Tiny Mexican Island Named World's Best Beach for 2026

Isla Pasión, a tiny island you can walk across in 15 minutes, just claimed the crown as the world's best beach in TripAdvisor's 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards. The recognition comes from real travelers across the globe who praised its crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and carefully preserved natural environment.

Located just a 10-minute boat ride north of Cozumel in Quintana Roo, Mexico, the island offers the kind of isolated paradise feeling that's becoming harder to find. The surrounding waters are calm and shallow, making it perfect for families with young children who want to swim without worry.

Despite its small size, Isla Pasión operates as a well-organized private beach club with all-inclusive services. Visitors can enjoy food, drinks, sun loungers, and hammocks while still feeling worlds away from crowded tourist beaches. Most guests spend 2 to 3 hours soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

The island welcomes everyone from couples planning destination weddings to solo travelers seeking a quiet escape. Tour operators recommend visiting between November and March when weather conditions create the ideal beach experience.

The Ripple Effect

This recognition isn't just a win for one tiny island. It's boosting the entire region's economy and creating jobs for local families who work in tourism. Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama says the award validates years of work balancing tourism growth with environmental protection.

The success is spreading to neighboring Cozumel too, which recently earned Mexico's Best Beach at the World Travel Awards and landed on the list of top 12 cruise destinations worldwide. In 2024, Cozumel made Green Destinations' list of 100 Most Inspiring Stories of Sustainable Tourism for its "Guardians of Water" project protecting local water resources.

These awards prove that protecting nature and welcoming visitors can go hand in hand. When communities invest in preserving their natural treasures, the world notices and rewards them for it.

Sometimes the smallest places make the biggest splash.