Viewpoint 19 km south of Cozumel
A rocky lookout on the wild southeast coast, with a natural arch carved by the waves, tide pools and big surf.
El Mirador, the lookout, is a stretch of rocky shore on the southeast coast of Cozumel, along the road that circles the wild side of the island. Here the land is an old coral reef turned to limestone, and the open Caribbean has worn it into spires, ledges, blowholes and tide pools.
The best-known feature is a natural arch, a bridge of rock eroded through the old reef, with the sea washing underneath. From the rocks around it you look straight out onto open water, with waves breaking hard against the shore and spray rising through cracks in the stone. On a windy day it is one of the most dramatic sights on the island.
There is nothing to buy and nothing to do but look, walk carefully over the rocks and take photos, which is exactly the appeal after the busy west coast. Swimming is not safe here because of the waves and currents, and the rock is sharp and uneven, so wear proper shoes and keep away from the edge when the sea is big.
What to see and do
Find the natural arch the waves have carved through the old reef.
Watch the surf break against the rocks and shoot up through the blowholes.
Look into the tide pools for small fish and crabs, carefully.
Combine it with Punta Sur and the east coast beaches on a drive around the island.
Getting there
El Mirador is on the east coast road, south of the point where the cross-island road meets the coast, about 35 minutes from San Miguel. Go by rental car, scooter or taxi; you can pull over by the road. It is free to stop.
19 km south of Cozumel
Directions from Cozumel on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in El Mirador
Compare hotels, posadas, and rentals in and around El Mirador.
Tours & activities
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Photos
Weather warm
El Mirador shares the climate of Cozumel, 19 km away. The best months to visit are Feb, Mar, Apr, May.
Make Cozumel your base
El Mirador is an easy trip from Cozumel, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Cozumel
-
San Gervasio
· Archaeological site · 8 km away
Cozumel's main Maya site, a pilgrimage center for the goddess Ixchel, with small temples linked by white roads in the forest. -
Chankanaab
· Nature reserve · 9 km away
A park on the west coast with a reef for easy snorkeling from shore, a lagoon linked to the sea, and botanical gardens. -
Punta Morena
· Beach · 12 km away
A wide, wind-swept beach on Cozumel's open east coast, with big waves, limestone outcrops and a beach restaurant. -
Chen Río
· Beach · 13 km away
A sheltered cove on the wild east coast, where rocks calm the open sea enough to swim; a good stop on a drive around the island. -
El Cedral
· Town · 15 km away
The village where Cozumel was resettled in 1848; its Santa Cruz fair, around May 3, is the island's biggest traditional festival. -
Palancar Reef
· Nature reserve · 17 km away
Cozumel's most famous reef, off the island's southwest coast: coral towers, tunnels and drop-offs for divers and snorkelers. -
Punta Sur
· Nature reserve · 25 km away
An eco park at the island's southern tip: the Celarain lighthouse, a lagoon with crocodiles and birds, and quiet beaches with reef.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.