CocoAdventoursCozumel

Group Travel Packages for Cozumel

cozumel group travel

Group Travel Packages for Unforgettable Adventures with CocoAdventours Cozumel

Are you dreaming of embarking on an exciting group adventure with your friends, family, or colleagues? Look no further than CocoAdventours Cozumel! Our company specializes in crafting unforgettable group travel packages that cater to every traveler’s needs and desires. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling outdoor expedition, a relaxing beach getaway, or a cultural immersion experience, we have the perfect package for you.

At CocoAdventours Cozumel, we understand the importance of creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s why we go above and beyond to curate group travel experiences that exceed your expectations. From the moment you contact us to the moment you return home, our dedicated team is here to ensure every detail of your trip is taken care of.

With our wide range of group travel packages, the possibilities are endless. Dive into the heart of adventure with our adrenaline-pumping excursions, where you can zip-line through lush rainforests, explore ancient Mayan ruins, and snorkel in crystal-clear cenotes. Or, if relaxation is more your style, unwind on Cozumel’s pristine beaches with our luxurious beachfront accommodations and sunset sailing cruises.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Cozumel with our cultural immersion experiences, which include guided tours of Mayan archaeological sites, traditional cooking classes, and visits to local artisan markets. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a beach lover, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone with CocoAdventours Cozumel.

So why wait? Start planning your next group adventure today and let us help you create memories that will last a lifetime. Contact CocoAdventours Cozumel to learn more about our group travel packages and embark on the journey of a lifetime with friends, family, or colleagues.

Why Choose Group Travel Packages for Your Next Adventure?

Group travel packages offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for travelers of all ages and interests. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider booking a group travel package with CocoAdventours Cozumel:

  • Cost-Effective: Traveling in a group allows you to split the costs of accommodation, transportation, and activities, making it more budget-friendly for everyone involved.
  • Shared Experiences: Group travel allows you to share unforgettable experiences with like-minded individuals, creating lasting memories and fostering new friendships along the way.
  • Convenience: Our group travel packages are carefully curated to include all the essentials, from accommodation and transportation to guided tours and activities, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all participants.
  • Safety and Security: Traveling in a group provides an added layer of safety and security, particularly in unfamiliar destinations. Our experienced guides and staff members are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of all travelers throughout the journey.

Explore Our Exciting Group Travel Packages

At CocoAdventours Cozumel, we offer a diverse range of group travel packages designed to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences. Whether you’re craving adrenaline-pumping adventures, cultural immersion experiences, or leisurely beach getaways, we have the perfect package for you.

  • Adventure Seekers: Embark on an adrenaline-fueled adventure with our «Jungle Expedition» package, featuring zip-lining through lush rainforests, exploring ancient Mayan ruins, and snorkeling in crystal-clear cenotes. CocoAdventours Cozumel
  • Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Cozumel with our «Cultural Discovery» package, which includes guided tours of Mayan archaeological sites, traditional cooking classes, and visits to local artisan markets. Sitio arqueologico – San Gervasio
  • Beach Lovers: Relax and unwind on Cozumel’s pristine beaches with our «Island Paradise» package, offering luxurious beachfront accommodation, sunset sailing cruises, and snorkeling excursions in turquoise waters teeming with marine life. Cocos Beach Club Cozumel

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Book Your Group Adventure Today!

Ready to embark on the group adventure of a lifetime? Contact CocoAdventours Cozumel today to learn more about our group travel packages and start planning your next unforgettable getaway with friends, family, or colleagues. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, organizing a corporate retreat, or simply craving an adventure with like-minded travelers, we’re here to make your travel dreams a reality. With our personalized approach and attention to detail, we’ll tailor-make a package that suits your group’s interests, preferences, and budget. Don’t wait any longer – let’s create memories together that will last a lifetime!

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Cozumel ATV Cruise Excursion From $80.00

Explore jungle, cenote and caves off-road.

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Friendly, helpful, local drivers who speak English.

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Cozumel Jeep Tour with Beach, Snorkel and Lunch $78.00

Drive round the island on a Jeep adventure.

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Private Cozumel Snorkel Boat Tour From $66.50

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11 Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to Cozumel

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See recent posts by Christina Vercelletto

Beach at Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

Vacation in Cozumel , and odds are that you’ll go home utterly relaxed and with memories of spectacular scenery and friendly people. A 34-mile-long by 11-mile-wide island off of Mexico's Riviera Maya , Cozumel is quite unlike its neighbor. It’s largely undeveloped, with expanses of jungle and untouched shoreline that are a rarity on the mainland. Travelers don’t come for the partying, boisterous beach bikini volleyball games, or designer shopping. Instead, it's mostly about unplugging and enjoying the sun. There's also plenty to see and do in Cozumel aside from the beach. The city of San Miguel has a laid-back vibe, and there are stunning stretches of untouched nature to be found along the eastern and southern shores. We're covering everything from when to visit Cozumel to things to do on the island. So check out the 11 things you should know before setting off for Cozumel.

Hotels in this story

1. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Cozumel are incredible.

Beach at the Hotel B Cozumel

Beach at the Hotel B Cozumel/Oyster

Just off Cozumel ’s southwestern coast lies the world’s second-longest coral reef system (only Australia ’s Great Barrier Reef beats it). The Mesoamerican Reef System spans about 175 miles from the Gulf of Mexico to the coast of Honduras . The exceptionally clear waters put Cozumel high on many divers’ bucket lists. It’s common for divers to see vast coral heads, vivid sponges, tropical fish, and tunnels and caves housing species found only here, such as the Cozumel splendid toadfish. The Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, a popular diving area, is home to several endangered creatures, including the loggerhead sea turtle, the queen conch, and black coral. The sea floor is also incredibly varied here, with ledges and cliffs creating dramatic underwater vistas. Private tours and group excursions are available from private business in the island’s main town — San Miguel — or from almost every hotel and resort on the island.

2. Cozumel weather is pretty great year round, though there is a rainy season.

The Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Cozumel experience less severe wet and dry seasons than Caribbean destinations to the north and east. This means that there are more months to choose from when you can expect clear weather. December through May are generally the driest months, though you’ll see more precipitation at both ends of that range. The wettest months of the year are generally October and November, so even visiting in the summer months (when hotel rates are lower) means you’re likely to see more sunny days than not. July and August are generally the driest of the main summer months in Cozumel. However, the island isn’t entirely without risk of hurricanes during this time of year and into the early fall. Temperatures stay quite warm during the day, year round. Of course, Cozumel is hottest during the summer (and incredibly humid), with drier warm temperatures from January through March. Keep in mind that sargassum seaweed blooms are a problem across the Caribbean (including Cozumel), and tend to spike during summer months, impacting beach usability.

3. Compared to other parts of Mexico and the Caribbean, Cozumel is safe .

Aerial Photography at the Allegro Cozumel

Aerial Photography at the Allegro Cozumel/Oyster

We often get asked, “Is Cozumel safe?” And while no place in the world is 100 percent safe for all visitors all the time, Cozumel has low crime rates that should alleviate any fears you have of visiting.  The drug-related crime in Mexico that makes the headlines is concentrated near the country’s borders, and even the crime that has occasionally erupted around Cancun rarely affects tourists. To that end, violent crime on Cozumel is rare, even though the U.S. State Department does occasionally issue warnings. Keep in mind that a Level 2 threat-level ranking from the U.S State Department — which covers the state of Quintana Roo (where Cozumel is located) — is the same as France, Italy, and the U.K. Of course, you should still take proper safety precautions. For example, wandering on a beach alone at night isn’t a smart idea, and always lock your valuables inside of your safe. To alleviate concerns about petty crime, carry as little money as you can, and divide up your cash and cards in different pockets and a money belt.

4. Cozumel is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

Cozumel is a stop on many cruise itineraries — in fact, on any given day there are up to eight cruise ships docking here and the island hosts over 3 million cruise passengers per year. Cozumel is also a popular day trip for travelers staying on the mainland in the Riviera Maya. These visitors generally arrive by ferry from Playa del Carmen. You might be thinking that Cozumel gets overrun with cruisers and daytrippers at this point. But don’t worry. Cruise passengers typically don’t venture much farther than the harbor areas, or only partake in cruise-offered beach excursions, so if you’re aware of when the ships dock, the tourist crowd is easy enough to avoid. That’s especially true if you stay in the southern and eastern parts of the island.

5. Beaches are everywhere in Cozumel — though the best Cozumel beaches are on the island’s west side.

Beach at the El Cozumeleno Beach Resort

Beach at the El Cozumeleno Beach Resort/Oyster

While there are plenty of Instagram-worthy white-sand stretches, it’s worth thinking about what kind of beach you want. Pretty? That’s all of them. Beyond that, if you’re after the sandiest shores, you’ll want to post up on the west and south sides of Cozumel. Search out Playa Palancar and Dzul Ha if you’re after white sand and azure water. Beaches on the eastern side of Cozumel are rocky and the water is often rough, but they’re beautiful and feel much more undiscovered than others on the island. Cozumel is not a surf destination, but beginner and intermediate boarders often sign on with a surf school for a day. Northern coast beaches, north of San Miguel, tend to be popular with families with kids, since the water is calm and shallow. Limestone “iron shore” beaches are top spots to go snorkeling — just make sure to wear water shoes. All of the beaches on Cozumel are public, but that doesn’t mean they’re free. Technically, the use of the actual beach is free, but many beach clubs impose cover charges that apply toward your bar or beach club food tab.

6. You can’t drink the water in Cozumel.

Unless your resort purifies their own tap water system and takes assurances to let its guests know this fact, exercise caution. Tap water in Mexico is generally not drinkable for tourists, and is often a culprit in inconvenient gastro-intestinal illnesses while travelers are here on vacation. Stick with bottled water (even the locals often drink it), and try to keep your mouth closed in the shower, too.

7. You need a passport to visit Cozumel, but likely don’t need a visa.

The Main Pool at Occidental Cozumel

The Main Pool at Occidental Cozumel/Oyster

If you’re planning on visiting Cozumel for a few days, you’ll need a passport (as you would visiting any other destination in Mexico). The only exception is for those traveling on closed-loop cruises, which start and end at the same U.S. port. In that case, only a birth certificate and driver’s license is required. However, should you miss your embarkation time from Cozumel or any emergencies arise that cause you to deviate from your cruise itinerary, you’ll have a much harder time getting out. With that in mind, we recommend getting your passport at least four months in advance of any trip — cruise or not.

8. There are plenty of Cozumel all-inclusive resorts, making it an alternative to mainland Riviera Maya.

While Cozumel has less all-inclusive resorts than the mainland Riviera Maya, you’ll still find almost all of the big all-inclusive brands here. That includes all-around resorts like Iberostar Cozumel and Melia Cozumel , as well as romantic adults-only options such as Secrets Aura Cozumel . Cozumel resorts are often a bit cheaper than those you’ll find on the mainland, in part because these hotels are trying to lure guests who think of the island as little more than a day trip. However, there are far fewer luxury and upscale options on Cozumel. That fact aside, the vibe is almost always far calmer than what’s on offer in Cancun and Tulum. Even so, the island has a great selection of smaller boutique hotels as well, if the all-inclusive option isn’t for you.

9. Cozumel is easier to get to than you think.

cozumel group travel

Beach at Occidental Cozumel/Oyster

Believe it or not, nonstop flights to Cozumel International Airport operate from a fair number of big cities in the U.S., including Dallas , Atlanta , Houston , Charlotte , and Miami . That list grows during high season (roughly early December through Easter). Otherwise, it’s easy to catch a ferry from Playa de Carmen . It’s about a 45-minute ride, and they run regularly.

10. You can use U.S. dollars in Cozumel and English is widely spoken.

Like most tourist destinations in Mexico, you can expect almost everything here to be tourist friendly. That ethos extends to how you pay and what language you’ll speak. Most merchants cater to tourists in Cozumel will accept U.S. dollars — including hotels and restaurants — but will give change in pesos. Additionally, credit cards are widely accepted, but you should keep in mind that smaller vendors, market sellers, and street food outposts will likely only take cash. On a similar note, English is widely spoken. Of course, knowing a few phrases in Spanish will go a long way.

11. Things to do in Cozumel are numerous, and range from adventurous to relaxing.

Beach at the Hotel B Cozumel

Given its draw for everyone from couples to families and retirees, it’s perhaps no surprise that there’s a wide range of things to do in Cozumel . The island has a way lower profile when it comes to partying than mainland neighbors like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Even so, there are plenty of casual bars in San Miguel , as well as beach clubs that are just lively enough all day long. Jeep tours are a great way to see the island’s landscape, much of which is untouched by development — the island particularly wild on the south and east sides.

While you won’t find anything on the scale of Chichen Itza here, you can explore the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site to get your fix of ancient ruins. It’s set in a jungle-like wildlife refuge (watch out for the iguanas!) that’s other-worldly. This eastern outpost of the Mayan empire is fascinating even for those who aren’t history buffs. Feel like setting off on your own and getting lost amid nature? Rent a moped and head to El Mirador , where the seascape rock formations are picture perfect, or to the lighthouse at Punta Sur (which is also an ecological park that’s home to animals like crocodiles).

Our Resort Pick in Cozumel: Occidental Cozumel

Aerial View of the Occidental Cozumel

Aerial View of the Occidental Cozumel/Oyster

The Occidental Grand Cozumel is an all-inclusive resort with a great spot at the southern end of Cozumel, surrounded by a stunning nature preserve. The white-sand beaches are gorgeous, and the incredible offshore reefs make for memorable snorkeling and diving adventures. There are six restaurants and four bars, as well as plenty of activities for families and kids. The resort also has three big pools, a hot tub, tennis courts, fitness center, spa, and kids’ club. Evening entertainment includes a nightclub with dancing.

Pricing for Occidental Cozumel

Our Boutique Hotel Pick in Cozumel: Villas Las Anclas

The patio and garden at Villas Las Anclas

 The patio and garden at Villas Las Anclas/Oyster

Villas Las Anclas is an ideal mid-range pick for families and divers (“anclas” means anchors in Spanish) who want the comforts of home, a one-block walk to the beach, and a quiet, secluded ambience. This place has a lot of style, especially compared to the often dowdy hotels and resorts on Cozumel. We love the bright colors and boho design details. It’s also a great pick for families, couples, or solo travelers. Seven, two-story villas include kitchenettes and built-in sofas. A small swimming pool plus a rack where divers can rinse and dry their wetsuits are also found on-site. The location is great for dining on local food, as there are a number of options all around.

Pricing for Villas Las Anclas

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Courtesy of Tais Policanti | Getty Images

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15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico, is a popular vacation destination for travelers on its own, but it’s also a common cruise ship destination and a spot travelers staying in nearby Playa del Carmen  visit for snorkeling and diving tours. Speaking of diving, most

  • All Things To Do

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Cozumel Boat Tours Cozumel Boat Tours

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen and want to see Cozumel's incredible reefs, you can easily plan a day trip to Cozumel. Ferries travel between these destinations throughout the day, and the ride only takes around 45 minutes each way. – Holly D. Johnson

No trip to Cozumel is complete without a boat ride (or two) around the island's magnificently blue waters. Whether you hop on board to scuba dive through some of Cozumel's magnificent reefs or to simply take in the scenery during a sunset sail, most travelers agree that chartering a boat is worth the time and money. 

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Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

If you're a wildlife lover, a trip to the Punta Sur Eco Park is a must. This ecological park sprawls across the southern tip of Cozumel. Its 2,500 acres are home to some incredible animals worth seeing if you have a chance, including exotic birds, crocodiles and sea turtles. But don't let the animals distract you from everything else the park has to offer. Take some time to explore the park's Celarain Lighthouse , which houses a small maritime museum that details the history of the Maya, as well as pirates and corsairs that once frequented the area. You can also book a catamaran tour of the Colombia lagoon. 

Recent visitors said that the beach park offers a great mix of history and nature situated in a beautiful spot. The white sands and peaceful atmosphere of the beach are just about perfect, according to most visitors. 

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Palancar Beach Palancar Beach free

Palancar Beach, one of the best all-around beach spots on Cozumel, is especially acclaimed for its water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and diving. You can rent a dive charter and then grab some grub at the nearby restaurants and bars. Travelers especially recommend Playa Palancar Beach Club for cruise patrons looking to escape a pre-planned excursion for a more authentic experience. 

Travelers also described the offshore Palancar Gardens and Palancar Reef as excellent spots for divers of all skill levels. Even if you're an experienced diver, it's recommended you rent a charter to avoid the hassle of permits or licensing. While swimmers are allowed to dive on their own, we recommend that you hire local experts who are familiar with the diving terrain. Fortunately, many recent travelers say they saw plenty of tropical fish and marine life in the area including stingrays, sharks and starfish.

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Popular Tours

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

(5099 reviews)

from $ 68.00

Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation *Official Product*

Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip+ Night Show+ Transportation *Official Product*

(1413 reviews)

from $ 153.99

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

(991 reviews)

from $ 65.00

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Cozumel's Paradise Beach Cozumel's Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is a popular beach on the western side of the island. Families, couples, locals and tourists – plus plenty of cruise ship passengers – flock to this beach, so prepare for crowds. This pristine shoreline boasts soft sand, turquoise waters, a pool, a restaurant and shopping (you can pick up a bathing suit, sandals and other beach necessities at three stores along the shore). For $10, you're granted access to all the facilities, as well as a chair by the beach or the pool, and for about $18, you can purchase a Fun Pass to use all the inflatable water toys, water trampolines, iceberg climb, kayaks, snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards. Poolside and beachside food and beverage service is also offered with a $10 minimum. There are also all-inclusive day passes available that include food and drinks as part of the package price and cost $67 for adults, $47 for youth ages 12 to 17 and $41 for children ages 5 to 11. Kids 4 and younger play free.

Recent visitors said that Paradise Beach was an enjoyable way to spend the day, especially because it was void of people hawking their goods and services. Others remarked that the staff is friendly and helpful, while others were pleased with the clean facilities. 

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Mr. Sanchos Beach Club Mr. Sanchos Beach Club

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club is an all-inclusive beach destination featuring two pools for swimming and access to a stunning white sand beach where visitors can relax in the water or snorkel from the shore. Visitors can eat and drink all they want as well. Extra activities like an aquatic park (with climbing features, overwater trampolines, a pyramid slider and more), motorized watercrafting and horseback riding are available for an additional fee.

Travelers who have visited agree that the value is good for the cost of an all-inclusive day pass, and that they had fun and received excellent service.

cozumel group travel

Stingray Beach Stingray Beach

A visit to Stingray Beach will provide the same interactive experience as scuba diving, just without the heavy gear (or price tags). Located in San Miguel, this facility allows you to get up close with these undersea creatures, providing ample opportunities to swim among them. And don't worry about getting stung: The rays' barbs are clipped, so the animals can't hurt you. 

Recent visitors couldn't get enough of the experience, describing the rays as beautiful and mellow, and the staff as respectful of the animals and reassuring to the humans. You can pet and even “kiss” the stingrays during the tour, which is accessible directly from the shore so you don’t have to board a boat or spend any travel time getting to the site. Also note that Stingray Beach offers chocolate tasting, mezcal and tequila tasting and other activities for people in your group. 

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Playa Mia Grand Beach Park Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you're planning a day at this beach club (or another) during a cruise stop in Cozumel, avoid booking through your ship. You can take a taxi to most beaches in Cozumel, and you’ll have more time to spend there when you travel independently.  – Holly D. Johnson

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is another beach club that offers day passes to vacationers. This beach club offers a beautiful shoreline with plenty of space and powder white sand. Visitors can relax the day away on a chair with their own umbrella. The beach park also features an overwater play area and obstacle course, which can keep kids busy for hours while wearing them out. You'll also have access to a hydro-massage tub, water cannons and pedal boats.

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Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is the second-largest coral reef in the world and is home to a range of marine flora as well as incredible animals like rays (from December to March), sharks, turtles and starfish. You'll want to visit this reef by boat and with the help of a professional guide.

Many tour companies take tourists out to the reef for snorkeling and diving trips, including top-rated providers like Cancun Adventures and Fury Catamarans , and past visitors heartily recommend taking advantage. In fact, many travelers rave about the clear waters and their encounters with healthy and thriving corals, sea turtles and lobsters. However, some past visitors have said that some Cozumel hotels aren’t far from the reef, including Iberostar Cozumel, so you can do some snorkeling from the shore.

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Paradise Beach Exclusive All-Inclusive Day Pass

(1749 reviews)

from $ 72.00

Priority Access: Xplor Adventure Park with lunch & transportation

Priority Access: Xplor Adventure Park with lunch & transportation

(453 reviews)

from $ 175.99

Private Jeep & ATV Tour to Jade Cavern Cenote: All-Inclusive

Private Jeep & ATV Tour to Jade Cavern Cenote: All-Inclusive

(150 reviews)

from $ 136.99

cozumel group travel

Mayan Cacao Company Mayan Cacao Company

Mayan Cacao Company offers a handful of tours that last 50 minutes to two hours and introduce visitors to various aspects of chocolate making. Travelers can learn all about the processes involved in turning natural cacao into chocolate candy, and they can even make their own chocolate bar. The longest tour available teaches both chocolate making and margarita making at once, and it’s only available for visitors ages 18 and older. Other available tours are for participants 5 and older.

Tours also include activities like homemade tortilla tasting, Mayan purification rituals and visits to a traditional Mayan hut. Past visitors agree that visiting the Mayan Cacao Company is both informative and fun, and say you can learn a lot while enjoying delicious food and drinks.

cozumel group travel

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

Chankanaab is a Mayan term that means "small sea," and the outdoor park is named for its coastal cenote, which features diving and snorkeling tours, dolphin encounters and a relaxing beach. There are also opportunities for zip lining and touring a tequila facility, along with gardens, nature trails and picturesque grounds for both exploring and relaxing. There's even a spa located on the premises. 

Recent visitors raved about the park's diving opportunities and agreed that it is the perfect place to bring families and groups, as there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Some reviewers noted it was a touristy experience with an inflated price tag, but most agreed it was a fun day. 

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San Gervasio Ruins (Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio) San Gervasio Ruins (Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio)

Mayan women used to visit this shrine in central Cozumel to pay tribute to the goddess of love and fertility, Ixchel. Today, you can pay a tribute of your own by taking a brief tour of this ruin; it costs $13 to access the park including both admission fees and a community access fee. Some might grumble about the cost of admission, but previous visitors do recommend you take some time to visit San Gervasio if you have never seen Mayan ruins up close. Plus, there are a variety of small lizards and larger iguanas on the grounds. 

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El Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel Island Museum) El Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel Island Museum)

If you want to learn more about Cozumel's history, check out this excellent museum in downtown San Miguel, which received a full renovation in 2019. The Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel Island Museum), a former luxury hotel, features a total of 11 interactive exhibits that showcase everything from the island's ecosystems, local development and conservation issues to old Mayan and Spanish colonial artifacts. The museum also displays the more recent history of Cozumel, with exhibits on the area's 20th-century cultural and economic development.

Travelers particularly enjoyed the museum for the chance to learn the island's history, while still leaving time for the beach and water sports. Several reviewers also appreciated the temporary exhibit rooms, which have displayed the work of local and international artists, as well as the history of Carnaval celebrations on the island. Recent visitors said you should be able to see everything within an hour or two, so you'll still have plenty of time left in your day to do other things.

cozumel group travel

Playa El Cielo Playa El Cielo

U.S. News Insider Tip : Playa El Cielo is best known for its proximity to the El Cielo Reef, which is a sanctuary for sea animals that is only reachable by boat. Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen if you’re planning a full day here. – Holly D. Johnson

Playa El Cielo is a stunning white sand beach that is well known for its crystal-clear waters that are home to starfish, stingrays and other marine animals. Visitors can book a range of water tours here that can help them explore under the sea by boat, and all with the help of a professional guide. The beach also has a sandbar water lovers can swim out to.

cozumel group travel

The Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Snorkel Tour

(389 reviews)

from $ 67.46

Cozumel Submarine Experience

Cozumel Submarine Experience

(524 reviews)

from $ 99.00

El Cielo Snorkel by Private Boat

El Cielo Snorkel by Private Boat

(215 reviews)

from $ 419.99

cozumel group travel

Playa Uvas Beach Club Playa Uvas Beach Club

Plata Uvas Beach Club is a basic beach club that offers snorkeling, kayaking, chairs and umbrellas, along with access to other amenities, for a day rate. Travelers can book an all-inclusive beach day at the club, which includes limitless food and drinks for four hours. The beach itself features powdery white sand and turquoise waters Cozumel is famous for.

A $15 entrance fee gets you a welcome drink, snorkel gear with the option for a guided tour, 30 minutes of kayaking and coverage of marine park fees. You also get a chair, umbrella and free Wi-Fi for this price. All-inclusive experiences with food and drink included cost $55 for adults and $45 for children. Some visitors agree that food and drinks are overpriced outside of the all-inclusive package. Many say the snorkeling at Playa Uvas is exceptional, and that you can see all kinds of wildlife from tropical fish to baby sharks.

cozumel group travel

Celarain Lighthouse Celarain Lighthouse

Celarain Lighthouse is a restored lighthouse-turned-museum that’s located within Punta Sur Eco Beach Park . However, it's an attraction in its own right. The lighthouse boasts incredible views of the coastline and the lush greenery that surrounds the park.

The museum in the lighthouse is small and filled with navigation items, and visitors can also relax in hammocks and chairs just outside. Many people come to the lighthouse just to climb up it for higher elevation and incomparable views, however. In fact, the path through the park and to the lighthouse is a popular hiking trail. Visitors agree that the views are worth the trek to the top, but that it’s not for those with limited mobility.

cozumel group travel

Things to Do in Cozumel FAQs

Explore more of cozumel.

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, an IHG Hotel

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2021 Cozumel Group Trip

Dive cozumel, grab your passports  let's go diving.

Drift Diving!

Trip leaders.

cozumel group travel

  • 4 nights in a double by the garden room at the Iberostar Cozumel 
  • All food and drink at the resort
  • 3 days of 2-tank boat dives with Dressel Divers
  • Nitrox (for certified nitrox divers)
  • Roundtrip private airport transfers
  • Marine park fee
  • Travel Guard Preferred Insurance (coverage up to $1000 included for travelers up to 59 yrs)
  • Personalized trip documentation
  • Covid test for return to US
  • Pricing: $1,039 per person in a garden room based on double occupancy
  • Want a room closer to the pool/beach? Upgrade to a double by the pool for an additional $50 pp (subject to availability).
  • Single occupancy: Add $325 for double garden room or $350 for double by the pool.
  • Deposit: $250 per person
  • Final payment due: April 12
  • Payments are non-refundable but if we cannot travel to Mexico due to borders being closed due to Covid we can reschedule. There could be a price difference depending on dates but no change fee.

All payments are non-refundable

  • Environmental fee (paid to hotel upon arrival ~$2/night)
  • Dive gear rentals
  • Additional insurance for flights/extra costs
  • Baggage fees
  • Additional dives
  • Some menu items may have a surcharge
  • Late checkout (subject to availability)
  • Anything else not listed

Please note that additional costs listed are subject to change.

  • Trip Insurance is included for ages up through 59 for the price of the trip but may increase after purchasing airfare or additional costs.
  • A supplement will apply to anyone over 59 at an additional cost.
  • A passport is required for entry into Mexico and must be valid for 6 months beyond the dates of your trip.
  • The US requires a negative covid test in order to return to the US.  Testing will be arranged by the resort.

Dive shop Covid protocols

State Department

Travel Guard

TRAVEL MASTERS

Fun in the Sun!  Hope you can join us!

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Telephone: 512.323.6961

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cozumel group travel

Explore Cozumel

cozumel group travel

Plan Your Trip to Cozumel: Best of Cozumel Tourism

Travel advice, discover the best of mexico with meliá.

cozumel group travel

Essential Cozumel

cozumel group travel

Cozumel Is Great For

Entering an underwater universe.

cozumel group travel

Exploring the Yucatan with your fork

cozumel group travel

Party-till-dawn beach clubs

cozumel group travel

Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Cozumel

cozumel group travel

In the words of those who've been there before...

cozumel group travel

What is the best way to get there?

The Cozumel International Airport is the only airport serving the island. Hotel shuttles are available.

Visitors can make their way to Cozumel via one of two ferries. Both depart the city of Playa del Carmen on the mainland of Mexico. Mexico WaterJets departs four times per day and UltraMar departs almost every hour from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Mexico from overseas, check with the government’s Visa website .

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and Summer: Cozumel is gorgeous all year long, however, travelers should try to visit between the months of March to June. The temperatures during these months hovers at 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 Celcius) making it a great time to get in some warm sun.

There is a city bus that runs several routes around downtown. The bus costs 8 pesos and begins and ends at Chedraui Plaza.

Taxis and rideshare

Both taxis and ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft are readily available.

Rental cars are available, however, visitors may want to consider renting a moped. The streets tend to get crowded and parking can be tough, but the two-wheeled vehicle can make that much easier.

Are there local customs I should know?

  • Iberostar Cozumel
  • Secrets Aura Cozumel
  • Cozumel Palace
  • Melia Cozumel
  • Occidental Cozumel
  • Buccanos at Night
  • Fuego Restaurant Cozumel
  • Three Amigos
  • Pancho's Backyard
  • Mr Sanchos Beach Club Cozumel
  • Isla Pasion
  • Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park
  • Paradise Beach
  • Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
  • Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass
  • Paradise Beach Exclusive All-Inclusive Day Pass
  • Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs
  • Custom Private Cozumel Jeep Tour: All-Inclusive Tour
  • Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club

Let's Travel To Mexico

17+ Top Things to Do in Cozumel, Unimssable Tours + Useful Tips [2023]

Cozumel water boat

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If you are planning a trip to one of the best Mexican islands, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will find all the amazing things to do in Cozumel and other practical tips on how to have the best time ever.

I have been to Cozumel three times and planning to go back soon to do more of the amazing things to do on the island.

Every time I discover something new, a new beach to explore, and new great snorkeling spots.

In fact, besides being one of the most amazing places where to dive in Mexico, Cozumel is not only a diving destination by all means.

It is brimming with incredible places to visit for nature lovers.

From boat tours to Mayan ruins nestled in lush jungle, amazing beaches where to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and explore the near coral reef while snorkeling, great food and so much more.

Read on if you want to know all about it.

Also, read how to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL

Cozumel at a glance: things you should know before traveling to cozumel.

A fun fact about Cozumel is the legend that back in the day during the Mayan civilization, women in search of a prosperous marriage would travel to Cozumel to make offerings to the temple of Ixchel, the fertility goddess, and to consult the oracle.

Although I love the Mayan mysticism and history, there are many other reasons why nowadays people flocks to Cozumel, including its spectacular barrier reef full of marine life and the spectacular coastline.

Situated a 30-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen , Cozumel can be an easy one-day tour during your stay, though you definitely won’t get bored if you decide to stay over for a few nights.

Keep in mind that Cozumel is also one of the main stops for multiple cruises, but worry not, the cruise crowds won’t affect your peaceful escape if tranquillity is what you are seeking.

Cozumel is principally known as the mecca of divers, and the surrounding reef is considered the second-best in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

If you are a diver, whether multiply-certified or simply a newbie enthusiastic about the underwater world, this is, without a doubt, the place to be.

Each hotel has its diving shop, and on every corner of the main town there is a diving center , a diving equipment shop, and a diving bar everything is about diving!

There are so many incredible dive sites in Cozumel for any experience level.

cozumel group travel

However, if scuba diving is not something you are into, or you just don’t feel like it… don’t be discouraged, there is still plenty to do, including amazing snorkeling spots, that you can explore both with boat tours or by yourself.

On arrival to Cozumel by ferry , what you see around the port certainly does not look like the quaint local village which used to be there; instead, it would seem more like a touristic complex, built to welcome shoppers and party crowds alike.

Once you take a few steps inland, you will, however, discover a more picturesque scene, with cute little bars and quirky restaurants, local-style houses, narrow streets, and lots of colorful and inspiring murals about underwater life.

That is the main town of San Miguel, and in fact, the only inhabited area.

Nevertheless, the true wonder of Cozumel is to be found on the outskirts of the town and beyond, and if you have a few extra minutes to spare,  I can tell you how you can enjoy it to the fullest, and never want to leave.

If you are not sure where to stay, check out this guide to the best All-inclusive hotels in Cozumel and my article on the best Airbnb in Cozumel and other home rentals.

Cozumel Aerial view - things to do in Cozumel

Amazing things to do in Cozumel

1. bike around cozumel.

The island is 48 km long and 16 km wide, however, the northern part is not accessible using regular transportation.  It is therefore ideal to start from downtown San Miguel and head southwards along the Caribbean coast, which is 20 km long right down to the southern tip.  

I have to say that the smartest thing they have ever done is to create a cycling lane which cars – and for the initial stretch,  scooters – are not allowed to encroach upon.  

This is awesome because you can ride in tranquillity without having to watch out for cars, if any, and thus concentrate on enjoying the memorable scenery.

cozumel, mexico, beach

Biking on the Cozumel Caribbean side

On the Caribbean side, the water is flat, calm, and open. Free spaces are interrupted by local bars and restaurants, all of them equipped to rent snorkeling gear and changing rooms.

However, you cannot take the gear with you for the day, so we preferred to do it our way and rent the gear in town at a very cheap rate (requiring a credit card for the deposit).

This way, you are free to go snorkeling anywhere on the coast.

The first time I went to Cozumel I was with a friend and we indeed biked around the island.

We stopped in a few spots, left our bikes to one side, and jumped in the water, keeping an eye on our stuff now and then, which was generally safe. (But we didn’t have any valuables with us, of course)

Snorkeling in Cozumel is certainly not the same thing as scuba diving , but marine life is abundant just off the coast as well, all very colorful and worth a couple of dips.

I particularly like the first part of the coast for swimming, as there are some beach clubs where you can spend the day . I will talk about them later in this post.

Otherwise, most of the coast, it’s rocky which means that the water is clearer and there is more underwater life.  

If you continue towards the southern point there are a couple of establishments, but I find them too crowded, the beach not so attractive and the water murky.

If you like to meet people, drink, and party it could be your place though.

Cozumel aerial view beach club

Biking by the Cozumel Atlantic coast

Continue southward until you reach the lighthouse of the island, just before the route takes you up the stunning Atlantic coast, about 25 km long.  

At the southern tip, you will find the entrance to Faro  Clelerain Ecological Park , which we didn´t explore on this occasion but I will go back soon; this is a protected area with a preserved ecosystem where you can find the Colombia Lagoon, providing undisturbed shelter for much of the wildlife, including endangered marine turtles and crocodiles.

Later on in this post, I will talk about a tour that includes that amazing snorkeling spot.

Keep in mind that if you are exploring by bike, you will have to cycle another 5km to get to the lighthouse from the entrance.

cozumel, coast, storm

If you decide to skip the park, just after it is the first beach bar on the Atlantic coast, with restrooms, a nice restaurant, and a beautiful, equipped beach.

We chose to move on, attracted by the intense blue of the water and the infinite white-sand beach, which was hailing us like a siren… the view was just breathtaking.  

We wanted to continue our ride and find the best spot on the beach where we could also take a swim and found it we did.

A note on safety is due here : the east coast is known for surfing because of its currents and beautiful waves, which are fascinating but can also be dangerous for the inexperienced swimmer (as well as the experienced!), so please take care before entering the water on this side.

Having said that, we managed to find an amazing spot with no current, or at least that’s what my friend said, as I found it quite rough.

The sun was really hot and we were continuously rubbing high-protection sunscreen on our skin, highly recommended,  especially on a bike or scooter.

Cozumel Rainbow on the easty side

Along the way, the view continued to mesmerize us, while the breeze from the ride was soothing under the strong sun (and it’s generally the easiest way to get burned!).

It was becoming the perfect day.

You can find many lovely spots on the beach along the way, as it is almost one long shoreline, rarely interrupted by nice, wooden bars and the odd art-and-craft shop. 

 I found myself imagining how cool it would be to spend a night on this side of the island and fall asleep to the sound of the waves, but there are neither hotels nor houses here, all the homes and lodgings are on the other coast.  Too bad.

So, we carried on right until the very end of this beautiful, easily-rideable paved road, with its preferential lane for bikers, until we bounced into thick vegetation, as well as we came across a typical wooden bar situated on the gorgeous, ivory-sand beach; a good stop for freshwater  (by the time you get there you will probably have run out of your reserves!).

At this point, you are supposed to turn left and start heading inland. No cars, bikes, or scooters are allowed to enter that area, only ATVs in guided tours.

Keep in mind also that on that side of the island there is no phone signal so you are completely out of reach. It’s quite a safe island but just so you know. That’s why it’s better to bike with other people, in case something happens.

Bike Rental in Cozumel 

We rented with Rent a bike Cozumel and we found them top-notch. The bikes are new and they deal with great professional brands.

Service is superb, they can bring the bike to your place and pick it up (Swiss time).

To reserve a bike, place your order on their website and they will get in touch with you in the late afternoon to arrange the pick-up. Very competent and nice people.

2. Visit San Gervasio archeological site

cozumel group travel

After you turn from the east coast to go back to town, halfway in, you will see the sign for the Archeological site of San Gervasio about 6 km down a paved road, off the main route.   

We would suggest visiting this fascinating historical site early morning if you can, while it is still cool, or warm rather than hot, depending on the time of the year!

I visited it at 9 am but it was rainy season and it just rained for a week almost no stop. I cannot even tell you how many mosquitos were biting me. I was surrounded, so I made my visit short, but the site is worth it.

3. Walk around town

Walking around town you can appreciate the beautiful artworks in the murals painted all over the town walls representing marine life, check out nice restaurants and cafes and walk by the Malecon to watch the sunset.

Cozumel drone beach club

5. Rent a scooter and find snorkeling spots

On the second day, we decided to rent a scooter and try to do it the easy way, which was fun! We did the same ride around the island, holding onto our snorkeling gear until we finally took a long dip to explore the marine life on the  Caribbean side.

Before that, however, we wanted to have our cultural moment and visit the San Gervasio ruins, which were very interesting.

I would suggest asking for a guide at the entrance as they can give you some hints on the Mayan culture, and you understand what you are seeing.

Cozumel at Sunrise on the east coast

After the ruins, we took the same route around the island that we did by bike, only in the opposite direction, stopping off at a white-sand beach on the Atlantic coast, and then heading back from the Caribbean to stop and snorkel.

Amazing. I should warn you that the wind blows against you when you ride this way round, so keep it in mind if you are on any type of bike!

Scooter rental in Cozumel

The company we picked was not exceptional, in fact – quite the contrary. Therefore we have nothing to recommend.

However you will find tons of bike rentals in town, or you can ask the concierge at your hotel.  

Just make sure the bike is in good condition before you set off. Costs should be around 50 USD, with taxes and insurance included.

6. Dive in Cozumel

Cozumel is especially renowned for diving, as one of the greatest reefs in the world. There is a lot to see and lots of fun dive sites in Cozumel.

I am planning to go soon and will share my experience. In the meantime, I asked fellow bloggers  Jenn and Ed from  Colemanconcierge.com  to share their experiences of scuba diving in Cozumel. So here below is their write-up.

You can also check out my posts on scuba diving in Cozumel written by local dive instructors:

► The best dive shops in Cozumel ► The best dive sites in Cozumel

cozumel group travel

Cozumel has been considered a diving mecca since Jacques Cousteau introduced it to the world in the 1960s. Since then, National Parks have grown up around the reefs, and a thriving dive community provides quality service with a nearby hyperbaric chamber just in case. But what makes diving in Cozumel so good? The answer is the island’s location on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world! A steady current brings clear ocean water and the perfect conditions for building coral reefs. The coral form massive towers above the ocean floor. Divers get to sit back and enjoy a long drift dive along the walls. For the more adventurous, you can even find a swim through or two and, of course, an amazing array of tropical fish. This  Cozumel dive guide  shows all the popular dive spots, along with a list of hotels where the dive boats will pick you up right from the hotel dock. Make sure you go with a quality dive company, like Scuba Life Cozumel. Look for a dive charter with top-quality equipment and a low diver to divemaster ratio, both of which are important for drift dives for both fun and safety. Jenn and Ed from Colemanconcierge.com

7. Join a snorkeling tour off of the Cozumel coast

There are some amazing snorkeling spots that you can’t reach without a boat. And that’s where I become fun of organized tours because there is no other way to get there unless you hire a private boat.

This snorkeling tour will take you to three spectacular snorkeling spots, Palancar reef, Columbia reef, and the magical El Cielo Beach surrounded by beautiful starfish and sandy white bottom. (Not to be touched)

You will be in awe at the crystal clear turquoise water and the wealth of underwater life. The only aspect I didn’t like about this tour is

Cozumel coast aerial view - things to do in cozumel

8. Explore the Mayan Jungle, Jade Cavern Cenote, and go snorkeling on an adventure tour

If you don’t feel like renting a bike or a scooter or if you don’t have a lot of time, this tour is perfect because includes the best of both Cozumel worlds, the history, the jungle, and the spectacular underwater world.

This 5-hour tour includes:

  • Drive a Jeep to the island’s popular attractions, including El Cedral
  • Snorkel in sparkling waters at a designated location
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch of chicken fajitas
  • Sample tequila and learn about the distillation process at a famous factory

9. Underwater Helmet Diving Experience in San Miguel de Cozumel

Try a new experience, walking underwater with the helmet and exploring the amazing underwater world. You don’t even need to know how to swim.

10. Take a tour to Isla de la passion

If you love adventure and don’t care about brutal sandflies bites you must check Isla de La Passion.

It’s a peninsula, located on the northernmost point of the west coast of the island and separated by the main island by a line of thick mangroves.

To get there, you can drive or get a cab to the end of the road on the western coast of Cozumel where all the hotels are.

There you will find fishermen and their boats ready to take you to the other side of the lagoon (Laguna Ciega) where a white sand beach and pristine waters await.

The place is idyllic and most of the time deserted. The water is always a little murky but if you swim a little further you may see some fauna underwater. So take your mask and snorkel with you.

The main problem though is the sand flies. A WHOLE LOT! I have been eaten alive while my friend had mild bites. So maybe you will be ok but I just wanted to give you the heads up.

11. Visit Punta Sur Ecological park

Punta Sur eco beach park

Punta Sur Ecological Park is home to one of the best beaches on the island and Visiting Punta Sur is one of the best things to do in Cozumel.

It’s a natural state reserve that covers over 1,000 hectares and it includes a wide variety of flora, fauna, and lagoon systems.

Nature lovers will find paradise here. There are a variety of things to do and enjoy in Punta Sur Ecological park including:

✔ take a boat tour in the lagoon observing the diversity of birds and many endemic animals of the island.

✔ get to the top of the tower and observe the crocodiles in their natural habitat

✔ explore the museum lighthouse with a spectacular view

✔ rent a kayak and go for a ride along the coast

✔ go snorkeling along the reef

✔ just relax on the hammocks in the beach park and enjoy the views

Practical information

Entry Fee Price Adults USD 18 Children USD 11 ( 4 to 12 years old) Children under 3 Enter Free

Opening time : Monday to Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Restaurants : Anemona de Mar Tikin Xic

Snorkel Equipment Rental Available in Playa del Cielo – 15 USD

How to get to the Punta Sur Ecological Park

► Rent a car in Cozumel and explore on your own

► Book a private jeep tour with a local guide

Car rental

Discover Cars Mexico Review

Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:

✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

Cozumel east coast

12. Go power snorkeling with sea scooters

The local guide Adolfo will take you on a power snorkeling tour in the crystal clear water off the coast of Cozumel.

The sea scooters do all the swimming for you while you enjoy the beautiful marine life of Cozumel.

It’s a 50 minutes tour from Monina, followed by a 30 minutes relaxation on the beach and a delicious lunch at Chilangos, a local family restaurant.

The tour will end with a tequila class and a tasting of course! ► 4 hrs tour ► 4.90 ⭐ (124 reviews)

Cozumel at sunset

13. Spend a day in Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park

Map chankanaab

Located inside Cozumel´s National Reef Marine Park, Carr. Costera Sur Km. 9, in San Miguel de Cozumel, Chankanab beach park is an adventure park located on a beautiful beach.

Among the thing you can do in this park is snorkeling and swimming on the beach or relaxing in the hammocks and having some delicious food in the local restaurant.

What I don’t recommend doing is the dolphins and manatee encounters, simply because animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity, but live in their natural habitat in freedom following their natural instinct and not kissing human beings.

chankanaab lagoon

If you are arguing that they were already born in captivity, that means that even their mother or the mother of their mother has been captured from the ocean.

It doesn’t change my point of view. And I thought I should share it.

14. Enjoy one (or two) of the many beach clubs in Cozumel

A trip to Cozumel is not complete if you don’t spend a day in one of the many beach clubs on the island.

It’s a great way to enjoy the beach with all the comfortable facilities including delicious restaurants and easy access to great snorkeling spots along, with sunbeds, lockers, showers, and bathrooms.

Here are a few of the most popular beach clubs in Cozumel ( a full post is coming soon):

1. San Pancho Beach Club

What’s included

  • All-you-can-eat menu and daily buffet
  • Unlimited drinks (open bar)
  • Ocean kayak

chankanaab beach park

2. Paradise beach

  • High-quality food and drinks
  • Sol & XX beer
  • Lounge chairs
  • Heated pool
  • Fresh water showers
  • Clean bathrooms and changing rooms

Cozumel aerial view

3. Playa Mia Beach break

  • Entry to Cozumel’s Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park
  • full-day admission to more than 20 water park attractions, including an underwater Mayan city Make a splash at Buccaneer’s Bay, Oasis Island, the Floating Park, and the Twin Twister waterslides Swim in the Caribbean Sea
  • sunbathe on a lounge chair at the sandy beach
  • non-motorized water toys like kayaks, paddleboats, and Hobie cats (small sailing catamarans)

4. Del Mar Latino Beach Club Cozumel

Located at a free walking distance from Puerta Maya pier and SSA International Cruise ship port

  • A la carté menú including cold & hot snacks From 10:30 to 4:00 p.m
  • Open bar- alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks until 5:00 p.m.
  • Lounge Chairs
  • Entry/Admission – Del Mar Latino Beach Club
  • Access to the pool, Restaurant, Sun area & Restrooms Wifi
  • Umbrellas (first come, first serve)
  • Seaside area/access

Cozumel aerial boat ocean

15. Join a Cozumel Buggy Tour With Lunch

This 5 hours tour around the island with a guide will take you to visit the most incredible spots of the island led by a local guide.

The tour includes some beach time and a delicious Mexican-style lunch at San Martin Beach Club, a scenic ride around the island, a snorkeling trip along the reefs of Cozumel National park, and then more other stops ( and more food).

16. Go on a zip line thrill adventure

Cozumel drone view

This is your chance to fly above the Cozumel jungle on this 6-zipline tour at Awesome flights Cozumel

It is just a 1-hour tour but full of adrenaline and so much fun!

Awesome Flight Cozumel is located on Carr. Costera Sur km 7. 9, 77688 Mexico, Q.R., Mexico – Open in Google Maps

(transport is not included)

17. Go horseback riding on the beach and jungle

Book your horseback riding trip and enjoy some amazing guided tours into the jungle, past mangrove forests and farms, before you reach the stunning shoreline of Cozumel’s white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.

More information

✔ family-friendly outing and suitable for riders of all levels.

✔ 30-minute horseback-riding

✔ safety briefing

✔ choose from a morning or afternoon departure time

COzumel beach

How to get to Cozumel Mexico

👇 book your transfer from cancun airport to cozumel 👇.

Cancun airport to Cozumel

Getting to Cozumel is very easy. From Playa del Carmen there are ferries to the island every 30 minutes with 3 different companies, from early morning to late at night. In this post, I explain more in detail how to get to Cozumel from anywhere in the Riviera Maya and Cancun

You can also fly to Cozumel International Airport from different cities in Mexico and the USA.

Cozumel Ferry

Where to stay in Cozumel Mexico

I always love to stay in a home when I travel, because of the personal interaction with the homeowners and because I prefer to have a place where I can cook my meals every now and then.

However, sometimes I love to just relax and get pampered. So an all-inclusive would do!

Here are my top picks!

Sting ray villa at night

Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cozumel

► Occidental All-inclusive Resort Cozumel – Check rates and availability on  Booking.com ► Melia Cozumel – Check rates and availability on  Booking .com

Top Airbnb in Cozumel

► For f a mily or friends retreat : Beachfront Las Brisas ► For a couple or solo getaway isolated from everything: Stingray villa Cozumel ► Luxury family vacation: Oceanfront Cozumel Home with Private Pier + Pool! ► Solo vacation or workation: Oceanfront Condo

Is Cozumel Safe?

Besides average petty thefts just like you find anywhere else in the world, Cozumel is considered quite a safe community .

Of course, it’s recommended to use the most common-sense rules, such as, don’t leave your personal belongings unattended, don’t accept awkward invitations from strangers, or at least be mindful, don’t walk alone at night on deserted roads. I would use these basic tips anywhere I go.

After recently staying in Cozumel just now I can say that I felt much safer than in Tulum or Cancun .

Cozumel ocean

Remember also:

✔ The ocean side can be rough at certain times of the year, if you are not a pro swimmer I would avoid it. But I suggest you check it out because it’s either picturesque to see or you may find it as flat as a swimming pool some times of the year.

✔ The sun is strong, use a sun protector, better if it’s ecological. However, when you are swimming by the coral reef it’s much better to use a rashguard instead of any sun lotions to avoid any possible risk of contamination.

Cozumel aerial front

Would you like to learn more about Cozumel? Here you go 😀

  • The Best Time to Visit Cozumel for Weather, Deals, Scuba Diving, and Other Things to Do
  • The best Cozumel Beach Clubs in 2022
  • The Top 11 Sites to Go Snorkeling in Cozumel [2022]
  • The 15 Best Dive Sites in Cozumel for the Best Mexico Diving
  • The Top 13 All-inclusive Resorts in Cozumel
  • The best dive shops in Cozumel for the most incredible diving experience
  • Cancun vs Cozumel: which one is better for a great vacation?
  • Airbnb Cozumel: the 11 pretty homes to rent for a perfect vacation
  • The 17 best restaurants in Cozumel in 2022

✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨

👉 do i need travel insurance to travel to mexico.

I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master w hich is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.

🚰 Can I Drink Tap Water in Mexico?

No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.

🚗 Is It Safe to Drive in Mexico?

The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.

Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico .

📱 Will My Phone Work in Mexico?

It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card . It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!

🤕 Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico Right Now?

The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.

Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.

Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico . If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:

  • Is Cancun Safe?
  • Is Tulum Safe?
  • Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

💉 Do I Need Any Vaccine to Travel to Mexico?

No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico

🇲🇽 Do I Need a Visa to Travel to Mexico?

If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine. Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards. It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa

💸 Where Do I Find the Best Travel Deals for Mexico? 💸

A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:

👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August. 👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts 👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals! 👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia . 👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals

Happy travels!!

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Isabella is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

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Cozumel Group Travel

  • Our All-Inclusive Resorts
  • Travel Experts
  • Group Packages

Cozumel offers one of the best group travel destinations, and with many reasons. With numerous flights available from nearly anywhere in the United States, a realistic level of affordability, and an international airport on the island itself, and convenient ferry rides to and from the island, getting there couldn’t be easier. Resort options are also in abundance, with options ranging from upscale, modern resorts to more quaint and charming locales.

Set off the coast of the Riviera Maya, Cozumel is famously known for its lagoons and tropical island lifestyle. Cozumel group vacationers can enjoy some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving, exploring marine areas such as Laguna Chankanaab, and visiting the port city of San Miguel de Cozumel. Cozumel group travel holds nearly endless ways to experience the Mexican Caribbean.

Our Cozumel all-inclusive packages at resorts range from budget-friendly to lavish and opulent. Regardless of the resort, Cozumel group travelers will enjoy premier amenities and resort facilities as well as a level of service that goes beyond their expectations. Dining and drinks are always included, and cuisines span from traditional Mexican dishes to Mediterranean and Asian fusion.

Our All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel for 20+ Guests

TravelZap has strong relationships with numerous properties in Cozumel that offer excellent group packages to the downtown area as well as excursions into natural areas. Here we’ve put together a list of resorts that have terrific group offerings, incentives, and potentially complimentary stays.

  • Allegro Cozumel
  • Fiesta Americana Cozumel

Iberostar Cozumel

  • Occidental Cozumel
  • The Explorean

Booking an all-inclusive group vacation at one of these resorts in Cozumel through TravelZap will provide you with numerous ways to explore the island as well as an excellent group deals on dining and more.

Cozumel  Travel Experts

TravelZap’s certified experts are eager to help you in every stage of planning your group vacation to Cozumel. As an agency that specializes in group travel, we’ll provide you with a knowledgable agent to handle booking your room and flight accommodations. Our expert travel agents have excellent relationships with our Cozumel all-inclusive resorts as well as suppliers to guarantee that you will get the best rates possible.

Cozumel Group Packages

Our offered group vacation packages to Cozumel are thoughtfully put together by our travel experts who have years of experience in the industry. Part of our specialization is in all-inclusive package deals to Cozumel for large groups, which is defined as at least 20 people traveling together. You’ll find the best possible rates when booking about 1 year in advance. Discounts are available for your group, and TravelZap agents are equipped and eager to assist you in booking cost-effective group packages that will ensure you a terrific trip and ease your worries.

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Get group rates

Cozumel group travel resorts.

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Cozumel Palace

Famous for its location near the world’s second largest coral reef, the Cozumel Palace is perfect for group trips in search of the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. Whether guests choose to indulge in the resorts various restaurants or take a short trip to the nearby Playa del Carmen, they will be sure to find something to satisfy their hunger for tropical flavors and fun. With nightly shows, an extensive fitness center, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world, the Cozumel Palace has something to keep both small and large group trips interesting.

  • Price range: Luxury
  • Brand: Palace Resorts

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Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

At the family-friendly Sunscape Sabor all-inclusive resort on Cozumel’s pristine west coast, every guest is sure to find something to make their stay a blast. This tropical oasis is perfect for group travel as it offers activities for guests of all ages, from a kids only Explorers Club, a Core Zone for teens, and a variety of both land and water sports that can be enjoyed by everyone.

  • Price range: Intermediate
  • Brand: AM Resorts

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Entry-level rooms at the Iberostar Cozumel allow a max occupancy of 4 people per room (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children) large group trips may find Family Standard Rooms more comfortable as they permit occupancy of 6, and are much larger.

  • Price range: Economical
  • Brand: Iberostar Resorts

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Secrets Aura Cozumel

Those looking for a group trip comprised of seclusion and relaxation need look no further than the Secrets Aura Cozumel. This adults-only resort, with its 11 bars and restaurants, four swimming pools, and private white sand beach, will be hard for any guest to part with. Whether it be for business or pleasure, the Secrets Aura has all the vital components of a group trip filled with luxury, elegance, and fun.

History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

40 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Cozumel Made Simple!

40 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips Planning a Trip to Cozumel Made Simple! by Stephanie Craig

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 07:11 pm

Cozumel is a tropical paradise nestled in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, across the water from Playa del Carmen.

While the island has gained a reputation as an easy place to come and enjoy a fly-and-flop vacation, in my experience there’s so much more to the island than just beach chairs and margs.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Rocky Beach

However, it’s really easy to miss just all there is to see and do here if you don’t spend a little time planning a trip to Cozumel in advance!

Here are my best Cozumel tips based on my experience, including where to stay, what to do, what to eat, where to shop, traveling solo, traveling as a family, and more!

No matter what kind of Cozumel vacation you are looking for (yes, even if you’re coming in on a cruise ), this Cozumel trip planner will help you achieve it – whether it’s your first time in Cozumel or your tenth!

Can’t read now? Pin for later!

40 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Cozumel Made Simple! - Cozumel Travel Guide - Cozumel Island Guide

My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Cozumel Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Cozumel, Mexico & Complete Cozumel Travel Guide

Here are my best tips for planning a trip to Cozumel!

How Many Days in Cozumel

So people will come to Cozumel on a day trip from Playa del Carmen or on a cruise ship, but I don’t think one day is enough to enjoy the island (though it’s better than nothing!).

It’s entirely possible for many people living in North America to visit Cozumel for a long weekend.

Mexico - Cozumel - Colorful flags downtown

If you can only get four days off in a row, you can get here, enjoy your time, and get home before your office starts wondering if you’ve run off forever (though, once you get here, you might not want to go back!).

Keep in mind, however, that this will end up being only 48-72 hours in Cozumel (depending on your flight schedule).

So if you only have a long weekend, take it. Cozumel is worth it!

However, if you can scrape together more time off, do it. You’ll be surprised how many Cozumel activities there are to enjoy.

Mexico - Cozumel - Flamingos Ice Cream Bar

In my experience, I found that a long weekend in Cozumel just wasn’t enough, and I wanted much more time on subsequent trips.

On our most recent family vacation to Cozumel, we spent five nights on the island, which meant we had four full days to enjoy and explore.

If you can get one week in Cozumel, that’s even better!

Later in the article, I lay out ideas for how to spend between one day and one week in Cozumel, so I promise you will not run out of things to do here!

When is the Best Time to Visit Cozumel

I love visiting Cozumel in winter because I get to escape snow storms back home and lay back on the beach instead. January and February are my favorite months here.

Of course, I’m not the only one to think this is the best time of year to travel to Cozumel . This is high season.

From December through February, you can expect higher prices and larger crowds (though it’s fairly easy to escape the crowds if you know how!).

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Stephanie Craig and Jordan

If you visit between March-June, you’ll find slightly lower prices, but you avoid the hurricane season which makes visiting from July-November more complicated.

The weather is great year-round. The temperatures do get higher in summer, but if you plan to spend your time in or near the water, this shouldn’t deter you!

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit during hurricane season, which isn’t considered the best time to go to Cozumel, make sure to get travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation.

Get a travel insurance quote!

Cozumel Tourist Map

Here’s a good overview of the Cozumel points of interest to help you get oriented:

Cozumel Map - Tourist Map of Cozumel

How Big is Cozumel

I didn’t realize how big Cozumel is until long after my first trip there.

During my first trip to Cozumel, I booked an all-inclusive resort and used taxis to get downtown when I wanted.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar & Grill - Valentine and Stephanie Craig

I just wanted some beach and some time in town, so I didn’t venture further afield than that.

However, Cozumel is a bigger island than many people realize, which means you can enjoy Cozumel off the beaten path if that’s what you want.

(You can also stay entirely at your hotel if that’s what you need to recharge).

Cozumel is 181 sqaure miles and is 30 mi (48 km) long and 9.9 mi (16 km) wide.

This makes Cozumel the largest Mexican Caribbean island as well as Mexico’s largest inhabited island.

There are a few distinct areas of the island:

San Miguel is the capital of the island. It’s where the airport is located, as well as the ferry that goes to Playa del Carmen. This is where some of the smaller, independent hotels are located.

The Hotel Zone is north of San Miguel. However, the hotel zone is not the only place where you’ll find hotels on the island.

Mexico - Cozumel - Playa Azul Beach Club

The East Side of the Island is home to many beach clubs as well as open stretches of public beach.

Punta Sur is the southernmost point of the island and is a small hub with a reggae bar and an ecological park with a lighthouse.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar & Grill - Tequila

Punta Molas del Norte is the northernmost point of Cozumel. It’s only reachable by four-wheel drive or by boat.

Isla de la Passion is a small island off the north coast of Cozumel that is a popular spot for boat tours.

The island’s interior is a jungle with several Mayan ruins and a cenote to visit. Some areas are reachable by taxi and rental car, while others need four-wheel drive.

Where to Stay in Cozumel

There are dozens and dozens of hotels in Cozumel, so it can be intimidating to find a hotel that meets your travel style and needs.

Mexico - Cozumel - Playa Azul Hotel

Whether you choose to stay in a vacation rental, an all-inclusive resort, or an independent hotel in the town of San Miguel, make sure to read a few reviews by other travelers.

It’s too easy to make hotels look good online these days!

Here are a few of my favorite hotels in Cozumel for different budgets:

Budget Hotel in Cozumel

For my last trip to Cozumel, we stayed at the Suites Colonial in downtown San Miguel, just off the main plaza.

Mexico - Cozumel - Colonial Suites Hotel-3

We loved it because of its location and the fact that it had a kitchen with a stove.

Since my husband is a chef, he always wants the option to be able to cook his meals (though he ended up loving the food in Cozumel so much that he never did).

Mexico - Cozumel - Colonial Suites Hotel

The breakfast was included and was a simple continental breakfast with the option of fruit and yogurt, eggs, and toast.

While it’s not the least expensive hotel in Cozumel, it’s easy on the budget, has a great location if you want to feel like you’re really in San Miguel, and it is just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

Mexico - Cozumel - Breakfast at the Hotel - Jordan

I can happily recommend it!

Book your stay!

Mid-Range Hotel in Cozumel

If you want to feel like you’re staying in the jungle, but still be within a ten-minute taxi ride to the beach, check into the Villas El Encanto Cozumel.

The hotel has a pool and a private oasis feel that you won’t get at hotels downtown or the big all-inclusive resorts.

This is perfect for couples visiting Cozumel who don’t want to break the bank. Also great for groups of friends traveling together (girls’ trip, anyone?).

Luxury Hotel in Cozumel

If you want a luxury experience in Cozumel, book your stay at the Cozumel Palace.

This oceanfront five-star all-inclusive resort is great for couples and families who want to spend the majority of their trip soaking up the sun on the beach and splashing in the pool.

With two pools, a spa, private beach access, a fitness center, room service, and a restaurant, you won’t have to worry about a thing once you arrive!

Adults Only Hotel in Cozumel

If you are looking to avoid being around families and want to have a romantic getaway, you might consider an adults-only resort like the Secrets Aura Cozumel.

Here you’ll find all the luxuries of a great resort, including access to Cozumel must-dos like diving lessons. It’s perfect for a relaxing getaway with your partner.

A Brief History of Cozumel

The island’s first known inhabitants were Mayans, who arrived in the Yucatan around 200 CE.

Cozumel, which they called Cuzaam Luumi, or the land of the swallows, was considered a sacred site.

Mayan women came to Cozumel to participate in fertility rituals for the goddess Ixchel. Every Mayan woman was expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in her life before she began having children.

The Mayans started to decline in the tenth century CE, and the Toltec civilization rose to prominence in the area.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Gervasio Archaeological Site - Mayan Ruins - Stephanie Craig

The Spanish landed in Cozumel in 1518, headed by Juan de Grijalva. Hernán Cortés made a subsequent expedition here.

While the Maya on the island received the Spanish peacefully, even when they desecrated some of their holy sites, the Spanish wreaked havoc on the Maya via the diseases they carried.

The Spanish infected the Maya with smallpox and left behind an epidemic after they were gone that r educed the Mayan population by about 85% to just 3,000 inhabitants.

The island was abandoned and used as an occasional hideout for pirates for over two hundred years.

During the mid-nineteenth century, the Yucatan peninsula erupted in what came to be known as the Castes War.

This was a revolt by local Mayans against the inhumane treatment they received from the European settlers who controlled Mexico.

Cozumel was a refuge for some of the Mayan leaders during this war. However, most of the fighting took place on the peninsula.

During the twentieth century, Cozumel was a sleepy fishing village, but it had an important role to play on the world stage yet to come.

During World War II, America used Cozumel as a military base to patrol for German submarines in the Caribbean.

Mexican pilots trained at this base, fighting for the Allies under the name the Aztec Eagles.

They flew 59 missions in the Pacific theater of the war and were decorated by both the Mexican and American militaries.

You can see some of their original planes outside of the airport.

Mexico - Cozumel - Divers Arch Memorial

In the 1960s Jacques Cousteau named Cozumel one of the most spectacular scuba diving sites in the world, and that was the end of Cozumel being a sleepy Mexican hidden gem.

Cozumel Tourism started to boom in the 1970s, and today Cozumel is the fourth busiest cruise port in the world.

What is Cozumel Famous For?

Besides its busy cruise port and its first-class scuba diving, Cozumel is known for being a quieter alternative to the much busier Cancun or the party towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

How to Get to Cozumel Island

There are three main ways people get to Cozumel. However, there’s no best way to travel to Cozumel because it’s dependent on where you are coming from and how you are traveling.

Flying to Cozumel

While most people flying to Mexico to visit nearby Playa del Carmen will fly into Cancun, Cozumel has its own airport.

Mexico - Cozumel - Cozumel Airport

I have flown to Cozumel International Airport (CZM) by connecting through Miami and Dallas, which makes it easy to get to from most cities in the US and Canada.

If you are only staying in Cozumel, you can fly round trip from CZM.

However, if you are starting or ending your trip in Cozumel and you will be exploring more of the Yucatan Peninsula for the rest of your time, you may want to fly in and out of different cities to avoid having to take the ferry before your departure.

Mexico - Cozumel - Airport - Landing in Cozumel - Valentine and Jordan

I have never been able to do this, and it’s always a pain to have to leave for the airport ninety minutes earlier than necessary to take the ferry.

Taking the Ferry to Cozumel

If you will be visiting Cozumel from somewhere on the Yucatan Peninsula like the Riviera Maya or Cancun, you will get here by taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen.

The Playa del Carmen / Cozumel ferry takes almost an hour and lands right in the middle of San Miguel.

Mexico - Cozumel - Winjet Ferry - Cozumel to Playa del Carmen - Stephanie Craig

The ferry costs 2500 Pesos (about USD 12.50 each way). You can buy your tickets at the ferry terminal, and they take both cash and credit cards.

Normally I would suggest booking your tickets early – just in case – but you don’t want to do that here. You also don’t want to buy round-trip tickets for the same reason.

This is because there are two ferry companies – Ultramar and Winjet. They operate at alternate times, so if you miss your ferry and you have already bought tickets, you won’t be able to use them on the next one.

Mexico - Cozumel - On the Ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

FWIW, I have used both companies multiple times. I used to think they were the same, but we recently had an obnoxious incident on Winjet where one of the men handling the baggage tried to get a tip from us upfront and refused to take our suitcase when we said we would tip at the end of the trip (which is when tips are normally given).

This only happened to us once, but it felt like they were singling my husband out. Because of this, I would personally use Ultramar if we have to take the ferry again with lots of luggage.

Mexico - Cozumel - Ultamar Ferry Tickets - Cozumel to Playa del Carmen

If you are coming to Cozumel by ferry, keep in mind that the last ferry times are 9 PM and 10 PM as of this writing. Always double-check the ferry schedules before making other arrangements that depend on them.

Once you have arrived in Cozumel, numerous taxis are waiting to pick up passengers and take them to their hotels.

I have never had a taxi here scam me and the official prices are listed on a board. Make sure you have the cash to pay for a taxi.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel - Taxi Line

Pro Tip: Check the websites for up-to-date schedules close to your trip as they can change. You can see Ultamarr’s schedule here and Winjet’s schedule here.

Taking a Cruise Ship to Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the world, so you might be planning to visit Cozumel by cruise.

Your cruise ship will help you book excursions if you want to experience some of the Cozumel must-do’s. Otherwise, you can head into town to enjoy walking around, which is one of the best free things to do in Cozumel.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel - Cruise Ship-1

If so, you won’t have to worry too much about making your arrangements to get there, just make sure not to miss your departure time!

Learn more about the Port of Cozumel and the Cruises to the Island!

Can You Drive to Cozumel?

Technically, yes, though this is not a common way to get to Cozumel.

You can take a cargo ferry from Playa del Carman, but it’s a different ferry than the main ferry terminal.

Two cargo ferry companies go to Cozumel, Ultramar and Transcaribe.

Can You Take a Bus to Cozumel?

No. You can use local Ado buses and take them to the station in Playa del Carmen. Then you will need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the ferry and continue your journey via the ferry.

What to Bring with You to Cozumel

This isn’t a complete packing list, but it’s a good start!

(For a full packing list, check out my post on what to bring to Cozumel ).

Lonely Planet Mexico and Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel, & the Yucatan are available as a paper copy or in a Kindle edition. You typically won’t find major guidebooks once you land, so get yours ahead of time.

Mexico - Cozumel - Lonely Planet Cancun Cozumel and the Yucatan

(You know I love Rick Steves, but unfortunately, there are no Rick Steves Cozumel or Rick Steves Mexico guidebooks!)

I used both of these to plan my last trip to the Yucatan, and I read them cover to cover!

Mosquito Repellant   is the single most important thing you’ll want on you as soon as dusk hits. Have enough to at least get through the first night if you’re packing light.

Full-Sized Travel Towel  Unless your accommodations provide them, you will want to bring your own. I always bring my own towel to Mexico.

This is the best travel towel in the world. It’s pretty enough for the beach, large enough that you forget it’s a microfibre towel, and quick-drying, which is crucial in super humid parts of Mexico.

Best Microfiber Towel for Travel

A Go Pro   for underwater and action photography. Why go all the way to Mexico and not be able to capture some of the most exciting parts of your trip?

A water bottle that can handle tap water in Mexico. This filtered water bottle will allow you to skip buying bottled water in Mexico and will last up to five years.

Reef-safe sunscreen so that you can keep from getting burned while also protecting the coral reefs around Cozumel.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Jordan playing with sand Valentine in background

A Dry Bag for your stuff when you go on a boat or to the beach. You can get a larger one to use for a group or if you plan on taking a larger camera.

Otherwise, I use small ones with lanyards to hold my cell phone, money, and credit cards so I could take them with me swimming when traveling solo.

You might also want a separate waterproof holder for your passport. I’ve seen people who weren’t allowed to board their flights home because their passports got water damaged.

Read next: 101 Things to Bring to Mexico: Complete Packing List for Mexico + What to Wear

Visas and Immigration for Visiting Cozumel

There are three important things to consider when visiting Cozumel as a foreigner.

Do I Need a Passport for Cozumel?

Make sure to bring your passport to Cozumel.

If you are a US citizen, you cannot use a Passport Card unless you are visiting Mexico by sea.

This means cruise ship passengers in Cozumel can use a passport card, but you cannot use one at the airport.

Do I Need a Visa for Cozumel?

Many people who start planning their trip wonder if they need a visa to visit Cozumel. The answer is simple – if you need a visa to visit Mexico then you will need one for Cozumel.

As a US Citizen, I do not need a visa to travel to Mexico for tourism as long as I stay less than 180 days.

Mexico has visa-free travel available to visitors from many nations. You can check here to see the rules for your country.

We chose Mexico for our most recent international trip because Mexico allows US Greencard holders to travel without a visa, which is not a common policy.

Since my husband has a Greencard and we wanted a last-minute vacation, we didn’t have time to apply for visas for anywhere in Europe, but Mexico welcomed us with open arms.

Do I Need to Hold Onto My Tourism Card in Cozumel?

When you arrive in Mexico, you will need to fill out an immigration card. This card needs to be turned in when you leave, so DO NOT LOSE IT.

When you go through Immigration, they will write down on this card how long you will be in the country. For many people, you can stay up to 180 days.

Note that the days of arrival and departure count toward this total.

Mexico - Cozumel - Immigration Card

Now 180 days sounds generous, but is it always really 180 days? Yes and no.

Mexico is cracking down on foreigners who come and live in Mexico without applying for their digital nomad visa.

On the immigration card, the immigration officer will write down how long you intend to stay. If you go over that number, you can be in big trouble , even if it’s under 180 days.

I heard a horror story that happened to a friend of a friend that took my breath away. We ended up extending and going to Immigration to let them know.

The Immigration Officer didn’t seem to care that we were only extending by three days, but when dealing with immigration it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

So, make sure you tell them your intended plans, and if you think you might be staying longer than you expect, let them know.

If you lose your tourism card, you will need to visit Immigration to get a new one. There is a fee for the card plus a fine that can be up to USD 60.

DO NOT GO BACK TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT YOUR TOURISM CARD.

Cozumel Airport Tips

The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is small, but here’s what you need to know.

Landing at CZM

You will walk from the plane to the airport, so make sure you have your stuff organized before you depart the plane.

You will enter immigration and customs. If you didn’t already prepare a tourism card online before your flight, get one when you enter the line for Immigration.

Mexico - Cozumel - Immigration and Customs entering Mexico

Bring a pen with you to fill it out. I didn’t see any available last time. This might have been a public health precaution.

There are restrooms in this room if you need to use them. Unfortunately, if you are traveling solo, this means you will step out of the line.

This line moves very slowly. Glacial.

After you make it through immigration, you still need to pass through customs.

Our diaper bag got searched on our last trip. A dog marked it for further search, and we were told they were looking for fruit.

Mexico - Cozumel - Immigration and Customs entering Mexico

Luckily, we didn’t have any (the diaper bag just always smells like apples and bananas because we keep them in it so often).

It was a good reminder to make sure we aren’t traveling with produce since it’s bad for local agriculture and can result in big fines.

Flying From CZM

Flying out of Cozumel is pretty easy, but here’s an overview:

Our airline handled our Immigration cards, which was different than what I experienced in other Mexican airports.

Security was very efficient, but they were also very thorough. They saw phantom water bottles in my laptop bag – I would never – so this also took extra time.

They also tried to throw away my solid deodorant, and I had to explain it was solid. This has never happened to me before, so it was weird to be fighting for the right to keep my deodorant in public.

Mexico - Cozumel - Airport - Landing in Cozumel - Valentine and Jordan

You want to arrive two hours before your international flight, so you will likely end up with a little time on your hands.

There is a restaurant and a few gift shops at the airport that you can use while you wait. The food was okay. Not our best meal in Mexico, but better than a lot of airport food.

I found some great gifts here that were slightly different than what I had seen at the local gift shops. The prices were not out of control, though they were higher than elsewhere on the island.

You will have to walk out to the plane, so make sure you are ready to spend some time on the tarmac before you get your boarding pass scanned.

Read next: 10 Tips for What to Wear on the Plane to Mexico + Airplane Outfits

How to Get from the Airport to Your Hotel

Once you have arrived in Cozumel, made it through Immigration and Customs, and retrieved your bags, you now have to go through what I lovingly refer to as the Gauntlet.

Do not talk to anyone in the airport that purports to work for the airport. They will steer you into someone trying to set up timeshare presentations.

Instead, take your bags outside. If you have prearranged a private transfer, this is where they will likely meet you.

If you want to take public transportation, leave the airport and look for the Cozushuttle .

Mexico - Cozumel - CozuShuttle to get from airport to San Miguel-1

These are shared shuttles that will take you to your hotel and leave when the seats are full.

The cost is a little more than $5 per person and up. Your total will depend on where your hotel is located on the island. You will pay this in cash. They will accept both pesos and USD.

If you don’t have cash, get some cash at an airport ATM before you leave the airport.

There are no taxis allowed to pick you up at the airport. However, if you want to use a taxi you can exit the airport, go get fish tacos across the street, and then have them call you a taxi.

This costs more than the shuttle, so I have not done this method.

Some hotels have private transfers available. Just check the prices, because these can cost a lot more than using Cozushuttle or booking your private transfer.

Book a private airport transfer!

How to Get Around San Miguel de Cozumel and the Hotel Zone

It’s easy to get around the town (and even most of the island) by taxi, and if you’re staying in town you can walk most places.

Cozumel on Foot

I find the downtown very walkable, and I love the colorful blocks that make up the main downtown corridor.

Mexico - Cozumel -Timeshare Tour

While the island is too big to walk all the way around as a reliable mode of transportation, if you’re staying downtown you will be able to see the best parts of San Miguel de Cozumel on foot.

Taxis in Cozumel

I use taxis to go anywhere that’s not downtown.

Taxis in Cozumel are clean, numbered, and have regulated fares. Fares might be higher than you expect, but we found them very reasonable.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel - Taxi

In addition, many (most?) taxi drivers in Cozumel speak English

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can even use taxis to get to the rest of the island like Punta Sur and the east side.

For example, we paid 500 pesos (about USD 25) for a ride to the East Side of the island and for the driver to come back and pick us up at the end of the day.

It’s very easy to get taxis downtown because there are taxi stands.

Make sure to confirm your travel plans and the price before you leave . If you have questions, you can check the posted rate cards.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Taxi - Stephanie and Jordan

Pay in pesos for slightly better rates than the US equivalents.

Taxis do not take credit cards, so have the correct cash before you leave (or have a stop at an ATM included in your travel plans.

It’s customary in Cozumel to tip 10% in a taxi.

Avoid Common Scams in Cozumel

Luckily there aren’t too many Cozumel scams you need to watch out for, but these are ones you might see.

Cozumel Timeshare Scam

I’ve already alluded to the main one, which is people who work at the airport introducing you to the Occidental Vacation Club booth in the name of “helping you get the airport shuttle.”

The Occidental Vacation Club attendant will help you get your shuttle tickets, but he will then ask you if you want a tour and what your plans are for your trip.

Mexico - Cozumel - Timeshare Tour Agreement

The goal is to get you to sign up for a package of freebies (or pay a small fee for them). These freebies include a “tour of a new hotel.”

Read the fine print. This “new hotel” is a timeshare tour.

The freebies are real, but you will have to sit in a 90-minute timeshare presentation to avoid being charged for them.

Cozumel Gas Scam

The gas in Cozumel is pumped by attendants (a la New Jersey in the states). If you rent a car, you will need to fill it up to the pre-arranged amount before returning your rental car.

Most of the time everything goes smoothly. However, you will find some attendants who charge for gas they don’t pump.

Make sure the gas pump reads zero for both the pumped amount and the price. Listen to hear the gas being pumped.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Renting a car in Cozumel driving in Cozumel

Turn your car on and check your new gas level before you pay.

If you are being scammed, they may try to convince you that your gauge is broken and the car is old. This is part of the scam.

If they still haven’t pumped your gas, just smile and be polite. Refuse to pay for the gas you have not received. You can say “maybe the pump is broken. Let’s switch to a different pump.”

Luckily this should not cost you much money if you do fall for it.

Cozumel Tour Scams

I like to book tours through third-party sites like GetYourGuide and Viator (my two favorites).

I do this because I had a TERRIBLE tour in Dresden, and the company I booked through was able to get me a refund even when the tour company refused.

This also happened on my most recent trip to Mexico. I had a tour in Cancun where we just skipped half the listed itinerary. The tour company was unhelpful, but GetYourGuide got me an 80% refund.

So I avoid booking tours through tour kiosks, even when they are friendly people. I just prefer having someone I can escalate issues to instead of having to beg a tour company for my money back.

While most tour kiosks in Cozumel are trustworthy, a few of them do operate scams where they will take a deposit or even the full tour price for a tour they book online. Except the website is fake and you don’t get signed up for a real tour.

It’s easy to avoid this by using GetYourGuide and Viator for Cozumel tours, and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, ask your hotel to help you get set up.

Cozumel Credit Card Scams

I haven’t heard of this happening to anyone I know, but I did read online that people have been scammed by having their credit card run for services they did not pay for.

The advice in this situation is to use cash, but I would prefer to still use my credit card as much as possible (more on that in the money section).

Make sure you are using a credit card that will refund you for any fraudulent charges and track your expenses to compare them against your credit card statement.

Playa Del Carmen Hotel Scam

I ran into this one in PDC, but many people traveling to Cozumel will end up in the area where it happened. So just in case, if this applies to you, you will know to watch out for it.

I also ran into this scam in Tunisia, so you might see it anywhere really.

A guy will look you dead in the eye and greet you and say he works at the hotel you’re staying at.

The goal is to get you to be embarrassed that you don’t recognize him so that you let your guard down and trust him.

Mexico - Playa del Carmen - Sign at Night

In Tunisia, the guy tried to get me to buy jewelry at a jewelry store.

In PDC, I laughed at the guy and said “we haven’t checked into a hotel yet” and walked away, so I don’t know what his goal was.

If you don’t recognize someone, just walk away. It feels rude, but it’s better to be safe.

If you do see them later at your hotel, you can apologize, but it’s most likely a scam.

English in Cozumel

English is very common in Cozumel, as it is in many popular tourist destinations in Mexico. You will find most waiters, hotel staff, store clerks, taxi drivers, and tour guides speak exceptional English.

If you do end up needing to speak with someone who doesn’t speak English, Google Translate is a great app to have.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur Ecological Park - Driving - No Swimming Allowed Sign

It’s free and you can download it ahead of time to be prepared.

If you’ve never used it before, you can type or speak and it will translate your English into Spanish.

I’ve never had to use it in Cozumel, but I have used it in other parts of Mexico.

You will need cell data to use it (more on that below).

Crime & Safety in Cozumel

If you’re wondering if it is safe to visit Cozumel, the answer is yes.

You need to follow the same common-sense safety precautions you would on most international travels (or even domestic travels tbh).

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel - Mural

Crime is much lower in Cozumel than in many parts of the US and some other parts of Mexico.

However, tourists are more likely to be the victims of minor crimes and scams.

This is why I look for travel insurance that covers replacing stolen items and using credit cards that refund fraudulent charges.

Cozumel Travel Safety Tips

A few common-sense travel safety precautions that I take everywhere regardless of destination:

I always buy a travel insurance policy . (In fact, I bought the policy for my next trip to El Salvador just today).

I keep copies of my passport, credit cards, important documents like tourism cards, and my travel insurance policy in my email so that I can access them from another computer if my laptop and cell phone are stolen.

Cozumel - San Miguel at Night

I email these documents to my mother as well (especially my travel insurance policy in case I am incapacitated).

If I can, I keep hard copies of these in my suitcase.

I use hotel safes for storing passports and laptops. When there’s no hotel safe, I sometimes ask the front desk to watch my laptop while I am out. These are not foolproof, but they are better than leaving them out.

My sister had her passport stolen in Mexico, so I am always extra cautious about my passport and keep it in the safe or on my person at all times.

I never leave any of my stuff unattended in public.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Jordan with Tablet

I don’t pack non-essential tech or expensive items like jewelry.

I wrap my backpack or purse handle around a chair leg when I’m out in public.

I never flash cash, and I try to keep very little cash on me.

If I do have a lot of cash on me, I keep a separate wallet or pocket with small bills so that I don’t need to access the large stack of cash in public.

Mexico - Cozumel - ATM

I won’t mention where I’m staying in public to anyone other than taxi drivers or people assisting me with getting a taxi. If you get a sketchy vibe from a taxi driver, don’t get in the car. If you’re already in the car, you can give them an address near your hotel and walk over yourself.

I’m warier of other travelers than most locals. Remember that other tourists post more of a risk to you than most locals. It’s the eternal ex-pat that’s more likely to scam you than a hotel clerk.

I don’t overindulge in alcohol or leave my drink unattended.

Mexico - Cozumel - Playa Azul Beach Club - Tequila

I don’t do anything related to illegal drugs.

I make sure to keep my phone charged , and I carry a backup portable battery to recharge.

Pro Tip: Most safety incidents with tourists are not crime-related though. Instead, they get into scooter accidents, diving accidents, or hurt themselves out on the water.

If you will be doing these activities, make sure to get the level of travel insurance coverage for the types of activities you will be doing.

Families traveling together can get a single policy, so look for one that will cover the activities everyone will be doing.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip!

Cell Data in Cozumel

Cell data plans seem to be getting better all the time. For my most recent trip to Mexico, data in Mexico was included in my AT&T cell plan . I didn’t have to worry about it at all!

Check with your provider if Mexico is included in your data plan.

If it isn’t you can either add an international plan or get a local sim card.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel at Night - 7-11

If you want to get a local sim card, you will need to have your phone unlocked . In Europe, most phones come unlocked, but in the US we need to have our companies unlock them.

This is a total PITA.

You can then pick up a local SIM card in Cozumel to use for your trip.

You can get sim cards at Oxxo stores. Ask for a “chip.”

Many other places sell SIM cards, so feel free to ask around.

Wifi & Internet in Cozumel

My cell data worked well in Cozumel, and there was wifi available in our hotel free of charge.

However, the data didn’t work well on the eastern side of the island, which our taxi driver warned us about.

If you are staying in San Miguel or the hotel zone, you will most likely be able to find wifi and get good cell service.

However, be prepared for it to go out or get spotty when you visit the rest of the island.

Cozumel Time Zone & Daylight Savings

Time in Cozumel can be confusing if you are coming from the US or Canada.

Cozumel is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

Quintana Roo and Cozumel use Eastern Standard Time.

If you are traveling to Cozumel from Merida or another city in the state of Yucatan (which covers a large portion of the Yucatan peninsula), you are coming from Central Standard time and will jump an hour ahead.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel Clocktower

However, Cozumel does not have Daylight Savings Time. Mexico does not observe DST at all anymore.

So if you are coming from the US or Canada, you should double-check the time depending on the time of year.

For my family, living in the Central Time Zone in the US, this means that Cozumel is sometimes an hour ahead of us and sometimes they are at the same time as us.

What to Eat in Cozumel

Food in Mexico is very regional, and Mexican food is not Tex-Mex.

If this is your first trip to the area, there may be many dishes served in the Yucatan you haven’t seen on menus anywhere else before, including elsewhere in Mexico.

Mexico - Cozumel - Playa Azul Beach Club - Tacos Al Pastor

If you want to learn about local food in Cozumel, you can eat at a variety of restaurants while here, or you can go on a Cozumel food tour. This is a great way to get to know the island’s food scene from a local Cozumel guide.

Here are a few things you should eat in Cozumel:

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima is a famous soup that is sometimes seen in cookbooks under the names Yucatan Style Lome Soup and Mexican Style Lime Soup.

With a delicious lime broth, this soup includes chicken, tortilla chips, tomato, cilantro, and bell pepper.

Mexico - Cozumel - Dinner in Cozumel at Night - Sopa de Lima Lime Soup

Bowls of it are served heaping full. While I do tend to order an entree to go with it, you can usually fill up on just soup and tortilla chips if you are visiting Cozumel on a budget.

Ceviche de Camaron

While ceviche is not originally from Mexico (it originated in Peru), you shouldn’t leave the area without having a local shrimp ceviche “cooked” in Mexican limes.

The dish gained popularity throughout the Spanish colonies, with different regions creating regional variations.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar & Grill - Shrimp Tacos and Shrimp Ceviche

Mexican ceviche is served in a dish with onion, avocado, salt, lime, chili peppers, and cilantro.

It’s typically an appetizer in Mexico, but they are usually large enough to eat as an entree if you prefer.

Cochinita Pibil

This slow-roasted pork is traditionally made by roasting a suckling pig that has been marinated with acid and wrapped in banana leaves. You’ll also see Cochinita Pibil made with pork butt and pork shoulder.

The meat is tender and not spicy, so dishes can be paired with peppers to give it a kick.

Humans have been eating cacao in Mexico for 4,000 years, so you would be remiss to come to the home of chocolate without tasting some of your own!

You can visit several artisanal chocolate stores on the island or you can book a private Chocolate Workshop to get up close and personal with this Mesoamerican delight.

Book a Chocolate Seaside Workshop for your trip to Cozumel!

Marquesitas

A street food favorite in the Yucatan peninsula, marquesitas are an absolute must-do.

These hard wafer rolls stuffed with cheese don’t take like what I expected them to taste.

I thought it would be savory, but it was more like eating a waffle cone with parmesan cheese. (It’s technically Edam cheese, but it tasted saltier to me somehow).

So satisfying yet my tastebuds never got comfortable or could quite place what was going on.

If you want something more straightforwardly sweet, you can skip the traditional style and get Nutella, banana, or lechera (sweet condensed milk), instead.

Originally from Merida , you can now find them all over the region.

I had them in PDC instead of Cozumel, but the ones on the island can be found at food carts in the main square.

You can eat them as a dessert or as a snack.

Pro Tip: these carts are still open after some of the area’s restaurants are closed for the night.

Dulce de Papaya

This popular Yucatan dessert is made from slow-cooking papaya in sugar, Mexican vanilla, and cinnamon …Yummy!

Book a food tour for your trip to Cozumel!

What to Drink in Cozumel

While I will freely admit to drinking a shocking amount of Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola Zero while in Cozumel, these Mexican drinks are both delicious and a perfect excuse to double-fist.

Mexico - Cozumel - Restaurant - Clay Mug - Drink

Agua Fresca

The name translates to English as “freshwater” or “cool water.” These non-alcoholic drinks are made with blended fruit – think the most delightful juice you’ve ever had in your life.

You can get them in many flavors, from pineapple to mango to coconut to hibiscus.

Mexico - Cozumel - Restaurant - Agua Fresca

You can find them everywhere from street vendors to restaurants.

If you want to drink one made with fresh fruit and not a pre-made blend, ask your server which flavors are made from fresh fruit.

This drink was probably brought from North Africa to Mexico by the Spanish. The drink can be made with a variety of grains, but the most common in Mexico is horchata made from rice.

The delicious flavor comes from adding milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Horchata

You might find horchata listed as an agua fresca or listed as a separate beverage.

Tequila & Mezcal

While tequila and mezcal don’t originate in Cozumel, you’d be forgiven for wanting to do a Tequila tasting or a Mezcal tasting while in Cozumel.

Mezcal is originally from Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, Puebla, and Oaxaca, while tequila is from Jalisco and a few municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club - Tequila

However, many travelers coming to Cozumel won’t be venturing this far into mainland Mexico, and tequila is everywhere on the island.

Book a lunch and tequila tasting in San Miguel de Cozumel!

Mexican Coke

North of the border, Mexican Coke is famous for being made with real cane sugar, as opposed to the high fructose corn syrup that Coca-Cola is made of in the US.

Another difference is that it is served primarily in glass bottles (which the restaurant will want to recycle).

If you’re curious about the difference in flavor, make sure to order a Coca-Cola at lunch (or dinner).

Cocos Frtios (Agua de Coco)

If you see people selling green coconuts as drinks, the drink inside is fresh coconut water. This is served in a young coconut and is drank directly from the fruit itself.

Mexico - Playa del Carmen - Jordan with a coconut - Packing List for Mexico

While you’ll see signs advertising these as Cocos Fritos, it’s also called agua de coco (coconut water), so don’t be confused if you come across the alternate name.

This local Yucatanean liquor is made from anise seeds and fermented honey.

While tequila and mezcal are more famous Mexican liquors, Xtabentun is the local intoxicant you should make sure to try!

The Best Restaurants in Cozumel

There are a lot of restaurants here, so it’s natural to wonder where to eat in Cozumel.

Let me start by telling you where not to eat – don’t just eat at your hotel!

Another good tip is to walk a few blocks inland from Parque Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Park is the main square/plaza in San Miguel de Cozumel).

Mexico - Cozumel - Restaurant

Prices drop significantly if you go just a few blocks, and the cuisine gets even better!

You’ll also find less English in this part of the city, so make sure you have your Google translate ready to go if you have questions about the menu.

Getting the Best Cozumel Vacation Photos

Getting good vacation photos isn’t hard, but these are all tips and tricks we used to get vacation photos in Cozumel that we loved.

First, always have your camera (or cell phone camera) with you! The best photos aren’t always staged. Candids and selfies can be just as wonderful for trip memories as posed photos.

cozumel group travel

Second, If you want to keep your cell phone dry on the beach, bring a waterproof cell phone holder so that you can get beach and water pics.

Third, swap photos often! If you are sending each other your photos back and forth each day, then you’ll know if you have photos you like or if there’s something you want to be done differently.

Mexico - Cozumel - Red Motorcycle Orange Wall

This also ensures you’ll have all the photos from the trip in one place where you can safely back them up to the cloud.

Finally, hire a professional for special occasions! We use the company Flytographer for special trip photos, which we also used for our holiday cards.

They aren’t in Cozumel, but they are in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.

I love this company, and it’s great for making sure there are photos of all of us together! If this will be an important trip for you and your partner or family, I can’t recommend this option enough!

Travel Writer Stephanie Craig in Jackson Hole, Wyoming at Grand Teton National Park

Another option is to book a professional Cozumel photographer directly on Viator: Private Photo Session in Cozumel

Good to Know: If you book a photographer through Flytographer, use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot.

Renting a Car in Cozumel

One of the best decisions we made during our most recent trip to Cozumel was renting a car . This allowed us to get out and experience some of Cozumel’s must-see sites on our own.

A lot of the best things to see in Cozumel are located outside of San Miguel and the Hotel Zone. Having your own wheels means you can explore so much more of the island!

Yes, we have used taxis to get to other parts of Cozumel, but you have to pre-arrange your return and you can’t see that many places since they are spread far apart.

Nature lovers will especially love being able to get off the beaten path.

Cozumel - Renting a Car in Cozumel - Stephanie Craig - Jordan

Having a rental car for a day or two will give you the flexibility to see some of the island’s best spots, like Punta Sur Eco Park, Mayan Ruins, and some of the best beach clubs.

When you rent a car in Cozumel, you will likely pick it up at the ferry terminal . Make sure to request an automatic if you don’t drive a stick.

Families traveling with small kids should also request car seats ahead of time.

Follow any instructions they give you about gas levels and return instructions.

Get a car rental quote for your trip!

Driving Around Cozumel

I love driving in foreign countries, but if you haven’t done it before it can be a little intimidating!

Cozumel is a great place to get started since you will typically drive out of the main town to the beaches and parks on the other side of the island.

This makes getting around Cozumel on your own pretty easy!

Here are a few tips for driving in Cozumel:

Drive on the Right Side of the Road

In Mexico, cars drive on the right side of the road like in the US.

Watch for Animals on the Road

Stray dogs (and stray iguanas) mean you need to keep your eyes on the road at all times!

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur Ecological Park - Iguana in the road - Driving in Cozumel

Expect Motorcycle and Motorbike Traffic

As you leave and return to San Miguel, expect more motorcycles on the road than other cars.

Mexico - Cozumel - Motorcycles - Motos - Parking

Follow All Traffic and Parking Signs

Signs will most likely look the same as back home, so even if you don’t know what “Alto” means, you can tell it’s a stop sign.

Mexico - Cozumel - Stop Sign - Alto

Cozumel Road Trip Ideas

Cozumel is a small island, and you can see most of it by car in one or two days.

If you rent a car for one day, plan to do the “loop,” starting at the San Gervasio ruins , out to some of the beaches on the eastern shore , down to Punta Sur, and back over to San Miguel.

Mexico - Cozumel - Driving in Cozumel - Jordan holding cheetos

This will take a full day, and there are many roadside attractions and beach clubs to stop at along the way.

If you want to drive to El Cedral, make sure to rent a car with 4-wheel drive and high clearance or go on a separate El Cedral tour.

Cozumel - El Cedral

If you plan to road trip Cozumel for more than one day , I would still have a home base at one hotel. The island isn’t big enough to need to bother moving all of your stuff with you every day!

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Cozumel

There are so many fun things to do in Cozumel – way more than you can fit into one or two days. However, here are my top recommendations for what to do in Cozumel:

See the Mayan Ruins at San Gervasio

The most significant cultural or historic thing to do in Cozumel is to visit the ruins at San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site , an important fertility site for all Mayan women .

Cozumel - San Gervasio Archaeological Site - Mayan Ruins - Jordan

Enjoy Cozumel’s Turquoise Waters and White-Sand Beaches with a Day Pass to a Beach Club

There are many beach clubs to pick from since there are so many beautiful Cozumel beaches.

I enjoyed our time at Playa Chen Rio, Playa Azul, and the beach bar Freedom in Paradise.

Mexico - Cozumel - Chen Rio Beach Club

Other famous Cozumel beaches and beach clubs include Playa Palancar, The Money Bar, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Punta Morena.

Most beach clubs have food, drinks, and beach chairs, but some also have amenities like pools, hammocks, snorkeling gear rentals, kayaks, and swings.

See the Lighthouse (and the Crocodiles) and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is the place to go if you want to get 360 degrees views from the top of the lighthouse.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur Ecological Park - Lighthouse

Shop til You Drop along Avenida Rafael Melgar in Downtown San Miguel

Walk along San Miguel’s waterfront Avenida Rafael Melgar to enjoy the city’s bustling atmosphere. The shops here are a tad overpriced, but they make up for it by being kitschy and fun.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel - Tequila Real Gift Bottle

Go Snorkeling in the Crystal Clear Waters of Chankanaab National Park

Cozumel is a world-famous snorkeling destination. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent everything you need at one of the local dive shops.

You can go on a guided snorkeling tour or find the best snorkeling spots on your own.

Get Out and Enjoy Downtown Cozumel’s Nightlife, from Live Music to Tequila Bars

Cozumel is a famous cruise and day-trip destination, so getting out and experiencing Cozumel’s nightlife will show you a different side of the island that many tourists never see.

Mexico - Cozumel - Downtown - Machete - at Night

You can go to restaurants with live music , enjoy a low-key dinner, or simply people-watch on the main square.

Of course, if you want to enjoy a tequila bar or two, you won’t have trouble finding them!

Go Scuba Diving to see the Marine Life on the Mesoamerican Reef

If you are certified (or if you want to get your certification while you’re here), don’t miss Cozumel’s famous dive spots on one of the world’s best barrier reefs.

Eagle rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks are just some of the marine life you can see here.

Visit Cozuel’’s Jade Cenote, the only Cenote on the Island

While the Yucatan peninsula is famous for cenotes, or underground water caverns, there’s only one cenote on Cozumel.

The Jade Cenote can be reached by an ATV or Jeep tour or a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Eat on San Miguel’s Main Square

While it’s a touristy destination, I enjoy eating right on Cozumel’s main plaza at Benito Juarez Park.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel Plaza Confetti

This is also where the clocktower and Isla de Cozumel sign are located, so a stop here is a must!

Spend an Entire Day Relaxing at Your Resort

While I don’t think you should spend your entire time in Cozumel locked away in a resort, if you are staying at a nice resort hotel, spending a full day relaxing and unwinding can be a great way to get the most out of your resort time as possible.

I’ve done trips both ways – completely independently from our hotel, and by mixing exploring the island with enjoying time in an all-inclusive resort. And both ways are wonderful! Just don’t get trapped at your resort and forget to leave!

Most Popular Cozumel Guided Tours

Here are the most popular Cozumel tours. Some of these sell out, so plan ahead!

Cozumel: El Cielo, Palancar Reef, and Beach Party with Food

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

Cozumel Food Tour

Cozumel: Paradise Beach Exclusive All-Inclusive Day Pass

Cozumel: Snorkel and Swim with Stingrays

Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel

Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour

4-Hour Certified Scuba Diving Tour with Two Tanks in Cozumel

Best Day Trips from Cozumel

If you are based on the island, you can still see some of the most popular sites on the Yucatan Peninsula via day trips.

Organized day trips mostly leave from Playa del Carmen, which is just a short ferry ride away. You’ll want to make your way across the ferry and back on your own.

Many of these you can do on your own via taxi or by renting a car in PDC.

The two easiest day trips from Cozumel are Playa del Carmen and Tulum. You can even combine them into one day, and travel on your own by taxi.

Mexico - Tulum - Archaeological Site - Beach and Ruins - Stephanie Craig and Jordan

Cancun and Morelos can be done on your own with more planning, or you can go on a guided tour. We went on a guided day trip from PDC to Cancun, but unfortunately, the tour was not good and I cannot recommend using that company.

The most famous day trip is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, but these Mayan Ruins are much further away than the rest.

Mexico - Chichen Itza

I have done this as a guided tour similar to this one, and that’s really the only way to make it work. It’s a long day when you add in the extra ferry time, but really fun!

Prepare for the trip by reading my post on what to wear to Chichen Itza.

Reserve the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour for your trip.

Cozumel Itinerary Ideas

While you can’t fit in all of the best Cozumel attractions in a day or two, if you are coming to Cozumel for 1-3 days, you can still see a lot of the highlights of the island.

If you are only coming on a Cozumel day trip from a cruise ship, I would plan to do an excursion around the island that includes transportation. This will eliminate having to figure out how to get around Cozumel on your own and give you access to some of the island’s highlights while still getting you back to your ship on time.

Mexico - Cozumel - Church

If you have one day in Cozumel, I would spend half the day exploring the island and the rest in town. If you want to do a dive or go snorkeling, then do this instead and end your day in town.

If you have 2 days in Cozumel, I would spend the second day relaxing at one of the island’s beach clubs.

Mexico - Cozumel - Playa Azul Beach Club - Pool - Jordan

With 3 days in Cozumel, you can spend a day exploring the island, one day at a beach club, and the third day on a dive or boat trip to enjoy Cozumel from the water.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Gervasio Archaeological Site - Mayan Ruins - Stephanie Craig

If you have one week in Cozumel, you can spend 3-4 days on the island and add in 1-2 day trips.

Tips for Solo Travel in Cozumel

You may wonder is Cozumel worth visiting solo. I have traveled the island by myself and with my family, and I have to say that I do think Cozumel is a fun solo travel destination.

Unlike other parts of the Mayan Riviera, which are more party-focused, I find Cozumel to be a peaceful destination where you can soak up some calming vibes. I enjoy walking the town alone, and I also enjoy going to the beach clubs and hotel pools solo.

Just bring a book and prepare to relax!

Mexico - Cozumel - Souvenir Shopping - Red Dress

Cozumel is also one of the safest places for solo female travel since crime rates on the island are low compared to other major tourist towns. I felt comfortable walking the touristy parts of the city alone at night using common sense travel safety.

Here are a few tips for traveling solo in Cozumel:

Pick a hotel that is not focused on couples. If you decide to stay at a resort, find one that is more family-focused. Otherwise, you’ll be surrounded by honeymooners.

Book group tours and dives – this is a great way to meet people when traveling! Plus it’s much less awkward than being the only person on a tour with your tour guide.

Mexico - Cozumel - San Miguel at Night - Woody's - Live Music

Find restaurants with some kind of entertainmen t – this is a great way to enjoy a meal that also feels like an activity and is great for those wondering what to do in Cozumel on your own.

Use rental cars and taxis to get around the is la nd. Don’t try to bike or walk between towns or from San Miguel.

Cozumel - San Miguel - Renting a car in Cozumel

Enroll in your country’s safe traveler program if they have one. In the US, we have the STEP program, which I have used in the past when traveling solo.

Follow proper beach safety when going to the beach solo.

Don’t flash cash.

Use common sense safety when out, and be especially vigilant in settings with alcohol.

Tips for Traveling Cozumel with Kids (and Toddlers)

Cozumel is a great family destination. However, a lot of the most popular activities to do on Cozumel have age restrictions.

Look for activities and tours that are age-appropriate for your family, and keep in mind that renting a car and getting out on your own might be easier than a group tour if you have little ones in tow.

Mexico - Cozumel - Punta Sur - Freedom in Paradise Reggae Beach Bar & Grill - Stephanie Craig and Jordan

Older kids can start to experience some of the island’s more exciting things to do. Discuss options with your kids ahead of time to get a feel for what they would enjoy and feel comfortable doing before putting down any nonrefundable deposits!

For traveling with babies and toddlers, look for beach clubs with a more family-friendly feel. Some have playgrounds and children’s areas, which can make it easier to enjoy your time together as a family.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Cozumel?

While Cozumel is a famous honeymoon destination with lots of options for romantic (and pricey) things to do, you can do Cozumel on a variety of budgets depending on your travel style.

What you can do in Cozumel will, of course, depend on what you plan to spend. However, even if you just want to enjoy less-expensive beach clubs, street food, and some of the island’s free things to do, you can still have an enjoyable time!

Cozumel - San Miguel at Night - Ice Cream

Accommodation Costs: You can find hostels for under $20 a night, mid-range hotels are $75-100 range per night, and luxury hotels can go from $200-400 per night.

Transportation Costs: Taxi rides to the hotel zone are less than $10 each way, while you’ll spend more to go to the other side of the island. However, you can also find group taxis with lower rates – you just have to be in the right place at the right time.

Food Costs: While nice restaurants in the touristy parts of town are pricier than local joints, you can still get a good meal downtown for less than $20 per person. Just keep your drink orders to a minimum.

Tips for Saving Money in Cozumel

Cozumel doesn’t have to be a pricey destination, and you can certainly have a great time while enjoying Cozumel on a budget!

Look for hotels in town with good reviews that are located in town instead of in the hotel zone or at a resort. The Suites Colonial in downtown San Miguel was great for budget travel since we had a kitchen and it came with breakfast.

You’ll also find cheaper prices at restaurants the further into town you walk. For the best food prices, find restaurants that cater to locals and eat local food – pizzas and pasta are mainly for tourists. Or alternate between touristy restaurants and cooking your meals in your hotel.

Mexico - Cozumel - Restaurant - Queso Fundido

You can spend an afternoon exploring San Miguel without spending a dime, but if you want to get on the water make sure to shop around for discounts on diving tours or skip the diving and head to one of the budget-friendly beach clubs where you can enjoy the beach all day long.

Just pay attention to the cover price and the minimum spend before picking which one to go to, as well as the cost of transportation to get there.

How Money Works in Cozumel

Because Cozumel is a very touristy location, many hotels, shops, and restaurants take credit cards. However, there are still some situations where you will want to have cash.

You will need to have access to cash for things like taxi rides (especially from the airport), tipping, and even going to some of the beach clubs .

Mexico - Cozumel - ATM

There are many ATMs in Cozumel to withdraw from, but you may encounter broken machines from time to time. Leave yourself room in your schedule to get cash if you have a tight deadline.

Make sure your bank knows you will be traveling so that you can use your card abroad. Try to get an account that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees or ATM fees. I use Charles Schwab so I don’t have any fees when I travel and need access to my money.

How Much to Tip in Cozumel

One of the top things American tourists forget about when traveling abroad is that our tipping customs are different than other countries – and we need to adjust accordingly.

And if you are coming to Cozumel from a country without a tipping culture, make sure to remember that leaving a gratuity is important to workers in the Mexican tourism industry.

Mexico - Cozumel - Restaurant - LOS DORADOS DE VILLA

Here are general guidelines for tipping in Cozumel:

Restaurants: 15%

Baggage Handlers: 25-50 MXN Pesos

Tour Guides and Dive Instructors: 200-400 MXN for a half-day trip or longer, 100-200 MXN for a tour that lasts less than three hours

Grocery Baggers at Grocery Stores: 5-10 MXN

What to Wear in Cozumel

While Cozumel is a beach destination, you will want to have more in your suitcases than bikinis and cover-ups.

Between windy nights, jungle humidity, and beach days, you’ll want to bring light layers so you can adjust your clothing temperatures as needed.

Mexico - Cozumel - Souvenir Dresses

Think comfortable shoes, comfortable (breathable) layers, and the ability to d ress modestly if the setting necessitates it – like visiting churches and nice restaurants.

You can use my Mexico packing list for a complete list of things to bring to Mexico , including a packing list for what to wear with clothing suggestions.

What to Buy in Cozumel (Souvenirs & Gifts)

Because Cozumel has a large cruise ship contingent, tons of souvenir shops sell traditional kitschy souvenirs like keychains, t-shirts, etc.

While our family has a souvenir magnet collection, so I’d never say stay away from kitsch if it makes you happy, you may be looking for a few ideas of more traditional Cozumel souvenirs.

Popular souvenirs from Cozumel include Mexican Pottery, handwoven blankets, leather goods, and handmade hammocks.

Mexico - Cozumel - Souvenir Leather Purses Bags

Silver jewelry , while not from Cozumel, is also a popular Cozumel gift to bring back for a loved one – or yourself!

My favorite souvenirs from Cozumel that I’ve brought home are art pieces from Balam Art. While they specialize in art on feathers, I prefer the paintings in the back room.

Mexico - Cozumel - Art Shop

The gallery is located at 5ta Avenida entre 2 Norte y Av Lic Benito Juarez Tienda Balam Art, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel.

Cozumel Island Guide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are the most common questions about traveling to Cozumel.

How many days do you need in Cozumel?

I think four days is a great amount of time to spend in Cozumel if you will be visiting for a long weekend or as part of a larger trip around the Yucatan.

However, 2 or 3 days in Cozumel will give you a great introduction to the island.

If you have longer – like a week in Cozumel – you can add day trips to the mainland if you run out of things to do on Cozumel island.

Mexico - Cozumel - Marina

What is the best month to go to Cozumel?

While Cozumel is a great destination year-round, January and February are the most popular months to go to Cozumel.

Which is better Cozumel or Cancun?

I VASTLY prefer Cozumel to Cancun. I have been to both multiple times, and I think Cozumel is a much more special destination than Cancun, which is a purpose-built tourist city.

Mexico - Cozumel - Mural

Is Cozumel worth the money?

Yes, I think a trip to Cozumel is worth the money! You can find accommodations, food, and activities to fit any budget.

Is it safe to visit Cozumel?

Yes, it’s safe to visit Cozumel. Cozumel is one of the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. Just make sure to use common-sense safety tips.

Mexico - Cozumel - Souvenir Porcelain Dishes

What are the best places to visit in Cozumel?

San Miguel de Cozumel is the main Cozumel city, plus you’ll want to visit the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio as well as Punta Sur Eco Park.

Mexico Travel Resources

101 Things to Bring to Mexico: Complete Packing List for Mexico + What to Wear

101 Things to Bring to Cozumel: Packing List for What to Wear & What to Bring to Cozumel

24 Hours in Puerto Vallarta: Itinerary for One Perfect Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

23 Best Souvenirs from Mexico City: Gifts for Yourself and Your Loved Ones!

17 MUSA Cancun Tips: Planning a Visit to the Underwater Museum in Cancun

13 Tips for What to Wear to Chichen Itza + Outfit Ideas and Travel Tips

13 Tips for What to Wear to Tulum + Tulum Outfit Ideas

10 Tips for What to Wear on the Plane to Mexico + Airplane Outfits

10 Tips for Seeing the Holbox Bioluminescence: Tours, What to Wear, What to Bring, + More!

3 Ways to Get from Cancun to Chiquila Ranked from Easiest to Hardest

Pin this Cozumel Mexico Travel Guide to Help You with Planning a Trip to Cozumel, Mexico!

40 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Cozumel Made Simple! - Cozumel Travel Guide - Cozumel Island Guide

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Cozumel Guide

Oh, how I love Cozumel . One day I’m moving to this beautiful Caribbean Island. But for now, I’ll just have to make do with visiting as often as I can. In this Cozumel guide, I’ve included everything I know about Cozumel to help you make the most of your visit.

Many people visit Cozumel on a cruise ship. They dock for a day and spend a few hours exploring a small part of the Island, hardly scratching the surface. Others visit Cozumel on a diving vacation , spending most of their time under the sea and enjoying the  best private tours in Cozumel . 

But there is so much more to Isla Cozumel than cruise ships and scuba diving (although I Scuba Diving in Cozumel is my favorite thing to do).

Cozumel Guide,cozumel,cozumel travel,cozumel travel guide

Did You Get Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!

The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and  Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies. 

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Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Cozumel Tours :  Click here to check out the top Cozumel tours Best Cozumel Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Cozumel Best Cozumel Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Cozumel

Top 10 Things to do In Cozumel

The Ultimate Guide to Diving in Cozumel | Cozumel dive sites, companies & accommodation

1. Go Scuba Diving

Of course, scuba diving in Cozumel is my number one thing to do. It’s what first brought me over to the island after all. There are so many amazing dive sites along the second largest reef in the world (second to the great barrier reef). On a normal dive, you can expect to see turtles, nurse sharks, toadfish, green moray eels, and if it’s the season you might get lucks and see spotted eagle rays. I only ever dive with ScubaTony on the island as they are hands down the best dive operator there. It’s a great fun thing to do if you are up for the challenge.

2. Relax at a beach club

What better thing to do in between dives than chill at a beach club?! The best way to make the most of your time is to rent a car in Cozumel that way you can easily get around to all of the good beach clubs! If you want one close to town then I’d recommend Playa Azul which has a sandy area or Bucannos . 

3. Eat at Buccanos

After scuba diving, most of my favorite things to do on the island involve eating. If you are a foodie then don’t miss eating at Buccanos at Night . The beach club closes at 5 pm and the evening restaurant opens at 6 PM. Ocean views and good food, what more could you want? They also have an Asian Fusion restaurant next door which is equally as good.

4. Rent a car and drive around the Island

As I’ve already mentioned the best way to see the island is to rent a car and drive around it. It can actually end up saving you quite a bit of money doing it this way as taxis in Cozumel can get pretty pricy. Be careful who you rent with though as most of the companies like to rip off tourists. The only company I recommend is Fiesta Car Rental . They are a local company and honest. Their deposits are reasonable and they release the money back on your card as soon as you give back the car. They also will deliver and pick up your rental car from your accommodation.

5. Eat Lion Fish

Pretty much the only fish you can eat with a totally clear conscience is lionfish . There are a few places where you can get lionfish in Cozumel. My personal favorite is the lionfish pizza at Cerveceria Punta Sur , which also happens to be a microbrewery.

6. Go Surfing

Yes, that’s right. You can go surfing in Cozumel . But you will need to head over to the other side of the island to do so. Another reason to rent a car in Cozumel. I have yet to do this, so no recommendations. But I’m planning on taking some classes soon.

7. SUP at sunset

What better way to watch the sunset than on a SUP board floating around in the blue Caribbean sea? The sea is generally calm and flat all year round and so nothing quite beats this. Living in Playa del Carmen we get sunrise, not sunset. So I’m always super keen to make the most of each and every sunset while I’m in Cozumel.

8. Do a tour on a glass boat

Scuba diving , is not your thing? Not a fan of snorkeling ? Still, want to see what’s below the surface of the sea? Well, now that’s not a problem because Cozumel has a small fleet of completely clear boats! I was lucky enough to have been invited to one recently and it was incredible. And way more fun than I was expecting! You can do a short tour or a longer one to el Cielo. It’s fun to do with friends, but also perfect to do with families. I know my mom would LOVE it. Book through Vanessa and tell her I sent you for the best price. Send her a message in English or Spanish on WhatsApp.

9 Visit El Cielo

In Spanish El Cielo means heaven. When you take a tour to El Cielo Cozumel you will understand the name. It really is incredible. I have never seen water so blue and clear in my life. El Cielo is known for having an abundance of starfish so grab your snorkel gear and GoPro Dome it’s time to put your freediving skills to work. Sadly the only way to see El Cielo is on a boat tour . It is impossible to access by car (believe me I’ve tried). It’s also pretty far away so you will need at least half a day. Book through Vanessa and tell her I sent you for the best price. Send her a message in English or Spanish on WhatsApp. This can be done as a day tour from Playa del Carmen with her too,

10. Check out the Street Art

Cozumel has an abundance of cool street art. it was all commissioned a few years ago as part of a project called Sea Walls. There is a map (which is difficult to read, but not impossible) and you can easily spend several hours finding all of the pieces on it. Check out this post for more info . I made it around almost all of the pieces by bike (it’s too far to walk) but I flaked towards the end as it was too hot. Pace yourself, start early in the morning so it’s not too hot.

Cozumel Scuba Diving | Why Diving in Cozumel is Always a Good Idea

QUICK TIP: Book your tours, rental cars, and transfers through my local contact I’ve been working with Turismo Channel in Playa del Carmen for years and they are who I send all my family and friends to when they visit the Riviera Maya. I really can recommend them enough for tours , private airport transfers , and rental cars . Vanessa and Oliver are personal friends of mine and I have 100% faith that you will have a wonderful time with them. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes when booking online to save $$$ clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

Food in Cozumel

As I’ve already confessed, my second favorite thing to do in Cozumel is eating. 

I’m going to share a few of my personal go-to restaurants suitable for all budgets.  For a more comprehensive full guide to restaurants in Cozumel, read this post on the ScubaTony blog.

Tips for Finding Cheap Eats

Firstly if you are on a budget and want to eat more economically stay away from any restaurant on the waterfront or close to the central plaza. Eating tacos and quesadillas like the locals is always going to save you money. You just need to know the good places.

Best Tacos in Cozumel

You will find the best tacos in Cozumel at a place called Mister Taco . It’s a bit of a way out of the main tourist area, maybe a 20-minute walk. But easy to get to if you have one. a car or scooter. 

If you want fish tacos then I believe Diegos is the place to go, although I’ve still yet to verify this myself! 

Best quesadillas in Cozumel

I love love love Chilangos . It’s cheap and the food is good. Nothing special to look at. But I have a rule that you don’t get good Mexican street food at restaurants that don’t have plastic chairs and tables haha. This one is up on the 30th too. Better if you have a bike or car.

Best budget restaurant in Cozumel

If you want cheap eats in Cozumel then Cocina Económica Las Palmas will hit the spot. It’s open from 9-6 pm, so better for lunch or an early dinner. Here you can get a set meal for less than $100 pesos (soup, main, drink). It’s good honest Mexican food.

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Best Breakfast in Cozumel

My go-to breakfast spot is Corazon Contento . I’m a sucker for the little pastries they bring to your table. The food is always good here and the coffee is refillable. Sometimes it can get pretty busy, especially on weekends.

Best Cafe in Cozumel

I love Sucre Sale it was pretty much my office when I lived in Cozumel. I went every day for breakfast, lunch, or just for coffee and delicious French treats. The wifi is ok, the staff are great, and they have plug sockets everywhere!

My favorite restaurants in Cozumel

I dream of this pasta. It’s always the first place I want to go and eat when I get to Cozumel. Everyone I recommend to go there reports back how good it was. It’s up on 30th so on the edge of the main town, more in the local’s area. They have a super nice roof terrace you can eat at or you can take away. It’s an Italian restaurant and everything is super fresh… My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Cozumel Guide,cozumel,cozumel travel,cozumel travel guide

Next up is Buccanos . This is more of a treat as it’s a bit more pricy, although, considering the quality of what you get, it’s actually incredible value. You would pay triple these prices somewhere like New York City. This is another place I tell anyone who will listen to go eat and they always write back thanking me. It’s the only place I would ever pay $24 for Mac and Cheese (with lobster) and not feel one pang of guilt. Worth. Every. Penny.

Cozumel Guide

Cozumel Money Saving Tips

If you want to keep the costs down in Cozumel I have a few suggestions. Most people blow their budget here on food and transportation (and diving haha). So some easy ways to save are knowing the cheap places to eat, and not having to take taxis everywhere.

Street Eats

There aren’t so many street food carts in the main town. But if you head out a bit to mega you will find some spotted around. Eating at places like Mister Taco and Las Palmas will help though. As I’ve already mentioned, just stay away from the waterfront restaurants.

There are also 2 large supermarkets in el Centro so get a hostel with a kitchen and go shopping.

Rent a Bike, Moto, or a Car

Public transport in Cozumel is unlikely to get you to anywhere you will need to go. I use colectivos all the time in playa, but not in Cozumel. For. a full guide to transport in Cozumel, read this . In short, if you can afford it rent a car or scooter. If you can’t rent a bike , or find accommodation that comes with a bike. The price of taxis is pretty outrageous, it’s more than double what I pay in Playa for the same distance. So I avoid at all costs.

Learn Spanish

As always, learn some Spanish ! It’s an instant way to save a lot of money. I took this course ran by my friends at Heart of Travel.

Cozumel Travel Guide

Cozumel Packing Advice

Cozumel is a small Caribbean island. It’s hot and humid, most of the time. Summer can be unbearably hot and winter can get pretty chilly. Cozumel also has what we call nortes, strong (cold) north winds. They often blow in and sit over the island for a day.

When packing for Cozumel I’d advise you to pack for the heat and humidity, but don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and at least one sweater , just in case!

If you are planning on diving, then bring warm things for the boat, it can get pretty chilly out there sometimes, especially during the winter.

Quick Tip : View my full Cozumel packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Cozumel Essentials shopping list here .

Where to Stay in Cozumel

I’m not going to go into lots of details about accommodation in Cozumel in this post, I already did that in this blog post .

However, I will recommend a few of my favorite places to stay in Cozumel depending on your budget. All are in great locations and have excellent options. Even Amigos hostel has a swimming pool!

Casa Phoenix 

Presidente intercontinental Cozumel

Casa del Solar 

Amigos Hostel

Two women standing next to a car on a dirt road in Cozumel, Mexico.

Map of Accommodation in Cozumel

How to get to cozumel (and how to get around).

I’ve written a super detailed guide on how to get to Cozumel which I’d advise you to read. But I’ll cover the basics here for you too.

Most people fly either into Cozumel airport. Or they fly into Cancun and travel by road to Playa del Carmen before taking a ferry to Cozumel… otherwise known as the bag drag.

If you are traveling by road, you first need to get to Playa del Carmen where you will need to take a ferry to the island. It is possible to take the car ferry, but it’s a pain in the backside.

Read the full post here.

Regarding getting around, I’d advise you to limit your use of taxis to save money and rent a car instead. Personally, I drive a scooter over there, but I’ve seen way too many tourists crashing there, so unless you are very confident on a scooter and know the island well, I’d advise strongly against it. 

To rent a car contact Fiesta Car Rentals (a local company).

To rent a Scooter speak to Mario, he will give you a great price and normally deliver and pick up from you. The cost is $25 USD a day and you can send him a message on WhatsApp in English or Spanish +52 9875642651

Alternatively, rent a bike !

Coworking in Cozuemel

Working online in Cozumel can be tricky. Sadly it’s nowhere near where Playa del Carmen or even Tulum is. And Tulum is pretty terrible.

So there are no functioning co-working spaces in Cozumel. And there are no cafes with good wifi. So basically your options are to get an Airbnb with good wifi, or go and suffer in a cafe! 

That said if you are just doing minimal stuff you will be fine, but if you need to take zoom calls or do lots of uploading and downloading, not so much.

The best wifi I’ve found is in Rock’n’Java , but it’s a bit too noisy for calls, and it’s not particularly cheap. I mostly worked from Sucre Sale which has ok wifi, great coffee, and they don’t mind you sitting there all day working. 

Things to do in Cozumel

Cozumel Travel Guide planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Cozumel?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Cozumel which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Cozumel on Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Cozumel?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Cozumel?

I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . They have a  lot of options available!

If you are traveling from Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by  clicking here  and using the following discount codes for the best prices  clairecaroff  (car rental),  claire10off  (for 10% off group tours),  claireprivate  (for a discount on private tours). You can also  send her a WhatsApp message  quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

🤿 What is the best diving operator in Cozumel?

I strongly recommend ScubaTony on the island as they are hands down the best dive operator there!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack . 

CozumelSafety Advice

Cozumel is pretty safe, especially when comparing it to Cancun , Playa , and Tulum .

That said, watch your stuff. Don’t go swimming leaving all your things on the shore. Be careful walking the street alone late at night. And be extra careful where you park your bike or scooter (I had my scooter stolen from outside my house one night). Also, never leave anything in your car!

Safety Wing Insurance for Nomads

The Best Time To Visit Cozumel

Wondering when the best time to visit Cozumel is? Well, the truth is that there is no bad time to visit. Obviously, the winter gets cooler, but it’s actually perfect. The daytimes are hot and it cools so you can sleep at night. The summer can be pretty intense if you aren’t used to that kind of heat!

The only months I would tell you to avoid if possible are September and October, because of the rain (and risk of hurricanes). November-December is considered high season, so prices will rise. Same for April.

In my opinion, if you are a diver, come in November. Prices are up a little, but you have a good chance of seeing spotted eagle rays.

What to Read in Mexico

cozumel group travel

Lonely Planet Mexico (Country Guide)

Where would we be without the trusty Lonely Planet Mexico book?!? It really is the best all-around guide to Mexico. The only issue I ever have with these books is that often the information can be outdated, but if you want to really explore Mexico, not just the tourist trail version of Mexico then get this book on your Kindle . It’s oftern free if you have a kindle unlimited subscription .

cozumel group travel

Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico

It’s all about the food here in Mexico. Especially in Oaxaca, thought of as the culinary heart of Mexico. This Mexican cookbook is the first true introduction to Oaxacan cuisine by a native family, each dish articulates their story, from Oaxaca to the streets of Los Angeles and beyond.

The book showcases Mexican “soul food” serving up 140 authentic, yet accessible recipes using some of the purest pre-Hispanic and indigenous ingredients available. 

cozumel group travel

Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter's Journey Through a Country's Descent into Darkness

As much as I don’t want to perpetuate Mexico’s reputation as a county full of cartels, drugs, and danger. It can’t really be ignored, and I know many people are interested in learning more. So I’ve included Midnight in Mexico on my list of books to read. It’s a true crime book written by a Mexican-American journalist and migration lawyer. It’s about as close to the truth as you can get. Being. journalist here in Mexico is one of the most dangerous arrears you can have. But Corchado is known for never shying away from the truth reporting on government corruption, murders, and the drug cartels of Mexico. In 2007, Corchado received a tip that he could be their next target, he had twenty-four hours to find out if the threat was true…

cozumel group travel

The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo: A Novel

Are you even alive if you don’t know who Frida Kahlo is? If you are a Friday fan then this is the perfect fictional accompaniment to your Mexican vacation. Especially if you will be visiting Mexico City.

Using several of Frida’s notebooks as inspiration acclaimed Mexican novelist F. G. Haghenbeck was inspired to write this touching fictional account of her life.  Through the book, you are taken on a magical ride through this imagined life of Freida 

cozumel group travel

Like Water For Chocolate

An old, but a goodie! This one is for all of you lovers of romance novels! It’s described as:

“A novel of passion, food, and magic, Like Water For Chocolate is a romantic, poignant tale, touched with moments of magic, graphic earthiness, bittersweet wit – and recipes.”

Forbidden love, family obligations, and seduction by food… what more could you ask for in a novel!

cozumel group travel

Moving To Merida

I must confess, my friend Mexico Cassie wrote this book. That doesn’t mean it’s not a bloody brilliant guide to moving to Mexico, because it is. As someone who moved to Mexico there was so much of this book that resonated with me, even though I moved here myself, without a family. 

She goes in to great detail about the visa application process and some other notoriously tricky things like trying to buy a car or find a good school for your kids. 

If you are considering a move to Merida , or anywhere in Mexico actually this is a great read!

Check out My travel books

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Claire Summers

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

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This Gorgeous Mexican Island Should Be on Every Scuba Diver's Bucket List

Cozumel is much more than just a stop on your cruise. Here's how to stay awhile — and spend your time like a local.

cozumel group travel

Each and every year, 3.5 million people visit the Mexican island of Cozumel via cruise ships .

The ships dock for the day, shuffle their passengers off, and likely pass them off to local tours that show travelers around destinations packed with fellow tourists for a few hours before returning them to port.

Sure, this can make for a great vacation, and you'll certainly get enough photos to fill a Facebook album. But Cozumel has way, way more to offer than just the few blocks lining the ferry port, making it a destination worth spending more time in than most cruises allow. Here's how to see Cozumel for all its glory over a few days, rather than a few hours.

How to Get to Cozumel

There are two ways to get to Cozumel beyond taking a cruise: flying and ferrying.

You can fly right into Cozumel International Airport , however, the cheapest and easiest move from most U.S. destinations is to fly into Cancun and take a ferry from there.

Sure, you have to snake through the hustle and bustle of the ferry port, but it's actually all pretty fun. The bright colors, the cervezas, and the mariachi bands make it a welcoming and festive environment.

Once you board the ferry , which costs just a few bucks and takes about 45 minutes from point A to point B, find space on one of the outside decks. That way you can take in the gorgeous crystal-blue water views the entire way. Also get ready for a bit of a party atmosphere onboard as a band will be playing and drinks will be served.

Where to Stay in Cozumel

There is a multitude ofexcellent hotels to choose from in Cozumel, but since you're interested in getting off the beaten path a bit, try booking a stay at the Occidental Cozumel , located about 15 minutes from the main strip. The hotel is a world all its own, encompassing several acres of land, including lush mangroves filled with iguanas and a stretch of private white sand beach with one of the island's best reefs just offshore. The hotel's "Royal Level" comes with its own concierge check-in and includes room service, turndown service, a private pool area, and more.

If you're traveling with young children, their sister resort, The Allegro , is located just next door. The Allegro has all the same amenities as the Occidental, but also comes with an oversized pool and play area.

What to Do in Cozumel

If you get to do just one thing in Cozumel, make it scuba diving.

And luckily for you, if you're staying at a place like the Occidental Cozumel, Cozumel Palace , or the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel , you have access to some of the best reefs and can get certified to dive right on the spot.

These hotels, along with a few others on the island, offer a variety of dive programs. At the Occidental, you can take a course in the morning in their pool with a certified instructor and head out for the real thing by the afternoon.

And not only will you get to learn, but you'll get to learn in peace, as these dives are for small groups only, unlike the massive 20-50 person boats that take cruisers around snorkeling. This way you'll have the personal attention you need as a new diver, and you'll get to experience something truly magical under the sea. (Hey, Jacques Cousteau didn't fall in love with this place for nothing.)

If you can't or don't want to dive, you can always tag along for a snorkel. While you won't be able to travel as deep into the ocean, it will still be just as memorable of an experience. And, if you're lucky and the winds are right, the guides at the hotels will take you to a place known as El Cielo , or "Heaven." Here, people can snorkel around the sandy bottom beach that is home to thousands of giant starfish. (But remember, as a responsible tourist it's your job to simply look, not touch, the wildlife.)

Where to Eat in Cozumel

This is where getting "off the beaten path" really, really matters. Yes, the food in the tourist zone is yummy, but it's not necessarily authentic. Instead, rent a car, drive along the quieter east coast, and stop in at any one of the fresh coconut and fruit stands along the way. There, watch as an attendant cuts open a fresh coconut for you to sip on as you look out into the ocean.

For a lively, but still local, experience, keep going until you hit Coconuts Bar & Grill . There, walk up the winding steps and be greeted with the highest, and perhaps most stunning, vista on the island. Swing around the corner and sit along the edge of the cliff. Order up some fresh margaritas and fajitas (get the shrimp, you'll thank us later), and stay until the sun goes down below the sea.

While any trip to Cozumel is well worth it, getting a bit more of the local flavor will let you go home and share a few memories that are all your own — memories of a true island experience that will last forever.

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15 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico [2024]

  • by Nellie Huang

Cozumel is the kinda Caribbean island that many dream of: with miles and miles of powdery white sand, spearmint blue water and multi-colored reefs. Add to that, it’s got ancient Mayan ruins and mangrove lagoons teeming with wildlife, and so much more!

We’ve recently returned from our second trip to Cozumel (our first was more than 10 years ago) and the tropical island is every bit as gorgeous as we remember it. Our days on Cozumel were spent driving from one pristine beach to another, snorkeling over colorful reefs, eating fish tacos and seeing wildlife in the mangroves.  

If you’re looking for a back-to-basics island escape, I’m sharing a comprehensive Cozumel travel guide with plenty of details on how to get around, where to stay, and things to do in Cozumel.

things to do in cozumel mexico

Table of Contents

Where is Cozumel Island?

1. go scuba diving or snorkeling, 2. take a jeep or e-bike tour, south coast of island, admire the el caracol ruins, catch the views from the lagoon tower, climb to the top of celarain lighthouse, take the boat trip to lagoon, east coast of island, 4. have a drink at rasta’s reggae bar, 5. drive along the rugged east coast, 6. take in the views at el mirador, north of island, 7. visit the san gervasio mayan ruins, west coast of island, 8. explore san miguel de cozumel, 9. visit museo de la isla, visiting cozumel island with kids, 10. ride the atlantis submarine, 11. visit cha’an ka’an planetario cozumel, 12. visit the mayan cacao company, 13. hang out at money bar beach club, 14. visit the cozumel pearl farm, 15. sail on a catamaran, cozumel mexico travel requirements , how to get to cozumel, how to get around cozumel, best time to visit cozumel, budget: albatros suites by bedsfriends, mid range: westin cozumel, luxury: secrets aura cozumel, luxury: presidente intercontinental cozumel resort & spa, what to pack for cozumel, packing list for cozumel, further reading on mexico.

Located off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula , Cozumel is the biggest island in the Mexican Caribbean. Cozumel Island is just 12 miles (20km) off Playa del Carmen, where we currently live. Since moving to Mexico , we’ve decided we’re going to visit Cozumel as often as we can! Read my detailed guide on how to get from Cancun to Cozumel.

In contrast to commercialised coastal cities like Cancun and Tulum, Cozumel Island is wild and relatively unspoiled. Most of the island is covered by lush tropical forests, nature reserves and empty beaches. Yes, it is a popular cruise destination — but time your visit to avoid the cruise ship and you’ll have the island to yourself.

The best Cozumel resorts are dotted all along the island’s west coast, so you won’t have to sacrifice creature comforts. But if you’d rather stay somewhere in a simple beach shack, you also have that option of living the beach bum’s dream here on Cozumel. If you’re doing a Yucatan road trip , make sure you add Cozumel island to your itinerary!

cozumel mexico - island of cozumel - things to do in cozumel

Things to Do in Cozumel  

Cozumel is well known as one of the world’s best places to go scuba diving. The island is fringed by the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia). It extends over 600 miles from the north of Yucatan to the Bay of islands in Honduras.

Of all the dive sites dotted around the island, the most popular is perhaps the Palancar Reef. This is a great area to dive for beginners since currents are not strong. A spectacular site to dive is the C-53 shipwreck, a WWII minesweeper built by the US in 1943. It was sank to create an artificial reef. Book your dive here.

scuba diving in cozumel - top things to do in cozumel

Jeeps and buggies are very common on Cozumel island, and renting one is one of the best things to do in Cozumel. Buggis and jeeps will allow you to drive off road into the jungle. Check for car rental prices here.

If you can’t drive or don’t feel confident on the road, you can also book a jeep tour that’ll take you to some of the best beaches and Mayan ruins on the island. Alternatively, cyclist enthusiasts can also rent an e-bike to explore the island on two wheels.

jeep tour cozumel - cozumel itinerary

Driving on Cozumel Island

It’s easy to drive in Cozumel — there’s very little traffic outside of San Miguel city and the road is relatively smooth and free of potholes. Note that the northern road is closed off to cars (rental companies make it clear that you’ll be void of your insurance if you drive that road).

Most cars are manual transmission, so make sure you know how to drive a stick before you rent one. You don’t need an international drivers license to drive here.

cozumel road trip - driving in punta sur

3. Explore Punta Sur Ecological Park

A visit to the Punta Sur Ecological Park is my personal favorite thing to do in Cozumel. Located at the southern tip of the island, this natural reserve sprawls across 1,000 hectares (2500 acres) of lagoon systems, tropical rainforests and wild beaches. It’s home to sea turtles, various species of birds, and over 350 crocodiles.

Punta Sur is a big reserve and there are quite a few activities to do here — we spent a full day at Punta Sur and felt like we barely scratched the surface! Here are some sites worth visiting in the reserve:  

Cost: US$18 per adult, $11 per kid (4-12 years old) and includes entry to all the sites below

First make a stop at the Mayan ruins of El Caracol. It may be small, but it’s said to be the first hurricane-predicting instrument in the New World!  

Dedicated to the moon goddess Ixchel, this structure was built between 1200 and 1400 A.D. Archaeologists claim that El Caracol acted as a whistle when strong winds funneled through the seashell. That sound would warn people to prepare for bad weather.

el caracol - things to do in cozumel on a budget

Across the road from El Caracol is an entrance to the Colombia Lagoon. The lagoon systems are a critical element in the park’s ecological mission to protect native flora and fauna.  

Head up to the top of the watchtower for an elevated view of all the wildlife — we saw three crocodiles from the platform! You can also catch glimpses of flamingos, herons and spoonbills plus several indigenous species.

view of lagoon from top of tower - punta sur cozumel

Continue driving along the wild, rugged coast and you’ll reach the Celarain Lighthouse, constructed to warn sailors off the southern coast of Cozumel. The lighthouse now forms part of a maritime museum, which tells the naval history of the Caribbean.

For 360 degree views of the Island, climb the 133 steps to the top. You’ll see where the lagoons meet the sea, and lush greenery for as far as the eye can see!

view from top of lighthouse - cozumel on a budget

Driving further into the reserve, you’ll find the embarkation point for the boat trip around the Colombia Lagoon. You’re not guaranteed to see crocodiles but you do see many bird species and learn about the ecosystem from a wildlife guide.  

This 40-minute boat tour is included in the entrance fee. It leaves at 1pm and 2pm everyday. Right by the embarkation point is a beach with great snorkeling — it’s one of the best beaches in Cozumel here!

mangroves in punta sur cozumel

Right outside of the Punta Sur gates is a prominent reggae bar splashed in green, red and yellow colors. You won’t miss it!  

Grab some ice cold beer and enjoy the sea breeze while listening to Bob Marley classics. Rasta’s Reggae Bar is a simple beach shack, but we love the laidback vibes and delicious seafood. The fresh-from-to-sea fried snapper was huge and delicious, and only cost 300 Pesos ($15).

rasta reggae bar cozumel mexico

The island’s west coast is lined with all-inclusive resorts , but the east coast cannot be more different. Overlooking the open sea, the rugged east coast is fringed by wild beaches and choppy waters. Swimming isn’t allowed, but you’ll still see people frolicking in some of the calmer beaches.  

The coastal drive is a spectacular one, as you weave your way along the road that hugs the east coast. Be sure to stop at the numerous beach shacks and viewpoints along the way. This is definitely high up on my favorite things to do in Cozumel.

east coast road - cozumel things to do

One of the scenic spots you’ll find along the east coast road is El Mirador. The rocky beach has natural arches and tidepools created over thousands of years.

The sea has carved an arch in the rock which you can climb on top of for great views. There’s also a small bubbling natural pool that resembles a jacuzzi, which you can swim in.

cozumel island el mirador - cozumel places of interest

The most important archaeological site on Cozumel, San Gervasio, was once considered a pilgrimage center. The Mayans would travel to Cozumel at least once in their life to pay respects to the Goddess “Ixchel”. Besides being a Mayan sacred center, San Gervasio was also a strategic site for the economic development of the area.

There are 6 groups of architectural structures and other isolated temples joined by a network of ancient roads called “sacbés”. There aren’t many explanations or signs at this site, you might want to hire a local guide at the entrance.

Cost: $188 Pesos/ $10 USD (Children under 3 Enter Free)

san gervasio archaeological site - cozumel mexico things to do

If you arrive in Cozumel port via the ferry from Playa del Carmen, you’ll step off directly into the heart of downtown San Miguel.   San Miguel is the main town of Cozumel, where most locals live. It’s a very safe and easy place to explore on foot, with a large Zocalo park, surrounded by restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and shops.

Check out the town’s central plaza, where you’ll find a statue of Benito Juarez (the first indigenous Mexican president) and a large orange clock tower. Overlooking the clock tower is the art deco building of Palacio Municipal, and next to it is a narrow alley covered with beautiful mural art.

palacio municipal - cozumel things to do

When in San Miguel, be sure to visit the island’s museum, which was fully renovated in the year 2020.

El Museo de la Isla  takes visitors through a series of galleries that gradually introduce the island’s natural history, as well as the history of the Mayan people, Spanish explorers and colonial settlers.

You’ll find displays of original artifacts from ancient Mayan pilgrimage sites, along with originals and replicas of other historic periods, including Spanish navigation materials, tools, and weapons.

Cost: 220 Pesos (US$11)/adult (Children under 3 enter free)

museo de la isla - cozumel sights - visit cozumel

On our first trip to Cozumel years ago, we visited Cozumel on a scuba diving trip and didn’t really get a chance to explore the island properly. This time, we traveled Cozumel with our 6.5 year old daughter and discovered that the island’s great for kids.

Traveling Cozumel with kids is easy — the island is filled with nature, with lots of pristine beaches and green spaces for kids to run free. Outdoorsy kids would love going inside a submarine, trying scuba diving, or seeing wildlife on the island.

There are also lots of family-friendly resorts , as well as beach clubs fully equipped with aqua parks and over-water trampolines (such as Playa Mia and Mr Sanchos ) on the west coast. It’s extremely hot though, so make sure to hydrate your kids regularly and pack some essentials (Scroll down for my packing list).

traveling cozumel with kids - cozumel family trip

If you’re not a scuba diver, you can still see the World War II C-53 wreck I mentioned above! Onboard the Atlantis Submarine,  you can also see the colorful reefs surrounding it, as well as fish, turtles, stingrays, and more.

The submarine is located south of San Miguel, within a 10-minute drive from the center. At the moment it departs at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 1:00pm. Get your tickets online here .

This is slightly expensive, but it’s a great activity for those visiting Cozumel with kids!

Cost: 2365 MXN ($115) per adult 

atlantis submarine - top things to do in cozumel

We didn’t get to visit this planetarium, but definitely hope to the next time we visit Cozumel.  

The Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium is said to be the first 3D full-dome planetarium in Latin America. There’s an observatory and a “science museum” area focusing on Mayan astronomy and local flora and fauna. If you get the chance, come here for the nightly astronomic evenings!

Cost: 70 Pesos ($3.50)/adult and 50 Pesos ($2.50) /kid (3-12 years old)

Chocolate played a central role in the ancient Mayan society — they used cacao beans as currency, and prepared chocolate for the royalties.

At  Mayan Cacao Company , you can learn all about the ancient Mayans prepared chocolate and of course, you will taste the original Mayan chocolate recipe! They also run workshops, that teach you how to make a chocolate bar yourself with the cacao seeds the Mayans used in rituals and ceremonies to honor their gods.

Cost: 285 Pesos ($15) per adult and 171 Pesos ($9) per kid for general admission

mayan cacao company - cozumel attractions

If you’re looking for a spot to snorkel and hang out at without spending too much money, I recommend the Money Bar Beach Club . It is touristy, but it’s become somewhat of an institution thanks to the epic sunsets here!

There’s actually no beach here, just a rocky deck and pier. Jump right into the clear spearmint waters and you’ll know why everyone loves it here. The shallow waters are clear and calm, and you’ll see live corals, sting rays, eels and all kinds of fish here.

money bar beach club - things to do in cozumel mexico

Another interesting activity to do in Cozumel is a visit to the Cozumel Pearl Farm , located on a secluded part of the island with deserted beaches. The farm is family-run and they use knowledge from the South Pacific to grow the pearls. Explore the pearl farm and lab, and snorkel in the pearl hatchery to see how pearls are grown.  You’ll also learn about the reef system and see the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue. Book your tour here.

cozumel pearl farm

One of the best things to do in Cozumel is sailing on a catamaran, especially if you love snorkeling. Most boats will bring you out to the reef surrounding the island and provide snorkeling equipment. Either relax on board with drinks, or dive in the sea and see starfish, turtles, and stingrays.

The waters at El Cielo bay are particularly rich in marine life and are safe for swimming and snorkeling. We booked this snorkeling catamaran trip and had an excellent time!

catamaran - cozumel activities

Mexico has no travel restrictions, and there’s no need for proof of vaccine or PCR tests on the plane or ferry. Anyone is welcomed to travel to Mexico.

However, I always recommend travelers to buy travel insurance, whether you’re traveling for a year or a week. It is particularly important to have travel insurance that covers COVID-19.

Safety Wing  is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their  Nomad Insurance plan , which covers COVID-19 as any other illness as long as it was not contracted before your coverage start date. Refer to my  travel insurance guide  for more details.

cozumel travel guide - san miguel center

The most popular way to get to Cozumel is by ferry from  Playa del Carmen , a beach town just 1 hour away from Cancun. The ferry is a comfortable, affordable and convenient way of traveling to Cozumel — the boats are always air-conditioned and they leave regularly in a well-organised manner. Read my guide on how to get to Cozumel island .

However the ferries to Cozumel only leave from Playa del Carmen, there are no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel. So you will first have to get to Playa del Carmen, in order to catch the ferry. I will explain in details  how to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen  below.

There are two ferry companies that run the route: Ultramar and Winjet. Currently, Ultramar runs on even-numbered dates, and Winjet on odd-numbered dates. Both companies have comfortable ferries that air-conditioned and punctual, and take 45 minutes each way. You can book tickets online directly on their websites (links below).

Ferry ticket prices are as follow (per person):

  • Ultramar : US$25/adult, US$20/child
  • Winjet : US$25/adult, US$17/child

*Car Ferry: There is also a car ferry to Cozumel, but it leaves from Punta Venado, outside Playa del Carmen. The ferry takes 1.5 hours each way and you need to be there at least 1 hour before departure. Tickets can only be reserved through Whatsapp. Check out the Ultramar Carga website for rates.

Cozumel has a small international airport. Flying is of course the most expensive way to get from Cancun to Cozumel. But if you’re short on time, this is the fastest and easiest.

Vuelatours run  private charter flights from Cancun to Cozumel  24 hours a day every day. You’ll get to fly over the  Caribbean Sea  and drink in views of the  wonderful turquoise  sea from above. The  25-minute flight on a Cessna206 costs around US$550  (up to 5 passengers).

It’s a pretty good deal if you’re traveling in a group — considering the total cost of a journey by land for a group of 5 people is close to $400 and takes up to 3 hours.

By Private Transfer

If you want to be free of the stress of getting a cab, I recommend booking a private transfer from Cancun to Cozumel. This includes the transfer to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen AND the ferry to Cozumel. I always book with  Cancun Airport Transportations , as they are reliable, responsive, and provide door-to-door service from Cancun Airport to Cozumel.

Private transfer from Cancun Airport to Cozumel   not only saves you time but it’s convenient and keeps you away from haggling with the drivers. It usually costs around  US$85 one-way or US$165 round-trip . This is ideal if you’re traveling as a family or with a group of friends as you can split the cost!

You’ll have a bilingual driver who speaks English (and actually drives safely!), waits for you for arrivals even if your flight is delayed, and drives you in an air-conditioned car straight to your hotel on Cozumel island.

ultramar - how to get to cozumel - how to visit cozumel

The best way to get around Cozumel is by hiring a car. The island is relatively large and you won’t be able to explore without a car. Taxis are expensive — a taxi ride to any resort on the west coast would cost US$20 each way.

We hired an open-roof Nissan hatchback for 800 Pesos ($40) per day from HTL Rentals, a block away from the ferry terminal. It worked well for us, although we did get pretty wet whenever it rained. Alternatively, you can book your car rental online to ensure availability.

Here are the rental prices from HTL Rentals:

  • Scooter — 500 Pesos or $25 a day
  • Normal sedan — 1000 Pesos ($50) a day
  • Jeep — 1200 Pesos ($60) a day
  • ATV/quad —1500 Pesos ($75) a day

renting a car in cozumel - how to get around cozumel

With its location in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is definitely a year-round destination that can be visited any time of the year.

In general, it’s best to travel Cozumel between March to June , when temperatures are slightly more pleasant and there are less crowds. Avoid the hurricane season (June to November) and the peak season (December to February) when prices are higher.

We visited in October on both trips to Cozumel, and it was the rainy season. While it rained quite a bit, the sun always came out afterwards and didn’t affect our trip in any way.

cozumel travel guide - punta sur eco beach park

  • Where to Stay in Cozumel

For first-timers, your best bet would be to stay in downtown Cozumel so you’re close to all the activities. You’ll have easy access to anywhere on the island, north or south this way.

If you’re an avid scuba diver then the south of the island would be best. Here is where you’ll find the marine park, where most of the dive companies visit. Plus there are lots of beachfront hotels to choose from.

The north is the lesser populated portion of the island. There aren’t as many hotels but this comes with its benefits. Beaches are almost completely uninhibited so you’ll feel like you have your own private beach a lot of the time. Read my guide on where to stay in Cozumel.

With a great location near San Miguel, this budget hotel has simple, modern suites decorated with a tropical feel. Check rates here.

With surprisingly reasonable prices, this new hotel is a high-end resort with a small beach on the north end of the west coast. It looks more upscale than where we stayed and was just $30/night. Check rates here.

This is one of the few adults-only resort, perfect for those looking for a more exclusive experience. They have a delectable range of Mexican breakfast as well as decadent beachfront dining at night. Check rates here.

Lauded as the best resort on Cozumel, the Presidente is swanky and modern (pictured). It’s not cheap of course, but you’ll be guaranteed the best digs. Check rates here.

hotel presidente - where to stay in cozumel

For this trip to Cozumel Island, you’ll be spending most of your time in the sea, so definitely pack lots of sun-proof gear. KEEN footwear or normal sandals are also really useful to walk on beaches strewn with seashells or corals.

Snorkel mask and fins will come in useful as you’ll be using them alot here. We were glad we brought our snorkel masks!

  • SPF 70 Sunscreen
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Snorkel mask and fins
  • UPF50+ rash guard swim shirt
  • Quick-dry towels
  • KEEN covered sandals
  • GoPro for waterproof photos/videos
  • Quick-dry t-shirts

things to do cozumel - beach at resort

A trip to Cozumel is a dream come true for beach bums and active travelers who love underwater adventures. I hope you’ve found this list of things to do in Cozumel to be useful. It’s definitely worth adding Cozumel to your Yucatan itinerary . Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • How to Get from Cancun to Cozumel
  • 10-Day Yucatan Road Trip Itinerary
  • 35 Fun Things to Do in the Yucatan Peninsula
  • 20 Things to Do in Valladolid
  • 5-Day Mexico City Itinerary

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

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A 3 Day Guide to Cozumel, Mexico

2 miles east of mainland Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel feels like its own little Caribbean oasis, surrounded on all sides by turquoise, crystal-clear water as far as the eye can see. Here is the itinerary we used to spend 3 days exploring all that Cozumel, Mexico had to offer.

cozumel group travel

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Rachel Off Duty: Cozumel Mexico

A huge thank you to Legit Trips for hosting me. Follow Legit Trips on Instagram here , and check out their upcoming trips here !

12 miles east of mainland Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel feels like its own little Caribbean oasis, surrounded on all sides by turquoise, crystal-clear water as far as the eye can see.

But, before I get into everything I loved about Cozumel, I want to start out by keeping it real with you guys – just a few weeks ago, I didn’t even know this island existed! In fact, a lot of people don’t, unless you’ve been on a Caribbean cruise in your lifetime. If you frequent cruise ships, odds are you’ve probably spent a day in port on Cozumel in the past, as thousands of people often do each and every day. In fact, the association with cruise shippers and Cozumel 1-day stopovers is so strong that a lot of people were actually surprised that Cozumel was my final destination. When flying into Quintana Roo, travelers are usually more drawn to the more widely-known hot spots in the area – Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum. Cozumel sits there, just across the sea, waiting to be explored by non-cruise shippers who dare break away from the beaten path to give this tiny island a shot for a day, or (like me), a full weekend.

Rachel Off Duty: Woman on the Beach in Mexico

Cozumel is Mexico’s third-largest island, and its most populated, floating just above the Caribbean sea and measuring 28 miles long and 11 miles wide. The northern tip of the island is covered in thick coastal vegetation, and the rest of the island is accessible via one main ring road that traces the coastline of the island’s lower half. Because of Cozumel’s small size and more laidback pace, it’s easy to see why I was met with some questions and confused looks about what I could possibly do on the island for 3 days. But while most of the island’s tourists arrive in the morning and are whisked away on boats at night, the few that stay are welcomed into a nightlife scene that’s entirely local and inviting. At night, city lights from Playa del Carmen – the closest town back in the mainland peninsula, a 45-minute ferry ride away – are almost completely imperceptible. The town fills back up with locals as the cruise ships carry on their way, and all you can hear wherever you look is either the sound of the ocean, or the vibrations coming from the nearest salsa club. If not for anything else, this is why I think spending at least 1 night in Cozumel is absolutely worth the trip.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Yucatán

Rachel Off Duty: A 3-Day Itinerary in Cozumel, Mexico

So, how did I hear about Cozumel? I actually found out about a long-weekend trip to the island that was being led by a boutique travel company called Legit Trips , one of the owners of which I actually connected with through a travel conference that I attended last year in Texas. Having never tried the group travel route before, and excited about the possibility of making new friends in a beautiful destination, I thought, what the heck! And it was off to the Yucatan Peninsula I went. The experience was better than I could have ever expected, and I’ll share all my thoughts on solo and group travel in another post. Until then, here is the itinerary I used to spend 3 days exploring all that Cozumel, Mexico had to offer!

Getting to Cozumel

You can fly into Cancun or directly into Cozumel, since there is an airport on the island. Cancun is the cheaper route, which is what I did. If you’re flying into Cancun, it’s a 1-hour drive to the ferry in Playa Del Carmen, and a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel.

For the drive from Cancun to Playa Del Carmen, you have 2 main transportation options outside of grabbing a taxi:

Booking a private or semi-private transfer (cost: $100-110 USD round-trip)

I used Happy Shuttle Cancun and had no complaints with their service

Tipping is not required, but encouraged (I tipped around 40-50 pesos each way)

The ADO BUS will take you from the airport to Playa Del Carmen’s city center, and departs roughly once or twice every hour

From the drop-off point, it’s a 10-minute walk to the ferry dock

Once at the ferry dock, you’ll see 2 different companies you can take to get to Cozumel, Winjet and Ultramar. Either are fine to use (I used Ultramar!), and you can buy your tickets on the spot so you don’t need to worry about it in advance.

3-Day Itinerary in Cozumel, Mexico

Day 1: explore downtown, get in the water, and go dancing, explore san miguel.

Rachel Off Duty: San Miguel

Spend the morning getting your bearings in San Miguel, Cozumel’s main town center. This quaint area has tons of options as far as dining and shopping, and since the hotel we were staying at was just a 15 minute walk from the center of town, we started off our day in San Miguel filling up on food before getting on with our day. For breakfast, we ate waterfront at a place called Jeanie’s , and grabbed coffee at a cute and very hip coffee shop called Coz Coffee Roasting Company .

Rachel Off Duty: A 3-Day Itinerary in Cozumel, Mexico

Walk down Avenida Rafael Melgar (the main road running parallel to the water) to check out the many artisan shops catering to tourists and cruise shippers. Shop owners will be pushy, but this is their livelihood and they are just looking to share their craft with you, so be open-minded! Explore the Plaza Central and snap a photo by the colorful Isla de Cozumel sign, which you really can’t miss.

Once we finished walking around and snapping photos, we got whisked into a touristy but SUPER fun bar with swings for seats and a clown serving up balloon hats alongside ice-cold cervezas (it’s just one of those things we couldn’t possibly have planned but ended up being tons of fun!). The bar is called Habaneros Bar & Grill and it’s on Avenida Rafael Melgar.

Go Scuba Diving / Snorkeling, Or Head to a Beach Club

You can’t go to Cozumel without spending at least one long afternoon hanging out at one of the various beach clubs and parks on the island. There are tons, but two of the closest ones to San Miguel are Chankanaab National Park and SkyReef. Both options are perfectly situated for some of the most memorable snorkeling or scuba diving of your life, as their waters are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, one of the most abundant marine life ecosystems in the world. In Chankanaab, you can also learn about the island’s Mayan history by getting up close and personal with the preserved ancient ruins of a Mayan village on site.

Rachel Off Duty: Beach Club in Cozumel

In SkyReef , which is where we went, you’ll get a more traditional beach club. Upon arriving, you’ll be met with different bundled packages for things to do, but my advice is to just skip that and pay for things as you go. During the afternoon, our group ordered tons of food and drinks, listened to live music, lounged on beach chairs, rented snorkeling gear, and even got 30-minute massages, all in one place. The food is just decent, but everything else was simple, relaxing perfection, and the staff were nothing but kind.

Grab Dinner in Town & Go Dancing

Earlier, I briefly mentioned how after sunset, the island pretty much clears out, as the majority of people visiting the island are only there for the day while their cruise ships are in port. This means that if you’re staying for the weekend, the island is yours for the taking after dark! We went into town for dinner at a place called Kondesa and found that we were the only people at the restaurant we visited, but instead of feeling weird or uncomfortable about it, we had the BEST meal. The restaurant employees were excited, the service was great, and the musician who was packing up for the evening actually unpacked his instruments when we arrived, and started playing again just for us!

After dinner, I desperately wanted to go dancing and enjoy the nightlife scene that I fell in love with after going to Mexico for the first time 2 years ago. We went to a salsa bar called Tiki Tok that was full of locals, and we had the most incredible time, I highly, highly recommend you try this out yourself whether you dance or not. Even just people watching and enjoying the live music in this kind of an environment is a blast. If you do dance, know that things don’t really get lively until after midnight. Once midnight hit, I swear it was like clockwork – everyone at every table around us got up and hit the dance floor (even me, after a drink or two to calm my nerves!).

Day 2: Rent Jeeps and Beach Hop

Grab an early breakfast and explore the island in jeeps.

Rachel Off Duty: Breakfast in Cozumel, Mexico

On the second day in Cozumel, we first had breakfast at Chilaquiles , a chic but extremely unassuming restaurant that you might otherwise overlook because it’s right next to the parking lot of Chedraui (the Mexican version of Walmart). But, definitely don’t overlook this place! We ordered giant portions of colorful pancakes, chilaquiles, and cafe con hielo, everything tasting just as good as I was hoping (all that dancing the night before really worked up my appetite).

Rachel Off Duty: Woman in Cozumel, Mexico

We then rented jeeps from a local company called Smart Motorbikes for around $25 USD per person so that we could drive around the island. While the western part of the island is where town is, the eastern side of the island is much more remote, with a handful of beach clubs, bars, and other fun stops worth checking out along your drive.

Here’s Where We Stopped (note: most of these places are unfortunately cash only, so plan ahead):

Punta Morena: Adorable rainbow-themed beach club with hammocks, a bar, and a pool

Coconuts: the highest point on an otherwise perfectly flat island. At the top of this hill is another bar and restaurant (called Coconuts Bar & Grill) with great views.

El Pescador Beach Club: a beach club with lots of space for beach volleyball and hanging out, with tons of lounge chairs to choose from.

Palancar Beach: a gorgeous sand beach (making it one of the easiest to walk right into the water and swim in) and restaurant. TIP: if you arrive before 2:30 pm, try to get on a boat to head out to the sand bar. Supposedly, it’s epic. Unfortunately, we didn’t get there until past 3.

Turquoise Beach Bar : Back on the other side of the island, we stopped at Turquoise Beach Bar for sunset. This restaurant is a bright blue, chic locale with a rooftop feel, since it overlooks the ocean from up high. While you wait for your food or before you find a table, head down to the water, walk down the dock, and jump in. The water is crystal clear and there are hundreds of schools of fish hanging out around the dock – don’t forget your goggles! We went swimming around 5:30 pm and it was still warm enough to watch the sun begin to dip from the water. And, there are a couple of partially submerged hammocks that you can hang out in before getting out of the water, which I loved.

Punta Morena

Get Out of the Town Center and Hit Up a Local Spot for Dinner

Back in San Miguel, you’ll notice that the further inland you get, the more local and authentic the town begins to feel. We wanted a super local taco experience for dinner while we were in Cozumel, so we went to a place called Los Seras . Now, imagine this: despite being a group of 9 people who ordered 4+ tacos each AND 2 big pizzas for the table, we only paid $28. Total. That’s $3 a person, and we were stuffed!

Next door at a place called Oasis de Sabor , we were tempted by some sweets with unique, latin-inspired flavors like rompope (kind of like eggnog) and chicle (bubblegum). We got a scoop each for less than $1. That’s 4 tacos, some pizza, and ice cream all for less than $5 per person!

Day 3: One Last Adventure Before Getting Back on the Ferry

Grab coffee and go shopping.

Rachel Off Duty: Coz Coffee Roasting Company

On our last day in Cozumel, we went back to Plaza Central for one last stop at Coz Coffee Roasting Company, where we also ate breakfast (I recommend their avocado toast and their iced peanut butter coffee – SO good). After breakfast, this would be a good time to buy any local goods or souvenirs you were eyeing on day 1 while you’re in the area.

Snag an ATV Tour to Go On One Last Sightseeing Adventure

If you have time, spend your last afternoon on the island renting an ATV or a dune buggy to head to one of two unique sights in Cozumel: the San Gervasio archeological site (Mayan ruins), or the Jade Caverns (a cenote you can swim in). Based on my research, you probably won’t be able to easily do either of these alone because of their remote locations. However, there are several tour operators on the island that offer excursions for both. I didn’t get to do this myself because I had an early flight to catch, but I would have died to see a cenote if I could!

Rachel Off Duty: 3-Day Itinerary in Cozumel, Mexico

This trip reaffirmed my belief in solo travel and in going to places I never previously considered. After going to Tasmania solo a few months back, I was itching to go somewhere new and thanks to Legit Trips I was able to make that desire come true on a beautiful, relaxing island in the Caribbean.

So, Why Visit Cozumel with a Boutique Travel Company like Legit Trips, Versus Going Alone?

While Legit Trips’ itineraries are designed to be as custom as you want them to be, so that you’re in control of your own adventure, our laidback Cozumel weekend really felt like it allowed us to be able to experience so much of what this gorgeous island had to offer at our own pace, and I left feeling completely fulfilled and overwhelmed with gratitude (and new friends, too!). Even though I flew to Cozumel alone and wasn’t sure what to expect, the team at Legit Trips (and the fellow travelers in the group) made me feel instantly like we had known each other for a lifetime, and these 3 days made for some of my best travel memories to date. This was my first time trying out small group boutique travel, and I don’t think it will be my last!

The Main Reasons To Travel This Way Include:

Effortless Travel : don’t fuss over hotel bookings or airport transfers to and from the hotel. That’s all taken care of. Have a question about something you want to do during your trip or need help booking an activity? The trip leaders can usually help with that, too!

Peace of Mind : knowing that there is a whole group of people traveling to an unfamiliar destination in addition to yourself can be a HUGE relief, and knowing that you’ll have allies and resources to make plans with throughout your trip can be the game-changer between a stressful, and an energizing, experience.

New Friends : regardless of whether you go by yourself or book the trip with a friend, you’re bound to make new friends along the way and broaden your network of adventure-loving individuals (and potential future travel buddies!) from all over the world. After 3 days in Cozumel, I made friends from all over the USA and as far as Brazil (and we’re all Facebook / Insta-official, to prove it).

Use code LEGITRACHEL25 for 4 Day Trips, and LEGITRACHEL50 for 5+ Day Trips With Legit Trips!

Have you ever been to (or heard of) cozumel tell me below, read this next:.

  • 6 Incredible Places to Visit in Mexico for First-Timers

The Ultimate One-Week Guide to Tulum, Mexico

Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Yucatán

Where to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico: Villas El Encanto

A 3-Day Guide to Merida, Mexico

The Top Things to Do in Merida, Mexico

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5 Things To Do For A Relaxing Weekend in Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

  • The Coolest Woman-Owned Boutique Hotels Mexico City
  • Things to Do in Mexico City for Solo Female Travelers

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Rachel Off Duty: A 3 Day Guide to Cozumel, Mexico

Hey there! I’m Rachel, a travel writer and a full-time advertising / marketing expert. In 2019, I traveled more than 25 times while working 9 to 5, and since then I’ve committed myself to living a more adventurous life, even if it means bringing my laptop along for the ride. Are you hungry to travel more, but overwhelmed with how to juggle work and play? You’ve come to the right place!

Recent Adventures:

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Let's go places.

  • Updated on: September 14, 2020

8 Responses

Yes, it is official, I am the friend from Brazil here to prove it =) Beautifully written article Rache, I loved the photos and details, made me travel back in time!

Besitos carina.

Hahaha, love this. See, internet? It’s real!

Thanks Dani! Miss you and hope to travel with you again soon!!

I enjoyed your blog. It has great content and useful information. I’ve been to Cozumel twice and would love to go again. Whenever you visit Austin Texas, be sure to check my blogs for things to do. https://nautisideboatrentals.com/blogs/

Thank you so much! I absolutely adore Austin, Texas (and am here right now, actually!!)

I have been to Cozumel several times and in fact going back March 6th through the 13th. In the beginning it was the all inclusive resorts like Sabor and Allegro. Most bang for the buck! Renting scooters and exploring the island. As I became more familiar and confident navigating on my own. I rented a condo at the landmark. The real local experience is going to the Chedraui and preparing my own meals. On my last trip i went to Plya by ferry and down to Tulum for a day trip. Amazing. This time I have rented a house on the south end of the island with a mixed group of friends that are taking their preteen children. In short I Cozumel is my go to because its familiar and comfortable. And my bee that safe zone keeps me from going elsewhere solo. Your article was very interesting and informative. And you may have inspired me to go a little further.

Hi Sean! Excuse my delayed response – it’s been a busy whirlwind lately! Did your trip get cancelled from covid? Hopefully you were still able to enjoy some time in Cozumel 🙁 And if not, hopefully you will soon! It really is a lovely, relaxing island and I can see why you visit it so often!

Any suggestions on travel from cozumel to Tulum?

You’ll need to take a bus to Playa del Carmen and hop on the ferry from there! No direct ferry from Tulum, unfortunately. Happy travels!

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20 EPIC Things To Do In Cozumel Island, Mexico

Cozumel Island is low-key one of the best destinations in Mexico and definitely not to be missed during your travels in Central America.

And when coming over to the Yucatan Peninsula, this is one of the spots you surely can’t miss.

I spent three days exploring this tropical island in the Caribbean Sea and have put together this complete guide of 20 Best Things To Do In Cozumel to help you plan your trip!

Also in this Cozumel travel guide, I have included some useful information on how to get to Cozumel, where to stay in Cozumel, getting around the island, and the best time to visit!

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Table of Contents

OVERVIEW – THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL

Among the best things to do in Cozumel, here are the unmissable ones that I highly recommend checking out:

  • Rent a Jeep and drive around the island
  • Cozumel snorkeling tour
  • Watch the sunrise at the beach
  • Check out Chen Rio Mirador
  • Beach hop on the east coast
  • ATV and Cenote adventure tour
  • Live music at Woody’s
  • Visit Punta Sur Eco-Park
  • Swim out to theree Cozumel shipwreck

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HOW TO GET TO COZUMEL

Cozumel lies 12 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen in Yucatán Peninsulas Riviera Maya strip, Mexico.

There are a few different options available when searching for how to get to Cozumel and they are by plane, by public ferry, or onboard a cruise ship.

Conveniently, there is an international airport located on the northern end of Cozumel Island with daily flights available for domestic and international travelers. From Cozumel International Airport to the city center, it’s approximately a 10-minute drive.

There used to be direct flights from Cancun airport but most of them are either very limited or the route has simply been cut off, so I recommend flying into Cozumel directly or into Cancun.

Search All → Flights to Cozumel

The most popular route for travelers heading to the island is the public ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel which takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on the sea conditions. 

Ferries from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, and vice versa, depart every hour on the hour with the earliest one being 7:00 am and the last ferry departing at 10:00 pm. Click Here to see a more detailed guide to the ferry schedule.

The two main ferry companies that operate between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel are Winjet and Ultramar.

I personally used Book A Way to purchase my return ferry tickets online in advance, and I highly recommend booking with them to be guaranteed the best rate.

How to get from A to B, stress-free!

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BY CRUISE SHIP:

Another alternative for getting to Cozumel is onboard a cruise ship. Isla Cozumel plays host to dozens of cruise ships week in and week out, especially in the high season between December and February. 

Some big cruise liners that include Cozumel on their itinerary are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, and many more.

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GETTING AROUND COZUMEL ISLAND

There are a number of ways of getting around the island and they are by car, taxi, bicycle, or on foot.

If you are staying in town, it’s very easy to walk around the main tourist area on foot with bars, restaurants, cafes, and shopping centers all within walking distance. 

Bicycle rental is generally around 150 MXN per hour and you can find a set of wheels at your hostel or from one of the many bike rental stores in the main town.

A taxi ride from the main town to the east side of the island where all the best Cozumel beaches are located will cost you around 200 – 300 MXN one way, so if there are a few of you it works out better to split this cost.

If you have your own rental car then great! This makes it much easier for you to explore Cozumel at your own pace. 

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20 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL

Now that you’ve got all the information on how to get to Cozumel, where to stay in Cozumel, and all the logistics, let’s get to the fun stuff!

So without further ado, here is my ultimate Cozumel travel guide which includes 20 Epic Things To Do In Cozumel Mexico!

RENT A JEEP & DRIVE AROUND THE ISLAND

One of the top things to do when you arrive is to rent a Jeep and drive around the entire island. The coastal road around Cozumel takes no more than 2 hours to do a complete circuit and it boasts the most incredible tropical scenery you can imagine!

Jeep rentals on Cozumel are super easy to find as there are many salesmen wandering around the main square across from the ferry.

The cost to rent a Jeep in Cozumel for 24 hours varies with each rental company. I paid 1200 MXN ($65 USD) total for a Jeep, including a full tank of gas and insurance, so you can expect to pay something around this price.

Note: You will need to show proof of a valid driver’s license (from your home country is fine) and they will also require a credit card number to put down as a deposit in case of any accidental damages.

Alternatively, you can even book a private Jeep excursion , which is the best and most fun way to discover the island.

The tour lasts 6 hours so you’ll have time to see Cozumel properly – Plus, food, beer, water, snorkeling equipment, and hotel pick-up are included – how convenient!

These are the spots I recommend stopping by, whether you rent a Jeep or take a tour:

  • Punta Sur Eco-Park
  • Playa Bonita
  • Chen Rio Mirador
  • Playa San Martin
  • Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

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COZUMEL SNORKELING TOUR

One of my favorite things to do is to go on a snorkeling tour to several spots along the world-renowned coral reef, which happens to be the second-largest reef in the world.

With an abundance of marine life and clear visibility under the surface, this is one adventure not to be missed on your Cozumel itinerary!

There are many tour companies offering Cozumel snorkeling tours. I personally booked this snorkeling tour , and I had an amazing time!

The tour lasts 4 hours in total and covers all the best areas – Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo Great Barrier Reef, which is awesome.

At each snorkeling site, the tour guide will be in the water at all times with a floating ring for those incompetent swimmers who get tired of treading water and need to take a break.

And don’t worry about the equipment, as everything is provided for your convenience. All in all, I can’t recommend it enough!

snorkeling cozumel 6

VISIT PUNTA SUR ECO-PARK

Another great attraction in Cozumel is the Punta Sur Ecological Park, located on the very southern tip of the island.

Punta Sur Eco-Park in Cozumel Island is a unique and beautiful nature reserve located on the island’s southeastern tip.

The park consists of more than 1,000 hectares of pristine tropical habitat, including mangrove forests, lagoons, sand dunes, coral reefs, and archaeological sites.

At the park, you can explore its abundant wildlife by taking a boat tour along its mangroves or visiting its many bird watching spots – a dream for nature lovers.

The park also has a museum with interactive displays and numerous trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding – How cool! Make sure to check out this awesome Electric Bike Tour !

Punta Sur Eco-Park entrance fee is 300 MXN for adults and 180 MXN for a child, and that includes of course the Punta Sur eco beach park!

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WATCH THE SUNRISE AT THE BEACH

Watching the sunrise is a daily routine of mine, and if you’re an early person like myself, be sure to go and watch the sunrise on the east side of San Miguel de Cozumel during your visit.

I personally went to watch the sunrise at a public beach on the east coast located right next to Senor Iguana’s restaurant:

Here is the exact pin location on Google Maps.

This particular beach features a long stretch of white sandy shores and azure blue waters making it such an ideal spot to watch the sunrise.

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EXPLORE DOWNTOWN COZUMEL

The downtown area of Cozumel also holds a unique charm that you shouldn’t overlook, and while the beaches are stunning, I definitely recommend coming over for a bit.

The town is lined with colorful buildings, each adorned with intricate designs and murals depicting the rich culture and history of the island.

And don’t worry about getting bored here, you’ll feel that sense of liveliness and energy, with street performers and vendors selling local crafts to get some souvenirs.

Also, make sure to pass by Benito Juarez Park and its “Isla Cozumel” sign, as well as the Mercado Municipal to eat some delicious food, you won’t regret it!

If you plan to spend more days on Cozumel Island, the downtown area comes alive at night, with bars and clubs offering live music and entertainment well into the wee hours of the morning!

The best time to explore downtown Cozumel is during the early morning, when the air is cool and the streets are less crowded – a photographer’s dream!

EXPLORE DOWNTOWN COZUMEL ISLAND

ATV & CENOTE ADVENTURE TOUR

One of the more adventurous things to do on Cozumel is to go on a 3.5-hour fun-fuelled ATV adventure in the jungle which also includes a visit to Cozumel’s only cenote!

There are several tour companies that offer ATV tours in Cozumel but I recommend booking this incredible tour , which I took and I had so much fun.

This particular tour is the most top-rated ATV and Cenote tour with great views and hundreds of bookings.

What I love about joining a tour is that it includes everything from the return transfers to a bilingual tour guide to boxed lunch and drinking water and much more.

The ATV tour was the highlight of my trip to Cozumel. I’m a bit of an adrenalin junkie so this tour was the perfect way to get the blood rushing!

The cenote itself wasn’t quite as impressive as some of the cenotes in Tulum which I had previously visited, but it was still beautiful in its own way.

Surrounded by lush jungle and filled with freshwater, it was the perfect spot to hang out for a while and to let the vibrations from the ATV wear off.

Needless to say, this awesome ATV tour was the highlight of my trip !

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CHANKANAAB BEACH ADVENTURE PARK

On the hunt for a fun-filled day out? Then Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is perfect for you.

This park is located on the western side of Cozumel and is easily accessible from the cruise port or downtown.

At the park, you can enjoy a range of activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and scuba diving in crystal clear waters with a variety of sea creatures.

What’s more, there is a botanical garden and a place to see crocodiles, sea turtles and manatees. And when purchasing the tickets online, you’ll get a pass to swim with manatees – How cool!

You’ll also find some of the best beaches in Cozumel at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, where you can relax under the sun or in the shade of a palm tree while enjoying some refreshments.

On top of that, there are 3 restaurants and a cafe inside, which is fantastic to have a break from the activities.

Overall, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Cozumel. So what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!

CHANKANAAB BEACH ADVENTURE PARK WITH MANATEES

CHECK OUT CHEN RIO MIRADOR

If you like beaches and viewpoints be sure to add Chen Rio Mirador to your list of things to do in Cozumel.

‘Mirador’ is the Spanish word for ‘Viewpoint’ and this particular one is very easy to find. Situated along the coastal road on the east side of the island, you’ll see a wooden viewing deck that sticks out over the sand and you can simply walk out to it from the roadside.

Enjoy panoramic views to the north and south of one of the best beaches in Cozumel and over your shoulder, you’ll catch an incredible sight of the expansive jungle.

And while you’re here, make sure to head over to Playa Chen Rio, which is one of the amazing spots on Cozumel Island.

MUST READ: 21 BEST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR ANY TRIP

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CHECK OUT PLAYA CHEN RIO

Situated on the east coast, Playa Chen Rio is a unique white sand beach that promises to enchant you with its natural beauty and exotic atmosphere.

The moment you step onto Playa Chen Rio, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best things to do on the island!

The beach is generally calm with a bar to get a drink and work on your tan for a couple of hours, and let’s not forget about the stunning turquoise waters!

In terms of activities, you can rent beach chairs and an umbrella – Plan to spend around $15 per person, a little pricey, but surely worth it!

cozumel 22

PLAYA MIA GRAND BEACH PARK

The most popular beach on Cozumel is by far Playa Mia, with countless activities and amenities, and the reason why it’s so popular is for the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park theme park.

While the park was original created for families with kids, it’s also great spot for everyone to spend a few hours at.

The water park at Playa Mia features a 200-foot water slide, a floating park, and kayaks. But that’s not all – there’s also an oasis hydro massage, swim-up pool bar, and many dining options.

Not enough? You can even rent a jet ski, get a massage, and even take a snorkeling trip!

You can book the tickets online and there are a few packages available. However, when booking online on Viator , you’ll get a better price as well as all the inclusions you need.

Needless to say, in the peak season, make sure to pre-book your tickets as it gets pretty crowded, despite the small island.

It’s worth noting that you’ll have to leave the beach at 4.00 PM, so I recommend coming at 9.00 AM when it opens, to make the most of it.

PLAYA MIA GRAND BEACH PARK

BEACH HOP ON THE EAST COAST

If you’re a lover of white sand beaches and turquoise waters then don’t miss out on the pristine Cozumel beaches located along the east coast of the island.

You could easily spend a whole day beach hopping from one spot to the next and it’s for sure one of the best things to do during your visit!

The best way to beach hop around the island is to rent a car in the main town and drive over to the east coast, which takes no more than 20 to 30 minutes.

There are 3 main tourist beaches in Cozumel that are definitely worthy of checking out on this side:

  • Playa Punta Morena

Each of these beaches has free roadside parking, small souvenir and snack shops, toilet facilities, and beach umbrellas to accommodate beachgoers – how convenient!

The stretch of beach on the east coast is almost endless so you can easily park on the roadside and find a decent spot to perch up on the sand next to the ocean’s edge all by yourself.

cozumel

GO SCUBA DIVING

Cozumel is well-known to be one of the best destinations for scuba diving around the world. With over 300 days of good diving every year, it’s one of the top spots for marine enthusiasts.

Cozumel has a rich marine ecosystem that hosts a diversity of fish species, corals, and other abundant sea life – Do I even need to mention how incredible your experience will be?

For beginners, you will get all safety instructions before taking your first dive.

On the other hand, if you are an experienced diver, you’ll have the time of your life exploring Cozumel’s many dive sites like Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Columbia Shallows.

In any case, while you can indeed stop at a shop on the street, I recommend booking your snorkeling trip online as it makes things much easier.

The best tour you can join is the 4-hour certified scuba diving tour , where certified and professional instructors will take care of you and show you the best spots. Check it here below!

Scuba diving in Cozumel Island

JOIN A HORSEBACK RIDING TOUR ON THE BEACH

Next on our list of things to do on Cozumel Island is going on a horseback riding trip , and it’s, without a doubt, the best way to go on the beach.

Most tours leave at Mr Sanchos Beach Club and you’ll gallop around for about 30 minutes on the stunning western coast, passing by palm trees and beach bars.

Of course, you don’t have to be an experienced rider to enjoy this your as the guides will be with you every step of the way to ensure your safety.

While you can choose a tour in the morning or afternoon, my recommendation would be to book in the morning to avoid the strong sunlight.

It goes without saying that horseback riding trips sell out quickly, and I suggest booking it as soon as possible to guarantee your spot!

HORSEBACK RIDING IN ISLA COZUMEL

CHECK OUT THE COZUMEL PEARL FARM

Looking for something unique to do on your visit to Cozumel? Make sure to add the Cozumel Pearl Farm to your itinerary!

Nestled on a secluded white sand beach on the north shore of Cozumel, this family-owned and operated pearl farm is the only active one in the Caribbean.

During the tour, you’ll learn about the long cultivation process and see some stunning pearls up close. Plus, you’ll get to escape to your own little piece of paradise as you enjoy the natural and relaxed environment surrounding the farm.

If you’re a fan of snorkeling, you can also book the a boat ride with the staff and you’ll go 45-minute north to learn and see the cultivation process of the pearls.

Of course, the snorkeling gear is included.

Plus, boat trips generally come back around sunset, so this is your chance to see a stunning one while in the North area of Cozumel!

The Cozumel Pearl Farm isn’t a massively popular thing so you don’t need to book your spot ahead of time – that being said, it’s still worth it!

Cozumel Island Road

PARTAKE IN THE TEMAZCAL HEALING CEREMONY

If you came all over to Cozumel, then you’re probably here for the beaches, snorkeling trips, and scuba diving.

However, there’s much more to these, and the Temazcal ceremony is the right way to reconnect with yourself, meditate, and relax. And what better place than Xkanha Cozumel !

The Temazcal Cozumel is an ancient Mesoamerican ritual that involves entering a sweat lodge made of volcanic stone, wood, or cement.

During the ceremony, which is led by a shaman, you’ll be encouraged to let go of negative emotions and physical toxins through sweating and meditation.

This purification process is believed to have numerous health benefits , including:

  • Improved circulation
  • Reduced stress
  • Enhanced respiratory function
  • Decreased risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

There are several ways to book the ceremony and I recommend doing it online before coming as sessions are pretty limited.

In case you plan to come to Cozumel for the day only, I recommend stopping in Playa del Carmen a little longer and partaking in the one here below!

TEMAZCAL HEALING CEREMONY

ENJOY A SCENIC INVISIBLE BOAT TOUR

Can’t get enough of the Caribbean Sea? Then that’s the experience you want to have in San Miguel the Cozumel – jumping aboard a clear boat and seeing all the tropical fish below!

Unlike traditional glass-bottom boats, the 100% transparent boat provides a highly immersive experience that makes you feel like you are floating above the marine life.

Cozumel offers some of the best invisible boat tours in the world, including the Invisible Boat Snorkeling Adventure , where you can watch the underwater world, multicolored fish, and coral reefs from above the surface.

And to top it off, you can make friends from all around the world, as there are up to 16 travelers on the trip, which only make things more fun!

CLEAR BOAT TOUR IN COZUMEL

GET A TAN AT PARADISE BEACH

One of the coolest and beach clubs around is Paradise Beach, as you’ll get to catch some rays and get a tropical tan with a stunning pool.

Don’t get confused by the name, it’s a beach club and not a public beach. However, this is a good point as you can chill by the pool, order food and drinks, and enjoy the music.

Soak up the sun, take a dip in the turquoise waters, and bask in the tropical breeze. What else do you need while on a vacation?!

And if you spent the day at Playa Mia Grand Beach, you can come over to Paradise Beach Club to have a drink before it closes at 5.30.

Alternatively, for a full day of total relax, then purchase your all-inclusive tickets before going – this includes food, beach access, lounge chairs, and high-speed WiFi to share your time on social media!

PARADISE BEACH COZUMEL

LIVE MUSIC AT WOODY’S

Woody’s is a lively little pub located in the main square that is most popular for its daily live music around 5:00 pm.

Woody’s is suitable for all ages and you can either choose to sit by the bar inside or at one of the outside tables in the sun.

Whether you’ve been hanging all day indoors and need some fresh air or you’ve ended up in the main square at the end of a tour, Woody’s is the perfect spot to unwind.

With a cocktail or beer in hand, while listening to some cruisey tunes from the live band, it’s not a bad choice of what to do in Cozumel during your visit.

RELATED ARTICLE → 20 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TULUM

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SWIM OUT TO THE COZUMEL SHIPWRECK

Last but not least is a visit to the shipwreck on the west coast of Cozumel.

Just a stone’s throw from the shoreline and along the main boulevard just north of the main ferry terminal, you can’t miss this unique Cozumel attraction.

With the Cozumel shipwreck being so close to the shore, it’s a short swim out to explore the shallow reef underneath the surface. Otherwise, you can simply marvel at the shipwreck from dry land.

When I visited, I saw the shipwreck on the first day upon arriving as it was right across the road from my hostel.

The following day it was painted a different color because a local graffiti artist had made his mark on the shipwreck which is a common occurrence.

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LEARN ABOUT CULTURE AT COZUMEL ISLAND MUSEUM

The Cozumel Museum is one of the must-visit cultural places on the island.

It offers 11 permanent exhibits that showcase the local geography, ecosystems, history, and culture of Cozumel.

On top of that, you’ll find 2 temporary exhibits, which adds a layer of uniqueness to the museum.

From the island’s origins to its economic development in the 20th Century, you’ll learn about the rich history and heritage of this beautiful Mexican island.

The museum is perfect for those who want to dive deeper into the natural and Mayan culture of Cozumel.

You can expect to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits, and you’ll leave with a better understanding of the unique biocultural heritage of Cozumel.

The entrance fee will set you back $9 and it’s open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM – More than enough to plan a visit during your vacation.

MUSEUM OF COZUMEL ISLAND

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Now that we’ve covered all the best activities on Cozumel, let me elaborate more on the things you should know before coming.

MOST POPULAR BEACH CLUBS IN COZUMEL

Despite being a small island with laid-back vibes, there are many beach clubs around, and the best ones are:

  • Tortugas Beach Club
  • Paradise Beach Club
  • Tequila Beach Club Cozumel
  • Mr Sanchos Beach Club
  • Playa Palancar Cozumel Beach Club

IS IT COZUMEL OR SAN MIGUEL DE COZUMEL?

The island is both Cozumel and San Miguel de Cozumel.

Cozumel is the name of the larger island, located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

San Miguel de Cozumel is the main city of Cozumel, located on the eastern side of the island. Both names are often used to refer to the island.

BEST TIME TO VISIT COZUMEL

The best time to visit Cozumel is during the winter season from December to April. During this time there is little to no rainfall and the temperatures are just perfect. 

The rainy season in Cozumel is typically between May and October which sees higher temperatures due to the humidity.

The only plus side to visiting Cozumel during these months is there will be fewer tourists and prices are less inflated.

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BEST TOURS IN COZUMEL

Cozumel map.

cozumel map

WHERE TO STAY IN COZUMEL

Cozumel has hundreds of accommodations to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay in Cozumel to suit the needs of luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

See the list of Cozumel accommodations below that I personally recommend:

Luxury: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

Experience world-class service at this epic 5-star, all-inclusive resort in Cozumel! Featuring a private beach, outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, spa center, and ocean views. Choose from a King Room, Double Room, or the Master Suite each fitted with a flat-screen tv, free wifi, air-conditioning, private bathroom, balcony, and sea views. Watersport facilities and car hire are also available at this Cozumel resort. Perfect place to stay for couples, traveling friends, and families.

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Mid Range:  Hotel Boutique Vista del Mar

This 3-star property is one of the top-rated mid-range accommodations in Cozumel. Situated right on the oceanfront in the heart of town, Hotel Boutique Vista del Mar offers King Rooms and Double Rooms with free wifi, air-conditioning, a minibar, balconies, private bathrooms, and beautiful sea views. This property also has a swimming pool and a continental breakfast is included for all guests. Great place to stay for couples, families, and traveling friends.

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Budget:  Hostel Tropico 20º

I personally stayed at Hostel Tropico which is an affordable option for solo travelers, budget backpackers, and couples. Located just a 5-minute walk from the main ferry terminal and close to supermarkets, cafes, and restaurants. There is a shared lounge area, communal kitchen with cooking facilities, and an outside terrace with tables and chairs, and hammocks to chill in. Choose from a mixed dorm room, a capsule-style bed, or a private room. The bathrooms are shared with hot water showers and free wifi is also available for all guests.

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FOR ALL OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN COZUMEL, SEARCH ON BOOKING.COM

What to pack for cozumel.

When visiting Cozumel Mexico, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

anti theft money belt

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

grayl geopress

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

Nomatic 20L Bag

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

travel towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

anker powerbank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

More Mexico Travel Guides

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Click the button below to view all articles related to Mexico!

FINAL THOUGHTS – COZUMEL ISLAND

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about Cozumel Mexico, please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

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TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

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Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

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Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

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Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

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Search all rental cars in your next destination.

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Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

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28 Best Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico in 2024

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

Updated On: February 19, 2024

Cozumel is a small island paradise, off the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula that we have visited numerous times. Trust me, there are a million  reasons to visit Mexico , but to be honest, Cozumel is a reason in its own right. The island is blessed with abundant sea life, providing a mesmerizing insight into the spectacular underwater world. We actually did a lot of SCUBA diving around Cozumel over the years. The Yucatan Peninsula has a stunning mainland atmosphere. However, once you’ve enjoyed all the  things to do in Playa del Carmen , it is time to stray off the mainland and embrace island life on Cozumel. There are many cool things to do in Cozumel, from scuba diving to jungle treks and wildlife spotting and we highlight them all here.

Table of Contents

Best Things to Do in Cozumel

This guide will cover the best things to do in Cozumel – from the many beach clubs to the historic archaeological sites and peaceful views on this beautiful island. Get ready to create the itinerary of a lifetime.

Planning Your Trip To Cozumel Right Now?

Below are some of the top tours in Cozumel. Don’t forget to plan ahead when  visiting Mexico!

Top Activities and Tours in Cozumel:

  • Cozumel Submarine Experience (Most Popular)
  • El Cielo Cozumel Snorkeling by Private Boat (Likely to Sell Out)
  • Cozumel: Private Tour by Van or Jeep (Best for Families)
  • Mr Sanchos Romantic Day Beach Pass for Two (Our Favorite)

1. Walk Through San Miguel de Cozumel

San Miguel de Cozumel is impossible not to love. The island town is entirely of brightly colored architecture and is Cozumel’s absolute hub of activity. San Miguel is where to head if you want nightlife, infrastructure, and walkable beach bars and restaurants. It is also where you’ll start your Cozumel experience since it is where the major ports and airport is located.

To get a taste of the island’s culture and heritage, we’d recommend spending at least 2-3 hours walking downtown San Miguel. You can check out the town square, aka Benito Juarez Park, walk along the beachfront boardwalk, admire graffiti, people-watch in cafes, and enjoy souvenir shopping. Since much of the attractions and infrastructure are scattered around Cozumel, having somewhere with such a density of activity is a pleasant change. And you should definitely allocate time to exploring San Miguel on foot.

2. Paradise Beach

Are you ready to experience the most famous beach club in Cozumel? Paradise Beach Cozumel is a beautiful beach club on the east coast of the island and the perfect place to party in style. The club is all-inclusive, meaning you pay a single upfront fee. Your day pass fee treats you to food, drink, a heated pool, and water equipment. The layout is stunning, with a massive pool, a private beach section, and an inflatable obstacle course in the ocean. If you want somewhere fancy to spend a day, this all-inclusive beach club is the way forward. Paradise Beach Cozumel has an excellent reputation.

People say that Cozumel has less of a party scene than Cancun , which is true since it is smaller and less built up. However, Paradise Beach Cozumel is the perfect place to socialize and enjoy in the daytime. You can then return to San Miguel de Cozumel for evening club entertainment. Book your tickets here!

3. Playa del Carmen

It is worth mentioning that you don’t just need to stick to things to do on Cozumel itself. One thing worth venturing off the island for is Playa del Carmen , a scenic resort town on mainland Mexico with seven daily ferries running directly to Cozumel. The ferry ride is only 45 minutes one way, meaning you have tons of time to explore the mainland before catching your return ferry. Playa del Carmen has its own archaeological site, planetarium, and cenotes like Cenote Chaak Tun. If you fancy a mainland beach day, you can also just kick back on its beaches.

Playa del Carmen has a bit more buzz about it than Cozumel, which is mostly sleepy with that typical island culture and ‘manana’ atmosphere. It is a great day trip to get a bit of partying in or add some extra attractions to your itinerary – especially if you are flying directly to Cozumel and not traveling down from Cancun for a ferry crossing. If you want to experience nightlife, we suggest booking an overnight stay in Playa del Carmen. But otherwise, a day trip is the perfect way to experience the mainland in a convenient daytime chunk.

4. Punta Sur Ecological Park

Punta Sur Ecological Park is easily one of the prettiest Cozumel parks and the best things to do in Cozumel for anyone who loves nature. The state reserve has over 240 acres of coastal lands to venture through and appreciate. It’s home to an abundance of flora and fauna. The park is located at the southern tip of Cozumel. It can be visited as part of a guided organized tour – usually by jeep – or independently since it has numerous hiking trails. You can also take a boat trip to see lagoons and mangroves and even spot crocodiles. Punta Sur has everything from tropical fish to turtles and raccoons. It is also a hotspot for bird watching and a hub for migratory birds stopping for a break in their lengthy journey.

To reach Punta Sur, you must take a taxi or rental car, as public transport is essentially non-existent here. You also pay a single upfront entrance fee of around $20 per person.

5. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is where to go for fun in Cozumel, especially if you visit as a family. The vast section of the beach has water activities and rides galore, ranging from an inflatable obstacle course to waterslides and a pool play park for kids. It is coined as the largest family-friendly beach in Cozumel. It is a water park that meets a beautiful beach resort. And while kids enjoy the play parks and slides, adults can enjoy jet ski rentals and even giggle as they attempt to use water bicycles. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is great fun.

Located on the busy east coast of Cozumel, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is easy to reach, and plenty of companies offer shuttle services between the park and major resorts. We’d recommend this park over the nearby Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, which keeps dolphins in captivity.

6. San Gervasio Archeological Site

San Gervasio Archeological Site is an incredible historical attraction to visit in Cozumel. The site has the largest selection of Mayan ruins on the island and over a dozen individual ruins to explore. The best way to visit the San Gervasio Archeological Site is undoubtedly with a tour guide, as signage is limited, and you don’t get as much insight without a guide. It is a fantastic addition to a Cozumel itinerary and ideal for anyone wanting to learn about Mayan culture and get close to preserved history.

As an exciting, novelty side note, the San Gervasio Archeological Site is also home to thousands of iguanas. The iguanas are masters at camouflaging, but there are so many of them that you are bound to see at least a few. If you want to tick off a historical site and wildlife encounter in one go, the San Gervasio Archeological Site is brilliant.

7. Mayan Cacao Company

When you visit Cozumel, tasting the chocolate is a must-do activity. There is no better place to do that than at the Mayan Cacao Company – a small shop and experience attraction on the island’s east coast. Chocolate was created by the Mayans, and this company embraces both the heritage and taste side of this world-loved product by offering tasting sessions as interactive experiences. Visitors can book general admission tickets for the experience or special chocolate workshop tickets for a little more.

The general admission ticket includes a guided tour, tastings, a Mayan purification ritual, and an introduction to Mayan traditions. The workshop gives you all of the above plus the chance to make your own bar of Mayan chocolate. There’s also the chance to complete a chocolate and margarita workshop for extra indulgence. The Mayan Cacao Company is an enjoyable thing to do in Cozumel. You should put this at the top of your itinerary if you have a sweet tooth.

8. El Caracol Archeological Site

El Caracol Archaeological Site is another top contender regarding the best things to do in Cozumel. This site is technically located in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Still, it is so beautiful and historically valuable that we are classing it as an attraction in its own right. The Mayan ruins are spectacular in this small site, with unique snail shells studded into the rocks. The ruins are accessible via a boardwalk and are beautifully set against a mangrove and coastal backdrop.

We’d suggest combining El Caracol with a visit to Cozumel’s other southern attractions. You’ll need to rent a car or book taxis to reach this spot, but it is worth the extra effort. It is much quieter than Cozumel’s larger ruins and northern archaeological sites.

9. Columbia Reef

You don’t need the Great Barrier Reef to get an insight into the beautiful underwater world. Columbia Reef is Cozumel’s stunning collection of coral reefs, reaching depths of 50 to 90 meters in sections with famously varied underwater landscapes. If you are confident scuba diving, you can explore tunnels, caves, and pinnacle reefs – all while seeing sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, and more. It is easily one of Cozumel’s best things to do if you enjoy scuba diving. This reef is frequently rated as one of the world’s best dive sites.

You can also snorkel sections of the reef, so don’t worry if you don’t have diving qualifications or experience. Although we’ll cover diving a little later, sit tight if that has spiked your interest.

10. Jade Cavern

Jade Cavern is the next best thing to do in Cozumel. This cenote is beautiful green, with dozens of stalactites adorning the cavern ceiling and a popular cliff jump. It is accessible via guided tours that use offroad jeeps to reach this remote spot. The Mayans believed that cenotes were a connection to the underworld, and cenotes are still sacred in Mexican culture today. Cozumel has limited cenotes, many of which are unsuitable for swimming due to crocodiles. However, Jade Cavern is an excellent option for a Cozumel cenote experience – just book an excursion online.

It is essential to preserve cenotes and have minimal impact when visiting. Taking an organized trip also means getting insight into cenotes’ cultural and historical significance, not just a refreshing dip and pretty pictures.

11. Faro de Punta Celarayn

Faro de Punta Celarayn might be located in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Still, it is so impressive that it is getting a section of its own. This picturesque lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Cozumel, next to Columbia Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The colossal white lighthouse has a beautiful viewpoint from the top, and tourists are welcome to climb the spiral stairs and admire the views from the lighthouse’s top-most viewing platform.

If you are visiting this area of Cozumel, detouring to Faro de Punta Celarayn is one of the best things to do on the island. You’ll be treated to fantastic views over the beach park and ocean. Plus, you’ll get an insight into Cozumel’s coastal heritage and architecture.

To reach Faro de Punta Celarayn, take a guided tour or organize a car rental. It is best to combine it with other nearby attractions, like the El Caracol Archaeological Site.

12. Sanchos Beach Club

Do you fancy somewhere exclusive for a day? Book a day pass at Mr Sanchos Beach Club , a beautiful, tropical resort that offers day passes to enjoy its facilities. You can enjoy a full-service spa, a section of private beach, pools, dining, a water park, and water activities like parasailing and jet skiing – honestly, what’s not to love? There’s even horse riding on the beach.

Mr Sanchos Beach Club is popular amongst cruise passengers looking to spend a relaxing and all-inclusive day on Cozumel. However, it equally suits those staying in downtown San Miguel who want to escape the town for a day and kick back on a private beach. Whatever your reasoning, this fabulous beach club is one of Cozumel’s best and fan favorites. Book a day at Mr Sanchos Beach Club to have a beach day with an all-inclusive experience.

13. Coral Reefs Monument

Coral Reefs Monument is a stunning display in San Miguel. While it is only a 15-minute maximum attraction, it is still worth incorporating into your itinerary. This fabulous monument is dedicated to the coral reefs in Cozumel. The monument features two scuba divers ‘exploring’ the reef, swimming towards each other under an arch of coral and surrounded by marine life. At night, the monument lights up spectacularly, and there are water fountains spraying up in a serene display.

Cozumel is an island with close connections to its ocean and marine life. And where better to appreciate that than in front of a monument dedicated to its underwater world? The Coral Reefs Monument is a really touching tribute to Cozumel’s marine world and a hugely popular landmark when visiting the island. Definitely carve out time for a visit, even just combining the monument with a walk around San Miguel’s downtown.

14. Paddleboarding

We’ve discussed many water-related activities in Cozumel, but paddleboarding should definitely be on your list. Cozumel is perfect for paddleboarding, which involves kneeling or standing on a huge board – much like a surfboard – and using a paddle to steer yourself sedately along the water. You can rent paddleboards along the Cozumel coastline and make the most of the calm waters.

Paddleboarding is a great, budget-friendly activity and perfect for admiring marine life as you go. You can rent paddleboards and enjoy the experience independently. Or you can book yourself in for a guided paddleboard excursion, usually exploring a specific region or spotting a particular wildlife creature.

15. Deep Sea Fishing

Another fabulous activity you should tick off in Cozumel is deep-sea fishing. Deep sea fishing is a bit more of a splurge price-wise, but if you are keen on fishing, it is considered a bucket list activity. Cozumel is also the perfect place to experience deep-sea fishing, thanks to a vast canyon that sits underwater between the island and the mainland. It means you can reach deep sea fishing territory in hardly any time. Budget around $450 for a 4-hour experience and $600 for 8 hours on the water.

The summer is the best time to go deep-sea fishing, as this is when you’ll find large tuna fish. But you can organize deep-sea fishing excursions all year round, so just look and see what tours are available on your dates.

16. Temazcal Cozumel

Experiencing a Temazcal ceremony is one of the most memorable cultural experiences you can possibly have in Cozumel. A Temazcal ceremony is a sacred procedure carried out by a shaman. It involves the cleansing and detoxifying of the body and mind. This is traditionally done through a mixture of hot stones and special herbs, using steam and heat to spread the power and scent of the herbs. Many compare it to a sauna or steam room, with the added benefit of a cultural and spiritual experience.

A Temazcal ceremony is a privilege to experience first-hand and provides a deeper connection with Mexican culture. When you visit Cozumel, this is one of the most memorable and unique things you can do. In Cozumel, the most popular place for a Temazcal ceremony is at Xkanha, which runs for 3 hours for $80 as of 2024. You also have the option to add on a meditative jungle walk.

17. Atlantis Submarines

Atlantis Submarines is a leading activity in Cozumel, especially if you aren’t confident scuba diving or swimming to see the island’s beautiful surrounding reefs. The submarines dive to depths of 100 feet, taking you up close to the underwater world and beautiful scenery without getting your feet wet. The typical submarine route takes you up close to reefs, a dramatic shipwreck, and allows you to spot animals like sting rays and barracudas.

For non-swimmers and scuba divers, this is a brilliant way of still managing to experience Cozumel’s underwater offerings. The tour aspect of the experience is fantastic, really helping you through the process as an informative experience and making it suitable for adults and children alike. If you want to try something new, a submarine experience with Atlantis Submarines is an excellent idea.

18. Take a Scuba Diving Course

If all that scuba diving earlier sounded incredible, but you don’t have a PADI yet, this section is for you. Why not get your PADI license while holidaying in Cozumel? There are over four different dive schools located on the island, mainly around San Miguel, and these schools offer PADI training courses that typically run over 2-3 days for basic certification. Why not invest in a certificate if staying in Cozumel for a week or more?

You’ll be able to acquire a new skill that you can use elsewhere in the world – like the Great Barrier Reef. You can participate in those scuba diving experiences we mentioned earlier, usually at a discounted rate, if you book the experience with the same operator with whom you obtained your PADI.

19. Hacienda Antigua

Hacienda Antigua is a brilliant attraction in Cozumel. The museum is a model of a working tequila factory in Guadalajara and provides visitors with insights into the tequila-making process and tasting experiences. You’ll learn about the three plants that can be used to create tequila, including how long the process takes (hint: a tequila pineapple can take 10 years to suitably mature). For an eye-opening and fun introduction to the world of tequila, Hacienda Antigua is a firm favorite Cozumel attraction.

20. Mayan Bee Sanctuary

It doesn’t get more wholesome than a visit to the Mayan Bee Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for Mayan Stingless Bees, aka meliponas or Xunan Cab. These bees are responsible for over 80% of pollination of the forests on the Yucatan Peninsula, including those on Cozumel. At this sanctuary, you take a guided tour to learn more about these incredible creatures and their importance in Mayan history. You’ll get to try out a honey-tasting experience, tour the sanctuary with a guide, learn about Mayan traditions, and even participate in a Mayan purification ritual.

The Mayan Bee Sanctuary is one of the most memorable things to do in Cozumel. And if you are interested in beekeeping, nature, and sustainability, it is easily a leading activity.

21. Surf at Chen Rio Beach

Chen Rio Beach is a whole experience in itself. Located on Cozumel’s wild west coast, it experiences bigger waves thanks to facing the Caribbean Sea. At certain times of the year, it becomes an impressive surfing destination. At these times, you should head to Cozumel Surfing School Nacho to pick up a few new skills or rent a board to show off your existing skillset. As Cozumel’s ‘first and only surf school,’ it carries a huge responsibility. It is an absolute hub for surfers living on and visiting the island.

If you want a surfing experience in Cozumel, this surfing school at Chen Rio Beach is where to head. It is run by a leading surf champion born and raised in Cozumel called Nacho Gutierres.

22. Take a Food Tour

A food tour is a must in Cozumel – you are in Mexico, after all. Cozumel has fantastic authentic Mexican dishes, including the classics like tacos, empanadas, and burritos. It also has fabulous seafood, thanks to its fishermen’s culture. You can book  3-hour food tasting tours  and even  farm-to-table experiences . As an island, Cozumel is much more connected with its food processes and is impressively resourceful in many ways.

Apart from organized food tours, we’d encourage you to sample as many dishes as possible. Street food in Cozumel is renowned for being delicious as well.

23. Go Snorkeling

It might go without saying, but a snorkeling tour is one of Cozumel’s most exciting things to do. You can rent or pack snorkeling gear, go face-to-face with marine life, and independently explore coral reefs. You can find loads of beautiful snorkeling spots located just off of beaches. And these don’t cost you anything to explore if you bring your own gear. Just be mindful of water safety and stick to spots with lifeguards and plenty of others.

If you are at a resort, you might even have a private beach where the resort provides snorkel gear on a complimentary basis. If not, we recommend booking one of the many snorkeling tours that depart from Cozumel. These tours typically provide all necessary gear, food, and drink and take you to harder-to-reach spots.

24. Passion Island

Passion Island, aka Isla de la Pasion, is a natural attraction in Cozumel. The little peninsula is on the northeast coast of the island. It consists of a beautiful white sand beach – one of the only white sand beaches in Cozumel. This tiny paradise is typically quiet and much less visited than other beaches on the island. The scenery is stunning, with extensive lines of palm trees, shallow green-blue waters, and bright white sands. And there are hammocks to enjoy, plus kayak and paddleboard rentals.

To reach Passion Island, you ideally need your own transport, which is partly what keeps this spot quiet. Just drive to Bahia Ciega Bay and park near its ferry terminal. You can then catch the ferry to Passion Island in just 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can seek a guided tour, which may offer transfers from San Miguel as part of a group tour.

25. Cozumel Museum

Cozumel Museum is a beautiful museum entirely dedicated to the island’s history. To get under the island’s skin and connect with its individual story, the Cozumel Museum is the best place to visit and one of the leading attractions. You can view Mayan artifacts and the details on the geographical layout of the island. Thanks to the island’s two major dig sites, the Cozumel Island Museum is also a hotspot for archaeological finds. For such a small place, it really packs a punch, and it is excellent value for money, considering it provides a couple of hours of entertainment at under $10.

Once you’ve finished in the museum, there’s a restaurant with sea views too. You can treat yourself to a meal and decompress after reading fascinating information.

26. Royal Village Shopping Center

Royal Village Shopping Center is where to go on the unlucky chance that you have a rainy day in Cozumel. The outdoor-indoor mall is mainly covered by overhead canvases, and you can quickly nip between stores to dodge bad weather. It is more pricey than other souvenir stores. Still, it is worth visiting if you are okay with paying premium prices for the mall experience. Royal Village Shopping Center has plenty of brand knock-offs and fun souvenirs, and it is also close to the dock for those nipping off for a day in Cozumel before continuing their cruise.

Convenient and fun, Royal Village is the shopping center to choose from in bad weather or for quick retail therapy. It is the central area of high-density stores in Cozumel, so jot it down if you want to shop.

27. Cozumel Pearl Farm

Since Cozumel is famous for its coral reefs, it should be no shock that the island is also brilliant for pearls. Cozumel Pearl Farm is an attraction and store you can visit on the northeast coast of Cozumel. The small farm is family-owned, and tourists can take guided tours of the farm, learning more about pearl harvesting and the challenges pearl harvesters on Cozumel face. It is a really immersive experience – ideal for those wanting a unique cultural experience in Cozumel and anyone with a love for fine jewelry. Cozumel Pearl Farm’s mantra is to show you ‘how much work it takes to wear one single pearl around your neck’.

You can book a guided tour for approximately $140, which includes a guided tour of the farm, snorkeling, a 45-minute boat tour, and lunch. You can also splurge on an overnight experience if you wish for a more in-depth immersion in the local fishermen region of Cozumel.

28. Take a Catamaran Sunset Tour

A catamaran sunset tour is one of Cozumel’s most classic things to do. Since so much of the island is coastal with beautiful beaches and waterfront scenery, you’d want to admire the island from the water. And with a catamaran tour, you can have a really luxurious experience. Many catamaran excursions are  available on Viator , so scroll through and see what sorts of deals you can find.

Catamarans are also a brilliant option for anyone worried about seasickness since the boat’s low and wide design helps reduce motion. This is one of the leading reasons why catamarans are so popular amongst boat party tours and more sedate, relaxing sunset cruises.

How to Get to Cozumel

Now that you know about all the things to do in Cozumel, how on Earth do you actually get there? The short answer is by boat or plane.

You can fly directly to Cozumel International Airport. It is a breeze to organize, and while it is a little more expensive, it is easily the most straightforward option. If you plan on visiting Cozumel, flying into its international airport is your best option.

On the other hand, you can also fly to Cancun Airport, take a domestic flight onwards to Cozumel, or travel to take a ferry. The benefit of this option is that it is much cheaper, with flights to Cancun flying much more regularly and at lower prices. You fly into Cancun, enjoy the mainland for as long as you want, and then venture down to Playa del Carmen to catch a 40-minute ferry to Cozumel – costing around $20 as a round trip. The ferries run every hour from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. and are a reliable, budget-friendly option.

Lastly, many cruise ships venture to Cozumel. Therefore, a cruise may be a good option if you are already traveling on a cruise or would like to spend a short period hopping around Mexico. On a cruise ship, you’ll typically get half a day in Cozumel, with the option to book guided activities.

Where to Stay in Cozumel

Where to stay in Cozumel is another brilliant question. You could choose downtown Cozumel, with its delicious food and beach bars. You could choose the west coast, peppered with beach clubs and attractions like Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. You could pick the southern tip of Cozumel, with its archaeological ruins and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Or you could choose the east coast, with its quieter, long stretches of white sand beaches.

And when you’ve decided on the best area, you still need to choose the best accommodation. Mexico has a reputation for having the best all-inclusive resorts, and Cozumel has a fair share of its own. These are the best accommodation choices in Cozumel per budget.

Budget: Casa del Solar Centro Cozumel

This cheap and cheerful 2-star hotel is your answer to a budget-friendly stay in Cozumel. Situated right in the middle of San Miguel de Cozumel, it has a convenient location and pretty rooms that each feature a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.

Mid-Range: Hotel B Cozumel

This stunning mid-range property is superbly located within San Miguel de Cozumel. It is full of avant-garde Mexican décor and traditional bright colors. The hotel features yoga classes, art workshops, an onsite spa, an outdoor pool, and a beach bar.

Luxury: The Explorean Cozumel All Inclusive

This 4-star hotel offers meals and drinks as part of its luxury accommodation package on Cozumel. There’s a spa, gym, and beautiful covered terrace with sea views. The Explorean Cozumel All Inclusive is located on Cozumel’s busy east coast and is ideal for those wanting a location near San Miguel.

Where to Eat in Cozumel

Who doesn’t love Mexican food? And if you are in Cozumel, you must find the best food possible. Make the most of your holiday by treating yourself to many delicious dishes. These are the top places to eat on your Cozumel trip.

Burritos Gorditos

Burritos Gorditos is a little restaurant in the center of San Miguel de Cozumel. It has a brilliant menu of primarily burritos but also serves tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. With vegan and gluten-free dishes available, it is like a one-stop fix for traditional Mexican cuisine.

Restaurant el Mirador

Restaurant el Mirador is  the  place to eat if you want to dine along Cozumel’s west coast. The beach restaurant sits under traditional thatched roofing. It treats you to stunning ocean views while you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.

Zacil de la Cocay

This brilliant restaurant hosts its own tasting experiences – from chocolate to tequila tasting. Many tours in Cozumel detour to stop off at this restaurant as it provides such a great insight into authentic Mexican cuisine. There are cultural experiences here, too, including dance performances.

How to Rent a Car in Cozumel

We’ll be honest; car rentals aren’t necessary when visiting Cozumel. The island is small, and you can quickly get between different attractions on cheap guided tours – contributing positively to the local economy and reducing omissions. There are also collectivos, essentially minivans, that act like buses and run a public transportation system.

Still, if you want the freedom of exploring on your own wheels, car rentals are cheap in Cozumel. This way, you can visit more secluded beach choices and attractions without worrying about transport timings. You can find car rentals all over San Miguel de Cozumel, where the airport is.

Best Time to Visit in Cozumel

Mexico is known for its brilliant weather, and Cozumel is equally attractive for most of the year. You need to be mindful of two rainy seasons if you want lots of sunshine and dry weather: October to January and April to July. These periods are when you can expect daily showers. However, if you are happy with the trade-off, the cheapest rates, thanks to these periods, make up Cozumel’s off-season.

You should also be aware that June to November is hurricane season in this region. While it has been around 20 years since Cozumel was last severely impacted by a hurricane, it can affect your travel to and from the island.

So, when is the best time to visit Cozumel? February to April is the best chunk of time. At this time of year, you’ll see an average of around 86 Fahrenheit and get plenty of dry weather to kick back in pools and sunbathe on white sand beaches.

Visiting Cozumel: FAQs

Did scuba diving catch your eye? Or Playa Mia Grand Beach Park? There are tons of options when it comes to the best things to do in Cozumel. So the simple solution is to stay as long as possible – you want to maximize your itinerary, right? Before you go ahead and try to squeeze all these activities and attractions in, though, check out these significant FAQs. Who knows, perhaps these answers will solve some of your queries.

What is Cozumel best known for?

Cozumel is known for its island life vibe – with plenty of beach clubs, beach bars, beaches, and water activities, but also quiet corners with secluded natural scenery. The island also has many beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving sites where you can encounter marine life.

Is Cozumel or Cancun prettier?

Cozumel is prettier, with a quieter vibe than Cancun and a more rugged allure. Cancun has white sand beaches and a harder party culture to escape.

Does Cozumel have waterfalls?

Yes, Cozumel has waterfalls, including one in Chankanaab National Park in the island’s center. It isn’t best known for its waterfalls, though it is better known for beaches and jungle scenery. If you want waterfalls, planning a mainland day trip might be best.

How many days should I spend in Cozumel?

At a minimum, you should spend three days in Cozumel. This is enough to get a taste of island culture and scenery, indulge in a guided tour and water activity, taste local cuisine, and enjoy a beach day. However, to truly embrace island living, it is best to stay a week to better balance relaxation with sightseeing.

Cozumel is incredible, whether you head to the most popular beach clubs, embrace coral reef scenery at beautiful dive sites, or Mayan culture at archaeological preserves. The humble-sized island is an absolute hub of attractions and a brilliant  place to visit in Mexico  and beyond. It has some of  Mexico’s prettiest beaches. You  can still combine it with a mainland holiday to Cancun, Tulum, and  all the cenotes.  If you play your cards right, it is essentially the island detour of a lifetime. And these best things to do in Cozumel all deserve a place on your island detour itinerary.

For more Mexico inspiration, check out our  Yucatan road trip itinerary  for a week of mainland adventure to pair with your trip to Cozumel. Have a fantastic time on your trip.

Plan Your Next Trip To Mexico With These Resources

  • 34 Best Things to Do in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
  • 36 Best Places To Visit in Mexico
  • 12 Best Cenotes In Mexico To Visit
  • 23 Best Beaches in Mexico
  • 26 Best Things to do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
  • Is Tulum Safe To Visit? A Comprehensive Guide to Safety and Security

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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1 thought on “28 Best Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico in 2024”

This blog really have many content and I love to read your all contents too also images are you included amazing.

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6 Hidden Gems To Explore In Beautiful Cozumel

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  • Destinations
  • Mexico and Caribbean

Isla Cozumel is a Caribbean island on the east side of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The island is part of what’s known as the Mayan Riviera, which includes Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Although Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island, it’s a rather small island steeped in history and packed with a ton of things to do and see. I’ve heard it said that Cozumel is a Mexican island with ancient Mayan history and a Caribbean vibe.

Cozumel is located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, or Great Mayan Reef — the second-largest coral reef system in the world — making Cozumel an incredible destination spot for world-class diving and snorkeling. There are many dive shops across the island as well as dive sites , and most hotels and beach clubs offer these water activities.

Although spectacular, there is more to Cozumel than its turquoise Caribbean waters and white-sand beaches. It’s easy to make each day in Cozumel a special experience. After spending a week in Cozumel, here are my favorite “hidden gem” activities that we enjoyed on the island.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins; Cozumel, Mexico

1. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Deep in the northern jungle of Cozumel — about 40 minutes from San Miguel — lies an archaeological site called San Gervasio . This site has been considered the center of commerce and politics as well as the site of the Mayan people’s annual pilgrimage to worship the Goddess Ixchel (pronounced like Michelle without the M).

San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization. The ruins consist of a central plaza, several temples, tombs, residences, and more. Visitors can walk the park on their own or pay a small fee for a tour guide (in addition to the small park entry fee). I suggest paying for the 45-minute (or so) tour. It is well worth it.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring bug spray and water. There is a gift shop, snack bar, and restrooms on-site.

2. Mayan Bee Sanctuary

In keeping with the island’s Mayan history, just down the road from San Gervasio is the Mayan Bee Sanctuary . In this lush green tropical setting, you will discover the fascinating history of Mayan beekeeping while learning about the Melipona stingless bees and the importance of their honey. Our tour guide, Russell, told us that according to the Maya, “the honey from the Melipona bees has the healing power to restore the well-being (hun ol) and harmony of the heart to which the Maya assigned his vigor and strength (kinam).”

Throughout the sanctuary are stone replicas of Mayan statues and sacred symbols, all carved by hand by a local Cozumel artist. Along with conservation efforts, it’s the sanctuary’s goal to help visitors “see” the Mayan people — their story, their history — so they are not forgotten.

Pro Tip: The tour (about 45 minutes) is well worth the small entry fee and as a bonus, there is honey tasting at the end. See and taste the difference between Melipona bee honey and the “regular” honey we buy at the market.

View from Coconuts Beach Club

3. Beach Clubs

Okay, okay — let’s get to the real reason visitors flock to Cozumel Island: sunshine, white-sand beaches, crystal-clear (multi-colored) turquoise waters, authentic Mexican food, and oh, endless margaritas!

Whether you are visiting for the day on a cruise ship stop or staying on the island for longer, all-inclusive beach clubs are the deal of the day. For one price, you can sit, sun, and sip all day — plus eat and swim. There are dozens of “dedicated” beach clubs up and down the island, like Buccanos (“best club food on the island”) and Mr. Sanchos (“high-energy, great fun for kids”). Some resort hotels offer “beach club” packages even if you aren’t staying there.

Pro Tip: Be sure to check the rates. Some may have an “entry fee” of $10, but the “all-inclusive” price that includes food and drinks is extra, as are “tours” such as snorkeling, a sea-side massage, and boat rides. Still, if you are going to spend the day eating and drinking, it seems to be worth the price.

Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel, Mexico

4. Atlantis Submarine Expedition

Have you ever wanted to dive to the deepest depths of the ocean floor? Explore unknown waters just like Jacques Cousteau? The Atlantis Submarine Expedition is for you. Mexico’s only submarine designated for tourism, this incredible vessel gently glides down to depths of over 100 feet.

Sunken ship from the Atlantis submarine; Cozumel, Mexico

You may get a glimpse of the underwater world if you snorkel or dive, but to really experience the richness of the waters, you need to get deeper! You will see close-up the Chankanaab reef — the second largest in the world — filled with exotic fish, sea turtles, manta rays, and all the flora and fauna of the sea. Discover a sunken ship, the Felipe Xicotencatl . Finally, prepare yourself for “The Wall,” a sheer drop-off of the ocean floor that plunges 1,800 feet below.

Pro Tip: I am a bit claustrophobic, but the ride on the Atlantis did not bother me at all. The tour is 2 hours and there are no restrooms on board (use terminal restrooms).

Note: Guests must navigate backward down a 12-step ladder with handrails. Guests who use wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on this tour.

Making chocolate from cacao beans

5. The Mayan Cacao Company

Known simply as “The Chocolate Factory,” this is a must-see stop. Journey through time as you learn about the origins of everyone’s favorite sweet — chocolate. Discover what cacao, “food of the Gods,” meant to the ancient Mayan people and how it was used. The mission of The Mayan Cacao Company is to be a place of discovery, to share the Mayan origins of chocolate, to preserve the Mayan culture, and to share that rich history with visitors.

There are several tours, all very fun and informative. They last anywhere from a 50-minute general tour to a 2-hour chocolate-making and margarita workshop. If you have the time, I highly recommend the hands-on chocolate-making and margarita tours. Visitors get to make their own chocolate from cacao beans, just as the Mayans did. Blend (and drink) chocolate margaritas with flavorful cacao and Mexican spirits. The gift shop is loaded with treats of all kinds, including chocolate bars that visitors can sample before purchasing.

Pro Tip: Located 15 minutes south of downtown and next to Playa Mia Beach Club , visitors may want to rent a car for the day and visit multiple attractions.

Secluded beach at Cozumel Pearl Farm

6. Cozumel Pearl Farm

When I first heard that Cozumel has a pearl farm — the only active pearl farm in the Caribbean — I knew I couldn’t miss it. It is hidden on a remote, secluded stretch of beach that can only be accessed by boat. Best day ever!

The Cozumel Pearl Farm is family-owned and operated, as are the tours. Visitors are met at the marina by the owners Isabel and Pancho. The tour begins the moment you step onto the boat that transports you to the farm — through the bluest turquoise waters ever seen. Once at the private beach, visitors learn about the farm’s history, the cultivation process, and what it takes to produce just one small pearl.

After, you are boated back out to snorkel through the underwater oyster hatchery. While snorkeling you will also see amazing reef formations, sea fans, fish of all colors, starfish, and a few surprises. After snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear water, Jose serves up his famous pineapple cheeseburgers. The rest of your time is filled with relaxing under the palapas, strolling around the beach, or more swimming if you’d like. I believe the Cozumel Pearl Farm is probably the best hidden gem (pun intended) on the island.

Pro Tip: The Pearl Farm adventure is about 6 hours, so plan accordingly. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent, swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunglasses, and a light sweater. Everything else you’ll need is included. Keep in mind that visitors will be climbing in and out of a small boat. There is a restroom and changing room at the farm.

The view from Novena Ola, the Island Museum's rooftop restaurant

Bonus: If You Have Extra Time

Head to the southernmost tip of the island to Punta Sur Ecological Park . Climb to the top of the lighthouse to see amazing island views. On the way, you’ll find Chankanaab Adventure Park and the Mayan Cacao Company. Closer to San Miguel and just off the main road is the Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium . The small village of El Cedral is also worthy of a visit. While there, tour the Tequila History Museum and sample Regalo de Dios tequila, or check out more Mayan ruins or the Jade Cenote not too far away.

If walking is your preferred way to “tour,” you’ll be delighted as you stroll along the main street, past beachfront shops and restaurants. There are many photo opportunities in and around San Miguel. Two lighthouses stand tall at the Punta Langosta Pier. Right across the street is a shopping plaza of the same name with an iconic orange clock tower. Spend a bit of time in the Cozumel Museum on the main street. While there have lunch on the rooftop at Novena Ola (great breakfast) and enjoy lovely beach and ocean views. The city of San Miguel also offers a free walking tour.

Being one of the top cruise ship destinations in the world, there are activities for everyone in Cozumel. Visitors have many “tour” options available, from ATV jungle tours and sightseeing Jeep tours to boat tours of all kinds, including glass bottom boats and catamarans. If you are visiting for more than a day, I suggest renting a vehicle and touring the island at your own pace.

For more on Mexico , explore these articles:

  • 7 Key Tips For Visiting Coba’s Maya Ruins During Your Cancun Vacation
  • 6 Fantastic Activities In Gorgeous Ixtapa, Mexico
  • Acapulco Versus Cancún: 5 Key Differences To Know Before You Visit

Image of Loretta Berry

Loretta Berry is a freelance travel writer and photographer. She loves discovering new places, learning its history, and experiencing the local food and drink. She has traveled extensively throughout the United States. She loves traveling with her kids and grandkids, sharing with them her passion for fun and adventure. She is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), and TravMedia.

cozumel group travel

cozumel group travel

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Which is Better? (2024)

Are you planning your next Mexican vacation and debating Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta? You’re in the right place!

I’ve lived in Cozumel for over a year. I’ve also spent a lot of time in Puerto Vallarta. So you could say I’m an expert on both places.

For me, Cozumel wins hands down. The ocean is more beautiful and warmer. The people are super friendly. And I love how laid back it is.

But that doesn’t mean Puerto Vallarta isn’t great, too. There’s a lot to do and see and the beaches are quite beautiful.

Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta are very different. Which place is best for you depends on what you’re looking for.

Let’s take a close look at both destinations so you can plan your perfect vacation.

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Which is Better?

Both destinations offer their unique charm, stunning landscapes, and a ton of activities that promise an unforgettable getaway.

But, when it comes down to choosing one for your next vacation, things can get a bit tricky.

Whether you’re drawn to laid-back island life in Cozumel or the vibrant culture of Puerto Vallarta, I’ve got the scoop to help you decide. So, let’s get started and see which destination might be the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Overview of Cozumel

Cozumel , a lush island paradise in the Caribbean Sea, is a gem that’s hard to overlook. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a haven for divers and snorkelers from around the globe.

But there’s more to Cozumel than just underwater adventures. This island is steeped in rich Mayan culture, offering a chance to explore historical sites and learn about its fascinating past.

The island’s laid-back atmosphere is perfect if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its stunning beaches, many of them free , you can easily find a secluded spot to relax or join in on the fun at more lively beach clubs.

Cozumel is also known for its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and charming downtown area, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and artisanal crafts.

Cozumel does get a bit crowded during high season when there can be several cruise ships in port. But it’s still possible to find a quiet spot to hang out.

Things to Do in Cozumel

In Cozumel, the adventure never ends. This island is a playground for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind. Here’s a rundown of the top things to do:

Jeep Tours : Embark on a rugged journey around the island in a Jeep. It’s a fantastic way to explore hidden gems, secluded beaches, and get a taste of the local scenery. These tours often include stops at historical sites and natural parks .

Ziplining : For adrenaline junkies, ziplining through Cozumel’s lush jungles offers breathtaking views and a rush like no other. It’s a unique way to experience the island’s natural beauty from above.

Submarine Tours : Dive deep without getting wet on an Atlantis Submarine tour . It’s perfect for seeing the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea, including its coral reefs and diverse marine life, without the need for scuba gear.

Beach Clubs : Spend a day at beach clubs like Buccanos and Paradise Beach , two of my favorites. These spots offer the perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment, with access to pristine beaches, pools, water sports, and delicious food.

Tequila Tours : Discover the art of tequila making and indulge in tastings on a tequila tour . It’s a cultural experience that offers insight into one of Mexico’s most famous exports.

Visiting Mayan Ruins : Cozumel is home to several Mayan archaeological sites , such as San Gervasio. These ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s ancient past and the rich history of the Mayan civilization.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling : With some of the world’s best diving spots , Cozumel is a paradise for divers and snorkelers. The island’s clear waters and abundant marine life make it an unforgettable experience for underwater enthusiasts.

Day Trips to the Mainland : Take a short ferry ride to the mainland for even more adventures. Visit the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum or Chichen Itza, explore the eco-parks of Xcaret and Xel-Há, or enjoy the nightlife of Playa del Carmen.

Overview of Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta, located on Mexico ‘s Pacific coast, is a destination that effortlessly blends natural beauty, traditional Mexican culture, and modern amenities.

The city is surrounded by the lush greenery of the Sierra Madre mountains and faces the sparkling waters of Banderas Bay, offering breathtaking landscapes at every turn.

Unlike the island vibe of Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta thrives on its lively atmosphere, characterized by its busy boardwalks and colorful streets.

The city is renowned for its exquisite dining scene, ranging from street food stalls serving up authentic Mexican cuisine to gourmet restaurants with innovative menus.

Art and culture are at the heart of Puerto Vallarta. The city’s cobblestone streets are lined with galleries showcasing local art, and public sculptures dot the seaside promenade.

The fun nightlife, from cozy bars to lively clubs, offers endless entertainment options.

If you’re seeking relaxation, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are perfect for lounging under the sun or enjoying water sports.

The city also serves as a gateway to quaint coastal villages and secluded coves, accessible by water taxis, offering a glimpse into the serene side of Mexican coastal life.

Whether you’re here to explore the great outdoors, soak up the local culture, or simply enjoy some downtime by the sea, Puerto Vallarta promises a memorable getaway.

Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has activities catering to every interest and age group. From its stunning beaches to the lush jungles of the Sierra Madre Mountains, here’s a list of must-do activities that will make your trip unforgettable:

Stroll Along the Malecón : The heart of Puerto Vallarta is its beautiful boardwalk, the Malecón. Lined with sculptures, street performers, and vendors, it’s the perfect place to soak in the local culture, enjoy the sunset, and maybe even join in on some impromptu dancing.

Explore the Zona Romántica : Dive into the charming streets of the Zona Romántica, where traditional Mexican architecture meets an active nightlife. This area is packed with cafes, bars, and galleries, making it ideal for leisurely exploration.

Beach Hopping : Puerto Vallarta’s beaches are diverse, from the busy shores of Playa Los Muertos to the serene waters of Playa Las Gemelas. Each beach offers a unique vibe, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Whale Watching Tours : Between December and March, Banderas Bay becomes a sanctuary for humpback whales. Joining a whale-watching tour not only provides the thrilling experience of seeing these majestic creatures up close but also supports conservation efforts.

Visit the Botanical Gardens : Just a short drive from the city, the Vallarta Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat amidst exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and scenic trails. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers.

Taste the Local Cuisine : Puerto Vallarta’s food scene is a mix of traditional Mexican flavors and innovative culinary techniques. Don’t miss out on trying local specialties at street food stands, markets, and restaurants.

Adventure Activities : For the adrenaline junkies, Puerto Vallarta offers ziplining through the jungle, parasailing over the bay, and ATV tours that provide an exhilarating way to explore the surrounding landscapes. You can even find skydiving nearby .

Art and Culture Tours : The city’s rich cultural heritage can be explored through its numerous art galleries, museums, and cultural tours that highlight the local art, history, and traditions.

Day Trips and Excursions : Venture beyond Puerto Vallarta to discover hidden beaches, sleepy coastal towns, and the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains. Day trips to places like Sayulita or San Sebastián del Oeste offer a glimpse into the diverse beauty of the region.

Puerto Vallarta combines the thrill of adventure with the beauty of nature and the warmth of its people, making it a destination that truly has something for everyone.

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Which is Safer?

Both Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are generally considered safe. After spending time in both cities, I feel that Cozumel is a bit safer than Puerto Vallarta.

Not that Puerto Vallarta is unsafe, but there were times that I felt uncomfortable being alone. Let’s look closer.

Cozumel Safety

As an island, Cozumel tends to be more contained, which contributes to its reputation as a safe destination for tourists . The local community is known for being welcoming and protective of visitors.

I’ve always felt very safe in Cozumel. I’ve been out alone at night and never felt threatened.

However, as with any tourist hotspot, it’s wise to be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas or when exploring less frequented parts of the island.

Puerto Vallarta Safety

Puerto Vallarta has a strong presence of local and tourist police, making it one of the safer cities in Mexico for travelers.

The areas frequented by tourists, including the Malecón, Zona Romántica, and Marina Vallarta, are well-patrolled and equipped with security cameras.

Nonetheless, you should exercise standard safety precautions, such as avoiding deserted areas at night and keeping an eye on personal possessions in busy spots.

Puerto Vallarta’s local authorities are very proactive in maintaining the city’s safety, given its importance as a tourist destination.

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Beaches

When it comes to choosing between Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta based on their beaches, it’s like comparing two paradises, each with its own unique allure.

For me, Cozumel wins hands down. I’m all about the Caribbean so I admit I’m biased. The decision ultimately boils down to what you want in a beach experience.

Cozumel’s Beaches

Cozumel’s beaches are famous for their stunning, crystal-clear turquoise waters and coral reefs, making them a diver’s and snorkeler’s paradise .

The island’s eastern coast features more rugged, untouched beaches with powerful waves and breathtaking views, ideal for escaping the crowds and enjoying the raw beauty of nature.

On the western side, you’ll find calmer waters and sandy shores, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Notable beaches include:

  • Playa Palancar : A serene beach offering a relaxing atmosphere and excellent snorkeling opportunities .
  • Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park : Combines a beautiful beach with amenities and attractions, including snorkeling, a sea lion show, and replicas of Mayan ruins.
  • Playa San Francisco : Known for its crystal-clear waters and soft sands, this beach is ideal for families and offers a variety of water sports.
  • Paradise Beach : A popular spot with a fun beach club, offering a pool, water toys, and a restaurant, making it perfect for a day of relaxation and entertainment.
  • Playa Mia Grand Beach Park : Features a water park with slides, a shopping area, and numerous water activities, catering to visitors of all ages looking for fun in the sun.

Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches

The beaches in Puerto Vallarta are characterized by their golden sands and the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

The city’s beaches are more urban and accessible, with a lively vibe and plenty of amenities nearby, including restaurants, bars, and shops.

The waters of Banderas Bay are generally calm, making them ideal for swimming and water sports. Some of the most popular beaches include:

  • Playa Los Muertos : The most famous beach in Puerto Vallarta, known for its lively atmosphere, pier, and beach clubs.
  • Conchas Chinas : Offers a more secluded and romantic setting with natural pools formed by rock formations.
  • Playa Mismaloya : This beach gained fame from the movie “The Night of the Iguana” and offers a mix of history, beauty, and clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and kayaking.
  • Playa Las Gemelas : Two beautiful, small beaches known for their clear turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds.
  • Playa de los Camarones : Located near the northern end of the Malecón, this beach is great for families and offers a variety of water activities along with beachside dining options.

The Verdict : If your ideal beach day involves diving into the depths to explore coral reefs and marine life , Cozumel’s beaches are the way to go. The island’s clear waters provide some of the best snorkeling and diving experiences in the world.

On the other hand, if you prefer your beach day with a side of cultural experiences and the convenience of nearby amenities, Puerto Vallarta’s beaches offer golden sands, beautiful sunsets, and a lively atmosphere, all within walking distance of the city’s attractions.

Both destinations offer unique beach experiences that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for an underwater adventure or a beach day filled with cultural touches, you can’t go wrong with either Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta.

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Hotels & Resorts

When deciding between Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta for your next vacation, the choice of hotels and resorts is a crucial factor.

Both destinations offer a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hotels, each with its unique charm and amenities.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect in terms of hotels and resorts in Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta.

Cozumel Hotels & Resorts

  • Diverse Options : Cozumel’s accommodations range from high-end luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, catering to divers, couples, and families alike.
  • Focus on Diving : Given Cozumel’s reputation as a world-class diving destination, many resorts offer dive packages and have their own dive shops on-site. This makes it incredibly convenient if you’re looking to explore the island’s famous coral reefs.
  • Beachfront Beauty : A significant number of hotels and resorts in Cozumel have prime beachfront locations, offering direct access to the island’s beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  • All-Inclusive Resorts : Cozumel is known for its all-inclusive resorts, where guests can enjoy unlimited food, drinks, and various activities as part of their stay. These resorts often feature multiple restaurants, pools, and entertainment options, making them a popular choice for travelers seeking a hassle-free vacation.

Puerto Vallarta Hotels & Resorts

  • Cultural Charm : Puerto Vallarta’s hotels and resorts often reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage, with traditional Mexican architecture and décor. This adds a unique and authentic touch to your stay.
  • Variety Across Budgets : Accommodations in Puerto Vallarta cater to a wide range of budgets, from luxury villas and 5-star resorts to cost-effective hotels and hostels.
  • Scenic Views : Many hotels in Puerto Vallarta offer breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or the Sierra Madre mountains, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the area from the comfort of your room.
  • Location Diversity : Whether you prefer to be in the heart of the action downtown, in the romantic Zona Romántica, or in the more secluded areas along the coast, Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse selection of locations to suit your preferences.

Choosing Between Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta

  • For Diving Enthusiasts : Cozumel’s resorts are particularly geared towards divers and those looking to enjoy the island’s marine life.
  • For a Cultural Experience : If you’re interested in immersing yourself in Mexican culture and enjoying a variety of landscapes, Puerto Vallarta’s accommodations offer a more culturally rich experience.
  • For Beach Lovers : Both destinations offer stunning beaches, but Cozumel’s are particularly renowned for their clear waters and vibrant coral reefs.
  • For All-Inclusive Fans : While both locations have all-inclusive options, Cozumel tends to have a wider selection of resorts that specialize in this type of accommodation. You can even find many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families .

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Prices

Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta offer different experiences and, accordingly, different price points.

Here’s a breakdown of what you might expect in terms of prices for accommodations, dining, activities, and transportation in both locations.

Cost of Accommodations

Cozumel : Generally, Cozumel offers a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.

Prices can be slightly higher for beachfront properties and all-inclusive resorts, especially those catering to divers with specific amenities. However, there are also many mid-range options that provide great value for money.

Puerto Vallarta : Puerto Vallarta’s accommodation landscape is quite diverse, offering everything from luxury villas and high-end resorts to affordable hostels and boutique hotels.

The price range is broad, with the high-end accommodations typically located in exclusive areas like Marina Vallarta and the Romantic Zone. Overall, Puerto Vallarta offers more variability in pricing, catering to a wider range of budgets.

Cost of Dining

Cozumel : Dining in Cozumel can be quite affordable, especially if you stick to local eateries and street food.

Seafood is a specialty here, and eating at local markets or beachside shacks offers a delicious experience at a lower cost. Restaurants in tourist areas and hotels tend to be pricier.

Puerto Vallarta : Puerto Vallarta is known for its food scene, ranging from street tacos to gourmet dining experiences.

While you can find meals at a bargain, especially in local neighborhoods, the city also has a number of high-end restaurants where prices are higher but still offer good value for the quality and ambiance.

Cost of Activities

Cozumel : The main attractions in Cozumel revolve around its natural beauty, especially its coral reefs. Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities, with prices varying based on the provider and the length of the excursion.

Other activities like visiting Mayan ruins, jeep tours, and beach clubs also offer a range of prices but are generally affordable.

Puerto Vallarta : Activities in Puerto Vallarta are diverse, from free walking tours of the city’s historic center to expensive adventure sports like parasailing and zip-lining.

Whale-watching tours and excursions to nearby attractions add to the cost but are worth the experience. The city also offers a lot of free or low-cost cultural experiences, making it easy to enjoy without spending a lot.

Cost of Transportation

Cozumel : Getting around Cozumel is relatively inexpensive, with options including taxis, rental scooters, and bicycles. Since it’s an island, many destinations can be reached quickly, keeping transportation costs down.

Puerto Vallarta : Puerto Vallarta has an extensive public transportation system that is very affordable, though taxis and ride-sharing services are also available at reasonable rates. Renting a car can be more expensive but is a good option for exploring more remote areas.

Which is Cheaper, Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta?

Both Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta offer a range of prices that can accommodate various budgets. Cozumel might be slightly more expensive due to its island status, especially for accommodations and certain activities.

Puerto Vallarta, with its broader range of options, can cater to both budget travelers and those looking to splurge.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Getting There & Getting Around

Both Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta come with its own set of logistics when it comes to getting there and getting around. Here’s what you need to know:

Getting to Cozumel

  • By Air : Cozumel has its own international airport (Cozumel International Airport, CZM) that welcomes direct flights from several major cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This makes getting to Cozumel relatively straightforward if you’re coming from these locations.
  • By Ferry : If you’re flying into Cancun , another option is to take a shuttle or bus to Playa del Carmen and then catch a ferry to Cozumel. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.

Getting to Puerto Vallarta

  • By Air : Puerto Vallarta is served by the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), which receives direct flights from numerous cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The airport is conveniently located close to the city and major resorts.
  • By Road : For travelers within Mexico or those coming from the U.S. border, driving to Puerto Vallarta is an option. The city is connected by major highways, but it’s a long journey from most places, so it’s more common to fly.

Getting Around Cozumel

  • Rental Cars : Renting a car is a popular way to explore Cozumel, especially if you plan to visit beaches and attractions around the island. Just be sure to drive cautiously, as roads can be narrow and winding.
  • Taxis : Taxis are readily available but don’t use meters, so be sure to agree on the fare before setting off. Note that Uber or Lyft are not available in Cozumel .
  • Bicycles : For shorter distances or if you’re staying near the main town, bicycles are a pleasant way to get around, offering a slower pace to enjoy the scenery.

Getting Around Puerto Vallarta

  • Public Buses : Puerto Vallarta has an extensive and affordable bus system that can take you to most tourist attractions, beaches, and nearby towns. Buses are frequent, though they can be crowded at peak times.
  • Taxis and Ride-Sharing : Taxis are widely available throughout Puerto Vallarta. Ride-sharing apps also operate in the city, offering another convenient option for getting around. As with Cozumel, agree on a fare in advance if the taxi doesn’t use a meter.
  • Walking : In areas like the Malecón, Zona Romántica, and the downtown core, walking is often the best way to explore. Many of Puerto Vallarta’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to soak in the city’s atmosphere on foot.

Cozumel is Right For You If …

Here’s when you know Cozumel is the perfect choice for your next vacation:

You’re a Diving Enthusiast : If exploring the underwater world is your idea of a perfect holiday, Cozumel’s world-renowned coral reefs and diverse marine life make it a diver’s paradise. The island’s clear waters offer excellent visibility for both diving and snorkeling.

You Prefer a More Relaxed Pace : Cozumel’s laid-back island vibe is ideal for those looking to unwind and escape city life. It’s a place where you can slow down, relax on beautiful beaches or in quiet beach bars , and enjoy the serene beauty of your surroundings.

You’re Interested in Mayan Culture : While not as famous for its ruins as some other parts of Mexico, Cozumel offers a glimpse into the Mayan civilization with sites like San Gervasio. It’s a great destination for history buffs looking to combine a beach vacation with cultural exploration.

You Love Nature and Eco-Tourism : Cozumel is not just about the beaches and the sea; it also offers lush jungles and protected parks. If you’re into eco-tourism, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to connect with nature, from bird watching to exploring natural reserves.

You’re Looking for a Family-Friendly Destination : With its calm beaches, variety of water sports, and family-oriented resorts, Cozumel is a great choice for families. The island offers activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

You Want a Mix of Adventure and Relaxation : Cozumel strikes a perfect balance between adventure and leisure. One day, you could be ziplining through the jungle or touring the island on an ATV, and the next, you could be lounging at a beach club or enjoying a leisurely meal with ocean views.

You Appreciate Smaller Crowds : While Cozumel is a popular tourist destination, it generally doesn’t feel as crowded as some of the mainland beach resorts. This makes it easier to find your own space and enjoy a more intimate experience with the island.

If these points resonate with you, Cozumel might just be the destination you’re looking for. It’s a place where you can enjoy the beauty of Mexico in a more relaxed, intimate setting, making it perfect if you want to experience the best of both worlds.

Puerto Vallarta is Right For You If …

Here’s when you’ll know Puerto Vallarta is the ideal choice for your next getaway:

You Love Cultural Immersion : If your idea of a perfect vacation includes diving deep into local culture, history, and art, Puerto Vallarta won’t disappoint. With its rich traditions, markets, and art scene, it’s a cultural enthusiast’s paradise.

You’re a Foodie : Puerto Vallarta is a culinary hotspot, offering everything from street food to high-end dining experiences. If you like the idea of tasting your way through a destination, exploring local flavors, and perhaps even taking a Mexican cooking class, this city is for you.

You Enjoy Nightlife : For those who love to explore a city after dark, Puerto Vallarta has a lively nightlife scene. From beach bars and cozy cafes to pulsating clubs and live music venues, there’s something for every taste.

You Seek Variety in Beaches : While Cozumel offers stunning beaches, Puerto Vallarta provides a diverse range of beach experiences along the Bay of Banderas—from busy beaches with ample amenities to secluded spots perfect for a quiet day by the sea.

You Want Outdoor Adventures : Beyond the beach, Puerto Vallarta is a gateway to outdoor adventures. Whether it’s ziplining through the jungle, sailing on the bay, or horseback riding in the Sierra Madre Mountains, there’s no shortage of ways to get your adrenaline fix.

You’re Looking for Romantic Settings : With its breathtaking sunsets, scenic waterfront, and charming streets, Puerto Vallarta has long been a favorite among couples. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, anniversary, or a romantic getaway, the city’s romantic allure is undeniable.

You Prefer Accessibility to Day Trips : Puerto Vallarta’s location makes it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. Easy day trips can take you to hidden beaches, quaint fishing villages, and even tequila distilleries, offering a taste of the broader region.

You Value a Mix of Traditional and Modern : Puerto Vallarta strikes a unique balance between the traditional and the contemporary, offering a glimpse into Mexico’s past while providing all the comforts of a modern vacation destination. It’s perfect for those who appreciate this duality.

If these aspects of a vacation appeal to you, Puerto Vallarta is likely your ideal destination. It offers a rich variety of experiences, from the cultural to the culinary, the laid-back to the adventurous, all set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty and warm Mexican hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions: Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel

What is better, cozumel or puerto vallarta.

Choosing between Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta depends on your preferences: Cozumel for diving and a relaxed island vibe, or Puerto Vallarta for rich culture, diverse cuisine, and nightlife. Both offer unique experiences for a memorable vacation.

Why is Cozumel so popular?

Cozumel is popular for its world-class diving and snorkeling sites , crystal-clear Caribbean waters, beautiful beaches, and rich Mayan heritage, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Are the beaches better in Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta?

Both have great beaches. Cozumel’s beaches are famous for their clear, turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Puerto Vallarta offers diverse beaches with beautiful sunsets and water sports.

Which is better for a family vacation, Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta?

Both destinations are family-friendly, but Cozumel might be slightly better for families looking for a relaxed beach vacation with easy access to snorkeling and diving. Puerto Vallarta offers a more diverse range of activities suitable for families who enjoy cultural experiences and outdoor adventures.

Are Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta safe for solo travelers?

Yes, both Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta are considered safe for solo travelers, but it’s always wise to follow standard safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and keeping valuables secure.

Wrap-Up: Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel

Choosing between Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta for your vacation boils down to what kind of experience you want.

If you’re drawn to the allure of warm, crystal-clear waters, world-class diving, and a tranquil island vibe, Cozumel is your go-to.

On the other hand, if you prefer a vibrant city filled with rich culture, diverse cuisine, and more nightlife, Puerto Vallarta will not disappoint.

Both destinations offer unique charms, ensuring a memorable getaway regardless of your choice. Ultimately, it’s about matching your vacation dreams with the experiences each location offers.

Related Posts

  • Cozumel vs Cabo: Which is Better?
  • Cancun or Cozumel: Which is Better for Your Vacation?
  • Cozumel vs. Playa del Carmen: Which is Better?
  • Cozumel vs. Isla Mujeres: Which is Better?
  • Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?
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Pro Tips for Your Mexico Trips

Do i need travel insurance.

YES . No matter when you visit Mexico, don’t forget to buy travel insurance. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind. If you need it once it will pay for itself many times over. I highly recommend Safety Wing . They have a proven track record for customer satisfaction and a variety of coverage levels.

Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

YES. Renting a car in Mexico is not only safe, but it’s a great way to explore. Discover Cars is hands down the best rental car company . They check international and local companies to get you the best rates.

Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe  — It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free service in Mexico, the least expensive option is to buy a Telcel SIM card . As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. I have one and it’s been a lifesaver.

You can also get an eSIM. Airalo has coverage in over 200 countries/regions, including Mexico.

What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels,  Booking.com is the best site , but for hostels,  check out Hostel World . If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to  check VRBO , which is often cheaper with more options.

What do I pack for Mexico?

  My Mexico packing list has all the info you need on packing for your trip to Mexico.

What’s the best site for great deals on flights to Mexico?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend using Skyscanner .

Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Probably Not . U.S., Canadian, and most European passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico. To verify if you’ll need a Mexico travel visa  check the Mexican Consulate’s website.

For assistance with all your worldwide visa questions, check out iVisa .

The post Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: Which is Better? (2024) appeared first on Digital Nomad and a Dog .

If you're debating Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta, you're in the right place. I've outlined everything you need to know to decide which spot is perfect for you.

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