Isla Pasion, a small island off the coast of Cozumel, Mexico, has been named the best beach in the world for 2026. Isla Pasion, which means “Passion Island” in Spanish, received the top honor in TripAdvisor’s annual Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches.
The awards are based on millions of reviews and opinions collected from travelers over 12 months. This makes recognition a reflection of real visitor experiences rather than critics’ opinions.
Isla Pasion’s number one spot means it narrowly beat other highly ranked beach destinations, such as Elafonissi Beach in Greece, Eagle Beach in Aruba, and La Jolla Cove in California.
What Makes Isla Pasion Special
At just under a mile long, Isla Pasion is extremely small. Because of shifting tides, there are even times when it is technically connected to the rest of Cozumel by sandbars. Its tiny size also means buildings any bigger than shacks are almost impossible on the island, which only adds to its charm.
Travelers consistently praise the tiny island for its pristine natural setting. Isla Pasion’s beach features powdery white sand and clear turquoise water, creating the classic Caribbean postcard image. Visitors describe it as a secluded spot that feels removed from the busier tourist areas.
The calm, clear waters make it a good location for swimming and snorkeling. The area around Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. This reef system spans more than 620 miles and provides habitat for more than 1,000 marine species. Snorkelers and divers in these waters can see colorful fish, sponges, and coral formations.
Flora and Fauna
Marine animals in these waters include sea turtles, rays, and numerous tropical fish species: the loggerhead and hawksbill sea turtles, both endangered species, nest in the area. The splendid toadfish, a small, colorful fish with bright yellow fins, lives only in the waters around Cozumel and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
On land, Cozumel hosts several endemic species—animals that live nowhere else on Earth. These include the Cozumel emerald hummingbird, the Cozumel vireo (a songbird that can sing up to 20,000 times per day), and the critically endangered Cozumel thrasher. The pygmy raccoon, also known as the Cozumel Island raccoon, is a critically endangered species that lives primarily in the mangrove forests on the island’s northern tip. These small raccoons eat crabs, fruit, and insects, with crabs making up about half of their diet.
Things to Do
Isla Pasion offers a range of activities for visitors. Many people come to relax on the beach, lounge in hammocks, and swim in the calm water. The island has areas for kayaking and paddleboarding. Snorkeling is a popular activity that allows visitors to see marine life in the clear water.
The island includes facilities where visitors can get food and drinks. Dining options typically include beach bars and buffets serving Mexican and international food, along with tropical drinks. Some tours operate as all-inclusive packages, meaning the price covers boat transportation, food, and drinks.
Best Time to Visit
According to Tripadvisor, the best time to visit Isla Pasion is between November and April. During these months, the weather is typically drier and less humid than during the rainy season. The island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, particularly when cruise ships are docked in Cozumel. Cruise ship passengers often take excursions to the island, so visitors looking for a quieter experience may prefer to visit on days with fewer ships in port.
If you go
Isla Pasion does not charge an entrance fee, but visitors must pay for transportation to reach it. Tour prices vary depending on the operator and the inclusions. One family reported being charged $65 per person on-site, though they were able to negotiate a lower rate for children. Shopping around and booking in advance may result in better prices.
The island is open 24 hours, but access is limited by boat schedules, which run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Most visitors arrive in the late morning and leave in the early to mid-afternoon.
