Last Updated: February 2026 | By Pablo — I’ve driven (and hiked) to Punta Molas four times. It’s Cozumel’s most remote destination, and getting there is half the adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you book through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this guide free and updated.

Punta Molas sits at Cozumel’s northern tip, as far from the cruise port and tourist zone as you can get on this island. I first attempted the drive in 2019 and turned back after 45 minutes of bone-jarring dirt road. My second attempt in a rented Jeep got me there — and I found a crumbling lighthouse, a deserted beach, and some of the most untouched coastline I’ve seen anywhere in the Mexican Caribbean. This is not a casual day trip. But if you want to see the Cozumel that existed before tourism, Punta Molas is where you’ll find it.

What Is Punta Molas?

Punta Molas is the northernmost point on Cozumel island, home to an abandoned lighthouse (Faro de Punta Molas) and a stretch of wild, undeveloped beach. The lighthouse was built in the early 1900s and operated until it was decommissioned decades ago. Today, it stands in partial ruin — the tower is still intact, but the keeper’s quarters have largely collapsed. Around the lighthouse, you’ll find rocky ironshore coastline, tide pools, and a deserted sandy beach facing the open Caribbean.

The area is also home to small Mayan ruins (Castillo Real) scattered in the jungle near the coast. These are minor structures, but finding them in such an isolated setting adds to the adventure.

Exploring Punta Molas Beach and Lighthouse

What to Expect on the Journey

The Road: There is no paved road to Punta Molas. The route follows a rough dirt/sand track along the northeast coast that starts where the paved cross-island road ends. The track runs about 17 km from the paved road’s end to the lighthouse. In dry season (November-April), a high-clearance vehicle can usually make it. In rainy season, sections become muddy and impassable. A 4×4 or ATV is strongly recommended — do not attempt this in a rental sedan or scooter.

Time: Allow 1.5-2 hours each way from the end of the paved road. The rough terrain limits speed to 10-20 km/h in most sections. Plan a full day for the round trip from San Miguel.

The Lighthouse: The Faro de Punta Molas is a weathered concrete tower standing roughly 15 meters tall. You can walk around the base and explore the surrounding structures. Climbing the lighthouse is not recommended — the internal staircase is deteriorated and unsafe. The setting is dramatic: the tower sits on exposed ironshore rock with waves crashing on three sides.

The Beach: The beach near the lighthouse is wild and deserted — no facilities, no shade structures, no other people (usually). The sand is coarser than the west coast beaches, and the surf is rougher. Swimming is possible in calm conditions but be cautious of currents. The isolation is the draw here — you’ll likely have the entire beach to yourself.

Leisure Activities Near Punta Molas

Practical Information for Visiting Punta Molas

Location: Northern tip of Cozumel, approximately 30 km from San Miguel. Accessible only via unpaved road or by boat.

Cost: Free to visit. No entrance fees. Your main expense is transportation (Jeep rental: 1,500-2,500 pesos/day; ATV rental: 800-1,200 pesos/day; guided tour: $80-150 USD per person).

Best Time: Dry season (November through April) when the road is most passable. Go in the morning to have maximum daylight for the round trip.

What to Bring:

• Full tank of gas — there are no gas stations past San Miguel on the north end
• Minimum 3 liters of water per person — there is zero shade and no vendors
• Food and snacks for the day
• Spare tire and basic tools — flat tires on the rocky road are common
• Charged phone with offline maps downloaded (no cell service at the lighthouse)
• Sunscreen, hat, and long sleeves — the exposed coastline has no shade
• Bug spray for the jungle sections of the road

Tips from a Resident:

• Do NOT go alone on your first trip — the road is unmarked and help is far away if you get stuck
• Check road conditions with local Jeep rental shops before heading out. After heavy rain, the road can be impassable for days
• Leave San Miguel by 8 AM at the latest to have plenty of daylight for the round trip
• A guided tour is the safest option — the guide knows the road, carries recovery gear, and handles logistics
• The Castillo Real ruins are easy to miss. Look for the small turnoff about 2 km before the lighthouse

Book an Adventure Tour to Northern Cozumel

Given the difficulty of reaching Punta Molas independently, I recommend a guided tour for most visitors. These options cover the northern wilderness and include transportation and safety gear:

Cozumel Off-Road Jeep Adventure
A guided 4×4 experience through Cozumel’s wild interior and northeastern coast. Some versions reach Punta Molas or get close to it, depending on road conditions. Includes stops at secluded beaches and jungle trails.
Check Availability on GetYourGuide →

Cozumel ATV Jungle & Beach Tour
Ride ATVs through trails on the undeveloped side of the island. While most ATV tours don’t go all the way to Punta Molas, they cover the same type of rugged terrain and deserted beaches.
Check Availability on Viator →

Private Cozumel Exploration — Custom Route
Hire a private guide with a 4×4 vehicle to take you specifically to Punta Molas. This is the most reliable way to reach the lighthouse, as the guide will know current road conditions and carry recovery equipment.
Check Availability on GetYourGuide →

Cozumel Island Discovery Tour
A comprehensive island tour that hits many off-the-beaten-path locations. Confirm with the operator whether Punta Molas is included, as itineraries vary by season and road conditions.
Check Availability on Viator →

More of Cozumel’s Wild Side

If Punta Molas appeals to you, check out the east coast beaches — they’re easier to reach but share the same wild, undeveloped character. For the full range of island excursions and tours, including Jeep, ATV, and jungle adventures, browse our main guide. After a day in the wilderness, the west coast beach clubs offer the opposite experience — civilization, cold drinks, and comfortable loungers. For dinner back in town, see our restaurant guide.

The Honest Verdict

Punta Molas is not for everyone, and I mean that genuinely. The road is punishing, the facilities are nonexistent, and the lighthouse itself is a ruin. If you have limited time on Cozumel, there are dozens of easier experiences that deliver more immediate payoff — snorkeling, beach clubs, the downtown food scene.

But if you’re the type of traveler who gets excited about reaching places most people never see, Punta Molas delivers something rare in the modern Caribbean: complete solitude. Standing at the base of that abandoned lighthouse with nothing but ocean, rock, and sky in every direction is genuinely memorable. I’ve shown the photos to tourists who have visited Cozumel ten times and never knew this place existed.

My recommendation: rent a proper Jeep or book a guided tour, go in dry season, bring everything you need, and treat it as a full-day wilderness adventure. Don’t expect amenities. Do expect one of the most unique experiences available on this island.