Playa Chen Rio
Playa Chen Rio
4.5
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Restaurants
4 within 3 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
533 reviews
Excellent
323
Very good
139
Average
45
Poor
12
Terrible
14
Kimberly B
Grove City, OH7,475 contributions
Apr 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fred F
Jasper, TN391 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steph7
Aylmer, Canada227 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
I loved this beach. Gorgeous spot and you have the option to pay for an umbrella, chairs and table if you don’t want to sit in the sun. Great food options all around too. Had some delicious cheese cake being sold by a young lady who is funding her schooling to become a flight attendant by selling cheese cake. Fun and relaxing spot for the day!
Written February 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NorCal-traveler08
Orangevale, CA2,321 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We wanted to get to the other side of Cozumel because we had heard about the beautiful beaches. This side of the island is know for pretty beaches but also for big waves. Chen Rio was one we particularly wanted to visit. There is a rocky break point that helps with the waves and it makes for a refreshing pool of water. The seaweed was out in force when we visited(April). It is interesting to see the different days it has washed ashore and dried on the beach. There are restrooms and a cafe onsite and we also saw local vendors selling items. Great day at Chen Rio!
Written June 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indah Edlightz
Ontario, Canada3,923 contributions
Jul 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachael H
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ123 contributions
Jan 2020
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Family_guy_of_mn
Pawhuska, OK43 contributions
Feb 2020 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joel D
Wyoming, MN2 contributions
Jan 2020
Tax to the beach from the cruise port. Arrived just before lunch. pretty empty beach. which was awesome. Set up camp and the beach fun began. Great Rocks and such to snorkel and explore.. along with nice little areas for taking a dip.. We had kiddos from 20 mo. old to 15 years and everyone had a great time. Would go back in a second if we could.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mayya
8 contributions
Apr 2021
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jp
Brandon, FL18 contributions
Apr 2022 • 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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.
Written January 7, 2019
Can you pack your own cooler with beer? Or do you have to buy from the restaurant?
Written January 6, 2019
There are nearby beaches where you could do that but not at the bar/restaurant
Written January 7, 2019
I know Playa Chen Rio is open Sunday’s but does that also include the restaurant ? Thanks!
Written December 11, 2018
Will Chen Rio be open on Christmas Day?
Written December 1, 2018
If you take a taxi there and stay all day; are there taxis to take you back to port?
Written October 5, 2018
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.
Written January 6, 2019
Hi, how much is the taxi fare from the cruise ship terminal (Royal Carib ship)?
Written August 25, 2018
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.
Written August 27, 2018
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!
Written June 1, 2018
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.
Written December 22, 2018
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?
Written March 22, 2018
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
Written March 24, 2018
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