Palancar Beach

Palancar Beach, one of the best all-around beach spots on Cozumel, is especially acclaimed for its watersports, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and diving. You can rent a dive charter and also get some grub at the nearby restaurants. Travelers especially recommend Palancar Beach and Palancar Reef for cruise patrons looking to escape a pre-planned excursion for a more authentic -- and less-crowded -- attraction.

Travelers also describe the just-offshore Palancar Reef as an excellent spot for both amateur and expert divers. According to one TripAdvisor user, the "dive companies there are so experienced that I felt safe diving a 130ft wall during my first ever week of diving." Even if you're an expert diver, it's recommended you rent a charter to avoid the hassle of permits or licensing. All diving companies must have a license to operate, and while divers are allowed to dive on their own, it's recommended that you hire experts who know the diving terrain.