Description
General information about the beach
El Cielo Beach, which translates as "Heaven," is one of the most beautiful beaches in Cozumel. It features crystal-clear water and an abundance of starfish, popular for snorkelling and swimming. Accessible only by boat.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
40 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
250 m
Frequently asked questions
El Cielo Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity crystal, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
El Cielo Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.1 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
El Cielo Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 40 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
El Cielo Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 250 metres.
El Cielo Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November. It ends in May. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
El Cielo Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. There are no rip currents — swimming is safe. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
El Cielo Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
El Cielo Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
El Cielo Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Snorkel mask.
El Cielo Beach: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is from November to May when the water is calm and clear. In the morning there are fewer boats.
El Cielo Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
It is prohibited to step on starfish and touch corals. Keep the beach clean.
El Cielo Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
El Cielo Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts and photographers: shallow, crystal-clear water and many starfish. Suitable for couples and families with children. Not suitable for those seeking solitude due to the large number of tours.
El Cielo Beach: what makes this beach unique?
El Cielo Beach is not a regular beach, but a sandbar where the water is so shallow and clear that it feels like walking on water. Hundreds of starfish live here, making it a unique spot for snorkelling.
El Cielo Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Crystal-clear water, Shallow water, Starfish, Snorkelling, White sand, Unique experience. Cons: Access only by water, Crowded due to tours, No infrastructure, No lifeguards, It is prohibited to step on starfish.
El Cielo Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Colombia Reef, Punta Sur Beach, Palancar Beach. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
El Cielo Beach: how do I get to the city of Cozumel?
The beach is located near the city of Cozumel. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Cozumel.