The “I Was Here” Shot: Finding the Best Selfie Spots in Cozumel (And Why Punta Sur Wins)
Let’s just get this out of the way.
I know, I know. The word “selfie.” It can feel a bit… juvenile, can’t it? As folks in our 40s and 50s, we’re not exactly trying to be Instagram influencers.
But let’s be honest. When you’re in a place as ridiculously beautiful as Cozumel—with that ocean color that just doesn’t look real—you want to capture it. You want to get that “I was here” shot. The one you send to your friends back home who are stuck in a grey, freezing office. The one that makes your kids go, “Wow, Mom/Dad actually looks cool.”
It’s not vanity. It’s just… proof. Proof you’re having a great time, proof you’re still adventurous, proof you’re standing in paradise.
Cozumel is a selfie-lover’s dream come true, even for those of us who cringe at the term. The whole island is a backdrop. With its mix of tropical beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant, colorful streets, you’re never more than five feet from a picture-perfect moment.
You can get a great shot almost anywhere. But you don’t want a great shot. You want the shot.
So, where is it? Where’s the single best spot to snap that photo?
You’ve got options. History buffs will tell you the San Gervasio Ruins, posing among ancient Mayan temples. Divers will say it’s underwater at Palancar Reef (more on that later). But if you ask me… if you want the undisputed champion… it’s Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
Hands down. No contest.
The Worthy Contenders: Your “Must-Get” List
Okay, so Punta Sur is the king. But maybe you don’t have half a day, or you’re not driving all the way south. Don’t worry. Cozumel has a deep bench of “runner-up” spots that are just as fantastic.
The “Indiana Jones” Shot: San Gervasio Ruins
If you’re a bit of a history buff, this is your spot. San Gervasio is a hidden gem; a sacred sanctuary for the Maya dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.
You’re not just taking a photo; you’re stepping back in time.
The vibe here is entirely different. It’s quiet. It’s in the middle of a lush, green jungle. You’re walking on these ancient limestone paths (sacbeob) that connected the temples. The real magic is the contrast: the weathered, gray stone temples against the vibrant green of the jungle.
Photo Op: Find one of the small temples, like Ka’na Nah (“Tall House”), and get a shot that perfectly blends history and nature. Pro-Tip: The real models here are the iguanas. They are everywhere, lounging on the warm ruins like they own the place. A photo of (or with) one of them is classic Cozumel. Go early in the morning for the best golden light and to beat the tour buses.
The Undisputed Champion: Punta Sur’s Iconic Lighthouse View
Okay, let’s cut to the chase. Why Punta Sur? What’s the big deal?
Because it’s not just one shot. It’s a whole album.
Punta Sur is this massive, 2,500-acre eco-park at the southernmost tip of the island. This isn’t just a quick “pull over and snap a pic” stop. You have to commit. You pay an entrance fee, you drive in, and you dedicate a few hours to it. And it is worth every single peso.
Here, you get a mix of beaches, wildlife (hello, crocodiles), and jaw-dropping views all in one spot.
The Main Event: The Celarain Lighthouse
This is the money shot. The one you came for.
The park is home to an iconic, white-and-red-striped lighthouse. It’s perched right at the end of the island, and the Caribbean Sea stretches out behind it in every direction. It’s dramatic. It’s stunning.
But the real magic? You can climb it.
Now, a word of warning. This is a 133-step climb. It’s a spiral staircase, it’s a bit narrow, and if you’re like me, your knees might be having a little chat with you by the time you reach the top. But… wow.
You step out onto that narrow balcony, the wind hits you, and you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view that will make you forget your burning thighs. You see the deep blue of the open ocean crash into the almost-neon turquoise of the shallows. You see the entire island spilling out to the north. It is, without question, the best view in Cozumel.
Snap your photo up here. Get that “king of the world” shot. You’ve earned it.
The Bonus Shots
This is why Punta Sur wins. After you’ve conquered the lighthouse, the park keeps delivering.
The Crocodile “Selfie” (From a Safe Distance!): The park includes a massive lagoon system. You can take a small boat tour (included with your ticket) to see the crocodiles. Yes, real crocodiles. Sunning themselves on the banks. Getting a photo with one of those guys in the background (from the safety of the boat, obviously) is a story you’ll be telling for a while.
The “Deserted Beach” Shot: Punta Sur has some of the island’s most pristine, beautiful beaches. After your lighthouse climb, you can drive to the beach club, grab a lounge chair, and get that perfect “feet in the sand, turquoise water” photo. It’s often way less crowded than the beaches closer to town.
The “Nature-Lover” Shot: The park is also a botanical garden and nature preserve, with trails winding through the flora. It’s just… beautiful.
Punta Sur takes the crown because it’s an adventure. The photo you get isn’t just a picture; it’s a trophy from the experience.
The “Classic Beach” Shot: Playa San Francisco or Playa Palancar
Sometimes, you just want the postcard. You want that classic, “I’m on a beach in Mexico, and you’re not” photo.
This is where you go. These beaches, south of the main town, are what you’re picturing. Glittering turquoise water. Powdery white sand. Maybe a palm tree leaning just so.
Photo Op: This one’s easy. Grab a margarita, find a lounge chair, and snap away. This is your “wish you were here” shot. It’s not the most “adventurous” photo, but it’s essential.
The “Finding Nemo” Shot: Palancar Reef
This one takes some effort, but the payoff is drool-worthy.
We’re going underwater.
If you’re a snorkeler or a diver, Palancar Reef is paradise. Thanks to conservation, the marine life here has thrived. We’re talking forests of colorful coral, sea turtles, and literal clouds of playful fish.
Photo Op: This used to be a dream, but with waterproof phones (like most new iPhones and Samsungs) and, of course, a good old-fashioned GoPro, it’s now a reality. What’s cooler than an underwater picture with a sea turtle? Pro-Tip: A very, very important note: Sunscreen kills reefs. Even the “reef-safe” stuff can be harmful. The best way to protect yourself and the coral? Wear a long-sleeved rash guard. You’ll avoid a nasty sunburn, and you’ll be protecting the very thing you came to see.
The “Local Vibe” Shot: The Streets of San Miguel
Don’t sleep on the main town! The malecón (waterfront) is great, but duck one or two blocks inland.
This is where you’ll find the island’s real charm. The streets are bursting with local color, vibrant murals, and lively markets.
Photo Op: Find a brightly painted wall. Pose by a colorful doorway. Get a shot of you trying a marquesita from a street vendor. This adds a splash of real, authentic culture to your photo album.
How to Get a Good Photo (Without Looking Like a Fool)
Okay, you’ve found your spot. Now, how do you take a decent photo, especially when you’re in your 40s or 50s and the “selfie arm” isn’t what it used to be?
A few simple, non-technical tips.
It’s All About the Light, Darling: The single biggest mistake people make? Shooting in the bright, midday sun. That high-noon sun is harsh. It creates weird shadows under your eyes (hello, raccoon eyes) and isn’t flattering.
Your Best Friend: The “Golden Hour.” This is the hour right after sunrise and the hour right before sunset. The light is soft, warm, and golden. It’s nature’s filter. It makes everyone look amazing.
Your Secret Weapon: A cloudy, overcast day. It’s nature’s giant softbox! The light is even, diffused, and perfect for photos.
The “Rule of Thirds” (And Why Your Face Shouldn’t Be Dead Center): Turn on the grid lines on your phone’s camera (it’s in the settings). See those two horizontal and two vertical lines? The “rule of thirds” just means you should put the interesting stuff (like your face, or the lighthouse) where those lines intersect. Don’t put your face smack-dab in the middle. Placing yourself slightly off-center, with the gorgeous scenery filling the other two-thirds, instantly makes your photo look more professional.
Know Your Angles: Holding the camera slightly above eye-level and pointing it down is the universally flattering angle.
A Word on Selfie Sticks: Yes, they look a bit silly. But you know what? They work. They get the camera far enough away to get a great angle and, more importantly, to get the entire beautiful backdrop in the shot with you. A must-have for a group shot.
The Most Important Part
Cozumel is a photographer’s dream. Every corner tells a story, ready for you to frame and share.
From the sunrise on the east side to the underwater magic at Palancar, this island is ready for its close-up.
So, here’s my advice. Get that selfie stick. Climb that lighthouse. Go early to the ruins. Find that colorful wall. Get the shot.
And then… put your phone down.
Just for a minute.
Take a breath. Feel the warm wind from the top of that lighthouse. Listen to the jungle sounds at San Gervasio. Soak in the actual, real-life view.
Because in 20 years, the photo will be a great reminder. But the feeling? That’s the memory you’re really here to capture.
