20°22'58.2" N, 86°52'29.7 W

This location was the inspiration behind SeaMonkey's Margarita Mermaid Collection.

Most known for being a major cruise port, Cozumel tends to have a reputation of being a busy, tourist destination selling shot glasses and Lucha Libre masks. However, if you make the drive to the east side of the island, you will come across pristine, quiet beaches only being 'interrupted' by some local restaurants greeting guests with fresh ceviche and fishbowl sized margaritas. If looking for a relaxing day in the sun with good food and tasty drinks nearby, check out Playa Chen Rio.

Despite Cozumel being a popular destination for cruisers, the 34 mile long by 11 mile wide island is surprisingly still largely undeveloped. Once you leave the bustling west side of the island heading East, your journey includes views of empty roads and tequila distilleries until you reach the coast. Here is where you are welcomed with contrasting views of lush vegetation, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches. The main road runs parallel to the ocean, providing a scenic drive the entire way. 

Though there are a handful of restaurants and bars in the area, we tend to gravitate towards Restaurante Chen Rio with its tiki huts placed directly on the beach within walking distance of the water. Of the locations we visited in Cozumel, it has felt the most authentic, full of fresh seafood, mariachi bands and language barriers. Lined up next to the restaurant are local fishing boats “parked” in the sand which only seems to add to the authenticity of the location. So if you are looking to escape the tourist traps of Cozumel with a little bit of adventure and a whole lot of relaxation, take a visit to Playa Chen Rio.