Carl, while I'd agree with you that Paradise Beach wouldn't be my number one spot in Cozumel either, I have to correct you about the sand.

The sand on the island's beaches is natural, it certainly hasn't been trucked in and majority of the island does not have have a rocky coast.

Cancun and Playa del Carmen, on the other hand, do have some beaches with sand that has been trucked or shipped in. For example, the beaches on Cancun's hotel strip are a completely man-made creation.

When hurricanes have swept Cancun and Playa del Carmen's beaches away in the past, they have resorted to extracting sand from off the north of Cozumel island to replace it. (Something that is still a hot political subject locally.)

I could go on and explain how the geography of Cozumel's sheltered south-west coast tends to lead to a natural build up of sand, whereas the north of the Riviera Maya is more exposed, so tends to lose sand... but that might be a little boring.

I do also agree with you, however, about the Riviera Maya south of Playa del Carmen towards Akumal, Tulum and Xcalac. That area is still largely natural and has some beautiful beaches. But it's to far to easily do as a daytrip from Cozumel.

If you think Cozumel is a tourist trap only for cruisers then you should really go around the island to the East Coast next time, it is not in the slightest bit commerical and doesn't even have electricity, and the beaches are 100% natural and stunning...!