means you can sample different options and figure out what works.

The Family-Friendly Factor

Paradise Beach excels at catering to families, and it’s easy to see why so many cruise passengers with kids choose this spot.

The setup is inherently family-friendly. The beach has calm, shallow areas perfect for young children. The pool offers inflatables, water slides, and enough activities to keep kids entertained for hours. There’s even a separate shallow pool area for very young children, including those in swim diapers.

Parents can actually relax here. The layout allows you to keep an eye on your kids whether they’re in the water, at the pool, or playing in the sand. The staff is attentive to families, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming to children without being overrun by chaos.

Teenagers won’t feel like they’re stuck at a “baby place” either. The snorkeling, water activities, and freedom to explore give older kids enough to stay engaged.

If you’re traveling as a multi-generational group, Paradise Beach handles that gracefully too. Grandparents can claim comfortable chairs and watch the action. Parents can participate or supervise. Kids can run wild (within reason).

This flexibility is rare. Most beach clubs either cater heavily to party crowds or lean so hard into family activities that they lose appeal for adults. Paradise Beach finds a middle ground that works.

The Gift Shop Reality Check

Let’s be honest about the gift shop situation.

The prices are steep. Really steep.

If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, sunscreen you forgot to pack, or any of the typical beach accessories sold at these places, you’re going to pay premium prices. We’re talking significantly higher than what you’d pay at shops in town or even at other vendors near the cruise port.

My advice? Buy your souvenirs elsewhere. If you forgot something essential, sure, pay the premium and move on with your day. But don’t plan on doing your Cozumel shopping at the Paradise Beach gift shop unless you enjoy paying tourist trap prices.

This is a minor complaint in the grand scheme of your day, but it’s worth mentioning so you’re not shocked when you see the price tags.

The shop does carry quality items, it’s not selling cheap junk. But you’re paying for the convenience of shopping in your swimsuit with a margarita in your hand. That convenience comes at a cost.

What Makes Paradise Beach the “Gold Standard”?

After spending a full day here, I understand why Paradise Beach has built such a strong reputation among cruise passengers. It’s not perfect, but it gets the important things right.

The service is the foundation. When staff members genuinely care about your experience, everything else improves. That warmth and attentiveness creates a positive atmosphere that’s hard to quantify but easy to feel.

The location can’t be overstated. Being this close to the cruise port means you maximize your beach time and minimize your stress about getting back to the ship.

The flexibility in pricing and setup gives you control over your experience. Want to splurge on the all-inclusive package and a daybed? Do it. Want to keep costs down with à la carte options and regular chairs? That works too.

The access to both beach and pool means different groups in your party can have different experiences and everyone stays happy.

The relaxation factor is real. This isn’t a crowded, chaotic scene. You can actually decompress here.

Does it have flaws? Absolutely. The food consistency, the gift shop prices, and the taxi situation are legitimate downsides. But when I compare Paradise Beach to the dozens of other cruise port beach clubs I’ve visited, it comes out ahead more often than not.

The “gold standard” designation might feel like hyperbole, but in the context of what’s available to cruise passengers in Cozumel, it’s earned.

My Final Verdict

Paradise Beach isn’t trying to be a luxury resort. It’s not competing with exclusive private island experiences. It’s a beach club designed for cruise passengers who want a quality beach day without complications.

And in that specific category, it delivers.

Would I return? Yes, without hesitation.

Would I recommend it to friends and clients? Yes, with the caveats I’ve mentioned throughout this review.

The service alone makes it worth visiting. Add in decent food, good snorkeling, easy access, and a genuinely relaxing atmosphere, and you’ve got a winning combination for a port day.

Just remember to bring cash for the taxi. And maybe skip the gift shop.

Your cruise ship will dock in Cozumel. You’ll step off into the warm Mexican sunshine. You’ll navigate the port. And then you’ll face the question every cruiser asks: what should we do today?

Paradise Beach is a solid answer to that question. Not perfect, but pretty damn good.

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Dave Galvan, author of this amazing tome, is a travel author, luxury travel concierge, travel blogger, travel vlogger, travel tour guide, travel podcaster and traveler.

Ready to plan your next vacation? Whether you’re looking for beach clubs in Cozumel or planning a completely different adventure, I’m here to help make it happen. Visit www.TimeForYourVacation.com, www.DaveTheTourGuide.com, or check out more travel insights at www.TimeForYourVacation.blog.

You can also catch me on the podcast at https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/contact24682 where I share stories, tips, and honest reviews from my travels around the world.