Quick answer: Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a protected nature park at the southern tip of Cozumel, about 27 km (45 minutes by car) from downtown San Miguel. One ticket, about US$22–23 per adult in 2026, gets you the Celarain lighthouse you can climb, a lagoon with wild crocodiles, the small El Caracol Maya structure, and long, quiet beaches with palapas and reef snorkeling. It's open Monday to Saturday, about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Bring cash and plan on half a day.
Punta Sur is our favorite day out on the island. It's where Cozumel still looks the way it did before the cruise ships: mangroves, dunes, empty sand and some of the bluest water you'll ever see. The photo above was taken about halfway up the lighthouse, looking down on the beach palapas.
Here's everything you need to know before you go.
Punta Sur at a Glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Where | Southern tip of Cozumel, off the coastal road where the west side turns to the east side |
| Distance from town | About 27 km, 40–50 minutes by car or scooter |
| Entrance fee | About US$22–23 adults, about US$15 kids 4–12, under 4 free |
| Hours | About 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday to Saturday (beach area closes around 4 p.m.) |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Payment | Cash preferred (pesos or US dollars) |
| Time needed | 3–5 hours, plus travel |
| Best for | Nature lovers, photographers, families, a quiet beach day |
Prices and hours are 2026 estimates and change often. Confirm at the gate or with the park before you go.
What Is Punta Sur Eco Beach Park?
Punta Sur (Spanish for "South Point") is a nature reserve covering the southern end of Cozumel. It's managed by the island's parks and museums foundation and protects the Colombia Lagoon, mangrove forest, coastal dunes and beaches where sea turtles nest each summer. Unlike Chankanaab or the west-side beach clubs, there's no music, no pool and almost no development. That's the point.
What to See and Do at Punta Sur
1. Climb the Celarain Lighthouse
The red-and-white Celarain Lighthouse (Faro Celarain) is the park's landmark. Climb the spiral staircase, about 120-plus steps, for a 360-degree view of the wild east coast, the lagoon and the reef line. It gets warm inside, so go early and bring water. At the base, a small navigation museum sits in the old lighthouse keeper's house.
2. See Crocodiles at Colombia Lagoon
A wooden boardwalk leads through the mangroves to a lookout tower over Colombia Lagoon, home to wild American crocodiles, herons, egrets and other wading birds. Climb the tower for the best view (it sways a little when it's windy). Crocodiles are most often seen in the morning and late afternoon. Stay on the boardwalk and never feed them.
3. Visit El Caracol, a Small Maya Temple
El Caracol ("the snail") is a small Maya structure near the lighthouse, built roughly 800 years ago. Its shell-shaped openings are thought to have worked as a wind whistle, warning of strong storms. It's small, but it's one of the most photogenic ruins on the island. Look but don't climb.
4. Spend the Afternoon on the Beach
The park's beaches are wide, white and usually close to empty. There are shaded palapas and loungers, restrooms and a simple restaurant near the main beach. The water is a striking turquoise, and on calm days it's great for swimming.
5. Snorkel the Reef From Shore
The south end of Cozumel sits right on the reef, and Punta Sur has a snorkel area just off the beach. Snorkel gear is usually available to rent, and life jackets may be required. Currents here can be stronger than on the west side, so stay inside the marked area and ask the staff about conditions that day. For more spots, see our guide to the best snorkeling in Cozumel.
6. Look for Turtles (In Season)
From about May to October, loggerhead and green sea turtles nest on Punta Sur's beaches. You'll often see tracks and protected nest areas. Keep clear of marked nests and follow staff instructions. Read more about turtle nesting season in Cozumel.
How to Get to Punta Sur
There's no public bus, so you'll need your own wheels or a tour:
- Rental car or jeep (best option): Drive south along the west coast road past Palancar, and follow the signs for Punta Sur where the road bends to the east side. Allow 40–50 minutes from town. Pairing Punta Sur with the east side makes a great full-day island loop.
- Scooter: Doable for confident riders, but it's a long, sunny ride and the east-side road can be windy.
- Taxi: Possible, but it's a long fare each way. Agree on the price first, and arrange your return pickup, since there are few taxis waiting at the park.
- Tour: Several local operators include Punta Sur in island tours, which is the easiest option on a cruise stop.
Inside the park, the lighthouse, El Caracol, the lagoon tower and the beach are spread out along the park road. Check at the entrance how you'll get between them that day.
Is Punta Sur Worth It?
Yes, if you want nature and quiet. For about the price of a beach club minimum, you get a lighthouse climb, crocodiles, a Maya ruin and one of the prettiest beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, with very few people. It's not the right pick if you want a pool, swim-up bar or music, or if you only have a few hours in port and no car. In that case, try a west-side beach club or Chankanaab Park.
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Tips for Visiting Punta Sur
- Don't go on a Sunday. The park is closed.
- Arrive when it opens. Mornings are cooler for the lighthouse climb and better for wildlife.
- Bring cash for the entrance, food and rentals. Don't count on paying by card.
- Bring bug spray. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be fierce near the mangroves, especially after rain.
- Use reef-safe mineral sunscreen and bring a hat. Shade is limited outside the palapas.
- Pack water and snacks, although the beach restaurant covers the basics.
- Check the wind. On rough days the sea can be too choppy for snorkeling, but the lighthouse and lagoon are still worth the trip.
- Fill up the tank before you leave town. Gas stations are scarce once you leave town.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Punta Sur cost?
Entrance to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park costs about US$22–23 per adult in 2026, and about US$15 for children 4 to 12. Children under 4 are free. Cash is preferred, and prices can change, so check at the gate.
What are the Punta Sur hours?
Punta Sur is open Monday to Saturday from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the beach area closes around 4 p.m. The park is closed on Sundays.
Is Punta Sur worth visiting?
Yes. Punta Sur is one of the best things to do in Cozumel if you like nature. One ticket includes the Celarain lighthouse, crocodiles at Colombia Lagoon, the El Caracol Maya structure and quiet beaches with snorkeling.
How far is Punta Sur from the cruise port?
Punta Sur is about 20–27 km from Cozumel's cruise piers and downtown, roughly a 35–50 minute drive. Most cruise visitors go with a rental jeep, a taxi or a tour.
Can you see crocodiles at Punta Sur?
Yes. Wild American crocodiles live in Colombia Lagoon, and you can often see them from the boardwalk and observation tower. Mornings and late afternoons are best. Stay on the boardwalk and never feed them.
Can you snorkel at Punta Sur?
Yes. There is a reef snorkel area just off the main beach, and gear is usually available to rent. Currents can be stronger than on the west side, so stay in the marked area and ask staff about conditions.
Can you climb the Punta Sur lighthouse?
Yes. Visitors can climb the spiral staircase of the Celarain Lighthouse, a little over 120 steps, for panoramic views of the south end of the island. A small navigation museum sits at its base.
Is Punta Sur open on Sunday?
No. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is closed on Sundays. Plan your visit for Monday through Saturday.
Plan Your Punta Sur Day
Rent a jeep, get to the gate at 9 a.m., climb the lighthouse while it's cool, walk out to see the crocodiles, then spend the afternoon under a palapa on one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. On the way home, continue up the east side for sunset drinks and big-wave views.
Keep planning:
- Beaches to see in Cozumel
- Best snorkeling in Cozumel: 10 spots from shore & boat
- Cozumel cruise port guide: what to do in one day
- Best time to visit Cozumel
- Cozumel tours & diving directory
Run island tours or jeep rentals? Get your business in front of Punta Sur day-trippers on Blog Cozumel.
