Playa Chen Rio
Playa Chen Rio
4.5
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More than 3 hours
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Best nearby
Restaurants
4 within 3 miles
Attractions
7 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
516 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
136
Average
44
Poor
12
Terrible
12
Margaret B
Hallettsville, TX49 contributions
Couples
For us, this is the only way to spend some time during a cruise port stop. We schedule a 3 hour tour with Tours Plaza and this gets us a private driver for 3 hours. We’ve been to Cozumel enough that we know we want to immediately go across the island to the “wild” side where few cruisers go. We go to lunch at Senor Iguanas where they serve the BEST margaritas. And everything we have eaten there has been the epitome of fresh and delicious. After a leisurely lunch we head down to Playa Chen Rio and enjoy a second margarita although after the 1st at Senor Iguanas you really don’t need a second. Whew! Playa Chen Rio provides a great place to watch the waves and enjoy the sea breeze. It also has a protected tide pool area if you want to get in the water but not the waves. The driver will get you back to the cruise pier at the 3 hour mark and you will have had the *perfect* Cozumel cruise stop experience.
Written July 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FunAdventureGurl
Plano, TX21 contributions
We stumbled upon Chen Rio on our recent trip while staying on the East side of the island, not far away. What a beautiful beach! We had the best fresh lobster and fish for two - all for $45 USD - it was so good and the next time we are on the island, we will go back. I used to be a fan of Rasta Bar and Coconuts when i went to the East side of the island, and those are still good, but for a beautiful, fun and more authentic experience, check out Playa Chen Rio and their wonderful restaurant. Great food and great prices! I'm missing it just thinking about it! We will be back!
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marguerite P
22 contributions
This place is amazing! The beach by far was the prettiest on the island. Its unfortunate they make getting there so difficult. Transportation is expensive, however if you can stay somewhere cheaper and use your money to get to this beach do that instead. They rent chairs and umbrellas for $25 usd, they have food, restrooms, or you can bring your own beer, and towel and chill at the beach. A definite must!
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kimberly B
Grove City, OH6,613 contributions
We were driving along the "wild side" and I had heard people talk about this place for a place to "swim". There's not really beaches to swim at on the wild side because of the strong waves and current, but this place has a little cove with rocks blocking the big waves. It's a local favorite and the day we were there you could tell the locals love this place.
The beach is somewhat long and runs along the road. You will have to park on the other side of the road and it's free to come to. The water is only about knee deep and crystal clear. So, don't think you'll be actually "swimming". It's more of a place to bring your towel and put down on the sand and then sit in the water to cool off. The sand is powder soft as well.
It's not really a place I would come back to or a place I would personally spend a lot of time at, but it was good for a few hours.
The beach is somewhat long and runs along the road. You will have to park on the other side of the road and it's free to come to. The water is only about knee deep and crystal clear. So, don't think you'll be actually "swimming". It's more of a place to bring your towel and put down on the sand and then sit in the water to cool off. The sand is powder soft as well.
It's not really a place I would come back to or a place I would personally spend a lot of time at, but it was good for a few hours.
Written June 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fred F
Jasper, TN394 contributions
This area is definitely for those either living on the island or vacationing for multiple days. However, we hired a Taxi for the afternoon and were delighted with the beautiful beach and blue ocean water. The winds were high and the Red Flag was out on the beach so we didn't venture far into the water. This is about a 25 minute drive from the cruise port. There was a restaurant near by with a good variety and reasonable prices. We did not eat there.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Indah Edlightz
Ontario, Canada2,817 contributions
Beautiful spot, but an absolute tourist trap. Guides bring you here because its isolated and all prices are insane. You can but a lobster for $53 or a hotdog for $12.
Amazing tacos at the pier are 50 cents.
If you can resist dining here... its a great spot to swim and relax.
Amazing tacos at the pier are 50 cents.
If you can resist dining here... its a great spot to swim and relax.
Written October 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jp
Brandon, FL3 contributions
Family
This place is gorgeous! But come prepared because there is no electricity so it’s cash only. The staff is extremely friendly, the food was all spectacular and the beer is cold. We were looking for a place where we could swim and eat and not be slammed with tourist. This place over delivered!
Written April 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mayya
8 contributions
A must see on Cozumel, especially since it is free (there is a restaurant nearby but you don't have to purchase anything to enjoy the beach). The rocks on the north side protect the beach from the strong waves, creating a warm, shallow pool that is great for both kids and adults to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. If you have snorkeling goggles with you, you can spot urchins, lobsters, and fish in and around the rocks. Be careful swimming on the south side of the beach, as the current is very strong.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rachael H
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ132 contributions
By far the most beautiful part of the eastern island. The tidal pools are a must or you'll be a part of the caribbean sea bottom. The undertow is very strong this time of year; so really watch out when you go in the water.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Family_guy_of_mn
Pawhuska, OK43 contributions
Family
Hello, we were on Royal Caribbean. It was a busy port day. 8 ships in port. We went directly to an area that had tours. We found a rental car stand and rented an economy car with insurance for $100. Jeeps wee $145 with insurance. They would not give on the price. We rented and took an immediate right turn out of the lot. We followed the signs around the outer edge of the island and drove about 40 minutes. This is a great beach area. Great rum tasting as well. Low pressure to buy.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveler57777
Goodview, VA75 contributions
is there a listing of Cozumel beaches that you can bring your own cooler to? we will have a car and want to spend a few days on a beach, but don't really want to buy beer from restaurant/bar.
Traveler57777
Goodview, VA75 contributions
Can you pack your own cooler with beer? Or do you have to buy from the restaurant?
Michael G
White Plains, NY36 contributions
There are nearby beaches where you could do that but not at the bar/restaurant
Amanda S
Edmonton, Canada434 contributions
I know Playa Chen Rio is open Sunday’s but does that also include the restaurant ? Thanks!
Scubaprinces
Vancouver, Canada88 contributions
Hi sorry no idea
If you take a taxi there and stay all day; are there taxis to take you back to port?
caribbeantravelcielo
New Orleans, LA448 contributions
I've never had a taxi bring us, drop us off for the whole day. We rented the taxi & drove around the island - hopping from one location to the other (Or we rented our own vehicle). I can say that I have always seen taxis outside though at whatever time we left when we drove ourselves there.
SunshineIsland
Fort Lauderdale, FL9 contributions
Hi, how much is the taxi fare from the cruise ship terminal (Royal Carib ship)?
Kadee K
Mandeville, LA7 contributions
You can see the taxi rates based on how many people you have - we used the guide at the Puerta Maya website. Since the chart showed that it was cheaper to pay in pesos we had pesos ahead of time in preparation. HOWEVER when we said we were paying in pesos, they coverted the charge in dollars to pesos, so it ended up not being cheaper after all. Having said that, we had an amazing driver who was more of a tour guide and we felt the charge was well worth it. His name was Taz Miranda and you can ask for him at the taxi line to see if he is available.
Kadee K
Mandeville, LA7 contributions
We are looking to visit this beach in a couple of weeks while in port. We will have kids of many ages with us. Are there restroom facilities, perhaps in the restaurant? What about shady spots? I read that there were no bathrooms, but that report was more than 10 years ago and I'm wondering if that has changed. Thank you!
Howard W
Playa del Carmen, Mexico114 contributions
Definitely restrooms. Very clean and nice. Around back of the restaurant, and off to the side. We loved this restaurant and beach area. As others posted, there is a very lovely and partially sheltered beach to play in the water.
Lori Ann P
Tucson8 contributions
Greetings from Arizona. We're heading on a cruise in mid April and one of the ports is Cozumel. Last year we went to Cozumel and did a beach club, this year we want to hit this beach. How far is this beach from the cruise port and does it have bathroom facilities?
Don P
Dallas, TX14,494 contributions
It is on the opposite side of the island from the cruise terminals. It is about 20km from the center of Cozumel, maybe a 30min drive. There are some shops and at least one restaurant so I assume there are bathroom facilities
Playa Chen Rio (Cozumel) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Playa Chen Rio
- We recommend booking Playa Chen Rio tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Playa Chen Rio tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Playa Chen Rio:
- Paddleboard, snorkel and Surf Jeep Tour in Cozumel (From $389.75)
- Private Cozumel accesible adventour en silla de ruedas (From $400.00)
- Private Jeep Tour in Cozumel (From $99.00)
- Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach: Private Tour (From $109.00)
- Cozumel Buggy Tour (From $75.00)
- Hotels near Playa Chen Rio:
- (0.42 mi) Ventanas al Mar
- (8.85 mi) The Landmark Resort of Cozumel
- (9.90 mi) Bed & Breakfast Villa Escondida Cozumel
- (9.36 mi) Baldwin's Guest House Cozumel
- (9.50 mi) Casita de Maya Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Playa Chen Rio:
- (0.02 mi) Chen Rio
- (0.03 mi) El Pescador
- (0.38 mi) Coconuts Bar and Grill
- (9.16 mi) Ix Kool
- (9.14 mi) Three Amigos