Cozumel vs La Paz: Which Mexican Beach Destination Is Better?

If you’re looking for a tranquil Mexican beach destination with empty stretches of sand, calm and clear water, incredible snorkeling, and an authentic local feel, you must consider both Cozumel and La Paz.

After months of exploring Mexico’s best beach towns, these are the two spots I keep recommending to family and friends. And they are the two places I could see myself living long-term in Mexico.

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Neither destination is too far off the beaten path as they have international airports, large department stores, a small selection of beach resorts, decent internet, and are just two hours away from a major tourist city (Cabo and Cancun).

Yet La Paz and Cozumel feel completely different than their neighboring tourist cities. The moment you step foot in either place, locals warmly welcome you into a slow way of life. Even if you stay in the city, you get the sense that nature is deeply intertwined with everyday life.

In a way, both Cozumel and La Paz feel like small towns, even though more than 250,000 people live in La Paz and 80,000 live in Cozumel.

While Cozumel and La Paz share many similarities, they are also very different. If you’re trying to decide between visiting Cozumel or La Paz, you’ve come to the right place.

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La Paz, Mexico vs. Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel and La Paz are located in very different areas of Mexico: Cozumel in the Caribbean Ocean, east of mainland Mexico, and La Paz on the Baja Peninsula, west of mainland Mexico.

Another important distinction: Cozumel is an island, while La Paz is the capital city of Baja California Sur.

Quick comparison of La Paz vs Cozumel, Mexico

You’ll love both Cozumel and La Paz if you’re looking for:

• Chill, uncrowded beaches with shallow, calm, crystal-clear water
• Incredible snorkeling and scuba diving experiences
• A safe Mexican city with a slow pace of life

You may opt for Cozumel if you’re looking for:

• A tropical island with lush green vegetation and a diverse ecosystem
• Day trips to cenotes (natural sinkholes), ancient Mayan ruins, and busy resort towns
• A short flight from the East Coast of the US

You may opt for La Paz if you’re looking for:

• Stunning desert landscapes
• Day trips to natural hot springs, cascading waterfalls, and remote beach towns
• A short flight from the West Coast of the US

Playa Zofemat on Cozumel

La Paz vs Cozumel Beaches

You’ll find stunning, uncrowded beaches with striking blue water in both La Paz and Cozumel. Still, there are several differences to be aware of when comparing the beach-going experience in these two destinations.

Overview of Cozumel Beaches

The beaches on the western side of the Cozumel feature calm, clear Caribbean water. These beaches feature an abundance of marine wildlife and are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. However, you do need to wear water shoes at most western Cozumel beaches because sharp coral and volcanic material cover the sea floor.

On the island’s eastern side, you’ll find larger waves that crash along white sandy beaches and volcanic sea cliffs. The beaches on this side of the island are less ideal for swimming, but some folks will surf there depending on the conditions.

Many of Cozumel’s beaches have casual beach bars, like the famous Rasta Bar, a popular spot on any Cozumel road trip. However, plenty of other beaches on Cozumel are not commercialized at all.

The Cozumel water temperature ranges from 79-85°F based on the time of year.

Overview of La Paz Beaches

La Paz’s beaches all feature soft golden sand and calm, clear blue water. Balandra Beach is La Paz’s most famous beach and has been called the most beautiful beach in the world.

Balandra stands out among La Paz’s other beaches for its beauty and grandeur, but La Paz is home to many other breathtaking, yet less busy, beaches like Playa El Tesoro.

While there is some incredible marine life near La Paz, snorkeling at most La Paz beaches is mediocre compared to Cozumel beaches. For underwater encounters in La Paz, you’ll usually need to take a boat tour to a remote location in the Sea of Cortez.

Many of La Paz’s beaches feature beachfront restaurants and bars where you can easily grab a snack, margarita, or cervesa to enjoy on the beach.

The La Paz water temperature ranges from 67-87°F based on the time of year. I tried snorkeling with sea lions off the coast of La Paz in April and it was very, very cold! But the shallow water at most La Paz beaches was a bit warmer.

You’ll love both beach destinations if you’re looking for:

• Beautiful seascapes with light blue, turquoise, and teal water
• A chill, semi-commercialized beach environment with a few small businesses
• Swimming beaches within walking distance of downtown
• Secluded beaches within a 15-30 minute drive of downtown

You may opt for Cozumel if you’re looking for:

• Warm water year round
• A diversity of beaches (both bigger waves and calm water beaches)

You may opt for La Paz if you’re looking for:

• A beach ranked as Mexico’s most beautiful beach
• Beaches that attract more locals and Mexican tourists than American tourists

One of many interesting exhibits at the Cozumel Museum

La Paz vs Cozumel Culture & Atmosphere

Mexico is an incredibly diverse country with a rich cultural heritage, reflected in the unique culture you’ll find in La Paz and Cozumel.

Overview of Cozumel’s Cultural Heritage and Atmosphere

Cozumel’s culture is shaped by its unique history. Groups from other Caribbean islands first settled on the island in the 2nd century BC, and Guatemalan Mayans made it their home in the 3rd century AD.

When Europeans began arriving on the island in the 1500s, Cozumel’s Mayan population was about 10,000. But by 1570, only 172 Mayan women and 186 Mayan men were left. Then, in the 1600s, the remaining majority of Cozumel’s Mayan population was forcibly displaced and moved to the Yucatan peninsula.

Then, in the 1700s, Cozumel began hosting refugees who fled the Caste War in Quintana Roo. Slowly but surely, the island’s population started the grow back.

Flash forward to the 1950s, when Cozumel starts to welcome international tourists from around the world. In 1970, Cozumel opened its international airport, and in the 1990s, the cruise port opened.

Today, Cozumel’s economy is driven by tourism, and the island is home to a large expat community. Many locals speak English, but despite the island’s long history as a tourism destination, the island’s unique charm remains intact. Overall, Cozumel feels quieter and more relaxed than nearby towns on the Yucatan peninsula.

PS: to learn more about Cozumel’s history and ecology, visit the Cozumel Museum.

Overview of La Paz’s Cultural Heritage and Atmosphere

Despite being home to a beach that has been called Mexico’s most beautiful beach (Playa Balandra), La Paz is still largely undiscovered by international travelers. Most of the city’s visitors are Mexicans and expats that live nearby in other Baja California cities.

When I visited La Paz, I was shocked by how much it reminded me of border towns on both sides of the US/Mexico border.

Most of the city feels like a place created by locals, for locals. Businesses along the waterfront Malecon boardwalk certainly cater to tourists, but the rest of the city does not, which adds some appeal to those looking for a ‘real Mexico’ experience.

La Paz also feels very safe. Though I’ve never truly felt unsafe in Mexico, the atmosphere of La Paz really put me at ease. Perhaps it is because La Paz means “the peace” in Spanish, and the city really lives up to its name.

Unfortunately, little information is available about the indigenous people that populated Baja California before colonization. Very few survived the colonial years; most historical records focus on conflicts instead of their way of life and ancestral knowledge. If you want to learn more about the indigenous people of Baja, check out this article.

You’ll love both Cozumel and La Paz if you’re looking for:

• A destination that feels safe and peaceful

You may opt for Cozumel if you’re looking for:

• An island with ancient Mayan ruins and detailed historical counts (at the Cozumel Museum)
• A longstanding international destination with solid tourism infrastructure

You may opt for La Paz if you’re looking for:

• A capital city that feels like it was made for local Mexicans, not American tourists

Santiago—an unmissable day trip from La Paz!

Cozumel vs La Paz Activities & Day Trips

Part of the reason I love Cozumel and La Paz so much is because of all the fun things there are to do in and around these destinations.

Overview of Things to do On and Near cozumel

Things to do in San Miguel de Cozumel, the island’s main city:

• Walk along the waterfront Malecon boardwalk
• Visit the Cozumel Museum
• Wander through Parque Benito Juárez, Cozumel’s main downtown park and square
• Enjoy some of the island’s best restaurants (see my recs for the best Cozumel vegan food)

Things to do on Cozumel, outside of the city:

• Rent a scooter and drive around the island (takes about an hour and 15 minutes + time for stops)
• Snorkel with tropical fish, starfish, and other marine wildlife at the El Cielo Reef
• See the Mayan ruins at Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio
• Relax at one of the island’s many beaches

Day trips from Cozumel:

• Playa del Carmen (30 minute ferry ride)
• Yucatan peninsula cenotes in Playa del Carmen and Tulum
• Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve (I recommend the Muyil River Float)

Overview of Things to do In and Near La Paz

Things to do in La Paz Centro:

• Stroll along the La Paz Malecon (yes, there is a Malecon in both La Paz and Cozumel!)
• Learn about Baja’s history at the Baja California Sur Anthropology and History Museum
• Learn about whales at the Museo de la Ballena (Whale Museum)
• Walk through Jardín Velasco, a beautiful central square near the Malecon
• Indulge in La Paz’s most delicious food (see my recs for the best La Paz vegan food)

Things to do outside of downtown La Paz:

• Visit Balandra Bay (be sure to read this article before you go)
• Beach hop and relax at La Paz’s other stunning beaches
• Hike Cerro de La Calavera for a view of La Paz and the bay from above

Day trips from La Paz:

• Take a boat tour to snorkel with whale sharks or sea lions (depending on the season)
• Explore the Santa Rita Hot Springs and gorgeous Sol de Mayo waterfall in Santiago
• Spend a day at Todos Santos and Cerritos Beach (famous surf beach)

You’ll love both Cozumel and La Paz if you’re looking for:

• Snorkeling and diving experiences
• A diversity of beautiful beaches
• Charming downtown neighborhoods with beachfront Malecon boardwalks

You may opt for Cozumel if you’re looking for:

• A small enclosed island with easy access to nearby destinations via ferry boat
• Easy day trips to turquoise blue lagoons and cenotes

You may opt for La Paz if you’re looking for:

• Snorkeling and diving experiences with large animals like whale sharks and sea lions
• Day trips to surf-able beaches, hot springs, and waterfalls

Getting to Cozumel vs La Paz

Cozumel and La Paz both conveniently have international airports. Even better, they are both within about two hours of major international airports, giving you two options for flying into either city.

How to get to Cozumel

Cozumel is an island, but it is very easy to get to from the US and other destinations in Mexico.

Some airlines have direct flights to the small international airport on Cozumel. When I recently visited, I was able to get a one-way direct flight from Cozumel to Miami on American Airlines for a very reasonable price.

Cancun’s international airport, however, is not too far away and has connections to most major airports in North America. From Cancun international airport, you can hire a driver to take you to the Playa del Carmen ferry dock. The drive takes about an hour, depending on traffic.

Alternatively, you can take an ADO bus from the airport to downtown Playa del Carmen. When I visited Cozumel recently, I took an ADO bus from Tulum. The ADO buses are affordable, clean, and fairly reliable. You’ll want to get a bus to the ADO Terminal Turistica Playa Del Carmen stop, which is just a few blocks from the ferry terminal.

Once your reach Playa del Carmen, walk to the ferry terminal and get your ferry ticket. There are two ferry operators. Ultramar has newer, fasters boats and a 30-minute ferry crossing for $290 pesos. Winjet’s older boats are a little slower but get you to Cozumel in about 45 minutes for $220 pesos.

The ferry arrives in the heart of downtown Cozumel, which is easily walkable. If you need a ride, there will be plenty of taxis waiting near the ferry dock.

How to get to La Paz

La Paz’s international airport only has a few direct flights to cities like Mexico City, Tijuana, and Guadalajara.

If you’re flying to La Paz from somewhere else in Mexico or the US, I recommend considering flying to Mexico City, spending a weekend enjoying all that Mexico’s thriving capital has to offer, then taking a direct two and a half hour flight to La Paz.

Alternatively, you can fly to Los Cabos International Airport, which is about two hours away from La Paz. You can rent a car at the airport and make a road trip out of it (be sure to stop in Santiago for hot springs and waterfalls or Todos Santos for tacos and the beach, depending on your route).

In my experience, the bus system is less organized in Baja California, than other areas of Mexico. However, I took a bus between La Paz and Los Cabos International Airport, which was surprisingly easy (besides the online booking process).

Several companies operate these shuttles, but based on my research, Eco Baja Tours is the best. Their online booking system is confusing, but their shuttles are comfy and clean.

They stop for about 30 minutes in Todos Santos, which gives you enough time to grab a coffee, walk along, and use the restroom. The shuttle takes you to the La Paz Malecon bus station, which is centrally located in the heart of downtown La Paz.

A charming square in La Paz, Mexico

Getting Around Cozumel and La Paz

One thing I love about both La Paz and Cozumel is their walkable downtown areas. However, you’ll need some form of transportation to explore the best beaches in both destinations.

Transportation in Cozumel

San Miguel is a walkable city, but many visitors rent scooters, dune buggies, or cars to explore more of the island. Vehicle rentals are reasonably priced and easy to find on the main streets of San Miguel. Check out my full guide to renting a scooter in Cozumel for more information.

Outside of San Miguel, Cozumel has one main highway loop that can be driven in just over an hour. The highway is one of the best roads I’ve seen anywhere in Mexico, with little to no potholes. The other roads on Cozumel are also in good shape.

Some of the roads in San Miguel are one-way, but they are clearly marked, and most people drive very safely. Overall, Cozumel is a very easy place to drive, and riding a scooter around the island feels safe.

Alternatively, you can take taxis anywhere on the island or book tours to specific destinations.

Transportation in La Paz

Like with San Miguel de Cozumel, you can easily get around downtown La Paz on foot. However, you’ll need a car to explore La Paz’s beaches and other nearby attractions. Scooters are less common in La Paz than in Cozumel, and most visitors rent a car for their stay.

The city is very spread out and takes quite a bit of time to drive through. The streets are dry and dusty, and I’ll admit, the experience of driving there is stressful (not the case in Cozumel). Stop signs and red lights are seen as suggestions, and lanes are not always clearly divided.

I recently spent time in La Paz with my dad and husband. My dad rented a car but left before Josh (my husband), and I did. So we got to experience La Paz with and without a car.

Locals advised us to use Uber and Didi instead of local taxis. We used both apps and found that Didi was cheaper and generally had more drivers available. You can also pay with cash with Didi, which means more money goes directly to the driver instead of the company.

Although it was very nice to have a car to visit places like Santiago, Playa Balandra, and Playa El Tesoro, I preferred walking and taking Didi in the city instead of driving.

Looking to rent a car in Mexico? Check out DiscoverCars, a trusted platform for comparing and booking rental cars.

The Best Time to Visit La Paz vs Cozumel

You can enjoy both destinations any time of the year, but weather, local tourism regulations, and seasonal wildlife certainly play a factor in making a decision!

When to Visit Cozumel

There are two times of the year to be aware of when considering a trip to Cozumel: the high season for tourism and the hurricane season.

Cozumel’s high season peaks in the wintertime, between December and February. Snowbirds and Northern vacationers flock to the charming island to escape the cold and enjoy the tropics. While the island might be a little more crowded this time of year, it’s a large island, and with so many small hidden beaches, you’re always bound to find a peaceful place to relax away from the crowds.

Hurricane season happens each year between June and November. Although a hurricane hasn’t hit the island in nearly twenty years, it can rain more during this time of year. Thankfully, it’s sunny most of the time, and rain usually happens in short spurts, then the clouds part, and the sun returns.

Cozumel is hottest in the summer, but the monthly high temperatures only range by about 10 degrees F, from 90 in July and August to about 81 in January.

When to Visit la Paz

The temperature in La Paz ranges much more compared to Cozumel. The average high temperature in January is 78, and 100 in July and August.

This makes the summer a less popular time to visit La Paz. It also means that the water can cool down in the winter, making it a less ideal time to visit if you want to swim, snorkel, or dive.

Marine wildlife seasonality is another factor to consider when planning a trip to La Paz. You can usually swim with both whales sharks and sea lions between October and April.

Early fall (October) is generally considered the best time to visit La Paz for swimming with whale sharks and sea lions because the water is still warm.

Beautiful beaches in downtown La Paz

Final Thoughts: La Paz or Cozumel?

I cannot choose a favorite between La Paz and Cozumel.

They’re so different, and yet they share so many of the same characteristics—walkability, safety, peaceful vibes, jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches, and incredible snorkeling experiences.

If you’re like me, you’ll enjoy both Cozumel and La Paz. But if you have to choose just one, I hope this article helps you make the decision.

As you plan your next Mexico trip, be sure to check out my other Mexico guides for hidden gems and unmissable destinations:

Ultimate Travel Guide for Vegans and Vegetarians in Mexico
San Pancho, Mexico: Complete Travel Guide
La Punta Puerto Escondido: Ultimate Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Santiago Apoala, Oaxaca Waterfalls & Hiking
8 Unmissable Outdoor Activities in Tulum, Mexico