Cozumel, Q.R. — An island near Cozumel off the coast of Riviera Maya has been voted by travelers as the best beach in the world. More than 3,600 Tripadvisor travelers voted the tiny island of Isla Pasion as having the best beach globally.
The half-mile-long island, which is located in the municipality of Cozumel, took the 2026 world top spot, according to Tripadvisor. The privately owned Mexican island is a 30 minute boat ride from the island of Cozumel.
Tourists can land at the Cancun International Airport and ferry over to Cozumel from Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen) or land directly on Cozumel at the Cozumel International Airport.
Located northwest of Isla Cozumel, Isla Pasion was voted for being an island oasis with crystal clear waters and ample marine life for snorkeling adventures.
Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, announced Tuesday the 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards. Those awards include Best of the Best Beaches based on comprehensive analysis of millions of traveler reviews from the past 12 months.
“These awards celebrate the world’s most extraordinary coastal destinations,” the company said in a press release. “Awards span multiple categories including best in the World, United States and the newly introduced “One of a Kind” beaches.
“The 2026 awards showcase diverse coastlines from Mexico’s pristine Isla Pasion named Best in the World to California’s marine sanctuary La Jolla Cove claiming the U.S. top spot.”
“For many travelers, the beach is the main event,” said Laurel Greatrix, Chief Communications Officer at Tripadvisor.
“Based on millions of trips, reviews and opinions, these awards highlight the very best beaches in the world, making it easier to decide where to go and how to spend your time once you’re there.”
From secluded coves to bustling shorelines, each beach has earned its place through firsthand traveler feedback. The comprehensive rankings not only help travelers discover their ideal beach destination, but also showcase the best tours and activities in the area.
Isla Pasion, located just northwest of the main island of Cozumel, was voted the Top Beach in the World for 2026 by over 3,600 travelers. According to Tripadvisor travelers, the island is good for being a private island oasis.
It was also voted for its crystal clear waters, marine life encounters and snorkeling which travelers can book through Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to El Cielo and The Money Bar Beach experience, Tripadvisor noted.
The best time to go is between November and April, travelers recommended. The island’s unique features include protected coral reefs, sea turtle nesting sites and an exclusive day-trip destination.
Mexico’s Isla Pasion was voted Best Beach in the World 2026 followed by Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, Balos Lagoon in Kissamos, Greece, Eagle Beach in Eagle Beach, Aruba and Praia da Falésia in Algarve, Portugal.
