Cozumel Or Belize: Which Beach Is Better?

If you're looking for a beach holiday, Cozumel and Belize are both great options. Cozumel is a small, charming island in Mexico with breathtakingly gorgeous beaches featuring soft, fine sand and crystalline pool-like waters. Belize, meanwhile, is known for its snorkelling and ancient ruins.

Cozumel has better beaches for swimming

Safety

Belize has sketchy areas outside the tourist spots, with unsavoury people looking to take advantage of visitors. In contrast, Cozumel offers a safer experience, with no such reports of crime or harassment.

Swimming conditions

Cozumel's beaches offer better swimming conditions than Belize. The island has calm, turquoise waters, perfect for a relaxing swim. On the other hand, Belize has strong currents, making it unsafe for swimming in certain areas.

Accessibility

Cozumel's beaches are easily accessible, with most beaches on the west coast reachable by taxi within 20 minutes for a low cost. In contrast, Belize's beaches are often only accessible by boat, and the country's inland attractions, such as Mayan ruins, require long bus rides.

Amenities

Cozumel's beaches offer a wide range of amenities, including beach clubs, pools, music, lounge chairs, and water sports. The beach clubs offer excellent food and drinks, and some even have water parks. Belize, on the other hand, has fewer amenities, and the beach clubs that do exist are often more expensive.

Natural Beauty

Cozumel has some of the most beautiful waters in the Riviera Maya, with crystal clear waters and white sand beaches. The island also has a variety of natural attractions, such as eco-reserves, lagoons, and wildlife.

Snorkelling

Cozumel offers excellent snorkelling opportunities, with diverse marine life and healthy coral reefs. The Palancar Reef, in particular, is a popular snorkelling spot. Belize also offers good snorkelling, but it requires a longer boat ride to reach the reefs.

Family-Friendly Options

Cozumel has several family-friendly beaches, such as Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, which offers a water park, paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkelling. Belize has fewer family-oriented beaches, and the ones that do exist are often more expensive and lack the variety of activities found in Cozumel.

In summary, Cozumel is the better choice for swimming and beach activities due to its safer environment, better swimming conditions, easier accessibility, superior amenities, natural beauty, and excellent snorkelling opportunities. It offers a wider range of beach options, from secluded spots to lively beach clubs, making it a great destination for swimmers, sunbathers, and water sports enthusiasts alike.

Belize is sketchy and unsafe

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, with a Latin culture in the interior, a Caribbean Rasta vibe on the coast, and an old English feel to some of the islands. It is a popular destination for backpackers, vacationers, divers, and honeymooners, offering something for every travel style and interest. However, Belize has a reputation for being unsafe, especially in certain areas. Here are some reasons why Belize is considered sketchy and unsafe:

Violent Crime and Gang Activity

Belize has a high rate of violent crime, particularly in urban areas like Belize City, the former capital and largest city in the country. Gang activity and corresponding violent crimes such as assault, break-ins, and murder are common in Belize City, and it is considered a hotspot for gang activity. While tourists are usually not the target of these crimes, it is still a concern for those visiting the country.

Petty Theft and Pickpocketing

Petty theft and pickpocketing are common issues in Belize, especially in tourist areas. Tourists are often targeted by pickpockets in crowded places, and it is important to keep valuables secure and out of reach. It is recommended to avoid wearing flashy items such as jewelry or watches and to try to blend in to avoid becoming a target.

Unsafe Areas at Night

It is advised to avoid isolated areas, especially at night, as it increases the risk of getting robbed. Stick to well-lit and crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings. If you need to get somewhere after dark, take a taxi instead of public transportation.

Drug-Related Issues

Belize has a problem with drug cartels, and it is important to avoid buying or using drugs while in the country. Drug penalties are harsh, and you don't want to end up in jail. Additionally, buying drugs supports the cartels and contributes to the country's drug-related problems.

Unsafe Water

The tap water in Belize is not safe to drink. While some locals do drink it, it is recommended that tourists stick to bottled water to avoid getting sick. Refuse ice in drinks, and use a Lifestraw or water purification tablets if you need to purify water from the tap.

Border Tensions

Belize has ongoing border tensions with neighboring Guatemala, and these areas may be best avoided. There was significant trouble along the western border in 2018, and while it is not as bad now, it is still a potential source of conflict.

While Belize has its charms and attractions, it is essential to be aware of these safety concerns and take precautions to ensure a safe trip. Researching specific areas to visit or avoid, staying vigilant, and following local laws and guidelines can help minimize the risks and ensure a more enjoyable experience in Belize.

Cozumel has better beach clubs

Cozumel is a gem of a Caribbean island with palm trees and beaches aplenty. The island boasts world-famous diving spots and sparkling turquoise waters. It is also home to some incredible beach clubs, offering visitors access to sandy beaches, swimming pools, oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, and various water activities.

One of the most famous beach clubs in Cozumel is Mr. Sanchos, which offers an all-inclusive package with access to the beach, pools, food, and drinks. Other popular options include Paradise Beach, with the largest heated pool on the island and a wide range of ocean activities, and The Cabana Beach, an exclusive and private getaway with tropical cabanas accommodating up to six people.

Cozumel's beach clubs provide a variety of experiences, from the lively and crowded Mr. Sanchos to the tranquil and secluded The Cabana Beach. They offer delicious food, from Caribbean-inspired cuisine to authentic Mexican dishes, and a range of drinks, including tropical cocktails.

In addition to the beach clubs, Cozumel also has beautiful wild beaches where you can escape the crowds. These include Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, which offers a natural, undeveloped preserve with a spacious soft sand beach, and Playa de San Martin, a secluded beach with a few restaurants and bars along the road.

Cozumel's beach clubs and wild beaches provide a range of options for travelers, whether they are looking for lively entertainment or peaceful relaxation. The island's clear waters and sandy shores, combined with the excellent facilities and activities offered by the beach clubs, make Cozumel a great choice for a beach vacation.

Belize has better ancient ruins

One of the most important Mayan ruins in Belize is Caracol, tucked inside the Chiquibul Forest. Once home to more than 120,000 people, this ancient city was one of the most powerful in the Mayan world. The tallest man-made building in Belize, the Caana pyramid, can be found here.

Another impressive set of ruins is Lamanai, one of the oldest continuously occupied Maya sites in Belize. The name means "submerged crocodile" in Maya, so keep your eyes peeled! Lamanai is just as prized for its ruins as its spectacular jungle setting near the New River Lagoon.

Altun Ha is the closest set of ruins to Belize City and very easy to walk around, with no steep hills. It's so beloved by Belizeans that it can be found on the national currency and the bottles of the country's leading beer, Belikin.

Xunantunich, which means "stone woman" in Maya, is also worth a visit. Getting there is an adventure in itself, as you'll need to take a free ferry from San Jose Succotz village across the Mopan River.

In the Toledo District, you'll find Nim Li Punit, which is known for its large number of stelae, or stone slabs, carved with Maya hieroglyphs and pictures. The name, which means "big hat," comes from a carving of a figure wearing a super-sized headdress found at the site.

Lubaantun, a Late Classic ceremonial centre, is unique in that it was built entirely without mortar. Each stone was carefully measured and cut to fit the adjoining stone, resulting in strong structures that have stood the test of time.

With so many impressive ancient ruins to explore, Belize is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the Maya civilisation.

Cozumel has better snorkelling

If you're looking for the best snorkelling experience, Cozumel is the place to go. Known as an underwater heaven, Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world. With its clear, marine life-rich waters, it's no wonder that even the famous oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, mentioned Cozumel as one of the best places to dive.

Cozumel offers a variety of ways to explore its sparkling blue waters and discover the diverse marine life that calls this place home. You can join a snorkelling tour, which will take you to the best spots, or you can simply walk into the sea from the shore and explore on your own. The west and southwest sides of the island are particularly great for beginners and families, as the water is much more shallow and calm.

One of the most popular spots for snorkelling in Cozumel is Chankanaab Park, which is only about four miles from the cruise port. Here, you'll find mild currents and shallow waters, making it an excellent choice for those new to snorkelling or for families with children. Just 0.2 miles from the shore, you'll be treated to a vibrant underwater world filled with colourful fish, eels, morays, sea urchins, and more. Chankanaab Park also boasts underwater statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, adding a unique touch to your snorkelling experience.

Another great spot for snorkelling is Villa Blanca Reef, located on the west coast of the island. This reef is a popular choice for all levels of snorkelers and can be easily accessed from the beach. Villa Blanca Reef reaches depths of up to 40 feet and is also a fantastic spot for night snorkelling. However, it's important to note that there can be strong currents and boat traffic in the area, so sticking to a snorkeling guide is recommended.

If you're looking for a more secluded snorkelling experience, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a great option. Located on the southern tip of the island, this park offers not only beautiful nature and amazing views but also the chance to spot exotic birds and crocodiles in their natural habitat. The Chunchacab Reef, accessible about 0.3-0.5 miles offshore, is a snorkeller's paradise, where you can explore healthy coral formations and spot stingrays, turtles, and lobsters, among other marine life.

Cozumel also offers the option of offshore snorkelling, where you can swim out from the shore to reefs that aren't too far from the coastline. Beach clubs or parks, such as Money Bar Beach Club, provide access to some of the best snorkelling spots Cozumel has to offer. Alternatively, you can choose to snorkel from a public beach and explore the nearby reefs at your own pace.

With its year-round warm waters, world-renowned marine life, and variety of sites to explore, Cozumel truly is a snorkelling paradise. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, Cozumel has something to offer everyone looking to discover the wonders of the underwater world.

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