Description
General information about the beach
Playa Chumul is a wild beach on the east coast with mangroves. It features a calm atmosphere and scenic views, popular for walks and nature watching.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- White sand
- Crystal-clear water
- Seclusion
- Scenic views
- Few tourists
Cons
- Severe beach erosion
- Rocky shore
- Strong waves
- No lifeguards
- Limited infrastructure
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Suitable for those seeking solitude and nature lovers. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and rocky shore.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Playa Chumul is known for its white sand and crystal-clear water, but in recent years it has been subject to severe erosion: in two weeks the beach can lose up to 14 metres in width.
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
moderate
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
15 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
rocks
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats.
Insurance & Connectivity
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Flight compensation
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Best restaurants
Ventanas al Mar
Seafood
Hotel restaurant with sea views and fresh seafood.
Nearby cuisines
Seafood
Fresh seafood from the Caribbean Sea.
Must try: Ceviche, grilled fish, shrimp
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Tours & Activities
Book excursions, tickets and experiences near the beach
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream
Water
Towel
Swimsuit
Water shoes
Cash
Best Time to Swim
Best time to visit is from November to May when the sea is calmer. In the morning there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Swimming is not recommended due to strong waves and currents. Keep the beach clean.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
International transfer
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Car rental
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Bikes & scooters
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Local car rental
Localrent — direct from local providers
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach
Chankanaab Park
Nature park with lagoons and rich wildlife.
Celina Lighthouse
Scenic lighthouse on the southern tip of the island.
San Miguel
Main town of Cozumel with restaurants and shops.
Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Chumul: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, 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.
Playa Chumul: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 1.0 m.
Playa Chumul: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — moderate. The shallow area extends for 15 metres from the shore. Bottom — rocks. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals.
Playa Chumul: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 000 metres.
Playa Chumul: 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.
Playa Chumul: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Chumul: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Chumul: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Ventanas al Mar. Cuisines available: Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Chumul: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Cash.
Playa Chumul: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is from November to May when the sea is calmer. In the morning there are fewer people.
Playa Chumul: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to strong waves and currents. Keep the beach clean.
Playa Chumul: who is this beach best for?
Suitable for those seeking solitude and nature lovers. Not suitable for families with small children due to strong waves and rocky shore.
Playa Chumul: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Chumul is known for its white sand and crystal-clear water, but in recent years it has been subject to severe erosion: in two weeks the beach can lose up to 14 metres in width.
Playa Chumul: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Crystal-clear water, Seclusion, Scenic views, Few tourists. Cons: Severe beach erosion, Rocky shore, Strong waves, No lifeguards, Limited infrastructure.
Playa Chumul: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Chankanaab Park, Celina Lighthouse, San Miguel. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Chumul: 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.