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In the 2026 Travellers’ Choice ranking by TripAdvisor, Isla Pasión dethroned Elafonisi in Greece, Eagle Beach in Aruba, and Playa de Falés in Portugal — the private island north of Cozumel only welcomes those arriving by boat and offers an all-inclusive experience with white sand and shallow turquoise waters
Among more than 8 million beaches rated on the platform, a private island in the Mexican Caribbean that only accepts boat visitors was voted the best beach in the world in 2026. Isla Pasión, located north of Cozumel in the state of Quintana Roo, tops the Travellers’ Choice – The Best of the Best ranking by TripAdvisor.
The award recognizes less than 1% of the profiles registered on the largest travel review platform in the world. There is no jury or marketing strategy involved: the result reflects the accumulated verdict of millions of travelers over 12 months of reviews, as explained by Excélsior newspaper.
To reach Isla Pasión, one must take a boat from Cozumel. The crossing takes between 10 and 25 minutes, depending on the departure point. There is no land access. This controlled isolation is exactly what tourists celebrate in their reviews.
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Why Isla Pasión is the best beach in the world in 2026
Travelers describe Isla Pasión as a rare balance: accessible but not crowded, organized but not artificial, promoted but still intact in its essence. This formula has placed the Mexican island above traditionally dominant European destinations.
The sand is white and fine. The sea is turquoise and so shallow that it is possible to walk hundreds of meters with water up to the knee. Isla Pasión operates as a private island with all-inclusive service: beach chairs, umbrellas, restrooms, freshwater showers, meals, and drinks are included.
The food is described as fresh and full of Caribbean flavor by visitors on the platform. The service receives constant praise for the attention and friendliness of the local staff.
The complete ranking of the 5 best beaches of 2026
TripAdvisor has released the 20 best beaches in the world in 2026. The top five positions are as follows:
- 1st — Isla Pasión, Cozumel, Mexico
- 2nd — Playa de Elafonisi, Crete, Greece
- 3rd — Balos Lagoon, Crete, Greece
- 4th — Eagle Beach, Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
- 5th — Playa de Falés, Olhos de Água, Portugal
Isla Pasión has surpassed traditional European destinations that used to dominate the ranking. Elafonisi and Balos, both in Crete, maintained high positions but ceded leadership to the Mexican Caribbean for the first time in years.
The presence of Eagle Beach (Aruba) and Playa de Falés (Portugal) shows that the ranking values both Caribbean and European beaches, but the decisive criterion is the complete visitor experience — not just natural beauty.
How to get to Isla Pasión
Isla Pasión is located north of the island of Cozumel, which in turn is a short ferry ride from the city of Playa del Carmen, on the continental coast of Quintana Roo.
From the center of San Miguel de Cozumel, the boat trip to Isla Pasión takes approximately 25 minutes. Tour operators offer packages that include round-trip transportation, as well as all-inclusive service on the island.
There is no way to reach the island by walking, swimming, or by car. The exclusive boat access acts as a natural filter that limits overcrowding and preserves the environment. Other Caribbean destinations like the car-free island recently discovered by Brazilians follow a similar logic of controlled isolation.
The Mexican Caribbean confirms its strength in global tourism
The leadership of Isla Pasión confirms the relevance of the Caribbean in the international travel imagination. Mexico already had established destinations like Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen. Now, a smaller and lesser-known island steals the spotlight.
The difference lies in the concept. While Cancun bets on large resorts and Tulum is experiencing a construction boom, Isla Pasión maintains a lean infrastructure and intimate experience. Thus, it is the type of destination that grows through word of mouth from travelers, not through massive advertising.
Even so, it is worth noting: success in the TripAdvisor ranking can accelerate tourism in the region, putting pressure on the island’s capacity. So far, there is no public information about daily visitor limits or environmental sustainability plans for Isla Pasión. Other paradisiacal destinations around the world face a similar dilemma between preservation and popularity. For details and reviews, check the UnoTV report and the TripAdvisor profile.
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