tourist attractions in cozumel mexico

Cozumel   Travel Guide

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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

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. 

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. 

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.

Popular Tours

Xplor Park Day Trip with Lunch and Transportation

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Xcaret Park Day Trip, transportation and Cultural Night Show

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Cozumel: Paradise Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

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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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

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ATV 4×4 + Snorkeling + Beach Club+ Lunch + Sabores de Cozumel

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Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Bay Experience

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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.

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. 

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 about $14 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. 

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.

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.

Xochimilco Park Dinner Cruise with Open-Bar and Transportation

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Cozumel Atlantis Submarine Adventure

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Cozumel Jungle ATV and Zip Line Adventure at Mayan Extreme Park

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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.

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.

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cozumel

Written by Meagan Drillinger and Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 28, 2023

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island. It's one of its most beautiful, as well. Just a 12-mile ferry ride across from Playa del Carmen, off the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel provides a Caribbean-style getaway not far from the popular resorts of the Riviera Maya.

Thick with lush, green vegetation; home to some of the best diving in the world; and ringed in powder-soft beaches with fine, coral sand and crystal-clear, blue-green water, the island has become one of the country's hottest vacation spots - just as popular for sunbathers as it is for adventure enthusiasts.

Known to the Maya as "Ah-cuzamil" ("land of the swallows"), Cozumel was an important place of pilgrimage for worshippers of the sun gods. During the 17th to 19th centuries, it served as a refuge for pirates and smugglers, including infamous characters like Henry Morgan and Long John Silver.

These days, the pirates and pilgrims have been replaced by a new type of sun worshipper: the many tourists drawn here for the best all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel and a multitude of things to do by the sea.

To ensure you get the very best from your visit to this beautiful tropical island, refer to our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Cozumel.

Dive Palancar Reef

Bask on cozumel's beaches, explore san miguel de cozumel, get lost in laguna chankanaab & the national marine park, immerse yourself in cozumel's mayan heritage at san gervasio, check out the museum of the island of cozumel, explore punta sur eco beach park, discover mexico park cozumel, stop at stingray beach, climb celarain: cozumel's lighthouse, enjoy the dolphin experiences, dive the depths on a submarine tour, escape to isla de pasion, take a dive with sea trek, map of attractions & things to do in cozumel.

Thanks to conservation efforts, marine life in the waters around Cozumel has bounced back after decades of overfishing. Nowadays, the onus is on observing fish in their natural habitat rather than catching them. The island is now extremely popular as a destination for snorkelers and scuba divers, who are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which lovely reef to explore.

One of the best spots to dive is the Palancar Reef, rising from depths of up to 80 meters to shallows just beneath the surface of the sea at the southwest end of the island. A popular dive includes a large bronze figure of Christ placed some 17 meters underwater.

Other good diving spots are on the San Francisco, Paraíso, Columbia, and Maracaibo reefs, as well as the Santa Rosa Wall. And pretty much wherever you dive, you're certain to see such exotic species as angelfish, nurse sharks, sunfish, and sea turtles.

Cozumel has some very lovely beaches , fluffy with magnificent powdery white sand, a by-product of the numerous coral reefs surrounding the island. Among the most popular and attractive of Cozumel's beaches are Playa San Juan and Playa Santa Pilar in the northwest corner of the island, and Playa San Francisco , Playa Santa Rosa, and Playa Palancar to the southwest.

Of note on the east side, which opens to the Caribbean Sea, are Playa Encantada, Playa Hanan, Punta Morena, Playa Chen Río, and Playa Chiqueros.

Also worth a visit is Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, a popular spot for snorkeling due to its easy access to the coral reefs at El Cielo.

On the northwest side of Cozumel, San Miguel de Cozumel is the island's capital and offers many interesting distractions.

In addition to being a tourist hub, it's also a busy port. Many ferries depart regularly to the mainland-particularly to Cancún and Playa del Carmen , and the port also hosts cruise ships as they ply the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea (be sure to check out the interesting Coral Reefs Monument located near here). The town also boasts a major international airport.

Another highlight is the interesting Island Museum (Museo de la Isla) with its many exhibits dealing with local geography, history, and the abundant marine life. It's also a fun city to simply stroll around, boasting great dining, as well as a chance to get in some shopping, whether for souvenirs, local crafts, or luxury items such as jewelry.

One of the most interesting natural attractions on Cozumel is Laguna Chankanaab, a small freshwater lake just six kilometers south of San Miguel de Cozumel in the National Marine Park.

Cut off from the sea (apart from a number of underground channels), it's a popular place to visit thanks to its crystal-clear water and numerous colorful tropical fish, and is an enchanting place to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.

The lagoon is now part of an adventure park surrounding it, called Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park , where guests can enjoy activities including a sea lion show, a dolphin swim experience, and a crocodile exhibition. Other fun things to do include ziplining and treetop climbing, as well as a visit to an authentic Mayan home to sample traditional foods.

More than 30 Mayan sites have been found on Cozumel, some of them in beautiful locations such as dense jungle or perched above pristine beaches. By far the most important is that of San Gervasio, built in 800 CE and located 16 kilometers from San Miguel de Cozumel.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the Temple of Ix-chel — the focal point of the island's religious life for centuries and a place of pilgrimage from across the Mayan empire.

Also of interest are the nearby ruins at Santa Rita , while a little farther away are the ruins of Santa Pilar and Castillo Real . The latter boasts Cozumel's largest Mayan structure. There are also Mayan remains in the southeast corner of the island at Buenavista and in the south at El Caracol.

Address: Carretera Transversal Kilómetro 7.5, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, QROO

In the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel, the excellent Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) makes for a fun break from the beach. The museum offers a great deal of information related to the history of the island and its people, from its formation millions of years ago to its current status as one of the Caribbean's most visited tourist destinations.

In addition to its multi-media displays and permanent collections of ancient artifacts, the museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibits, including artwork from both international and local artists. Of particular interest is the exhibit dealing with marine life, as well as a mock-up of the traditional Mayan homes that were once common across the island (there's also an on-site restaurant).

Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar at Calle 4, Cozumel 77600

A fun place to visit to explore the diversity of Cozumel's coastline and experience its flora and fauna, the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is the largest eco park on the island. Located at the southern tip of the island, Punta Sur provides plenty of great swimming and beach fun, as well as a chance to enjoy some snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.

Part of the 240-plus-acre Parque Punta Sur, it's home to a diversity of beaches, reefs, and lagoons, as well as a forested area with plenty of walking trails.

Other highlights include an old lighthouse, the Celarain (Faro de Celarain), with its adjoining nautical museum, and an old Mayan temple called the Caracol (Tumba del Caracol). For wildlife lovers, a number of observation platforms are available for bird-watching.

Address: Cozumel, QRoo

Particularly popular among cruise ship passengers during their Cozumel stopover, Discover Mexico Park Cozumel is one of the newest attractions on the island. In addition to providing an interesting overview of Mexico's many diverse cultures, highlights include miniature reconstructions of many of the country's most important archaeological sites and historic attractions.

Also of interest are the exhibits and multi-media shows showcasing traditional music, art, and food — including a chance to sample locally made chocolate — along with displays of traditional dances.

A fascinating sight is the daring Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers) involving participants throwing themselves off a 30-meter-tall pole as they spin and twirl to the ground via ropes attached to their feet.

Address: Carretera Costera Sur Km 5.5, Zona Hotelera Nte., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Thanks to its coral reefs and crystal clear waters, there's no shortage of fun wildlife encounters on Cozumel. One of the best is Stingray Beach, an attraction offering some up-close time with one of the most mysterious of marine creatures.

Highlights include a guided swim with stingrays in the facility's enclosed bays, where you'll learn many fascinating facts about these passive beasts, including a chance to feed and touch them. Afterward, you can swim with them as they glide around you (admission includes all equipment and use of the beach).

Hot Tip : As with many of Cozumel's top tourist sites, the island's animal attractions get extremely busy when the cruise ships are in port-be sure to enquire about the less busy times when booking.

Address: Km 2.807 Carretera Costera Sur S/N, Centro, 77660 Cozumel, QROO

The best known of Cozumel's lighthouses is Celarain (Faro de Celarain), 18 miles south of the capital of San Miguel.

Built in 1901 and recently fully restored with the addition of an interesting maritime museum in the old lighthouse keeper's home, the lighthouse is perched at the southernmost tip of the island in the nature reserve known as Parque Punta Sur and is worth the visit and the climb of its 134 steps for its wonderful views over the Caribbean Sea.

It's a fun little excursion and perfect for those looking for something that is typically not swamped with the cruise crowds.

Address: Costera Sur Highway, Km 27, Cozumel, QR 77600

If you're looking for a fun water-based activity, Cozumel has a number of popular dolphin experiences worth considering.

One of the best on the island can be enjoyed at Dolphinaris Cozumel , which offers an exciting program of dolphin swims. Packages should be booked in advance (remember, these places are popular with cruise ship vacationers, too) and are suitable for families traveling with kids, as the waters are shallow. The experience includes up-close encounters with these remarkable creatures, as well as the use of on-site facilities including restaurants, change rooms, and souvenir shops. ,

Another top attraction on the island is Dolphin Discovery Cozumel . Situated in Chankanaab National Park, the location itself is stunningly beautiful and, with its reefs, makes for an excellent place to linger and try your hand at some snorkeling or diving. A variety of dolphin experiences are offered, including some with swimming fun as they tow you through the water. Other creatures you'll meet here include manatees and sea lions. As with the Dolpinaris experience, be sure to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Take a trip deep under the surface of the translucent waters. With this Cozumel Submarine Experience, travelers climb aboard a real-life, state-of-the-art submarine.

The vessel plunges to depths of 30 meters, where a world of marine life is waiting within the protected park, Chankanaab. This is a great tour for travelers who aren't PADI-certified, but still want to see the miraculous creatures that live on the ocean floor. It's also great for divers who want to stay dry that day.

Feast your eyes on swirls of tropical fish and coral as your onboard guide tells you about what you see. The dive lasts about 45 minutes.

Address: Chankanab Km 4, Sur, Zona Hotelera Nte., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico

Flecked off the coast of Cozumel is an even more beautiful and rustic island experience that will bring that private island vibe a little closer to home. Isla Pasion Cozumel is a private island, and all-inclusive beach getaway experience, where visitors can go for a day to experience remote, undeveloped beaches and beautiful scenery.

The island is a great opportunity for families or couples, with lots of food, beach activities, games, hammocks, showers, and more. Water activities, beach sports, a children's castle, and much more are waiting for visitors who are coming over to the island on a day excursion. This is one of the top activities in Cozumel for cruise passengers, too.

One of the more unique ways to experience the underwater treasures surrounding Cozumel is to strap on a waterproof helmet and head below the waves with Sea Trek . The helmet is fully enclosed and provides a steady stream of oxygen to help you breathe while underwater. It's perfect for people who are not PADI-certified and still want to experience a little bit more than snorkeling.

No prior experience is required, which is what makes it such a popular activity. Choose from the traditional Sea Trek, a 35-minute underwater walk, or the Sea Trek night dive, which is a completely different landscape from the daytime tour.

Address: Av. Rafael E. Melgar 790, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R

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Close to Cozumel : From Cozumel, it's possible to catch a ferry to the mainland destination of Cancún, popular for its magnificent beaches and luxury all-inclusive hotels. You can also visit the historic Mayan coastal fortress of Tulum , which boasts a lovely beach, and if you're feeling really adventurous, take the epic coastal day trip from Cancun to Tulum, which also takes in lovely Playa del Carmen .

Big City Mexico : Mexico City offers no end of fun things to do, from museum hopping to shopping, as well as a variety of scenic day trips into the surrounding countryside. Also worth visiting is Guadalajara , the country's second biggest city and famous for its colonial architecture and fine, old churches. Monterrey is not without its charms, especially if you choose to explore the city's huge public square, the Macroplaza, and the Santa Lucia Riverwalk.

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Cozumel Visitors Guide

How to get there, things to do & more.

Last Updated on September 9, 2024 ⋅ Written by Laura Schulthies ⋅ Edited by Daniel Mode

Welcome to Cozumel Mexico

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. This is Isla Cozumel. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. This is Isla Cozumel.

Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

Cozumel Map

A Bit Of History

A glistening tropical paradise off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel was once a bustling Mayan community with as many as 10,000 local residents.

Sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess, Ix Chel , the island and its temples were an important place of pilgrimage for women seeking fertility. The remnants of that once thriving civilization can still be seen today in the small ruins of San Gervasio  in the island’s forested interior.

Cozumel Today

Flash forward 2,000 years, and today Cozumel is an exciting tourist destination that holds a special place in our hearts.

With two very different sides to the beautiful island, one can access all the modern amenities around its main town of  San Miguel , and yet still find numerous places on the far side of the island to get away from it all.

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe area to travel to, especially compared to other parts of Mexico.

Within the highly touristic regions of the island, the crime rate is close to 0%, making the island non-threatening to travelers. There is a strong police presence on the island, as well as friendly locals who keep the island safe for tourists and residents, night and day.

Where is Cozumel?

The island of Cozumel is located just off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport.

Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world), Cozumel is an incredible spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the Island Life!

The Best Time to Visit Cozumel

Looking for the best time to go to Cozumel? The tropical climate in Cozumel is reasonably predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83° F) it’s the rainy season that travelers should pay attention to.

January – April

Wonderfully warm and clear weather-wise, this is also “peak” tourist season. If you are not a people person, consider this. The ocean and swimming pools (that aren’t heated) can still be a little chilly for some.

May – October

The hottest and “raniest” months of the year, May to October still has plenty of sunshine. The water in the summer is warm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling & diving. The hurricane season peaks in September and October so keep an eye on the forecasts and definitely get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

November – December

The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time, the humidity is low and the Caribbean Sea is still warm. It can be a little “cool” in the evenings so bring a jacket or a light sweater.

  When Is Cozumel Hurricane Season?

Cozumel hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak occurring between September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Cozumel are fairly low (only six hurricanes have hit the island in the past 30 years), but hurricanes traveling near Cozumel can still cause inclement and severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and we always suggest getting travel insurance during these months just in case.

How to Get to Cozumel & Around

There are a few ways to get to Cozumel and around the island. Note that some larger resorts in Cozumel may provide free airport transportation, so check ahead.

Arrival By Air

Numerous airlines fly directly into Cozumel including American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Sun Country. The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is very small (only 5 gates) and passengers must depart the airplanes down roll up stairs onto the runway. No skywalks here!

Be warned that American Airlines and United have been known to sometimes switch passengers headed to Cozumel onto Cancun flights last minute. This is a massive hassle as Cancun airport is huge and passengers would need to arrange overland travel 45 minutes south to Playa Del Carmen, walk a significant distance to the ferry and then take a 40-minute ferry ride to Cozumel. This can add a few hours of travel and plenty of extra money.

  Search for great deals on flights here .

Arrival By Ferry

A 40-minute ferry ride is the only way to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. Two ferry companies,  Ultramar and Winjet, offer passenger-only services to and from the island for $17 – $20 one way and $34 – $40 round trip for adults. You can catch the ferry from the Playa Del Carmen ferry terminal located three blocks away from Juarez and 5th Avenue’s ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive.

Arrival By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships traditionally stop at Cozumel daily, though passengers don’t have nearly as much time to explore the island. There is just too much to do in Cozumel!

Cruise ships dock at one of three cruise ship ports in Cozumel. Punta Langosta is conveniently right in town and close to shops and restaurants. Puerto Maya and the International Cruise Terminal are about 10 minutes drive south of town.

  Search for great deals on cruises here .

Airport Shuttles In Cozumel

Unless you know somebody in Cozumel that can pick you up, you will need to take a shuttle to your hotel from the airport. Taxis are no longer allowed to pick up at the airport. Private and Group shuttles are available. The kiosks are right outside the baggage claim past the timeshare hawkers. Prices are standardized and regulated so there is no point in haggling.

Renting a vehicle may be the most convenient choice for getting around the island depending on how much exploring you plan on doing. It is an easy and affordable option as rental cars can be as cheap as $30/day. The roads around the island are fairly straightforward and safe.

We do not recommend renting a scooter unless you are a well seasoned motorcycle/scooter rider with significant riding experience.

  Search for great deals on rental cars here .

Taxis can no longer pick up at the airport but they are a very convenient way to get around the island. They can easily be flagged down around town or can be called by your hotel.

Prices are standardized and regulated but can add up if you’re traveling from the resort areas to town or going to the wild east side of the island. Be sure to discuss the prices in advance of taking the ride so you know what you’ll pay.

Things to Do in Cozumel

Cozumel's top highlights.

There is so much to do in Cozumel! From diving and snorkeling to jeep tours and beach lounging, it’s really easy to make each day in Cozumel a special experience. Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy on the island!

1. Visit The Wild East Side

The “wild” east side of the island is absolutely worth a visit. While the west side is primarily hotels and beach clubs, the east side of Cozumel is a paradise of remote beaches interspersed with fantastic local beach bars. There are also a few great places to grab a lounger, eat some fresh fish tacos and take a dip in the water such as Chen Rio and Punta Morena , but the real highlight of the east side is the wonderful natural emptiness of it all. Be sure to stop for a fresh handmade beach cocktail at Rastas , Welcome to Miami or Mezcalitos (or all three!) and let the sea breeze wash over you. Hammocks included.

Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches from May to August. It can pile up on the sand and be a little smelly. If the east coast has too much seaweed when you arrive, we recommend visiting Punta Sur (see below) or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs instead.

  To reach the wild east side you can rent a car , hire a taxi in town or book a private tour in a van, jeep or dune buggy .

2. Go Diving

Cozumel is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility. From beginner’s discovery dives to advanced drift dives, there’s something for everyone around Cozumel.

  Be sure to check out our Cozumel Diving Guide for extensive information including recommendations for the top reefs, dive shops & dive schools.

  ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here .

3. Spend the Day at a Beach Club

The west side of Cozumel has incredible sparkling, turquoise waters and numerous beautiful beaches. When visiting the island, there are several fantastic beach clubs where visitors have access to sandy beaches, swimming pools, oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, water activities and more. They typically range in cost from $20 USD to $65 USD per person with the pricier options being all inclusive with drinks and food.

  Check out our Best Cozumel Beach Clubs guide for great information about the top rated clubs on the island.

4. Take A Tour With A Local

Take your vacation in Cozumel to the next level by taking a tour with a local! There is nothing quite like getting an insider experience with people who live here and love all that the island has to offer. Curious about Cozumel’s green interior? Take a jeep tour to Cozumel’s original capital town, Cedral, a quaint community surrounded by forest on all sides. While there, take a jungle off-road visit to caves, trails and even a cenote where you can take a swim. If you are more interested in a water experience, head out from the local’s marina (not the tour boat marina) for some fishing, snorkeling and exploring on the way up to Passion Island. Once there, swim in the clear waters and enjoy a bbq on the beach, local family style! It doesn’t get much better than that. For arranging tours with a local, we recommend contacting Arturo at  Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge , and start planning your unique private experience. Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge is now offering an exclusive tour that has you visiting a private hacienda with caves to explore, a plunge pool and a delicious asadero (open fire bbq). By the end of the day, you will have enjoyed an authentic piece of Cozumel, just like a local.

  To arrange a private tour with locals, contact Arturo at Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge . You can email him here .

5. Go Snorkeling

The water off the coasts of Cozumel is world famous, so jump in! There are numerous snorkeling locations where you can simply enter from the shore, or you could take a boat tour out to the incredible reefs. If time is short, a shallow reef snorkel tour may be the perfect way for you to experience the underwater world. Feel like a full day snorkel excursion? Check out some of the many longer tours to the deeper sections of the reefs to try and spot some of the larger species that call this water home. Whatever you choose, you will be smiling the whole time.

  Be sure to check out our Cozumel Snorkeling Guide for the best snorkel sites and tour company recommendations.

6. Take a Bike or E-Bike Tour

Cozumel is the perfect location for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. With its flat roads, breathtaking scenery and warm weather, riding a bicycle or an e-bike in Cozumel is a fun way to explore the island. Whether you are a casual bike rider or an experienced cyclist, taking a bicycle tour in Cozumel is an excellent way to experience the island’s stunning landscapes, tranquil coastlines, and vibrant culture. If you aren’t feeling up to pedaling, consider using an e-bike.

Note: Riding from town all the way to the wild east side of the island is a LONG ride with no cover from the sun. For this reason, we only recommend it for experienced cyclists.

7. Try Sport Fishing

Deep sea and bottom fishing are fast becoming very popular activities here in Cozumel. Stunningly clear water and excellent weather create an enticing environment for this thrilling sport. If you are one of the many visitors to the island who are passionate about fishing, we recommend booking a private boat for the adventure of a lifetime. The waters around Cozumel are famous for a reason, they are teeming with gorgeous fish. Sailfish, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Barracuda and so many more swim through these waters daily. Whether you are an experienced mariner or have never been sea fishing before, don’t worry, the award-winning team at Aquadventures will guide you through every troll and reel. Bring some friends, bring your family, come enjoy a day on either the beautiful Grand Slam or Why Not boat stocked with everything you need to have a fun and exciting day on the water.

  To arrange a private fishing or snorkeling charter, check out this highly rated outfitter .

8. Go Shopping

No vacation to Mexico would be complete without at least a little shopping, and Cozumel is the perfect place to do just that. With dozens of shops ranging from high end silver jewelry to beach bag vendors, whatever your heart desires can be easily found. Although most people naturally flock to the town center or the Royal Village Mall by the cruise ship port, we recommend taking the time to explore a little further afield to find some true treasures. You may just end up buying your hammock from a local who has just finished stitching it on his front stoop! Also, whether you have one day for shopping or many days, you must be sure to visit Los Cinco Soles . Located at the north end of the waterfront, this is an exceptionally well-appointed shop. Filled to the brim with stunning art, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, traditional handicrafts and more, Los Cinco Soles has something for everyone. It even has a tequila tasting bar! All created by Mexican artisans, farmers and families. You will be so happy you visited.

  Be sure to check out Los Cinco Soles about a 5 minute walk up the coast road from the main square.

9. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

Mexican food is definitely one of the main things to love about this region. Be it traditional Yucatecan cuisine or home-cooked Mexican classics like enchiladas or street tacos, there is something for everyone in Cozumel. Why not have some fun learning how it’s done and take home some great memories and new skills with you? There are a number of very popular cooking classes available in Cozumel.

  Explore a variety of Cozumel cooking classes here .

10. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

The entire southern point of Cozumel island is a sprawling nature preserve known as Punta Sur. It one of the best places to see the island’s vast natural habitat. With some of the most beautiful beaches on the island (bring your swimsuit!) and incredible mangrove marshlands (a free boat ride to see wild crocodiles and birds is included), Punta Sur is a nature lovers dream. Be sure to stop at the lighthouse and climb to the top for epic 360 degree views. There is so much to explore at Punta Sur, be sure to get there early and bring some extra money for food and drinks at the beachside restaurants.

  To reach Punta Sur you can rent a car , hire a taxi in town or book a private tour in a van, jeep or dune buggy .

11. Go on a Jeep Tour

While there are a number of paved roads around the island, many parts of Cozumel still only have dirt road access. Jeep tours are a popular way to see much more of the island. With trips through the woods and stops at beaches, a Jeep Tour can be an excellent (and at times, bumpy) way to get the lay of the land on the island.

  Explore a variety of jeep tours here .

Where To Stay In Cozumel

There are all types of accommodations in Cozumel. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to hostels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For great hotel info and recommendations, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide  or our Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort Guide.

For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide

What To Eat In Cozumel

You can find a wide range of wonderful bites to eat on Cozumel. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, check out our Cozumel Restaurant Guide .

For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Cozumel Restaurant Guide

What To Pack For Your Trip!

The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation Guide .

Check out our Packing List For Beach Vacation!

Find The Best Cozumel Flights

Finding the best flights to Cozumel shouldn’t be hard. We think the Kayak travel search engine is the best way to start. We’ve put together a quick guide to searching for the best flights using Kayak. Check out our Finding The Best Flights To Cozumel Guide .

Check out our Finding The Best Flights To Cozumel Guide!

MEXICAN CARIBBEAN

Cancun, islands, tulum and more.

Cozumel Beach Bar Guide

The Best Beaches In Cozumel Without The Crowds

Cozumel Diving Guide

The Best Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts

Cozumel Hotel Guide

Cozumel Restaurant Guide

Cancun Visitors Guide

Tulum Visitors Guide

Holbox Visitors Guide

Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide

Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide

Isla Contoy Visitors Guide

Much more to explore..., share this post, this post has 20 comments.

Awesome post, thanks

Hello, Is there a booklet or brochure you can send me. I will be cruising there in January. Thanks.

We dont have a booklet but there are loads of great recommendations in our web guides. I hope it helps you plan the perfect vacation!

Very informative, well-written info blog. Glad I found it!

I love the idea about visiting Buccanos! I’ll have to check that out on my next trip.

You will LOVE Buccanos.

I love the idea of an Island Photoshoot. I’m a female solo traveler, so this sounds like a cool thing to do while on vacation. Thank you for the guide!

Cool, I want to go there!

What a great comprehensive guide! I appreciate the wealth of information shared here. Thanks.

Thanks Linda! Glad you like it.

SO helpful for our trip to Cozumel coming up, thank you!

Happy to help!

We are coming Nov13-Nov18 2021. This is our 1st time. Our son will turn 15 while on the cruise and this is his surprise birthday present

Have a wonderful time! What a great present 🙂

This was such a great find! Thank you for posting this guide. We used it literally daily to pick what we would do and where we would go.

What a joy! This guide has taken the search out of my research. You all have saved me so much time. I can’t wait to get there with my family and see all of these places in person.

Forget trying to navigate TripAdvisor, this guide was exactly the thing we needed to organize our trip. Thank you 😊

Thanks for posting this. It was so much more helpful than the other guides I have found online. It made my Cozumel trip so much easier.

Really helpful guide. We referred to this (and your other guides) multiple times on our recent trip. Thanks so much.

A great blog post with just enough information to make you feel like you actually know something about Cozumel. Loved the history sections. Thanks for posting, all this info made our trip that much easier. Keep it up!

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Home » Travel Guides » Mexico » 15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel (Mexico)

15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel (Mexico)

A dream for divers and snorkelers, Cozumel is a diminutive tropical island in the Caribbean Sea off Quintana Roo’s Mayan Riviera.

The island’s south and west coasts are encircled by sandbars and coral reefs, inhabited by multi-coloured fish, nurse sharks, sea turtles, rays, eels and starfish.

You don’t need to be Jacques Cousteau to discover this underwater life, as all you need is a snorkel and a boat.

Hardier divers can contend with deep under-water drop-offs and drifts, or literally swim with the sharks when the bull sharks migrate to the area.

Onshore the beaches are love at first sight, and the many upscale beach clubs catch the packs of tourists that disembark at Cozumel’s cruise terminals each day.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Cozumel :

Cozumel rates among the top diving destinations on the planet, and for good reason.

It’s all down to the soft protected coral reefs, walls covered with underwater vegetation and drifts minutes from the shore.

The waters suit newly-qualified divers, while people with PADI drift qualifications can journey to the Santa Rosa Wall, 15 metres deep and creased with overhangs and ledges inhabited by sponges, spotted eagle rays and pelagic fish.

The Palancar Garden is less taxing, and a place where divers of all experience levels can get close to parrotfish and butterfly fish.

Between November and March there are sharks off Playa del Carmen and open water-certified divers can spend some time in the company of these apex predators.

Suggested tour : Cozumel 2-Tank Scuba Dive Adventure

2. San Gervasio

Cozumel is much more than beaches and reefs; at San Gervasio are the vestiges of a site that had great value to Mayan culture.

Dating back around 1,500 years the early-Classic period, the complex was devoted to the goddess Ixchel, for childbirth and fertility.

As such, all Mayan women were expected to make a pilgrimage to the site and make an offering once in their lives.

One monument to see is Las Manitas, so called for the red Mayan handprints on its walls.

This was the residence of San Gervasio’s ruler around the time of the Classic Maya collapse.

The largest structure on the site is the pyramid, Ka’na Nah most likely where sacrifices took place, while the “Central Plaza” is an ensemble with a group of buildings around an elevated central altar.

3. Boat Tours

The amount of businesses providing yacht charters and group tours around Cozumel is almost dizzying.

And the reason they’re all here is for the island’s reefs off the south and west coast.

These are bustling with exotic wildlife like manta rays, sea turtles, spider crabs, puffer fish, angelfish, moray eels and starfish.

As long as the north wind is in check the seas are tranquil on this side of the island and many of the tours will give you snorkelling equipment and let you dive right in.

You can also stay dry and glimpse the life on the Dzul-Ha, Paradise Reef and Villa Blanca with a glass bottom boat tour, while sunset cruises are a dreamy way to round off a day in paradise.

4. Mr Sancho’s Beach Club

Just 15 minutes from the cruise piers, Mr Sancho’s is an all-inclusive beach club.

Pay $55 USD and you’ll have a sun lounger, access to pools and drinks and food.

As soon as you arrive you’ll be greeted by servers who will be at your beck and call for the whole day.

Kids can hit the inflatable playground in the shallows, while if they pay a little extra parents can make use of the beach spa in the cabañas amid the coconut palms.

One neat touch is the swim-up bar, while the menu offers tempting Mexican fare like quesadillas, shrimp tacos, fajitas and ceviche.

There’s also complementary free Wi-Fi if you feel the need to make your friends at home jealous.

Related tour : Cozumel Private Beach Pass: All Inclusive Beach Day

5. Playa Palancar

After landing on Cozumel many cruise passengers will be directed to Playa Palancar on the gentler west coast.

This is a private beach club, and a sun lounger and table costs $10 USD, or comes free with a meal.

If you’re staying on Cozumel for more than a few days, it could be worth timing your trip to Playa Palancar for times when no ships come in.

But even when the beach is busy there’s lots to love, be it the casual food (chicken quesadillas, chips and guac), friendly service and bright white sand lapped by tropical turquoise water.

Among the palms behind are resident iguanas, peacocks and raccoons, and you can rent snorkel gear and hop on a boat to visit the much-loved reef not far off shore.

6. Playa Chen Río

On the windward southeastern coast, the public Playa Chen Río is an antidote to Cozumel’s busy beach clubs.

This is a fabulous alternative if the north wind is blowing on the east coast’s beaches.

The surf on Cozumel’s windward side is much livelier, but thankfully this buffered by a coral reef and the many rocks that litter the beach.

You’ll be able to sit in warm crystalline tidal pools, while stronger swimmers can brave the surf in the quieter parts of the beach.

You’ll be trading in creature comforts like waiter service and Wi-Fi for unfettered nature, but there’s a highly-rated restaurant where you can dine in the shade of a palapa with the waves breaking close by.

7. Discover Mexico Park

Effortlessly close to the ferry terminals is a park that gives you a whirlwind tour through Mexican culture and the civilisations of the Yucatán Peninsula.

Some of the many activities in store are a José Cuervo tequila tasting session, a chocolate-making workshop, sipping mango margaritas and tucking into a taco buffet.

The park has a folk art museum and a botanical garden planted with many species native to the peninsula.

Meanwhile all of Mexico’s top monuments like the Temple of Kukulcan at Chichén Itzá are represented in large scale at the dioramic garden, where colourful birds, turtles and iguanas may appear at any moment.

8. Playa el Cielo

In English “el Cielo” means “heaven” and you’ll agree with the description when you see this beach off the south coast.

Playa el Cielo is less a beach than a submerged sand bar about 700 metres from the shore.

You’ll go there on one of many boat tours and will be given an hour or so to snorkel and bathe.

The water is shallow enough to stand in, and is a mesmerising shade of turquoise that can’t be captured in photographs.

The water is so clear you can admire the many starfish without goggles, and if you’re lucky a ray or pod of dolphins may swim past.

Available tour : Cozumel Snorkel Tour: Coral Reefs, El Cielo and Playa Mia

9. Punta Sur Eco-Park

Cozumel’s largest eco-park, Punta Sur has a lighthouse, a lagoon and one of the best beaches on the island.

Many people are happy just to bask on the beach, which is slice of heaven, with an arc of powdery sand fringed by hammocks and cabañas and pitching gently into the flawless waters.

But there’s a wealth of things to get up to away from the shore.

You can scale the 135 steps to the top of the Faro de Celarain lighthouse for a supreme view and take a short cruise across Laguna Colombia.

Keep your eyes peeled for the crocodiles around the lagoon, living in their natural habitat, as well as vultures, pelicans, iguanas and turtles.

And for snorkelers, the white buoy in the sea marks the position of a reef decked with gorgonians.

Suggested tour : Cozumel Island: Half-Day Private Jeep Tour and Eco Park

10. Paradise Beach

A 15-minute cab ride from the cruise port, Paradise Beach is a child-friendly place to recharge your batteries.

There’s a long grid of sun loungers, which come included in the basic $3 USD entrance.

You can opt for a variety of packages, for meals, drinks and water sports.

But kids can use the slides, climbing wall and trampolines in the floating inflatable playground for free.

On most days the sea is tranquil as the beach points west towards the Mayan Riviera, so little ones shouldn’t run into trouble.

The cabañas on the edge of the beach are a mini spa where you can book a therapeutic massage if you really want to de-stress.

11. Isla Pasión

A private island off Cozumel’s north coast, Isla Pasión can only be accessed by boat from the cruise port.

You’ll find yourself in a self-contained resort with pristine white beaches on a peaceful lagoon.

If relaxation is in order you can drift off on a sun lounger and have drinks and snacks brought over by waiters, while suspended in the water are hammocks on frames.

Unplugging isn’t for everyone, and you might get restless.

If so a big programme of activities is available, whether you feel like kayaking in the jungle, riding in a jeep, paddleboarding, pedalling on a water tricycle, taking part in a limbo contest or taking off on a high-speed boat.

12. Paddleboarding

One reason stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has taken over the world in the last decade is that it’s an activity that most people can pick up.

Age isn’t much of an impediment and children under 10 and people over 60 can be experts in a matter of minutes.

If you find it tricky to keep your balance on the board you can kneel instead of standing, but the only thing that causes waves in the serene waters west of the island is the wake from boats.

The main operator on Cozumel is Ha Haak at Mr Sancho’s Beach.

They offer introductory lessons and a choice of guided excursions, like a sunset tour from Playa Caletita or a 4.5-hour trip to the exquisite El Cielo beach.

13. El Mirador

A neat curiosity if you’re passing by on the craggy east coast, El Mirador is an exposed coral reef pounded by the windward surf.

Over time the currents have carved a natural arch and you can step over the jagged bridge to the tip of the headland to feel the full force of the sea.

Facing east it’s a glorious place to watch the sun come up and there are grainy coral beaches either side of El Mirador.

These are more comfortable than the jagged rock, but the surf is wild so they aren’t suited so much for swimming.

Walk south of El Mirador for 50 metres and you’ll be at “the Jacuzzi”, a little hollow in the coral that fills with bubbling water when the waves crash against the shore.

14. Mayan Cacao Company

As far as tourist traps go, the Mayan Cacao Company is at least educational and has place-specific souvenirs and gifts to take home.

The attraction is a cross between an outdoor museum and a shop, all designed like a Mayan village and charting the role of chocolate in indigenous cuisine and culture.

The gallery has Mayan vessels and figurines, details the historic cocoa trading routes and shows footage of cocoa being harvested.

You’ll set foot in a Mayan-style dwelling, hear about ancient customs and agriculture and try a tortilla with a typical chocolate sauce.

The tour ends in the shop where you can sample a chocolate bar or chocolate drink before you buy.

15. Cozumel Pearl Farm

A tropical activity to write home about, the family-run Cozumel Pearl Farm has been welcoming visitors since 2012. As with Isla Pasión nearby, the only way to reach this isolated spot in the north is by boat, and you’ll be picked up from the San Miguel pier.

A normal visit takes six hours, during which time you’ll learn how pearls are made at the farm, go snorkelling and chill out on a white sandy beach that could be out of a movie.

There’s also a shop in case you can be tempted by a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery.

The price includes lunch and drinks, while the farm also offers overnight experiences when you can camp on a deserted beach like a castaway.

15 Best Things to Do in Cozumel (Mexico):

• San Gervasio
• Mr Sancho's Beach Club
• Playa Palancar
• Playa Chen Río
• Discover Mexico Park
• Playa el Cielo
• Punta Sur Eco-Park
• Paradise Beach
• Isla Pasión
• Paddleboarding
• Mayan Cacao Company
• Cozumel Pearl Farm

28 Best Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico in 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: June 11, 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.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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:

• Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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.

The 40 Best Things to Do in Cozumel: Complete Guide

In This Article

1. Explore San Miguel:

2. explore the east side:, 3. visit the municipal market:, 4. discover the museum of the island of cozumel:, 5. explore punta sur eco beach park:, 6. visit el cedral:, 7. visit punta morena beach:, 8. visit discover mexico park:, 9. mayan ruins:, 10. swim at playa palancar:, 11. relax at paradise beach:, 12. snorkel at colombia reef:, 13. snorkel at chankanaab beach adventure park:, 14. discover playa mia grand beach park:, 15. snorkel at dzul ha reef:, 16. snorkel at paradise reef:, 17. scuba diving:, 18. dive at santa rosa wall:, 19. dive with whale sharks:, 20. night diving:, 21. dine at local restaurants:, 22. discover coconuts bar & grill:, 23. tequila tasting:, 24. cocktail bars:, 25. festivals and celebrations:, 26. experience eco-parks:, 27. sunset cruises:, 28. atv tours:, 29. ziplining:, 30. horseback riding:, 31. kayaking and paddleboarding:, 32. deep-sea fishing:, 33. shop for silver jewelry:, 34. explore cozumel pearl farm:, 35. traditional cuisine:, 36. local markets:, 37. beachfront relaxation:, 38. relax at playa san juan:, 39. spa treatments:, 40. yoga and meditation:, is cozumel safe for tourists, what is the best time to visit cozumel, are there any all-inclusive resorts in cozumel, can i rent snorkeling gear in cozumel, are there any age restrictions for snorkeling and diving excursions, what currency is used in cozumel, are there any cultural events or festivals in cozumel, can i rent a car in cozumel, are there any eco-friendly tours or activities in cozumel, what is the tipping etiquette in cozumel.

Cozumel is a heaven that guarantees an unforgettable vacation with a splendid beaches, rich culture, and other attractions.

Whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or exploration that you are looking for, this tropical gem has it all.

To make your trip enjoyable and create long-lasting memories, presented below are some of the best activities in Cozumel, grouped according to location.

Attractions and Landmarks

Take a stroll through downtown San Miguel ‘s colorful streets, where you’ll find plenty of shops, eateries, and local vibes.

• Street markets
• Vibrant atmosphere
• Photo opportunity

Take an enjoyable drive along the rocky coastline of eastern Cozumel, stopping at viewpoints, beaches, and local landmarks along the way.

• Coastal vistas
• Hidden beaches
• Off-the-beaten-path adventures

Get a taste of authentic Cozumel life at the lively Municipal Market, brimming with fresh produce, souvenirs, and bustling energy.

• Handmade crafts
• Local delicacies
• Friendly vendors

Dive into Cozumel’s past at the Island’s Museum, featuring intriguing exhibits and artifacts that tell the island’s story.

• Ancient relics
• Interactive displays
• Guided tours

Venture to the southern tip for a nature-filled day at Punta Sur , home to scenic trails, a historic lighthouse, and breathtaking views.

• Nature walks
• Birdwatching
• Instagram-worthy sights

Step back in time at the charming village of El Cedral , where you can explore ancient ruins, admire colonial architecture, and immerse yourself in local culture.

• Historic church
• Traditional fiestas
• Cultural insights

Escape the crowds and find your slice of paradise at Punta Morena Beach , a hidden gem known for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty.

• Secluded coves
• Swaying palms
• Laid-back vibes

Dive into Mexican culture at Discover Mexico Park , home to miniature replicas, cultural exhibits, and interactive experiences that showcase the country’s rich heritage.

• Cultural immersion
• Traditional performances
• Tequila tasting

Also Read: Cozumel Bar Hop | A Complete Guide

Journey back in time as you explore Cozumel’s ancient Mayan ruins, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.

• Archaeological wonders
• Ancient mysteries

Beaches and Water Activities

Spend a blissful day at Playa Palancar, a serene stretch of sand with calm waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply soaking up the sun.

• Crystal-clear waters
• Beachside loungers

Unwind at Paradise Beach , a popular spot for beach lovers, offering a mix of relaxation and excitement with its sandy shores and fun-filled activities.

• Beachfront vibes
• Water sports
• Beachside bars

Dive into an underwater wonderland at Colombia Reef, where vibrant coral gardens and diverse marine life await beneath the surface.

• Colorful corals
• Tropical fish
• Guided snorkel tours

Dive into adventure at Chankanaab Beach Park , where you can snorkel, swim with dolphins, or simply lounge on the beach.

• Marine encounters
• Underwater statues

Dive into fun at Playa Mia , a beach park offering a range of activities, from water slides and kayaking to relaxation on the sandy shores.

• Water park fun
• Beach games
• Family-friendly atmosphere

Explore the underwater wonders of Dzul Ha Reef, a fantastic spot for snorkeling with its colorful coral formations and abundant marine life.

• Sea turtles
• Snorkel rentals

Discover the beauty of Paradise Reef, a shallow coral garden teeming with tropical fish, vibrant corals, and other marine creatures.

• Shallow waters,
• Snorkeling adventures,
• Marine photography.

Experience the thrill of scuba diving in Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, with dive sites ranging from shallow reefs to dramatic walls and underwater caves.

• Underwater adventures
• Dive certifications
• Experienced guides

Plunge into the depths of Santa Rosa Wall, one of Cozumel’s premier dive sites, known for its dramatic drop-offs, colorful corals, and abundant marine life.

• Underwater canyons
• Dive excursions

Swimming alongside gentle whale sharks during their annual migration through the waters of Cozumel is an unforgettable experience.

• Gentle giants
• Bucket-list experiences
• Eco-conscious tours

Dive into the darkness and witness the magical world of nocturnal marine life on a thrilling night diving excursion in Cozumel.

• Bioluminescent wonders
• Night creatures
• Guided night dives

Dining and Entertainment

Satisfy your cravings with mouthwatering Mexican cuisine at cozy eateries dotted around downtown, offering everything from tacos to tamales.

• Authentic flavors
• Waterfront views

Treat your taste buds to fresh seafood and tropical cocktails at Coconuts, a beachfront eatery offering delicious dishes and stunning ocean views.

• Seafood specialties
• Beachfront dining
• Sunset cocktails

Savor the taste of Mexico with a tequila tasting experience, where you can sample a variety of tequilas and learn about the spirit’s production process.

• Premium tequilas
• Tasting flights
• Expert guides

Sip on tropical cocktails at beach bars , rooftop lounges, and waterfront restaurants, where you can enjoy stunning views and laid-back vibes.

• Signature drinks
• Beachside lounging
• Happy hour specials

Join in the festivities and celebrate the rich culture of Cozumel at annual events such as Carnival, Dia de los Muertos, and Independence Day.

• Colorful parades
• Traditional dances

Immerse yourself in nature and culture at eco-parks like Discover Mexico and Faro Celarain, where you can learn, explore, and connect with the island’s beauty.

• Miniature replicas
• Nature trails

Sail into the sunset on a romantic cruise around Cozumel’s coastline, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and serene moments with your loved ones.

• Romantic ambiance

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Explore Cozumel’s rugged terrain on an exhilarating ATV tour, traversing jungle paths, coastal trails, and off-road tracks.

• Off-road excitement
• Jungle exploration
• Adrenaline-fueled fun

Soar through the treetops on a thrilling ziplining adventure, enjoying panoramic views of the island’s lush landscapes and turquoise waters below.

• Canopy adventures
• Jungle vistas
• Eco-friendly experiences

Saddle up for a scenic horseback ride along Cozumel’s beaches and trails, soaking in the island’s natural beauty from a unique perspective.

• Beachside trails
• Sunset tours
• Horseback adventures

Explore Cozumel’s pristine coastline on a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion, gliding over crystal-clear waters and exploring hidden coves.

• Coastal exploration

Set sail on a deep-sea fishing adventure, casting your line in search of big game fish such as marlin, sailfish, and mahi-mahi.

• Trophy catches
• Deep-sea thrills
• Experienced captains

Shopping and Cultural Experiences

Browse through the treasure trove of silver jewelry shops, where you can find unique pieces crafted by talented local artisans.

• Handcrafted gems
• Personalized gifts
• Exquisite designs

Delve into the world of pearls at Cozumel Pearl Farm , where you can learn about pearl cultivation, shop for unique jewelry, and enjoy scenic views.

• Pearl harvesting
• Jewelry making
• Scenic boat tours

Indulge in the flavors of Mexico at local eateries and street food stalls, sampling traditional dishes such as tacos, tamales, and ceviche.

• Street food favorites
• Culinary delights

Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Cozumel’s markets, where you can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh produce.

• Artisanal goods
• Local treasures
• Cultural souvenirs

Relaxation and Wellness

Unwind on Cozumel’s pristine beaches, where you can lounge in the sun, swim in the sea, or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

• Sandy shores
• Turquoise waters
• Beachside bliss

Unwind on the peaceful shores of Playa San Juan, a hidden beach offering tranquility, soft sands, and breathtaking sunsets.

• Serene atmosphere
• Hammock rentals
• Beachside picnics

Treat yourself to a pampering spa day at one of Cozumel’s luxury resorts or wellness centers, where you can indulge in massages, facials, and more.

• Spa packages
• Holistic therapies
• Serene settings

Find inner peace and harmony with yoga and meditation sessions held in serene settings such as beaches, gardens, and wellness retreats.

• Sunset yoga
• Meditation classes
• Mindfulness workshops

Cozumel provides different things for everyone, ranging from exciting adventures to discovering new cultures or just relaxing.

This vacation will be the most memorable time of your life here. Therefore, pack your bags, set sail to the island, and get ready for the greatest adventure of your life.

Your FAQs Answered

Yes, Cozumel is considered safe for tourists. However, as with any destination, it’s essential to take standard precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

The best time to visit Cozumel is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.

Yes, there are several all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel offering a range of amenities, including accommodations, meals, drinks, and recreational activities.

Yes, there are plenty of rental shops and tour operators in Cozumel where you can rent snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and snorkels.

Age restrictions may vary depending on the tour operator and the specific activity. It’s best to check with the tour provider beforehand.

The official currency of Cozumel is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However, US dollars are widely accepted at most tourist establishments.

Yes, Cozumel hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, Dia de los Muertos, and Independence Day celebrations.

Yes, there are several car rental agencies on the island where you can rent vehicles for exploring Cozumel at your own pace.

Yes, Cozumel offers a range of eco-friendly tours and activities, including nature hikes, wildlife encounters, and sustainable snorkeling excursions.

Tipping is customary in Cozumel, with 10-15% of the total bill being a standard gratuity for excellent service. However, it’s always appreciated to reward exceptional service accordingly.

About The cozumelvisit.com

" Greetings, fellow traveler! We are the Cozumel Visit Team, your helpful local expert on everything Cozumel. Consider us your travel companion, ready to share insider information on the best places to visit, things to do and the most juicy advice for your island adventure. "

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25 Best Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico — Top Activities & Places to Go!

By: Author Abigail Lewis

Posted on Published: January 5, 2021  - Last updated: November 26, 2023

A gem in the Caribbean, there’s a reason why cruise ships love docking in Cozumel.

This island paradise just off the eastern coast of Mexico is every vacationer’s relaxing dream.

From swimming with sea turtles and tropical fishes to exploring ruins, you’re sure to have lots of stuff to do in Cozumel.

Party people will also love going bar to bar on the island.

Getting excited?

Here’s a list of the best things to do in Cozumel, Mexico.

1. Cozumel Boat Tour

Marina Fonatur Cozumel, MX 77600 (469) 361-6573

One of the fun things to do in Cozumel is to join a boat tour.

It’s a convenient and fun way to explore the island.

Why You Should Go

There are tons of different tours that you can avail of when in Cozumel.

Each will offer you a unique, exciting experience.

From a fun day of snorkeling to enjoying your own private boat party, boat tours are a sure-fire way to enjoy the day.

Have experience scuba diving?

Join the ScubaTony team as they take you to amazing underwater spots in Cozumel.

You’ll be able to swim beside sea turtles and get up close and personal with beautiful coral reefs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Park Royal Cozumel

2. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Carretera Costera Sur Km 27 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-0833

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is also known as Faro Celerain Eco Park.

It is a natural state reserve that’s over 1,000 hectares big.

Plant and animal lovers will have tons of fun going around the eco-park.

It has white sand beaches, fantastic sea fan gardens, and rich diversity of life.

You can go birdwatching for species endemic to the island or up a tower to watch crocodiles lounge around their home.

Don’t forget to visit the museum lighthouse in the park.

It offers spectacular views of the Caribbean waters.

Plus, it’s pretty scenic on its own (perfect for your social media shots).

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Iberostar Cozumel All Inclusive

3. Palancar Beach

Carretera Costera Sur Km 19.5 Cozumel, MX 77601

One of the best free things to do in Cozumel is to spend your days on the beach.

Palancar Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island.

Engage in thrilling water sports like sailing, diving, and kayaking when you’re in Palancar Beach.

It’s a great spot to practice diving, no matter if you’re a beginner or an expert.

The shallows are also an excellent place to go snorkeling.

Getting hungry?

Grab a bite to eat at the many restaurants and bars in the area.

You won’t need to bring your own food with the many choices available to you.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Occidental Cozumel All Inclusive

Related: Best Beaches in Cozumel

4. Discover Mexico Park

Carretera Costera Sur Km 5.5 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 857-2820

Discover Mexico Park is one of the unique attractions in Cozumel.

This theme park is perfect for people who want to learn a lot about Mexico and its culture.

Make sure to visit this park this weekend for a cool, one-of-a-kind experience.

Travel to Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations all in one day.

This park has tons of miniature models, including the Chichen Itza and the ruins in Tulum.

Another cool miniature model housed in the park is of the Metropolitan Cathedral found in Mexico City.

Foodies will also love other exhibits in Discover Mexico Park.

You’ll get to tour a chocolate factory and even do a bit of tequila tasting.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

Related: Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel

5. Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

Carretera Costera Sur Km 9.5 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-0093

The Chankanaab Adventure Park is located inside the National Reef Marine Park.

It’s the perfect addition to your list of top things to do in Cozumel with kids and the entire family.

There are a lot of things that you can do when you go to this outdoor park.

You can dive and snorkel in its coastal cenote, join activities like meeting with dolphins, or even just relax on the beach.

Feeling a bit more adventurous?

The park also offers a zip-lining activity.

Adults would also love touring the nearby tequila factory.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa

6. Paradise Beach

Carretera Costera Sur Km 14.5 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 689-0000

One of the most popular beaches in West Cozumel today is Paradise Beach.

If you love socializing and don’t mind crowds, then this is definitely a must-add to your list of places to visit in Cozumel.

Laze or play on the comfy-soft white sands of Paradise Beach.

Better yet, cool down in the beautiful turquoise waters or in the pool.

You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling gear if you want to do some water activities.

Want to do something fun, cute, and unique?

Get the Fun Pass so that you can play on the inflatable water toys, water trampolines, and more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Allegro Cozumel All-Inclusive

7. San Gervasio Ruins

Carretera Traversal Km 7 Cozumel, MX 77600

The San Gervasio Ruins is an archeological site in Cozumel.

Many local women used to visit this site to pray to the Mayan goddess of fertility and love, Ixchel.

It’s one of the top things to see in Cozumel for history buffs.

Stock up on your Mayan knowledge by going on a brief tour of the San Gervasio Ruins.

You can go up close to the ruins and take pictures around.

While you can go to this spot on your own, a guided tour can help you learn many new facts about the ruins and Mayan history.

And, when night time comes, this district amps up its energy, thanks to its beloved live music venues, such as the Bomb Factory and the Prophet Bar.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: OYO Hotel Bello Caribe

8. Stingray Beach

Avenida General Rafael e Melgar Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-4932

Stingray Beach is a Cozumel excursion that lets you meet and swim with real live stingrays.

Lovers of the sea and animals will be over the moon when on this tour.

In Stingray Beach, you can swim and hold live stingrays in the area.

You might even get the chance to feed some of them!

For the brave at heart, you can also get the tour where you’ll be able to snorkel and meet many tropical fishes and a few nurse sharks.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Coral Princess Golf & Dive Resort

9. Cozumel Bar Hop

Calle 23 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-2294

The Cozumel Bar Hop is a 4.5-5 hour tour around the island.

It includes stops to 4 of Cozumel’s top beach bars.

It’s not one of the things to do in Cozumel tonight because the tour happens during the day.

But it’s still a riot to join.

Get the downtown nightlife experience with a tropical twist when you join this tour.

Enjoy drinking the welcome shots in beach bars like Punta Morena, Coconuts, and more.

It gets better when you see the picturesque scenery in each bar.

Drinks and the ocean?

It’s one of the best things to do in Cozumel for couples and groups of friends.

Aside from the incredible drinks and upbeat atmosphere, you’ll be able to explore Cozumel’s east side when on tour.

The east side is less developed, so you can really experience the electricity-free island life.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

10. Punta Molas

Punta Molas Cozumel, MX 77600

Punta Molas is located in the far north of Cozumel island.

When you want to do scenic activities with no crowds, this is a must-see place to go.

Punta Molas has only been visited by vacationers recently due to the remoteness of the north.

But with boat tours, travel is now easier.

You can enjoy the beautiful ocean views in the area.

Better yet, take a few photos with the historic red-and-white lighthouse in Punta Molas.

If you have the time, search for the Mayan ruins in the mangrove and jungle in the surroundings of Punta Molas.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Melia Cozumel Golf All Inclusive

11. Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club

Carretera Costera Sur Km. 15 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 871-9174

One of the popular activities in Cozumel is to join a beach club.

Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club is a top choice.

Bask in the luxury of the largest beach club on the island.

Not only will you be able to swim in the beautiful ocean, but you can do tons of water activities.

Some of them include parasailing, banana boat rides, and wave runners.

You can also do other thrilling land activities like horseback riding and ATV riding through the jungle and beach.

Looking to relax?

Don’t do it indoors.

You can choose to lounge in oceanside chairs at the beach club, swim in the pools, go straight to the swim-up bar, or enjoy a feast in the buffet.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Cozumel Hotel & Resort, Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Related: Best Family Resorts in Cozumel

12. Kaokao Chocolate Factory

1.a Bis Sur entre 80 y 85 Ave. Sur Cozumel, MX 77670 (987) 119-7903

Kaokao Chocolate Factory is a Cozumel tour that teaches you the history and process of making chocolate.

It’s a great activity for when it’s raining or cold outside.

Discover how the Mayans made their own hot cocoa back in the day when you visit the Kaokao Chocolate Factory.

You’ll be able to see the tools and ingredients they used.

Best of all, you’ll even get the chance to create your own Mayan chocolate and bring it home.

Mayan chocolate isn’t the only type of chocolate you’ll be tasting while in the factory.

Enjoy different flavors of cacao like roasted cacao beans and cacao paste.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Casa Mexicana Cozumel

13. Mayan Bee Sanctuary

Carretera Transversal Km 10 Cozumel, MX 77600 (998) 155-0068

For a cheap yet satisfying experience, learn more about the stingless Melipona bee when you visit the Mayan Bee Sanctuary.

Discover why the stingless Melipona bee is a sacred and essential part of Mayan culture and agriculture.

Learn different facts about bees and honey while surrounded by lush greenery and a small freshwater sinkhole.

It’s a whole new experience learning about bees while in their natural environment.

When in the bee sanctuary, of course, you’ll be able to taste their product.

Enjoy a little tasting of the different honey found in the Mayan Bee Sanctuary.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel

Related: Best Restaurants in Cozumel

14. Coral Reefs Monument

Avenida Rafael E. Melgar 101 Cozumel, MX 77600

The Coral Reefs Monument is found in San Miguel de Cozumel.

One of the famous and pretty sculptures on Cozumel island is the Coral Reefs Monument.

It shows many different sea creatures in a beautiful arch design.

It even has a few divers in the arch.

Take tons of photos when you visit this monument.

With the right angle, the arch might even look like a gateway to the ocean.

You can walk on the waterfront and just relax.

Eat an ice cream cone or two while you’re at it.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Westin Cozumel

15. Playa El Cielo

Carretera a Punta sur salida el cielo Cozumel, MX 77600

Playa El Cielo is a secluded part of Cozumel known for its starfish sanctuary.

Wander at the crystal clear waters of Playa El Cielo.

It makes it super easy to look at the starfishes in the area.

If you’re lucky, you might even see a stingray or two.

Like any other beach, Playa El Cielo is also a fantastic spot to swim around or do a bit of snorkeling.

Also See: What to Do in Cabo San Lucas Things to Do in Cancun

16. Isla Pasion

Carretera Costera Norte Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-5858

Isla Pasion is a small, thin island that many regards as a beach paradise.

Feel like making an escape?

Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life when you travel to the seemingly secluded Isla Pasion.

You can lose yourself in the calm blue waters surrounded by lush palm trees.

Or relax the day away in the many hammocks and lounge beds near the ocean.

Taking it easy is not complete if you have an empty stomach.

Enjoy the buffet lunch and open bar in Isla Pasion.

17. Dolphin Discovery

Chankanaab National Park Cozumel, MX 77600 (998) 193-3350

Dolphin Discovery was founded in 1994.

It is located in many different countries like the USA, Rome, Jamaica, and more.

Swim-up close and meet some of the friendliest creatures in the sea.

With Dolphin Discovery, you can make friends with tons of sea creatures like dolphins, sea lions, and manatees.

Aside from playing with the animals, you’ll be able to learn more about their environment when you listen to your guides.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

18. Columbia Reef

Columbia Reef is another reef just off the shores of Cozumel island.

It is not as popular as the Palancar Reef, which makes it more undisturbed.

Children and beginner divers will love the shallow waters and gentle currents of the Columbia Reef.

It’s the perfect diving spot for new divers.

You can either snorkel or scuba dive to see the colorful reef hidden under the Caribbean waters.

Besides beautiful coral formations, you’d be able to swim surrounded by tropical fishes and sometimes even barracuda, snappers, and sea turtles.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot an octopus hiding in the rocks.

19. Cozumel Pearl Farm

Franja de Montecristo Cozumel, MX 77601 (987) 564-8698

The Cozumel Pearl Farm is the only pearl farm in the world that gets its pearls from a specific type of oyster found in the Caribbean waters.

If you want to experience the authentic, undisturbed island life, a tour around Pearl Farm is a must.

The 45-minute boat ride will drive you around the northern waters of Cozumel.

It will offer you unique views of the north shore that not many people get to see.

Learn more about the cultivation process of the pearls on the farm.

You can even look at their oysters up close and personal during the snorkeling portion of the tour.

Then, you can spend the rest of your time enjoying the crowd-free beach on the farm.

It’ll feel like the sea is your own private domain.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Cozumeleño Beach Resort – All Inclusive

Also See: What to Do in Los Cabos Tulum: Things to Do

20. Santa Rosa Wall

The Santa Rosa Wall is located about 15 minutes from San Miguel de Cozumel.

The wall starts at about 50 feet and drops deep into the ocean.

Advanced and expert divers are in for a treat when you dive the Santa Rosa Wall.

This spectacular spot is well-known for its beautiful rocky outcrops and its super steep drop.

The wall drops down to 3,000 feet and deeper.

The drop isn’t the only exciting thing to see on the Santa Rosa Wall.

Make sure to keep your eyes open for massive sponges, beautiful corals, and marine life like sea turtles.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel

21. Sea Trek

Avenida Rafael E. Melgar 790 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 878-4647

Sea Trek is an underwater activity that takes you helmet diving at the bottom of the ocean.

Breathe easily while you walk underwater when you join the Sea Trek tour.

With a helmet on your head, you can explore the bottom of the ocean comfortably.

Enjoy being around the beautiful marine flora and fauna in Cozumel.

Sea Trek in Cozumel can be found in Jeanie’s and Chankanaab Park.

There are tons of other activities you can do in the park.

But when you do the tour at Jeanie’s, you can taste their incredible Mexican fare directly after helmet diving.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Villas El Encanto Cozumel

22. Mayan Cacao Company

Carretera Costera Sur Km 15.5 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 120-9431

The Mayan Cacao Company is a specialty museum that features the origins and history of Mayan chocolate.

This beautifully organized museum is a great place to learn more about most everyone’s favorite snack, chocolate.

Besides indoor exhibits, you can also visit a real Mayan house and even join a chocolate-making cooking show.

Feel like taking a break?

Go to the museum’s outdoor bar.

You can drink ice-cold beer, cocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

Plus, sit down and take a picture on their bar-side swings.

23. Atlantis Submarines

Carretera a Chankanaab Km 4 Cozumel, MX 77600 (987) 872-5671

Atlantis Submarines is the only submarine company designated for tourism in Mexico.

For a truly unique underwater experience, dive in the Caribbean with Atlantis Submarines.

You’ll be diving 100 feet below the surface of the ocean in a battery-powered submarine, the one-of-a-kind Submarine Atlantis XII.

You’ll be able to discover the secrets of the Chankanaab reef and see the home of lobsters, sharks, turtles, and more.

Another spot you’ll be visiting is the 154-feet long ship, Felipe Xicotencatl, which sank a few years ago.

It is the largest dive wreck in the Cozumel area and is now home to hundreds of fishes and soft corals.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Mary Carmen

Also See: Places to Go in Tijuana Places to Go in Mexico

24. El Mirador

Quintana Roo C-1 Cozumel, MX 77600

El Mirador is a beach with a unique landscape formed by coral rock.

It is most known for its natural bridge made from an eroded coral reef.

Going on a trip here is one of the best things to do in Cozumel, Mexico.

Forget about white sand beaches and water sports for the day.

El Mirador is a different kind of beach that’s beautiful all the same.

You’ll love the rocky landscape and crashing waves on this beach.

It’ll make for unique beach photos, for sure.

You’ll have a lovely time uploading it on your social media feed.

Look for the hidden natural jacuzzi about 70 yards from the south of El Mirador.

This small bowl-shaped space gets filled when the waves crash on its side.

It’s a little fun secret that not many people know about.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Barracuda

25. Temazcal Ceremony

Temazcal is a Mayan ceremony that is done to clean the spirit and the body.

Purify your spirit and body when you visit Cozumel.

You will be led and educated by your guide as the ceremony progresses to learn how the Mayans thought.

You will enter the temazcal, which is like a sweat bath.

After an hour, you’ll be invited to cool down in a cenote, a freshwater sinkhole.

Besides learning something new about Mayan culture, you can truly experience one of their ancient practices when participating in a Temazcal ceremony.

Related: Best Hotels in Cozumel

Map of Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel Things to Do: The 25 Best Activities for [currentyear]

• Cozumel Boat Tour
• Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
• Palancar Beach
• Discover Mexico Park
• Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park
• Paradise Beach
• San Gervasio Ruins
• Stingray Beach
• Cozumel Bar Hop
• Punta Molas
• Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club
• Kaokao Chocolate Factory
• Mayan Bee Sanctuary
• Coral Reefs Monument
• Playa El Cielo
• Isla Pasion
• Dolphin Discovery
• Columbia Reef
• Cozumel Pearl Farm
• Santa Rosa Wall
• Mayan Cacao Company
• Atlantis Submarines
• Temazcal Ceremony

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

18 Best Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Surrounded by the glittering Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is one of Mexico’s most popular holiday spots to sunbathe, swim, snorkel and scuba dive. It’s easy to see why as its picture-perfect white sands are bordered by twinkling turquoise waters and gently waving palm trees.

The nation’s largest island, it lies just off the Yucatan Peninsula with dense jungle coating its interior and atmospheric old Mayan ruins dotted here and there. While most come to relax and unwind at its resorts, its capital San Miguel de Cozumel does have some lively nightlife to enjoy.

What’s more, rich reefs and marine life can be found just offshore with snorkeling, scuba diving and watersports all being hugely popular pastimes. With so much things to do in Cozumel, the island really does offer up a slice of tropical paradise.

18. Mia Grand Beach Park

A very fun and family-friendly place, the Mia Grand Beach Park boasts lots of brilliant watersports, a beautiful beach and countless other activities and amenities besides. Set along the island’s western shore, it is particularly known for its superb snorkeling and delicious local cuisine.

Whether you arrive by car or cruise ship, you’ll be greeted by sparkling white sands and pretty pools surrounded by lush fauna. Asides from topping up your tan and swimming or splashing about in the sea, you can rent kayaks, pedalos and snorkeling gear with colorful reefs lying just offshore.

The popular park also has some fantastic cooking classes to take with a swim-up pool bar, several restaurants and shady outdoor areas being on offer. As well as shooting down its water slides, guests can also attempt its exciting Adventure Floating Park or arrange some unforgettable excursions.

17. Cozumel Pearl Farm

Lying just off of the island’s northern coastline is a very interesting, idyllic and isolated spot to visit: the incredible Cozumel Pearl Farm. Only accessible by boat, its pristine white beach and turquoise waters need to be seen to be believed such is their startling beauty.

Now the only active pearl farm in the Caribbean, it occupies a thin, secluded strip of sand. While a mangrove lagoon lies to one side of it, the sea’s swirling waters border its other beach. Since 2012, a handful of visitors each day have been invited to learn about their pearl farming techniques and the local ecosystems.

After snorkeling about and seeing some of its amazing sea life, you’re free to amble along the beach and explore its lovely lagoons. The farm also serves up a mean lunch with the boat trip to and from the island being just as special due to the phenomenal views on show.

16. Chankanaab Reef

If you want to swim amidst shimmering shoals of fish and colorful corals, then Chankanaab Reef is one of the best places to go. Suitable for all ages and abilities, its shallowish waters are situated just off of the action-packed adventure beach park of the same name.

Ideal for both beginner snorkelers and scuba divers, the reef only reaches seventy feet in depth with barracudas, stingrays and nurse sharks all sometimes spied at the site. Its mild currents and plentiful fish also make it a great choice though the visibility is not quite as good as at some other reefs.

As it is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, Chankanaab’s rich waters are well worth checking out if you have the chance.

15. Playa Palancar

Also located along Cozumel’s western coast is the peaceful and picturesque Playa Palancar. Fringed by gently swaying palms, its white sands are perfect for lounging on lazily while basking in divine views over the twinkling sea.

Invariably described as paradise by visitors, it is bordered by wonderful warm waters while playful raccoons, regal peacocks and languid iguanas are regularly spotted in the surrounding trees. Besides sunning yourself and swimming in the sea, you can stroll about the beach or snorkel in its shallows.

From its beach bars, you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers or sample some of the tasty food and cocktails they serve up. While it is a sublime spot to relax and unwind, you can also enjoy kayaking and parasailing if you’re feeling a bit more active and adventurous.

14. El Mirador

A neat and unique place to stop by along the island’s southeastern shore is the awesome El Mirador. Over untold years, the pounding waves have carved a natural arch into the exposed coral reef which now makes for some fabulous photos and views.

At the scenic site, you can clamber over jagged rocks and corals to get the best possible photo of the attractive arch and rough waters around it. Its dramatic landscapes also have loads of hidden nooks and crannies for you to poke about in. A bubbling hollow in the rock named ‘the Jacuzzi’ is another of its standout sights.

After having snapped some photos and explored the exposed coral, visitors can grab a bite to eat or drink at its little local restaurant.

13. Catamaran Excursion

A wonderful way to see more of Cozumel’s stunning shores and surroundings is to take a Catamaran Excursion about its glinting waters. Countless companies around the isle run terrific trips to lagoons and beaches, mangroves and reefs with stupendous scenery and views guaranteed wherever you go.

While some simply take you out to secluded spots where you can swim, snorkel and see marine life, others actually teach you to sail the catamaran yourself. Skimming across the sea’s sparkling surface is an exciting experience with dolphins, sharks and sea turtles often spied in the depths down below.

Many offer snacks, drinks and meals either onboard or at picture-perfect spots with both sunrise and sunset excursions being another option. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong as the isle and its waters are just so breathtaking.

12. Paradise Beach

With wonderful white sands, pretty palm trees and twinkling turquoise waters, Paradise Beach more than lives up to its name. Lying just north of Mia Grand Beach Park on the west coast, it has tons of excellent activities and amenities for you to enjoy.

Lining its scenic shores are lots of sun loungers and umbrellas for guests to make use of with a pool, restaurant and shops also lying alongside the beach. Asides from soaking up the sun and swimming in the sea, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling gear and explore its inviting waters.

Although it can get crowded due to cruise ships, the beautiful beach is not to be skipped as it is one of Cozumel’s best. To top it all off, kids can try out its fun climbing wall, trampolines and inflatable playground while adults may instead prefer its spa and beach bar.

11. Santa Rosa Wall

Another absolutely incredible dive site to hit up is the spectacular Santa Rosa Wall on the west side of the island. One of Cozumel’s signature dives, its steep coral wall impressively plunges over 3,000 feet with colorful fish, sponges and anemones spotted throughout.

Only appropriate for intermediate divers and above, its rough and rugged coral cliff face drops off dramatically from the sandy ledge near the surface. While it obviously descends much deeper, most divers limit themselves to 50 to 120 feet as unpredictable currents can make conditions tricky.

Those who do venture along the Santa Rosa Wall are in for a treat as giant Parrotfish, groupers and turtles swirl languidly about here and there. Barracudas and Angelfish are sometimes sighted as are sharks, eels and rays. Overhangs, tunnels and deep crevices all make the dive yet more memorable.

10. Dolphin Experience

If you want to get even closer to some marine life than just swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving about, then an exhilarating Dolphin Experience is simply a must. At both Dolphinaris and Dolphin Discovery Cozumel, you can arrange to feed, swim with and pet the cute creatures.

Accompanied by an expert trainer, you’ll slip into the pool alongside some of their friendly residents and play with and pet them in the water. As well as feeding them fish and taking some pics together, guests can also watch the dolphins do some pretty cool tricks.

In addition to all of this, the trainers teach you all there is to know about the smiley, sleek cetaceans with sea lion and manatee encounters also being on offer. After drying off, you can sit at the on-site restaurants, take a look in the gift shop or lounge on the beach.

9. Take a Jeep Tour

While catamaran trips whisk you about the island’s shimmering waters, jeep tours instead take you around its steamy jungle-clad interior. As you cruise about its trails and tracks, you’ll see lots of fine fauna and flora and stop off at cenotes, caverns and historic sites.

As numerous packages and itineraries are available, these drives really can involve almost whatever you fancy. As such, you can either explore ancient Mayan ruins and isolated nature spots or head to astounding beaches and viewpoints.

What’s more, snorkeling, jet-skiing and horseback riding can also be included alongside snacks and lunches in authentic restaurants and atmospheric beachside bars. With craggy caverns and cool little cenotes to see amidst the jungle, a private jeep tour really is one of the best ways to explore the isle.

8. Isla Pasion

Rivalling the beach in terms of its beauty is the idyllic Isla Pasion to the north of Cozumel. Located just a fifteen-minute boat journey from downtown, its pristine sands, peaceful lagoon and palm trees are sure to set hearts racing and cameras snapping.

At the picturesque private island, happy holidaymakers can swing lazily in hammocks or recline on sun loungers while gazing out over the Caribbean Sea. Guests can either have delicious snacks and cocktails served where they’re sitting or head to its shady bar and restaurant.

You can also kayak and paddleboard along the coast and about the lagoon with sightseeing jeep and speed boat tours also being on offer. Fun beach games and limbo contests regularly take place with all the personnel being very friendly and welcoming.

7. San Gervasio

After all the sunbathing, watersports and swimming, it is good to experience a bit of Cozumel’s rich history and culture. While more than thirty Mayan ruins are scattered about the isle, one of the most important and impressive is San Gervasio in its dense jungle-clad interior.

Dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility, the overgrown oracle is thought to date to 800 AD or even earlier. The center of the island’s religious life for centuries, its striking stone structures were abandoned in the 1,500s after the Spanish arrived.

Nowadays, you can wander around the remarkable ruins which lie amidst a wildlife refuge. As well as a small pyramid, you can stroll about the Central Plaza and see ancient edifices, an eerie altar and a reconstructed arch. To learn more about the site’s history, it is well worth hiring a knowledgeable guide to accompany you around the ruins.

6. Columbia Reef

Yet another of Cozumel’s myriad of unmissable dive sites is the captivating Columbia Reef. Thanks to all its ample marine life, enormous coral formations and strangely alluring abyss, it is one of the most popular places on the isle to scuba dive.

As a winding series of tunnels, crevices and caverns lie one side with a deep drop on the other, there is always something new to see. Flitting in and out are huge shoals of fish and countless curious sea turtles with the odd nurse shark and moray eel spotted every now and again.

While the moderate current means it is only suitable for intermediate and experienced divers, all the hulking great coral formations do provide some protection. These make for some amazing viewing and exploration with most divers reaching a depth of between 50 and 90 feet on the dive.

5. San Miguel de Cozumel

The island’s capital and largest city, San Miguel de Cozumel is full of fun things for you to see and do. While its charming waterfront and nearby beaches naturally attract a lot of attention, all kinds of shops and restaurants, bars and nightclubs dot its downtown.

During the day when cruise ships are docked in the port, its streets hum with life as tourists shop for souvenirs, arrange tours and see its sights. While countless establishments, hotels and dive centers cater to its innumerable visitors, some delightful colonial architecture also lines its colorful blocks.

Besides diving into its thriving dining and nightlife scenes centered around Plaza Central, there are also some interesting historic sites to stop by. While the Cozumel Island Museum contains artifacts and exhibits on its fascinating past, the ruins of San Gervasio only lie a twenty-minute drive away.

4. Playa El Cielo

A serene strip of soft, sparkling sand, the phenomenal Playa El Cielo lies just off the southwest side of the island. Many sightseeing trips and scuba diving excursions stop off here so people can relax, unwind and enjoy its spellbinding scenery.

Surrounded by the brilliantly blue waters of the Caribbean, the appropriately named ‘heaven’ beach certainly makes for some fantastic photos and views. While there is no reef nearby, its shallows are famed for the innumerable starfish that dot its sands with stingrays, sharks and dolphins sometimes spotted swimming by.

Aside from splashing about in the sea and snorkeling, you can slowly wander along its white sands while taking in sublime views over the sandbar and sea. The friendly boat captains also provide you with drinks and snacks for when you’re soaking up the sun.

3. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Just a stone’s throw away, you can find the diverse scenery, nature and wildlife of the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Occupying the southern tip of the isle, it encompasses not just picturesque beaches and reefs but lagoons, a lighthouse and an old Mayan temple too.

While its gorgeous coastline and calm lagoons offer up loads of excellent outdoor activities, visitors can also hike about its forested areas. Within its scenic confines resides a wealth of wildlife with sea turtles and iguanas, pelicans and vultures all regularly sighted alongside the odd crocodile.

Other than its natural riches, there is a towering lighthouse to check out and a crumbling Mayan site that is either reckoned to have been a temple or an early lighthouse.

2. Playa Chen Rio

Delightfully untouched and unspoiled, the quiet Playa Chen Rio lies along Cozumel’s oft-overlooked east coast. Unlike most of the other beaches on the windward side, its protected waters are perfect for swimmers and snorkelers.

This is because an offshore reef stops most of the strong currents and waves with rocky formations and tidal pools also providing some respite. As such, you can wallow in its waters or snorkel around its shallows without worrying about being swept along the coast.

As most tourists and cruise ships stick to Cozumel’s western side, Playa Chen Rio is never crowded. There are however less facilities with only one small yet highly rated restaurant to be found nearby. This though makes it ideal for those looking to sunbathe and swim with barely another soul in sight.

1. Palancar Reef

Awash with colorful corals, fish and marine mammals, Palancar Reef is, for many, the highlight of any trip to Cozumel. With giant formations and shady swim-throughs also dotted about the lovely underwater gardens, it really is one of Mexico’s best and most beautiful dive sites.

Suitable for everyone from complete beginners to experienced experts, it stretches over 3.5 miles in length and reaches depths of up to 115 feet. While snorkelers can already see countless sponges, sea turtles and shoals of fish in its shallows, further down there are incredible overhangs and tantalizing tunnels to explore.

As many tour operators take scuba divers to Palancar Reef, it sometimes feels a bit crowded though there are more than enough corals to go around.

Best Time to Visit Cozumel

The high tourist season in Cozumel starts in November once the worst of the rainy season is over. Although December and January still see some rainfall, holidaymakers escaping the winter pour in from all around the States and Europe.

Around Christmas and New Year’s, its hotels and restaurants are packed with prices higher as a result. Averages of 28 and 29°C (82 to 84°F) are ideal for scuba diving, taking catamaran tours and enjoying some watersports.

The dry season of February to April is arguably even better as you can enjoy these activities without the crowds. As it is a couple of degrees warmer, sun worshippers can lounge on its beaches with fun events like its carnival and El Cedral Fair also taking place then. The prices and crowds again rise around spring break.

As May sees more rain and June is the start of the hurricane season, these months are quite quiet. You can find some great deals then and in September and October though if you don’t mind getting a bit wet.

Although July and August are hot, humid and have a lot of rain, many people still visit. Despite the downpours making jungle treks less pleasant, it is a wonderful season to scuba dive and see marine life.

Map of Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

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Cozumel , Mexico

28 fun things to do in cozumel, mexico.

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Cozumel is Mexico’s third largest island, best known as one of the top diving destinations in the world. Situated right on the world’s 2nd largest Barrier Reef System, it boast amazing marine life and excellent visibility, making the island a diver’s paradise. But while spectacular diving is the biggest draw, there are many more things to do in Cozumel to keep you busy for days. The island has beautiful beaches, Mayan ruins, water sports and abundance of amazing food, just to name a few.

The island of Cozumel is also a popular stop on many Caribbean cruises and there are several cruise ships arriving daily. In full disclosure, this was the main reason, Cozumel wasn’t at the top of my list of places in Mexico I wanted to visit. I imagined an island full of tourist traps and overrun with cruise ship passengers. Well, all I can say is, I’m glad I decided to visit anyway, because that’s not what Cozumel is at all. While the area near the ports does feel very commercialized, with cheesy tourist shops and American chain restaurants, the rest of the island is quite the opposite.

Even though it’s one of the biggest islands in Mexico, Cozumel is mostly undeveloped, with no shortage of secluded spots, empty beaches and stretches of beautiful nature. So don’t let the presence of cruise ships deter you from visiting Cozumel. Simply venture out, away from the downtown area, because that’s where you’ll find the true beauty of the island.

Table of Contents

Is Cozumel touristy?

Cozumel is a popular cruise ship stop, in fact it has the largest port in Mexico, with multiple ships arriving daily. The island also receives a lot of day trippers from Playa del Carmen. So to give you a short answer, yes, Cozumel is definitely a popular tourist destination in Mexico.

Whether you’re a fan of cruise ships or not, the reality is, that the industry does bring a lot of business to Cozumel and provides jobs to the locals. Which is crucial to an island, that lives off of tourism.

But Cozumel has way more to offer than the couple of busy streets by the ferry and cruise ship ports. The island is actually mostly undeveloped, with stretches of empty beaches and beautiful nature. It’s not hard to find parts of the island with a few or hardly any people there. The real beauty of Cozumel can be found outside of the main tourist area of San Miguel, you just have to venture out.

Also, avoiding cruise ship crowds is not that hard. Most of them like to spend time in the main San Miguel downtown area. That’s where you find American chain restaurants, souvenir stores and overpriced bars. And since lot of cruisers tend to stick to what’s familiar, that’s where they hang out. So my number one tip would be to steer clear from the main downtown drag mid day. All you need to do is to just walk a few blocks away from the main square, and you’re in for a whole new experience.

How to get to Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is located off the coast of Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, about 12 miles (19 km) across the water from Playa del Carmen. The island is accessible by ferry. Ferries to Cozumel leave from Playa del Carmen, so if you fly to Cancún or are already anywhere in Riviera Maya, you need to get to Playa first. There’s no ferry service to Cozumel from Cancún or anywhere else in the area.

There are a couple of ways to get to Playa del Carmen from the Cancún Airport.

• ADO bus – the cheapest option is to take the ADO bus, which leaves from Cancún Airport every 20 minutes. One way ticket costs 250 MXN and it takes anywhere from 1-1.5 hour to get to Playa, depending on traffic. Once you arrive at the airport, just follow the signs to the ADO bus platforms. You can buy your tickets at the ADO counter, which is near the airport exit. Once in Playa del Carmen, the ferry terminal is just a short walk from the ADO bus station.
• Private transfer – if you want a hassle free option or are traveling with a bigger group, arranging a private transfer is the way to go. I highly recommend CARM Tours & Transfers , which is my go to company whenever I opt for a private transfer from Cancún airport. They are reliable, on time and their vans are really comfortable. Private transfers are also cheaper than taxis.
• Taxi – you can always hop in a taxi, but that wouldn’t be my first recommendation.

Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

There are currently three ferry companies, that run from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel: Ultramar, Winjet and the new Xcaret ferry. All of them leave from the same ferry Terminal in Playa. Ultramar and Winjet leave on the hour alternating hours, and Xcaret leaves at half hour. There’s no need to buy tickets online, you can get them right before your trip. All three companies have kiosks right outside of the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen.

If you are taking a day trip to Cozumel, don’t buy a return ticket, unless you know for sure that you’ll be taking the same ferry on the way back. There’s no discount for buying a round-trip ticket anyway.

• Ultramar – 290 MXN one way
• Winjet – 280 MXN one way
• Xcaret – 305.28 MXN one way (270.28 MXN opening prices)

The crossing takes about 40-45 minutes. Generally, it doesn’t really matter which ferry you take, although I prefer Xcaret and Ultramar , as their boats are nicer and have more open-air seating on the top deck. Also, they are large catamarans, so it’s a much smoother ride when the seas are rough. And the crossing does get bumpy at times.

Getting to Cozumel by airplane

There is a small, international airport on the island, so you can also fly directly to Cozumel. Several US airlines provide direct service, which is very convenient, although flights to Cozumel tend to be more expensive than those to Cancún. Also, some airlines fly to Cozumel only in high season, and stop the flights during the summer months.

Cozumel Airport ( CZM ) is located right outside of the downtown San Miguel area. Once you land, the best and cheapest way to get to your hotel is to take Cozushuttle . These buses run frequently and you can get tickets at the Cozushuttle counter, which is the very last one on your left as you are exiting the Arrivals Terminal.

Taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers right at the airport, so if you’d like to catch one, you have to walk away a couple of blocks away from the airport to catch one.

Getting from Cancún to Cozumel by plane

If you fly into Cancún, taking a ferry from Playa del Carmen is no longer your only option to get to Cozumel. In May 2024, Aerus , a regional airline launched a service between Cancún and Cozumel with five flights daily. The travel time is about 30 minutes, which is a real time saver. The so-called bag drag, which is taking a bus from the airport to Playa, then ferry over to the island, takes at least 3.5 hours, if timing of everything aligns perfectly.

Even though the flight will cost you more than the bus and ferry, it will save you a lot of hassle and time. Prices start at 1,118 MXN for a one-way ticket and vary depending on time, how much luggage you have and season. Aerus operates out of Terminal 2 at Cancún Airport. You can check the exact schedule and book your tickets here.

Best time to visit Cozumel

Cozumel has tropical weather year round, but some times are better to visit than others.

December – February is considered the high season, with plenty of people traveling over holidays and those escaping cold parts of the world. Average temperatures are around 80-85 F, a bit cooler at night. One thing you should expect if you visit during those months are bigger crowds and higher prices. I definitely recommend pre-booking anything you can book ahead of time: tours, car rental, boat trips.

One thing to be aware of, is that from November to February, is also Norte season, which is a cold front, that brings strong winds from the North. This primarily affects boat activities, as it’s very common, that the Port closes to any recreational boating. If you plan on traveling to Cozumel during those months, my number one tip would be to book any boat activities at the beginning of your trip. This way, if the port closes and your trip gets canceled, you still have time to reschedule.

March – June are great months to visit, as it’s usually hot with minimal rainfall. Also, hotel prices are lower.

July – November marks the rainy season in Cozumel and when the weather is the most unpredictable. You can expect hot and humid days with frequent downpours. Although these tend to pass rather quickly. Those months also coincide with the Hurricane season, and although hurricanes are rare, it’s something to keep in mind when booking your vacation. If you don’t mind the unpredictable weather, this is a great time to find best deals on flights and hotels.

How many days to spend in Cozumel

While a lot of people visit Cozumel for a day, either as a day trip from Playa del Carmen or part of their cruise ship schedule, that is way too short of a visit to even scratch the surface of what this amazing island has to offer.

I recommend spending at least a week to truly experience the island. Yes, diving is the main draw, but as you will see from the list below, there’s no shortage of other things to do in Cozumel and you will need ample time to experience at least some of them. Between two separate trips, I spent 5 weeks on the island, and I still have more to do and see.

If you can’t swing a whole week, 5 days in Cozumel is a minimum.

How to get around Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is 48 km long and 16 km wide and best way to get around the island and explore it is by renting a car.

When driving downtown San Miguel, know that most roads in town are one way and those that run north to south ( parallel to the ocean ) have the right-of-way. As soon as you get out of San Miguel, driving in Cozumel is very easy with minimal traffic. There is a 40 km loop, that goes around the island. Note, that the northern part of the island is not accessible to regular transportation.

As far as car rental companies in Cozumel go, I highly recommend Rentadora ISIS , a small, family run business with exceptional service and no hidden fees. I’ve rented from them several times so far and it’s my go to place. I’ve also used Fiesta and HTL and I recommend them as well. All three have offices downtown, just a short walk from the ferry.

* Rentadora ISIS also has an office in Playa del Carmen, if you are looking for a reputable, honest car rental from there.

By a scooter

As soon as you arrive on the island, you’ll see that scooters are a very popular means of transportation for both locals and tourists. Exploring the island on a scooter is even considered one of the top things to do in Cozumel. However, I ONLY recommend renting a scooter in Cozumel, if you have prior experience of riding one.

Yes, they look fun, but a lot of unexperienced drivers end up in accidents. The reasons are many. Tourists are not familiar with the one way road system in downtown San Miguel, roads get slippery and of course alcohol is a huge part of it. Similar to golf carts in Isla Mujeres , just with much dire consequences.

So if you have experience in riding a scooter and realize this is a vehicle, not a fun toy, go ahead and rent one. If not, skip the scooter and rent a Jeep instead.

Cozumel is a very bike friendly island. Not only it’s flat, but there are also many bike paths and designated bike lanes. Once you get out of the busy downtown area, biking is easy, safe and enjoyable. Even if you are not up for covering a long distance, it’s a great and fun way of getting around Cozumel.

There are several bike rentals in town, and one I can personally recommend is Best Bikes , located a couple of blocks away from the main square. The bikes are in great shape and the rental comes with a helmet, lock and snorkel gear. If you are traveling in high season, be sure to contact Philip and reserve one or two days ahead, as the bikes are usually in high demand.

One day rental is $15 USD ( same day return ) or $20 USD ( for 24 hours ) and you’ll need to leave your ID or credit card as deposit when you pick up your bike.

Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

Go scuba diving.

There are a ton of great things to do in Cozumel, but it would not be right to start the list with anything other than diving. The island is located right on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, the second largest in the world, which stretches for nearly 700 miles from the northern tip of Yucatán Peninsula all the way to Honduras.

An abundance of marine life and excellent visibility makes diving in Cozumel nothing short of spectacular. There are several dive sites around the island, from shallow ones suitable for beginners to deeper ones for the advanced divers.

As diving is one of the top things to do in Cozumel, there are plenty of dive shops to choose from. Some that have been been on the island for years and come highly recommended are Scuba Tony and Careyitos Divers. Expect to pay around $100 for a 2 tank dive.

Go snorkeling

Not a diver? Don’t worry, you can still experience Cozumel’s beautiful marine life while snorkeling. Some of the most popular locations like Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef or El Cielo require booking a boat tour . Most snorkeling tours last about 4 hours and cost around $50.

If you don’t want to book a snorkeling excursion , there are several reefs easily accessible from shore. This is one of the great things about snorkeling in Cozumel, that you are not limited to boat tours. Several great spots can be found along the west coast, where you can just jump in the water with your snorkeling mask and immediately be surrounded by lots of fish. Some can be accessed through a beach club, others right off the beach.

Here are a couple of great spots for off shore snorkeling in Cozumel:

• Money Bar – this is a popular place to watch sunset over a couple of drinks, but it’s also one of the best spots for off shore snorkeling in Cozumel. As long as you grab some food and/or drinks, you can hang out there and snorkel Dzul-Ha reef , which is easily accessible from the bar. If you don’t want to spend money, you can also go right next to Money Bar, enter water there and snorkel for free. Just be careful getting in, as the rocks are pretty sharp. I recommend water shoes.
• Playa Corona – further down south, Playa Corona is another great spot to do some snorkeling close to the shore. They have tables, hammocks, easy access to water and no entrance fee or minimum purchase amount.
• La Monina – this waterfront restaurant, not far from the center of town is one of my favorite places on the island. Good food, beautiful views and great snorkeling right off the dock. Also, it’s a great spot to watch a sunset.

Spend a day at Punta Sur

One of the places you can’t miss in Cozumel, no matter how long you’re staying, is Punta Sur. It’s an enormous natural reserve, located at the southern tip of the island, covering an area of over 2500 acres. Punta Sur is home to beautiful beaches, great snorkeling, a lagoon, crocodiles, Mayan ruins and a lighthouse with some of the best views of the island. It’s almost like a sample of all the best things to do in Cozumel.

Punta Sur is huge and with all the activities, you can easily spend an entire day there. Keep in mind, that the attractions are quite spread out, so you will need a car, not just to get there, but also to get around within the park.

Almost immediately after you enter the park, your first stop will be a small Mayan ruin El Caracol . Dating back to 1200-1400 AD, the structure is nowhere near the size of other Mayan sites in Mexico, but it’s said to have played an important role in predicting hurricanes.

After you check out El Caracol, go right across the road and enter the Colombia Lagoon. The lagoon is home to over 350 crocodiles, various species of birds and turtles. You’ll be able to see some of them from the boardwalk and from the top of the watch tower.

After that, follow the sandy road to your next stop, which will be the Celarain Lighthouse . Built in 1901, the lighthouse Today, you can climb the 133 steps to the top for amazing 360 degree views of both the lagoon and the ocean. Hands down one of my favorite views of Cozumel.

If you are interested in the maritime history of Cozumel, there’s a small Navigation Museum located in the former keeper’s quarters.

After a short drive, you’ll arrive at the next stop, which will be your last. That’s where Playa Punta Sur is, which is one of the best beaches in Cozumel. There are several beach clubs, where you can hang out for the rest of the day and enjoy some food and drinks.

Also, from the same location as the beach, you can catch a 40 minute boat tour around the lagoon. It will give you another opportunity to spot crocodiles and while there’s never a guarantee with wildlife, the chances of seeing them are pretty high.

Depending on the timing, you can either do the boat tour before you head to the beach, or come back later. Currently, there are tours at 12pm, 1 pm and 2 pm, but do check at the entrance on the day of the visit to confirm.

The lagoon boat tour is an additional 36 MXN on top of the park’s entrance fee, but it’s totally worth the extra cost.

As you can see, there’s so much to do at Punta Sur, that you can easily spend an entire day there. And even though it’s one of the pricier things to do in Cozumel, it’s totally worth the admission fee.

• Opening times : Monday – Saturday 8 am – 4 pm
• Entrance fee : 324 MXN ( adults )/ 198 MXN ( kids ) + 36 MXN for the lagoon boat ride

Visit El Cielo

If there’s one place you absolutely must have on your Cozumel itinerary, it is El Cielo. Known for crystal clear, shallow water and abundance of starfish and stingrays, it’s not only one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Cozumel, but the most beautiful place on the island period. The color of the water is unreal!

You can only visit El Cielo by boat. Visiting this stunning spot is one of the best things to do in Cozumel, and there are plenty of boat tours, that will take you there. You can book your El Cielo snorkeling tour here. These tours usually last 4 hours and include a stop at the sandbar, swim with the stingrays and starfish, as well as lunch.

If you prefer a private tour, have the boat to yourself and spend as much time as you want at El Cielo, contact Adrian Cozumel .

Explore San Miguel

San Miguel is the only town in Cozumel and where most locals live. If you are arriving by ferry, it will be your first introduction to the island. Steps away from the Terminal, you have the main square, known as Benito Juárez Park, with the big orange clock tower, colorful Cozumel sign and plenty of seating. But don’t limit yourself to the waterfront area only and head more inland. The further away from the square you go, the more authentic it is.

The best way to explore San Miguel is on foot. Grab a cup of coffee and wander the colorful streets. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, stores and beautiful street art.

Take a picture with Cozumel sign

Like many other destinations around Mexico, Cozumel also has a colorful sign, which makes for a perfect photo op. You can find Cozumel letters right in the main square, a stone’s throw away from the ferry terminal.

Visit Cozumel Museum

Whether you are looking for a rainy day activity or a break from the sun, be sure to visit Cozumel Museum. Located right on Melgar , the street that runs along the ocean, Museo de la Isla de Cozumel is a great place to learn more about the history and evolution of the island, Mayan culture and people, who have made Cozumel the island it is today.

The newly renovated museum has permanent displays and exhibits as well as temporary ones, spread over four rooms and two floors. Well worth the $11 admission price.

Cozumel Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm and the admission price is $11.

Check out the street art

One of my favorite things about Mexican towns is the amazing street art and San Miguel in Cozumel is no exception. There is an incredible amount of impressive murals scattered all over town and the island. A lot of them were created as part of Sea Walls project, that brought artists from all over the world to Cozumel, to create art, with a goal of bringing awareness to the importance of ocean conservation.

So if you are looking for something fun to do in San Miguel, go on a self guided mural walk and try to find as many as you can. It will also be one of the free things to do in Cozumel.

Stroll the Malecón

Malecón is a long waterfront boardwalk, that runs along the west coast, with ocean on one side and shops, restaurants and bars on the other. There are plenty of interesting statues and fountains along the way, which depict the history of Cozumel. If you are looking to get your steps in, this is the perfect place for a stroll.

Since Malecón runs along the west side of the island, it’s a great place to catch a beautiful sunset.

Explore the island by car

There’s so much to see on the island and one of the absolute must things to do in Cozumel is to rent a car and do a road trip around the island. There is a 40 mile “loop” that circles around most of it and a lot of top Cozumel attractions can be found along the way. Many beautiful beaches, fun bars, scenic outlooks, Mayan ruins and so much more. Be prepared to make a lot of stops.

One of the best parts of your drive will be along the East coast, which is known as the wild side of Cozumel, as it’s completely undeveloped and provides some of the best ocean views. A lot of the places I detail below like Playa Chen Rio, El Mirador and my favorite bar Welcome to Miami can be found on that side of the island.

Visit Mercado Municipal

I love visiting local markets in Mexico, as they offer a little glimpse into the every day life. Also, they are colorful, always bustling with action and a great place to people watch. Mercado Municipal was my go to place for fresh produce, but you can also find meat, fish, spices and other goods, all in one place. It’s a great spot to grab cheap lunch as well.

Mercado Municipal in Cozumel is located several blocks away from the main square. Even though some tours make a quick stop to check out the market, it remains very much a local place.

Enjoy the views at El Mirador

El Mirador is one of the most picturesque spots in Cozumel and a must stop on your drive around the island. It’s located on the East side and has beautiful rock formations, arches and stunning views. Also, lots of fun photo ops, with yet another Cozumel sign and plenty of Mexican flags.

Explore San Gervasio Ruins

Cozumel has several small Mayan ruins scattered across the island, with the largest and most significant being San Gervasio. This archeological site is nestled in the middle of the jungle, about 10 km from downtown San Miguel.

While small compared to sites such as Chichén Itzá or Cobá , San Gervasio played an important role in the Mayan world. The site dates back to 100 BC and it was an important pilgrimage site for Mayan women, who flocked to the island to worship Ixchel , the Goddess of fertility.

The structures at San Gervasio are quite spread out and it takes about one hour to see the entire site. There are guides at the entrance you can hire, or you can just explore on your own.

If you want to have the site to yourself, get there early, ideally right after it opens. San Gervasio does not receive the same amount of visitors as the more famous Mayan ruins on the mainland, but it is a popular stop on the around the island tour.

• Opening hours: San Gervasio ruins are open daily from 9 am – 5 pm
• Cost: 188 MXN ( 108 MXN and 80 MXN )

Visit Mayan Bee Sanctuary

Mayan Bee Sanctuary opened in 2019 and it’s one of the newer Cozumel attractions. It’s an interesting place where you can learn about a very special kind of bees, Melipona bees and their importance for Mayan people.

Melipona bees are stingless bees, native to Yucatán and what sets them apart from the European bees, is the very special kind of honey they produce. The difference between Melipona honey and what you might have in your kitchen pantry is, that is has plenty of medicinal purposes. It’s been used by Mayan people to treat burns, ear, eye and digestive issues.

You can learn all that and more during a 40 min guided tour around the Sanctuary. After the short Mayan purifying ceremony, you take a walk through the grounds, where you get to see the bees, the hives and learn how the Melipona honey is made. You’ll learn all about three species of stingless bees found in Cozumel and their importance in Mayan culture. At the very end, you’ll get the opportunity to get a little taste of Melipona honey and you can also purchase a jar to bring home.

There’s also a small workshop of a local artist and sculptor Carlos Pacheco, so be sure to stop and check out his work. He creates amazing pieces using techniques similar to ancient Maya, some of which you can see as you walk through the Sanctuary.

Mayan Bee Sanctuary is located very close to San Gervasio, so if you plan on visiting the ruins, I recommend heading to the Sanctuary right after. You can book your visit to the Mayan Bee Sanctuary here.

• Opening hours : Monday – Saturday 9 am -3 pm

Go beach hopping

Of course you can’t go to an island in Mexico without spending some time on the beach and you have plenty to choose from in Cozumel. Some are great for snorkeling, others for soaking up the sun. In general, beaches along the West Coast are more calm, are great for snorkeling, have more amenities and are more crowded. If you are looking for a more remote, sandy beaches, you want to head to the East coast.

Beaches on the East side

Beaches on the East side are wild and have less amenities, if any, than the beaches on the opposite coast. They are also way less crowded, as most people who come for the day, either on a cruise ship or from the mainland, tend to stay closer to the pier and ferry.

Keep in mind though, that the water on the east coast of Cozumel can be rough with big waves. Crashing waves might be fun to watch, but can be dangerous if you’re not a strong swimmer, so be extra cautious.

• Chen Rio – my absolute favorite beach in Cozumel. It’s very scenic with big waves. The current can be strong, so be cautious. There is also a shallow area, protected by a reef. The beach is quite big, so it’s easy to find a quiet spot. Not many amenities, but there is a restaurant near the “tide pool” area, and often a food truck right across the street.
• Playa San Martin – beautiful, remote beach with long stretches of white sand. Since it’s quite far from the cruise port, there usually aren’t many people there.
• Punta Morena – operates as a beach club with all kinds of amenities like a restaurant, hammocks etc. The beach area is smaller than Chen Rio. There’s no cover charge, but they do have a minimum purchase amount to use the amenities.

Beaches on the West side

The West side of Cozumel is developed and beaches along the west coast are primarily rocky and operate as beach clubs. Those tend to have lots of amenities such as a restaurant, loungers, showers and more. Some have a fee to enter, others are free, as long as you spend a certain amount on food and drinks.

This side of the island is great for snorkeling, has calmer waters, but tends to be more crowded.

• Playa Corona – small beach club with amazing off shore snorkeling and easy access to water. Amenities are basic, which is maybe why it’s not overrun with tourists. A few tables, hammocks and a small restaurant. If you want a quiet, relaxing spot with no loud music and crowds, this is a great place.
• Playa Palancar – this beach club is one of the favorites on the island. It has a nice stretch of sandy beach, great swimming and nice amenities. It used to be free to enter, but now there’s a $20 entrance fee, which includes the use of beach chairs and all the amenities. You can also rent a kayak or sign up for a snorkeling tour to the nearby Palancar Reef.

Rent a bike

Another one of the fun things to do in Cozumel is to rent a bike and explore the island on two wheels. Since the island is flat, biking in Cozumel is pretty easy, although the heat can get to you, if you’re not used to it. Bring a hat and plenty of water!

Biking on Cozumel is safe, as most of the island is very bike friendly. With the exception of downtown San Miguel, which lacks in bike paths, most roads have separate lanes for bicycles.

There are several places you can go on a bike. The entire loop around the island is 40 miles and totally doable on a good bike. I’ve done it on my last visit and and it was a lot of fun, but you need to be in good shape or a serious cyclist. If you are not as ambitious, you could try a shorter route. Here’s some ideas:

• beach hopping along the East coast – if you’d like a bike ride with scenic views, this is the one for you. From San Miguel, head down Transversal Rd all the way to the end until you reach Mezcalito’s Bar , then take a left and go along the east coast. You’ll have beautiful ocean views and plenty of beaches to stop at. It’s about 20 km from Mezcalito’s bar till the end.
• bike along the West coast – another fun bike ride is to head down the west coast. The actual bike ride is not as scenic as that along the east coast, as you can’t see the water and beaches from the bike lane. There are hidden behind hotels and beach clubs. However, there are plenty of spots to pull over with great off shore snorkeling. Don’t forget to bring your snorkel gear .
• San Gervasio, Mayan Bee Sanctuary and Mezcalito’s – from downtown San Miguel, head down the Transversal Rd until you see the entrance to San Gervasio on your left. From there it’s another 6 km until you reach the ruins.

Visit Isla de la Pasión

Isla de la Pasión ( Passion Island ) is a private island located in northern end of Cozumel. It’s a great beach escape, and a perfect place to kick back and relax in the sun for a few hours. You can get there by boat and there are several ways to do it.

A lot of people who visit Passion Island do so as an excursion from the cruise ship. This includes the boat ride to the island, use of facilities there, water toys etc. If you are already on the island and would like to go there and have the same access to everything there, you can purchase a day pass on their website.

You can also book a catamaran trip , which is what I did, and I would definitely recommend it. This particular tour was 5 hours long, included lunch and unlimited drinks. The boat was beautiful, crew amazing and food exceeded my expectations. You can book this exact Catamaran Tour To Isla de la Pasión here.

Just keep in mind, that going with on this boat tour ( or any other that is not booked directly with Passion Island ), you cannot use their facilities. But there’s still plenty of the island you can enjoy without stepping across the imaginary line. And since all beaches in Mexico are public, no one can stop you from walking along the beach anywhere.

Book a private boat tour

If you’d like to skip a crowded boat and book a private boat tour, Adrian Cozumel is your guy. Whether it’s boating, snorkeling, visiting El Cielo or a “private” beach, he’ll customize it to your interests. Born and raised in Cozumel, he knows the island like the back of his hand and will show you the best spots.

He’s fun to be around and professional at the same time. He loves showing off his island, that he’s very proud of, and goes above and beyond to give you the best experience possible.

Is it pricier than other boat tours? Yes, but worth every penny. Adrian’s attention to detail, safety and providing the best experience is unmatched. You’ll also have freedom to do whatever you want ( weather permitting ). I can guarantee you, it will be the highlight of your Cozumel trip. You can contact Adrian through his Facebook page .

Visit Cozumel Pearl Farm

If you’re looking for something unique to do in Cozumel, book a day trip to Cozumel Pearl Farm. Located in the northern part of the island, this family owned operation is one of the two pearl farms in Mexico and the only one in the Caribbean.

The 6 hour tour starts with a 45 minute fun boat ride up north, to a secluded part of the island. The group is no more than 8 people, and if it’s not a full boat, you might be joined by the owners’ adorable labs Goliath and Ganesh. Once at the farm, you get to learn about the lengthy cultivation process of pearls, visit the lab and snorkel the oyster hatchery.

During the presentation you’ll also learn about how the farm started and all the struggles they faced throughout the years. Most set backs came from hurricane damages, which prompted the owners to place a life size statue of Guadalupe underwater to protect the pearls. One of the coolest things you get to do is to see the underwater statue up close during the snorkeling part of the tour.

After that, you’ll also have plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful spot however you like. Whether it’s swimming, enjoying the beach, or relaxing in one of the hammocks, this time is yours! There’s also a lagoon you can walk to.

Visiting the Pearl Farm is both one of the relaxing and educational things to do in Cozumel.

Watch the sunrise

If you are an early riser, head to the eastern side of the island, to watch the sunrise. And even if you are not, if you can do it just for one day, I promise, it will be worth it. A great spot is Mezcalito’s , a beach bar, right at the beginning of the road, that runs along the east coast ( assuming you are coming from San Miguel down the Transversal Road ). The bar will obviously be closed at that time, but you can use it as a reference point.

You can also watch the sunrise at any other beach along the East coast.

Spend the day at a Beach Club

If you are not staying at a beach front hotel, but want to spend a day by the water, head to one of the beach clubs. Cozumel has a lot of them. Some are good for snorkeling and relaxing, others have more going on in terms of water toys and amenities. Some have an entrance fee, others are free as long as you purchase food/drinks. The bigger ones offer unlimited day passes, which is a good idea if you plan to spend most of the day there.

• Buccanos –  one of the best beach clubs in Cozumel and my personal favorite. Bucacnos is located North of town with a small beach area, big pool and amazing facilities. The water is crystal clear with great snorkeling. Great food and service. Entrance fee is 400 MXN, which goes towards consumption.
• Playa Azul – another great beach club, basically next door to Buccanos. Plaza Azul is smaller, more intimate and a great place to relax. It does not have a pool, but same beautiful water and great snorkeling. Entrance fee is 200 MXN, which goes towards consumption.
• Mr Sanchos – if you want an all-inclusive beach club beach with lots of activity and plenty of water toys, you might enjoy Mr Sanchos. This beach club is located in the South part of the island, about a 20 minute ride from downtown. It has a good size beach, two pools with a swim up bar, kayaks and snorkeling. they offer all day unlimited pass, which makes sense if you plan on spending the day. Keep in mind, that this place is popular among the cruise ship passengers, so it does get crowded ( making reservations is recommended ). Not the best choice, if you want peace and quite and a relaxing day.

Watch the sunset

I think everyone, who got a chance to witness it at least once, will agree, that Cozumel’s sunsets are pretty spectacular. To see for yourself, head anywhere along the west coast of the island. There are plenty of fun waterfront bars, where you can watch the stunning spectacle over a couple of drinks. Some of the most popular ones are The Money Bar , Jeanie’s and Hemingway’s , but any waterfront bar will be good.

You can also just find a spot anywhere along the west coast, whether it’s on the Malecón or by the ferry terminal. If you are in Cozumel just for the day, I highly recommend staying through sunset or time your return around it. We witnesses one of the most beautiful sunsets on the ferry.

Visit a dog rescue

If you are looking for a feel good thing to do while in Cozumel, stop at one of the dog rescues on the island. Mexico, unfortunately, has a big stray dog problem, so seeing places like this always warms my heart and I always make a point to visit.

There are currently two dog rescues in Cozumel. First one, the bigger of the two, is called Humane Society of Cozumel Island and is located in downtown San Miguel. The smaller one Salvando Amigos Y Dejando Huellas , you can find along Transversal Rd. Both welcome visitors, whether it’s to give the pups some love, take them for a walk or spend a couple of hours helping around the shelter.

These places are non-profit organizations and are able survive a 100% on donations. If you can, consider donating , so they can continue to do the amazing work. Whatever you can give will be much appreciated and will go towards food, medicine and other supplies, that are needed at the moment.

Go on a Pirate Ship Cruise

To be completely honest, this is not my kind of fun. But after more than 10 trips to Cozumel, I hear people rave about the Pirate Cruise, so I feel I should include it in my best things to do in Cozumel guide.

So what is this Pirate Cruise? Well, it’s a 3.5 hour boat ride on board of a 17th-century Spanish galleon replica, with an entertaining show and fun ( often raunchy ) games. It includes full dinner and of course unlimited drinks. I hear the food is really good, especially lobster dinner.

They have been running this tour for 15 years or so and have many return customers. People who love this kind of fun swear, that is one of their absolute favorite things to do in Cozumel. It’s not really a kid friendly activity, but if you are an adult looking for something fun to do in Cozumel at night, you might enjoy it.

You can book your Pirate Ship Cruise here

Visit Punta Molas Lighthouse

If you are looking for a completely off the beaten path adventure with no other tourists in sight, head all the way up north and visit Punta Molas Lighthouse. The lighthouse is located at the northern tip of Cozumel, in the most secluded part of the island. If you make it there, you are very likely to be the only one.

The best and pretty much only way to reach Punta Molas these days is by boat. And the guy you want to take you there is Adrian Cozumel .

Try craft beer at Punta Sur Cerveceria

If you enjoy craft beer, you will love Punta Sur Cerveceria. It’s the first and only microbrewery in Cozumel.

Besides several great, brewed on site beers, they also have a nice menu. Try one of their wood fire pizzas or lion fish ceviche, which is the only fish they serve. You can also get it as a topping for your pizza.

Eat your way through Cozumel

There are a lot of things I love about Mexico, and food is definitely at the top of that list.

The number of great places to eat in Cozumel is insane. From cheap taco places, casual eateries to nice restaurants, you will be spoilt for choices. For the best authentic food, make sure to go beyond the main tourist area. That’s where you will find some of the best taquerias and restaurants in Cozumel. The food will be cheaper and most importantly much better than the tourist-oriented restaurants.

I listed some of my absolute favorites below, and there’s still so many more to try. Which should tell you just how much great food it is there to be found in Cozumel.

You can also join a food tour , which is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the local cuisine. You’ll stop at the local market and try variety of local dishes from some of the best spots on the island. This 3 hour food tour comes highly recommended. If you’d like to take it one step further, you could also book a cooking class and then try to recreate some of the dishes at home.

Have a Mojito at Welcome to Miami bar

This fun beach shack bar at the very end of the East Coast is almost an obligatory stop while exploring the island. It’s called Welcome to Miami, but also goes by several other names, like The Liqour Box or 25 hour Bar . No matter what you decide to call it, be sure to stop there for a drink.

They are famous for their excellent Mojitos, but you can’t go wrong with any other drinks they serve. They are all made with fresh fruit and ingredients and are half the price of other beach bars.

So grab a drink and relax in one of their hammocks with killer views of the ocean.

Things NOT do do in Cozumel

After a long list of things to do in Cozumel, it’s time to name a couple, that you should skip. Both have to do with keeping animals in captivity and using them

• Chaankanab – this is a large adventure park located within the National Reef Marine Park. Thanks to all the activities it offers, it’s a hugely popular spot to spend a day, especially among the cruise passengers. Unfortunately one of the advertised highlights of the park is swimming with dolphins, which of course, instead of being out in the wild, are kept in captivity and small enclosures. Something that immediately disqualifies the place in my eyes, and hopefully yours as well.
• Dolphinaris – located closer to downtown, this is another place to steer clear of.

With so many other great things to do in Cozumel, be wise how your spend your time and money and do not support places that exploit wildlife. If you are looking to spend a day at an adventure park in Cozumel, there are a few others to choose from, that do not involve keeping wild animals in captivity. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is one of them.

Day trip to Cozumel

Being just a short ferry ride away, Cozumel is one of the most popular day trips from Playa del Carmen. As you can see, there are so many things to do in Cozumel, that one day is obviously not enough to enjoy them all. But if one day is all you have, you need to make a decision how you want to spend it. Below are some ideas and no matter what you decide to do, be sure to get to the island as early as possible to make the best of it.

• if you are a diver the choice is obvious, you want to book a dive.
• rent a Jeep and drive the “loop” around the island.
• if for some reason you prefer not to drive, you can also book a guided tour around the island . It’s a great way to see some of Cozumel’s top spots in a short time.
• spend the day at Punta Sur
• if you’d like to spend a day on the boat, you can book a customized boat tour with Adrian Cozumel

Where to eat in Cozumel

There are a ton of amazing places to eat in Cozumel and choosing the favorites is not an easy task. I feel like even after several weeks on the island, I barely scratched the surface. I did choose some of my best finds, and I’m sure I’ll be adding more with each visit. With the exception of a couple of restaurants, most of these places are located away from the main touristy area, but still an easy walk or a short cab ride away.

Best Taquerias in Cozumel

• Taqueria El Pique – choosing the best tacos in Cozumel is HARD, because there are just so many amazing taquerias on the island. But El Pique is definitely in my Top 3. Great, inexpensive tacos in a casual setting. Always packed with locals.
• Mr Taco – another amazing local spot. Does not have beer.
• El Sazón Del Camarón – the best shrimp tacos. Closes early afternoon, so plan for lunch there.
• Arabian Tacos – small, unassuming place serving not only great tacos, but also Lebanese food. Plenty of options if you are vegetarian.
• Los Seras – another place, that’s always packed with locals, both dining in and getting take out. Great pizzas as well.
• Diego’s Tacos – a small taco place near Cozumel airport. If you are flying directly to the island, this is an obligatory stop, when you arrive or before you leave ( or both ). The perfect way to start and end your Cozumel trip. They are closed on Sundays.

Best local restaurants in Cozumel

• Casa Denis – it’s the oldest restaurant in Cozumel, serving food since 1945. It’s located steps away from the main square. Cash only!
• La Perlita – excellent sea food restaurant outside of the main tourist area.
• El Moro – another great, family owned seafood place. It has been around for a long time. Huge menu with many options.
• Pezcozon – off the beaten path, local restaurant with amazing seafood.
• La Choza – great restaurant in Centro with a nice vibe.
• Guido’s – if you need a break from all the Mexican food, this Italian restaurant is one of the favorites. Located right on the Melgar, it has a beautiful garden like setting in the back.

Fine dining in Cozumel

• New Especias – fine dining Italian experience.
• La Cocay – beautiful restaurant with a great atmosphere

Fun bars in Cozumel

• Hemmingway’s – great waterfront bar/restaurant. Great spot for sunset.
• El Palomar – located in the oldest house in Cozumel. Right across the street from
• Mezcalito’s – fun, beach bar. It’s the first bar you come upon when you get to the East side of the island coming from downtown.

Where to stay in Cozumel

No matter what you’re budget is and what kind of vacation you prefer, you’ll have no problem finding a hotel, that’s right for you. Accommodations in Cozumel range from cheap hotels, Villa rentals, mid range hotels to luxurious all inclusive resorts.

As East side of the island is wild and uninhabited, most of the hotels are located in San Miguel, the island’s main town and along the West coast. Where you stay will depend on what kind of experience you are looking for. If you’d like to be in the middle of the action, close to activities, you want to stay in San Miguel. If you prefer a more quiet stay, yet still relatively close to town, you should choose one of the hotels in the Northern Cozumel. If you’d like to stay in one of the All Inclusive resorts, most of them are located towards the South of the island.

Hotels in Centro

Staying in San Miguel means, you will be in the middle of the all the action. It’s a great place to stay if you plan to on being busy, as you’ll be close to all the main activities, many bars and restaurants.

The downside of staying downtown is that it can be noisy, especially if your hotel room is facing one of the main streets. Also, even though you are a walking distance to the waterfront, there are no real nice beaches. To enjoy those, you’d need to head south outside of the downtown area, or to the East coast of Cozumel.

• Mary Carmen – one of the best and most popular budget hotels in Cozumel, located right in the middle of all the action, with the main square just down the street. Simple, but clean with comfortable rooms and a nice courtyard.
• Stingray Villa – This small, 4 room boutique hotel is my absolute favorite place to stay in Cozumel. I almost don’t want to share it, as I want it to be available each time I visit. Rooms are very spacious with a big comfortable bed. I love the small touches, like the small fridge in the room, big jug of water and fresh ground coffee to make in the morning. There is a pool to cool off and the entire place is spotless. The location is perfect, close to many restaurants and attractions, but tucked away, so it’s quiet, which is not often the case when you stay in Centro. Be sure to book directly on their site for the best rates and no extra fees.
• Cozumel Palace – if you are looking for a luxury, all inclusive hotel in downtown San Miguel, Cozumel Palace is an excellent choice. Great location, ocean front views. The hotel is also continuously praised for its excellent service.

Hotels in Northern Cozumel

Northern Cozumel is the area north of downtown San Miguel and the airport. If you’d like a quiet escape, waterfront views and being relatively close to downtown, Accommodations range from mid range and upscale hotels to waterfront condos.

While walking to downtown San Miguel is possible, you probably won’t want to do it every day. If you stay in the Northern part of Cozumel, you are also the furthest away from the Marine park and all the diving sites.

• Hotel B – this mid range, boutique hotel is one of the best hotels in Cozumel. It has a waterfront location, infinity pool and it’s reasonably priced for what it offers.
• The Westin Cozumel – great choice if you are looking for a modern, ocean front, more luxurious hotel. You can choose from All inclusive and room only rates. Every single room has a gorgeous water view, so no matter which room you book, you’ll be looking at the ocean. There are two pools, one of them on the roof top. Other amenities include a spa and a fitness center and a couple of on site restaurants. There’s a small sandy beach and great snorkeling close to shore. As a guest, you get a free 1 hour use of kayaks and snorkel gear each day.

Hotels in Southern Cozumel

If you are looking for a relaxing vacation and don’t mind being far away from town, you might want to stay in the Southern part of Cozumel. That’s where most of the all inclusive resorts are located.

Here, you are also the closest to the Marine park, so if diving is your main reasons for visiting Cozumel, this is a convenient location.

• Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa – this is the best luxury hotel in Cozumel, with half a mile of private beach, Paradise Reef right in front of it and a beautiful infinity pool. Other amenities include a spa, several restaurants on site and a dive center. It’s definitely a splurge, but if you are looking for an upscale hotel in Cozumel, this is a great choice.

READ MORE :

• The Ultimate Guide to Isla Mujeres, Mexico
• Isla Holbox – a piece of paradise in Mexico
• Swimming with turtles in Akumal, Mexico

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2 thoughts on “ 28 Fun Things To Do in Cozumel, Mexico ”

Wow, I had no idea there were so many things to do here! I can see why it’s such a popular destination for tourists to head to.

After reading this post, Mexico is high on my bucket list.

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35 Best Things to Do in Cozumel Mexico in 2024

Looking for the best things to do in Cozumel Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’ve visited the nearby island of Cozumel many times for excursions and activities.

The island of Cozumel offers something for everyone from spectacular snorkeling and scuba diving to limitless adventure activities, fabulous beach clubs, interesting museums, boat excursions, and culinary tours.

MY TOP PICK

⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?

My top recommendation for the best thing to do in Cozumel is to drive a jeep around the island –the coastal views are incredible!

In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the best things to do in Cozumel both in the water and on land.

So whether you’re staying on the island, visiting on a day trip, or are a cruise ship passenger, I’ve got you covered!

Ready to find out what to do in Cozumel? Let’s get started!

Top 3 Picks: Best Things to Do in Cozumel Mexico

Drive a Jeep Around the Island

✅ Coastal Roads ✅ Off-the-Beaten-Path

Go Snorkeling with Starfish at El Cielo

✅ Crystal Clear Water ✅ Reef Snorkeling

Go on the Cozumel Atlantis Submarine

✅ Passenger Submarine ✅ Shipwrecks

Best Things to do in Cozumel Mexico

Here are the top things to do in Cozumel whether you’re staying on the island, visiting on a day trip from Playa del Carmen , or are looking for a Cozumel cruise excursion.

1. Rent a Jeep in Cozumel to Explore the Island

Driving a jeep in Cozumel is one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel and is the best way to explore the island!

You can either rent a jeep on your own from the ferry terminal or book a fun Cozumel jeep tour led by professional guides.

You’ll then be able to cruise around the island at leisure and get to see some of the more secluded beaches and jungle landscapes on the less developed eastern side of Cozumel.

I’ve rented a jeep in Cozumel more than once and it has always been a highlight and some of my favorite Cozumel memories–you can’t beat cruising down the Caribbean coast in an open-top jeep!

Travelista Tip: Before heading out, you’ll want to do a thorough safety check on the vehicle to make sure it’s in good working order as it’s not uncommon for Cozumel jeep tours to have vehicles that are a little older and in less than ideal condition.

🚨 Do you have travel insurance for Cozumel? I recommend Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here !

2. Go Snorkeling with Starfish at El Cielo

Snorkeling in Cozumel really shouldn’t be missed and is one of the best things to do if you’re looking for more adventurous water activities.

The clear turquoise waters and abundance of marine life make it a snorkeler’s paradise, where you’ll get to see a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.

One of the best Cozumel snorkeling tours is the El Cielo tour, a popular snorkeling spot and sandbar known for its abundance of giant starfish.

On the El Cielo snorkeling tour , you’ll get to visit El Cielo, as well as snorkel at Palancar and Columbia Reefs.

At El Cielo, you’ll be astonished at the water’s clear turquoise color–it is truly incredible! I’ve visited El Cielo twice and it has by far been my favorite tour experience in Cozumel.

You can read my full El Cielo tour guide for all the details!

3. Go on the Cozumel Submarine Expedition

The Cozumel Atlantis Submarine Expedition allows you to see the island from a new perspective.

The Atlantis Cozumel XII is Mexico’s only submarine dedicated to tourism, diving up to 100 feet beneath the sea.

While on the 2-hour submarine expedition, you’ll see the Felipe Xicotencatl sunken ship and pass near “La Pared”, a vertical drop that plummets to more than 2,000 ft deep at the edge of the island.

The submarine has 26 side portholes and one large viewport across the bow, making it ideal for kids or those who are not interested in snorkeling or scuba diving but still want an up-close view of the underwater life in Cozumel.

I personally went on the submarine expedition and thought it was so cool to see the sunken ship from the comfort of an air-conditioned cabin!

You can read my full Cozumel Atlantis Submarine review for all the details!

4. Relax at a Cozumel Beach Club

There are many beach clubs on the island that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Aside from beach beds, many Cozumel beach clubs and restaurants also offer fun water activities which are perfect for kids or adventurous adults.

I’ve found the best beaches in Cozumel to be on the southwestern side of the island, where the waves are calmer and the beach area is more widespread.

Plus, there is usually little to no seaweed unlike many of the other beaches in Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya.

These are some of the most popular beach clubs in Cozumel which can be reached easily by taxi or rental car :

• Playa Palancar : My personal favorite and possibly the best beach in Cozumel, Playa Palancar offers an absolutely stunning widespread beach with clear crystal water and a few different beach clubs and restaurants to choose from for a relaxing beach club experience.
• Money Bar Beach Club:  The Money Bar Beach Club is one of the most popular Cozumel beach clubs offering a restaurant, lounge beds, live music, and clear snorkeling right off the beach.
• Tortugas Beach Club:  A popular oceanfront restaurant and fun beach hangout, the beach area at Tortugas Beach Club is not the most widespread but it’s most known for its water activities like floating trampolines, a floating obstacle course, jet skis, and hydro-bikes.
• Mr. Sanchos Beach Club:  This all-inclusive beach club experience is one of the best Cozumel water parks offering a wealth of activities in Cozumel like parasailing, jet skis, pools, a water park, and a swim-up bar along with classic beach loungers and cabanas. Plus, food and unlimited alcoholic drinks are included in the Mr. Sanchos admission ticket .

5. Explore San Miguel de Cozumel

Just across from the Cozumel ferry terminal, you’ll find the island’s downtown area, which is known as San Miguel de Cozumel .

The main town square is called Benito Juarez Park, and where you’ll find the tourist information center to gather visitor information from Cozumel travel guides. It’s a great place to start exploring Cozumel island!

This is where you’ll also find the colorful Cozumel letters and the signature orange clock tower–two photo ops that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Cozumel !

Here you can check out the shops, stroll along the beachfront “malecon” (boardwalk), or just sit back and relax on the many benches surrounding the square.

6. Go Souvenir Shopping in Downtown Cozumel

San Miguel de Cozumel’s quaint town square is also the perfect spot to do some souvenir shopping while in Cozumel.

It’s full of locally-owned shops and stalls selling traditional Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from ceramic pots and colorful blankets to Mayan-themed trinkets and jewelry.

Bargaining is common practice in Mexico, so you can try your hand at getting a good deal. But even if you don’t, you’ll still be supporting local artisans and businesses.

7. Go Scuba Diving in Cozumel

With its world-renowned coral reefs, scuba diving in Cozumel should not be missed for those that are scuba certified or want to be!

The water is crystal clear and the reefs are teeming with marine life such as sea turtles, eagle rays, colorful fish, and tiny seahorses.

Even if you’re not scuba certified, many dive shops and resorts in Cozumel offer scuba certification or introductory training sessions if you want to give it a try.

I recommend diving with ScubaTony , which is one of the top scuba diving operators in Cozumel. I recently became scuba certified and can’t wait to do some more diving in Cozumel!

8. Go on the Cozumel Invisible Boat Adventure

For an underwater adventure unlike any other, check out the Cozumel Invisible Boat Tour ! This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for both first-time snorkelers and experienced swimmers.

As its name suggests, the clear boat is entirely transparent, making it the only transparent boat in the Caribbean.

This means that you’ll have the clearest view of marine life possible, unlike traditional glass-bottom boats.

In addition, the tour includes a quick stop at a reef where you can snorkel and see beautiful fish, starfish, stingrays, and even sunken ships up close.

The Cozumel Invisible Boat Tour is perfect if you’re looking for a unique way to see Cozumel’s underwater world or you’re simply searching for exciting aquatic adventures in Cozumel.

I personally went on this Clear Boat in Cozumel and it was very cool to see marine life right beneath your feet! It’s more low-key but so unique.

You can read my full Clear Boat Cozumel review for all the details!

9. Visit Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

If you’re looking for family-friendly fun and relaxation in Cozumel, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is one of the top attractions in Cozumel!

This family-friendly beach is known for its water activities, with 20 free attractions included in the admission price and optional add-ons for premium activities.

Highlights include a 200 ft waterslide, floating park with play structures and water trampolines, and a swim up bar.

The white sand beach is perfect for lounging, and there are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, including wave runners, sail boats, water bicycles, pedal boats, kayaks, a Hobie cat, and a kids water playground with a pirate ship known as Buccaneer’s Bay.

With activities for everyone and conveniently located near the cruise ship port, Playa Mia is one of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise.

10. Visit Punta Sur Eco Park

If you’re looking for outdoor adventure while in Cozumel, Punta Sur Eco Park is the perfect spot for nature lovers.

The Punta Sur Ecological Park marks the southern point of Cozumel and spans a whopping 247 acres of pristine beaches, natural lagoons, coral reefs, and low forest eco-systems.

With activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even a small history museum, there’s plenty to do and see at this park. Not to mention the scenic lighthouse and Instagram-worthy directional signs!

One of the most popular ways to visit Punta Sur Eco Park is via an electric bike tour where you can cycle along sandy beach roads on a Pedego bike, taste tequila, go snorkeling, and spot wildlife such as crocodiles, turtles, and flamingos.

Plus, you’ll get to end the ride by relaxing in a beachside cabana.

11. Visit the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins are some of the most well-preserved and extensive ruins on the island and one of the top things to see in Cozumel.

Visitors can explore the main plaza, temples, and other structures, which were originally used by the Mayans as a sanctuary to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

While not as grand as the Tulum Mayan Ruins or what you’ll see on Chichen Itza tours , the San Gervasio ruins still offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the Mayan people.

The ruins can be visited on your own by taxi or rental car or by booking a guided Cozumel Mayan Ruins tour with a knowledgable guide.

12. Go on a Cozumel Catamaran Sail

For an unforgettable catamaran sailing excursion, book a Cozumel catamaran tour to set sail on the stunning Caribbean waters.

The catamaran sail includes snorkeling at the famous Palancar and Columbia reefs, as well as at El Cielo beach, which is known for its giant starfish.

Beer, margaritas, and drinks are included on board as well as ceviche and guacamole. You’ll also get to enjoy beach club access in Cozumel.

13. Visit the Cozumel Museum

For a more cultural experience, visit the Cozumel Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the culture and history of the island.

Conveniently located on the waterfront just outside the main town square, the Cozumel Museum is easy to get to.

The museum is newly renovated, and the 11 interactive exhibits are engaging and informative. Plus, admission is only $11 USD, making it a great value for your money.

14. Discover Cozumel’s Street Art Scene

Another top thing to do in Cozumel is explore the island’s colorful graffiti and street art scene, which is vibrant and ever-changing.

You can find murals and graffiti all over the island, from the downtown area to the more residential neighborhoods. The street art ranges from colorful and whimsical to political and thought-provoking.

If you’re interested in seeing some of Cozumel’s street art for yourself, you can easily explore on your own just by walking around downtown San Miguel de Cozumel.

You’re sure to be impressed by the creativity and talent of the local artists!

15. Hang out at Playa Chen Rio

For a less commercialized Cozumel beach experience, head to the lesser well-known Playa Chen Rio on the east side of the island.

Here you can hang out in a beautiful beach cove and shallow lagoon, which is perfect for snorkeling when the waves are calm.

You’ll also be able to grab some fresh seafood or drinks at the popular El Pescador beachfront restaurant.

Playa Chen Rio was one of the first secluded beaches I stumbled upon in Cozumel the very first time I rented a jeep on the island.

It’s such a chill hangout and one of the best Cozumel excursions to do on your own.

16. Visit the Cozumel Pearl Farm

For one of the most unique things to do in Cozumel, check out the Cozumel Pearl Farm , which is the only active pearl farm in the Caribbean.

When visiting the family-run farm on the north shore of the island, you’ll get an exclusive look at the pearl farm and lab and learn about the cultured pearl business.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take a boat ride out to see the pearl hatchery and snorkel.

After the tour, relax in a hammock on a pristine and secluded beach and enjoy a delicious lunch and cold beverages.

The Cozumel Pearl Farm is not an ordinary tour experience and is best for those looking for totally unique, local, and non touristy things to do in Cozumel.

17. Try the Seatrek Underwater Helmet Diving Experience

Try the Seatrek Underwater Helmet Diving Experience in Cozumel for a truly unique snuba experience.

You’ll feel like an astronaut as you walk along the ocean floor with an underwater helmet that keeps your head and shoulders dry and allows you to breathe easily under the water.

While walking along the ocean floor, you’ll be surrounded by colorful fish and corals. It’s a great way to see the underwater world, and is still fun even if you’re an experienced diver.

18. Go on a Cozumel Dune Buggy Tour

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity while on vacation in Cozumel, then look no further than the Dune Buggy Tour !

This is one of the best Cozumel ATV tours , where you’ll get to drive your own dune buggy vehicle as you explore the island, caravan-style.

Along the way, you’ll stop at different sites to take in the sights and sounds of Cozumel. Your first stop will be El Cedral, where you’ll see some Mayan Ruins.

Next, you’ll head to Skyreef Beach Club Cozumel for some snorkeling. This beach club is part of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, so you’ll be able to see some amazing marine life.

The tour also includes a Mexican lunch at the popular San Martin beach club, so you’ll be sure to have a delicious and authentic experience.

Note this tour is only available for those who know how to drive a stick shift, as the vehicles are manual transmission only.

19. Take a Mexican Cooking Class in Cozumel

For foodies looking for an authentic Mexican culinary experience, the highly-rated Cozumel Cooking Class at Josefina’s home kitchen should not be missed!

This small-group cooking class takes place at Josefina’s home kitchen in Cozumel and has a limit of 8 participants for a more meaningful and personalized experience.

During the class, participants will have a hands-on culinary experience and learn how to prepare Josefina’s family recipes.

The class also includes a visit to Cozumel’s local markets to shop for fresh and locally-sourced ingredients to use in the food preparation.

As an added bonus, participants will also receive a copy of Josefina’s family cookbook with over 60 family recipes as a unique takeaway to recreate her family dishes after returning home.

I personally did this Cozumel Cooking Class with my Mom and it was such a fun experience! It’s basically like having a private chef share all of their best cooking secrets!

20. Go Standup Paddleboarding in Cozumel

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to explore the beautiful Caribbean waters off Cozumel, standup paddleboarding is a great option.

And De Lille Sports is the perfect place to try it out! With certified instructors and guided tours, you’ll learn proper techniques whether you’re a beginner or advanced paddler.

Located at the Hotel Barracuda, De Lille Sports was founded by Olympic windsurfer Raul De Lille who first introduced kitesurfing to Cozumel and became the island’s first certified instructor.

The shop offers 1.5 hour standup paddleboarding tours where you can paddle in the clear waters directly off the Cozumel shore and get to see some marine life.

21. Rent an Electric Bike in Cozumel

Electric bike rentals in Cozumel are perfect for leisurely island exploration. With no gas or emissions, these vehicles are eco-friendly and easy to operate.

On an electric bike tour , you’ll be able to ride a Pedego electric bike to see Cozumel monuments, historic sites, landmarks, parks, and more.

Led by an expert guide, you’ll get to explore neighborhoods away from the main tourist areas for a more local experience while still getting to stop for food and shopping along the way.

22. Take a Chocolate Workshop at the Mayan Cacao Company

Discover the origins of chocolate with a visit to the Mayan Cacao Company , which is perfect for chocolate lovers!

In this 1 hour and 30 minute workshop, you’ll learn how to make your own handmade chocolate bar using an authentic recipe of the Mayans.

It’s a fun and interactive culinary experience where you get to learn about the ancient origins of cacao and how it was used by the Mayan people.

23. Participate in the Amazing Cozumel Race

If you’re a fan of the popular TV show “The Amazing Race”, then you’ll definitely want to sign up for the Amazing Cozumel Race !

In this half-day Cozumel sightseeing tour, teams of 2-8 people will participate in the ultimate scavenger hunt experience in Cozumel.

During the race, you’ll compete to solve challenges and crack clues with each clue leading to another sightseeing location in Cozumel.

Upon completion, there is even a post-race awards ceremony with prizes for winners. If you are competitive and like challenges, this totally unique Cozumel experience will be perfect for you!

24. Go on a Mini-SUB Diving Adventure

For a unique underwater adventure, a mini-SUB diving adventure in Cozumel Mexico is one of the best excursions in Cozumel!

With the technologically advanced mini-SUB device, you can breathe normally underwater without the use of a mask or tube.

You’ll ride the machine and maneuver it across the ocean floor while getting to see tropical fish, starfish, stingrays, and other marine life up close.

25. Go Ziplining at the Awesome Flight Zipline Park

The Awesome Flight Zipline Park in Cozumel is an amazing experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.

There are 6 ziplines, each with different heights and distances, that take you through the canopy of the Cozumel jungle.

The towers that the ziplines are attached to also have landing platforms, so you can enjoy the views before zipping off again.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even go upside down on some of the ziplines!

You’ll feel safe and secure in the zipline harnesses so all you have to do is sit back and see Cozumel like never before!

26. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach in Cozumel

Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure if you’re looking for an exciting way to explore Cozumel.

Suitable for riders of all levels, this 30-minute Cozumel horseback riding tour takes you horseback riding through the jungle, mangrove forests, and ends on the beautiful beaches in Cozumel.

The tour leaves from the popular Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club , where you can stay and use the beach club facilities after the tour.

27. Go on a Cozumel Food Tour

If you’re a foodie looking to explore the culinary side of Cozumel, then you need to sign up for the Cozumel Food Tour to experience some of the best restaurants in Cozumel!

This 3-hour guided tour takes you to visit 5 different local restaurants, where you’ll get to try traditional cuisine from the Yucatan peninsula like empanadas, tacos, and traditional pastries.

Beverages are also included whether you prefer fresh juice (agua fresca) or a cold beer!

You’ll also get to visit Cozumel open-air markets, where you’ll get to discover some of the best eats in Cozumel. With all transportation included, this small group tour is an intimate experience for foodies.

28. Charter a Private Yacht in Cozumel

For an elevated and more luxurious experience, consider booking a private yacht charter in Cozumel , which is one of the best things to do in Cozumel with family or groups of friends.

This luxury 40 ft private Sea Ray for up to 8 people lasts for 6 hours and includes a professional captain and crew where you can design your own boat itinerary to the prime spots in Cozumel. 

Open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a dedicated crew are included for the ultimate VIP boat experience in Cozumel.

29. Go on a Cozumel Private Island Tour

If you’re looking to explore the island of Cozumel without all the tourists, then a Cozumel private island tour is the perfect way to escape the crowds. You’ll have your own private driver who will take you wherever you want to go.

Create your own customized itinerary and see all the Cozumel attractions that interest you the most such as the Mayan Ruins, Punta Sur Eco-Park, beach clubs, oceanfront restaurants, and more.

This is a great way to experience everything Cozumel has to offer with a knowledgable driver to show you around.

And the best thing is that you can stay at the Cozumel tourist attractions for as long as you want without feeling rushed.

30. Go Deep Sea Fishing in Cozumel

Deep sea fishing in Cozumel is a popular activity for outdoorsy tourists who love to fish.

The warm waters off the coast of Cozumel offer excellent year-round fishing conditions, making it a prime destination for anglers looking to reel in a big catch.

With a deep sea fishing excursion , you’ll get an experienced captain and crew instead of trying to rent a fishing boat on your own.

The captain will show you the best fishing spots in Cozumel, where you can catch local fish such as dorado, wahoo, and tuna.  Plus, all fishing tackle, snorkeling equipment, and beers are included.

31. Visit El Mirador Lookout

Located on the rugged and less-developed eastern side of Cozumel, El Mirador lookout point is a popular landmark on the island and provides breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.

El Mirador is one of the best places to visit in Cozumel, which is perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Cozumel with its stunning scenic rock bridges and tide pools.

It’s just important to be aware that the waves and currents can be very strong in this area and the beach is not suitable for swimming.

The best way to get to the El Mirador is by taxi or rental car , or by visiting as a stop on a guided tour.

32. Take a Boat Tour to Isla de la Pasion

Isla de la Pasion, or “Passion Island” in English, is a private island off the north shore of Cozumel.

One of the best ways to visit the island is on a private Passion Island boat tour , where you can customize your own itinerary.

Typically lasting around 4 hours, you’ll get to experience a private boat ride and Cozumel beach excursion to Isla de la Pasion, where you can relax and enjoy untouched Cozumel beaches.

You’ll also get to snorkel around the nearby Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck and see colorful corals and marine life.

33. Visit the Remote Castillo Real

Meaning “Royal Castle” in English, Castillo Real is a small Mayan ruin located on the island’s remote northeastern shore.

It is speculated that Castillo Real was used as a guard station by the Mayans to keep watch for enemies.

Nowadays, a hike up to the ruins offers panoramic views of the Cozumel coastline and Caribbean Sea.

Due to the rough road conditions on this part of the island, it is best to visit the site by boat or this ATV Combo Tour .

34. Go Parasailing in Cozumel

Perfect for the fearless adventurer, parasailing in Cozumel is an exhilarating experience!

You’ll be able to soar up to 250 meters in the air, enjoying stunning views of the island and ocean below.

And landing is a breeze–you’ll simply return slowly back onto the boat platform, feeling an adrenaline rush!

The whole experience takes just 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for those with limited time and looking for a quick island adventure.

35. Watch the Sunset in Cozumel

There’s nothing quite like watching the sunset in Cozumel as it disappears over the ocean and Playa del Carmen in the distance.

The colors are just incredible, and it’s a great way to relax after a long day of activities.

One of the best places to go in Cozumel to watch the sunset is from Aqui + Ahora bar near the Cozumel ferry.

They have an eclectic rooftop bar overlooking the water, and you can order some delicious craft cocktails and snacks while you watch the sun go down.

What NOT to Do in Cozumel

Now that you know what to do in Cozumel, there are a few Cozumel activities that I would NOT recommend for ethical reasons.

The reason I don’t recommend them is because dolphins and other marine life are held in captivity at these attractions for the purpose of shows and entertainment.

I don’t like to recommend activities on my blog where animals are mistreated or abused.

Of course you can do your own research and make your own decision, but I would encourage you to consider that before booking some of these Cozumel excursions, which are commonly listed as some of the top things to do in Cozumel.

There are plenty of places in this part of Mexico where you can see dolphins, whales, and other marine life in the wild which is such a better and more ethical experience!

So, consider skipping these places when visiting Cozumel:

• Chankanaab Park: This is a popular theme park in Cozumel with a beach, snorkeling, and lots of water activities. However, at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park there is also a Dolphin Discovery located within the park where dolphins, manatees, and sea lions are held in captivity.
• Dolphinaris Cozumel: Another popular attraction in downtown Cozumel offering dolphin swims and encounters, where dolphins are held in captivity.

Cozumel Activities: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cozumel excursions:

Cozumel is best known for its incredible coral reefs thanks to its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef system in the world.

There are numerous activities available in Cozumel including snorkeling at El Cielo , cruising around the island on a jeep tour , going on the Cozumel Atlantis Submarine , visiting Punta Sur Eco-Park, or simply relaxing at a beach club.

There is plenty to do in Cozumel if you don’t dive including beach clubs and water parks, shopping in San Miguel de Cozumel, going on the Atlantis passenger submarine , as well as jeep and ATV tours.

You can easily walk around the downtown area of Cozumel but if you want to leave the city center, you’ll need to rent a car or hire a taxi to get around.

Yes, Cozumel is very safe and you can feel comfortable leaving the resort to explore all that the island has to offer.

Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Cozumel Mexico

As you can see from this list of best things to do on Cozumel, there is much to see and do on the island of Cozumel in Mexico!

With so many land and water activities, there is really something for everyone who is planning to travel to Cozumel.

My top pick for the best thing to do in Cozumel is to drive a jeep around the island–either on your own or through a guided Cozumel jeep tour .

But I would also highly recommend snorkeling at El Cielo for something adventurous and the Cozumel Atlantis Submarine for something more low-key. Both are very fun and memorable!

No matter which of these best Cozumel activities you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the island!

Which activities are adding to your Cozumel to do list?!

Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

11 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things To Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Did you know that you can explore a Caribbean island without leaving Mexico?

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island, a sand-fringed tropical paradise floating in the azure waters of the Caribbean just off the coast of the Riviera Maya. Its crystal-clear waters boast some of the most remarkable reefs and marine life in the world, while the sparsely populated island itself is a dream for travelers looking to get away from the busier locations of Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. 

Cozumel is a popular cruise destination , but despite welcoming large numbers of visitors it is incredibly easy to get away from the tourist hotspots and feel like you have the place to yourself. Similarly, while there are plenty of well-known attractions, some of the best and most fascinating things to do on Cozumel remain under the radar and off the beaten path.

Other articles you can read:

• Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico now? [Traveling during the Pandemic]
• List of the Best All Inclusive Resorts in Cancun, Mexico
• Best Beaches in Riviera Maya, Mexico – Top 10 Beaches in Riviera Maya
• List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Mexico
• 10 Popular Restaurants in Mexico Where You Can Try Authentic Mexican Dishes

How to Get to Cozumel, Mexico

Despite being an island, Cozumel is remarkably easy to get to. It has a large cruise port with five dedicated piers. It also has its own international airport, with flights arriving from across Mexico and from the US, Canada, and even has a transatlantic route from Madrid! 

However, most visitors to Cozumel arrive at Cancun Airport and travel down the coast to Playa del Carmen, before crossing the channel on the Cozumel Ferry. There are plenty of services that offer private shuttles, or you can take the ADO bus before making the 45-minute crossing. There is even a car ferry option a little further down the coast at Punta Venado, although this runs far less frequently.

Under the radar in Cozumel, Mexico

So once you’ve made your way to Cozumel , it is time to explore its hidden wonders. There’s so much to do on this delightful Caribbean island paradise that you’ll undoubtedly want to visit more than once! Take a look below at some of the less well-known places to see and things to do, and discover an alternative side of this fabulous Mexican jewel!

1. Punta Sur Eco Park

Cozumel is world-famous for its snorkeling and most visitors will have heard of El Cielo. However, the Punta Sur Eco Park lets you explore the extraordinary underwater life of the Cozumel reef from a more secluded, remote location. Punta Sur also boasts 247 acres of the untouched ecological reserve where you can discover tropical birds, crocodiles, tide pools teeming with life, and some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. There is also a picturesque lighthouse where you can get a wonderful 360-degree view of the island!

2. San Gervasio Ruins

Cozumel has been inhabited for hundreds, even thousands of years, and there are a number of ancient sites to explore scattered across the island. The most interesting option is the San Gervasio ruins, situated as close to the center of the island as it is possible to get. Dedicated to the Maya moon goddess Ix Chel, the temple here was a pilgrimage destination for centuries, and a sacred site for fertility rituals. The ruins are small when compared to the more famous archeological sites in other parts of Mexico, but no less impressive, and come with an unmistakable charm all of their own.

3. Jade Cavern

Cozumel really is the Riviera Maya in miniature, and as well as gorgeous beaches and ancient ruins, it offers the chance to explore a secret underground world at the Jade Cavern , the island’s best cenote. Cenotes are natural swimming holes where the earth has collapsed into the aquifer below ground to form deep, clear, freshwater pools or caves. The Jade Cavern is a wonderfully atmospheric spot, a vast domed cavern open to the sky only through a hole in the ceiling. Float in the clear blue water and achieve total tranquility as you gaze up at the stalactites and stalagmites that surround you. 

4. East Coast Beaches

While Cozumel’s west coast is highly developed, it doesn’t take much to escape the crowds and find serenity and wide, empty stretches of sand. Take the island’s only road around the southern tip and explore the far less popular beaches on the east coast. While they are far less popular, these are arguably the best beaches on the island and offer a perfect alternative to the more vibrant, lively atmosphere in San Miguel de Cozumel.

5. Cozumel Pearl Farm

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cozumel Pearl Farm (@cozumelpearlfarm)

Pearl farming has been one of Cozumel’s main industries for centuries and you can now discover the secrets of this fascinating industry at this family-owned pearl farm. Accessible only by boat, the Cozumel Pearl Farm is located on a remote beach far away from the inhabited areas of the island. You’ll get a demonstration of pearl farming techniques as well as a little history, before donning masks and flippers to head out to the hatchery itself to see the oysters doing their thing in their natural environment!

6. Mercado Municipal

7. stingray beach.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Karolina Dawson (@polishpie)

Located just a mile or two from the centre of the main town, San Miguel de Cozumel, Stingray Beach is one of those spots that really lives up to its name! In the calm, clear, shallow waters just off the beach, you can snorkel with a community of large but friendly stingrays, a truly unique and exciting way to interact with these fascinating sea creatures in their natural habitat. 

8. Pueblo de Maíz

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Diegoh Ramos | Documentalista (@diegohnow)

There might not be a better place to get to know everything about Mayan history, culture, and traditions than Cozumel’s Pueblo de Maiz. This incredibly detailed recreation of a traditional Mayan village provides an immersive experience combining theater, dance, music, history, and food, where you will learn everything about this amazing, mysterious culture. 

9. Gallery Azul

Art lovers should not miss this brilliant little independent gallery that is so much more than just an exhibition space. Part gallery, part studio, part blown-glass workshop, the Gallery Azul lets you get up close to the process and inspirations that go into every piece created by innovative artist and owner Greg Dietrich. His work with glass results in lamps and night lights, candle art, and engraved blown glass vessels, taking inspiration mostly from the rich sea life that surrounds Cozumel. 

10. Maracaibo

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Cathy Urquhart (@cathyannu)

As a destination for divers, Cozumel can’t be beaten and is one of the best places to explore the submarine world in Mexico, if not the whole world. Dive sites at El Cielo, Punta Tunich, and Palancar are well known, but there is extraordinary diving around the entire island, and for travelers willing to explore a little further there are real treats to be had. Maracaibo, right at the south end, is one of the least known and therefore most untouched and pristine sites Cozumel has to offer. By avoiding the crowds you will get a genuinely out-of-this-world experience, with deep dives down to 100 feet offering extraordinary visibility and an incredibly rich and diverse aquatic ecosystem to explore!

11. Isla Pasion

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shanna Jay (@shannajay)

If this island paradise is not quite up to scratch, you can head off on a day trip to Isla Pasion, an even smaller, more paradisiacal spot that is literally just a speck in the ocean! Isla Pasion offers a romantic escape, with stunning tropical flora, pristine white beaches, glittering azure waters, and no one else for miles around. Kick back, relax, and let the cares of the world flow away as the breeze ripples the shady palms overlooking your lounger. This is the Mexican Caribbean at its finest!

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One thought on “ 11 Off-the-Beaten-Path Things To Do in Cozumel, Mexico ”

The East Coast Beaches are amazing. I know tours stop at this little hut that makes fresh salsa and drinks but they were very small single car tours. We easily spent hours there. This will be 5th trip I believe and the pearl farm has grabbed our attention. We agree with many of these suggestions. Thanks for a good article.

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This 185-square-mile Island Is Mexico's Most Popular Cruise Port — but It's Still Home to Under-the-radar Restaurants and Local-loved Beaches

Cozumel, Mexico, has all the ingredients for a perfect beach vacation — with a twist.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best shopping, best nightlife, best restaurants, best time to visit, how to get there, how to get around.

Semyon Nazarov/Getty Images

Cozumel, the largest of Mexico's islands in the Caribbean Sea, has everything you’d want from a typical beach getaway: white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back lifestyle. But for some Mexican flair, it also offers Mayan ruins, traditional Yucatecan cuisine, and lots of beach bars to snag a tropical tequila-based beverage. 

The 185-square-mile island happens to be the most popular cruise port in Mexico, and its main town, San Miguel, hums with foot traffic thanks to the large volume of ships that call here every year. As you can imagine, San Miguel can be an overwhelming blend of souvenir stands and overpriced restaurants, but if you know where to look, you can find the real-deal eateries and locals-only beaches that fly under the radar. Venturing beyond the small town puts you at the doorstep of a protected natural environment and some of the very best scuba diving and snorkeling on the planet.

"Cozumel is a a limestone island in the Caribbean Sea. It's basically the terminus of the second-longest barrier reef in the world, and it's one of the busiest cruise ship ports. It sees around 3,000 ships a year carrying more than four million passengers," said Zach Rabinor , CEO of Journey Mexico and a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor. "The island is dominated by the cruise trade and swarms with local merchants hawking everything from tours to time-share real estate. That said, it has its own charm and there are pockets of local flavor."

Whether you’re visiting for just a few hours, or planning to spend several nights, Cozumel has enough to fill an itinerary. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips on where to go, what to see, and where to eat while visiting Cozumel.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a room at the best beachfront resort on the island, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa. 
• Swim among the stars at the world-famous Playa El Cielo.
• Pick up a bottle of organic vanilla, handcrafted silver, or a handmade hammock in downtown San Miguel.
• Grab the world’s best mojito on the Atlantic side of the island at The Coconut Shack.
• Have an intimate home-cooked meal at La Casita de Indio.

Courtesy of Iberostar Cozumel

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa

A Cozumel institution, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa has a lengthy white-sand beach and five-star accommodations. The chic, spacious rooms offer spectacular Caribbean Sea views, and guests who want to experience Cozumel’s world-class diving can use the on-site dive center, or unwind at the spa.

The Explorean Cozumel

This adults-only all-inclusive may not be right on the beach, but don't let that dissuade you. It's an upscale experience chock-full of inclusions, from daily guided snorkeling expeditions to horseback riding, kayaking, and driving dune buggies. It's also a quick walk to the beach at the sibling resort, Fiesta Americana Cozumel.

Iberostar Cozumel

One of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel, Iberostar Cozumel has a quiet stretch of beach, two large pools, a spa, and a kids' club. It's a great option for travelers who prefer to distance themselves from busy San Miguel and want front-row seats to the best diving on the island.

Fiesta Americana Cozumel

While The Explorean is adults-only, its sibling resort, Fiesta Americana Cozumel , welcomes families to its oceanfront location. Guests can expect a private boat dock with overwater beds, suites with balconies, and five restaurants. 

James R.D. Scott/Getty Images

Dive the Mesoamerican Reef.

Cozumel is perched at the northern tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System — the second-largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Teeming with wildlife, including colorful coral, a kaleidoscope of fish, sea turtles, and sharks, the reef system is one of the star attractions in Cozumel and diving is a top priority for visitors.

Snorkel Playa El Cielo.

You don't have to be PADI-certified or go very far offshore to have an epic underwater experience in Cozumel. Off the southern coast of the island is a beach called Playa El Cielo, famous for the thousands of underwater starfish scattered across the fine white sand, much like stars in the sky. El Cielo translates to "heaven," and it will be no surprise why this beach bears its name. "El Cielo is an incredible shoal/sandbar, and it's only accessible by boat. It's a 30-minute trip and absolutely worth it for those wishing to escape the more crowded beaches," said Rabinor.

Visit Isla Pasion.

As if Cozumel doesn't have enough pristine beachfront, many day trippers to the island like to pop over to the nearby uninhabited Isla Pasion. The dreamy island has crystal-clear water, sun-bleached sand, and plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied, from kayaks and hammocks to beach volleyball, buffet-style restaurants, and bars. Lots of cruise lines also offer packages for excursions to Isla Pasion, so it's easy to squeeze in a visit.

Head to the beach clubs.

Cozumel has its own picture-perfect beaches and beach clubs, too. Most day trippers visiting on a cruise will stick to the beach clubs facing the calm Caribbean Sea and Playa del Carmen skyline. These spots have restaurants, showers, and restrooms, as well as plenty of water sports. For the more local beaches, which are often less crowded and less developed, head to the eastern coast of the island. These stretches face the Atlantic Ocean and are much more rugged, albeit beautiful.

Drive around the island.

Whether on two wheels or four, the best way to see the most of Cozumel is to get out on the road. One highway circumvents the island and along the way are many different points of interest, from beach clubs to Mayan ruins to the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. 

Ant DM/Getty Images

Los Cinco Soles

Being the most popular cruise port in Mexico means Cozumel has its fair share of souvenir stores. But the one to beat them all is Los Cinco Soles . Unlike other busy cruise port shops, Los Cinco Soles is at the far end of downtown and widely considered to have the best selection of handcrafts, silver, and naturally grown vanilla.

Muebles Rústicos Santa Cruz

This quirky furniture store is packed with some beautifully handcrafted wooden pieces. While you may not be able to bring that ornately carved headboard on the plane or cruise ship, you can certainly find lots of other treasures, from artwork and ceramics to cool lamps and picture frames.

Sergio's Silver

Mexican silver is a great trinket to bring home, and on Cozumel, Sergio's has the best selection of jewelry. Plus, the centrally located shop is within walking distance of the cruise terminal downtown. 

jorge ivan vasquez cuartas/Getty Images

The Money Bar

Cozumel locals and longtime visitors know The Money Bar well. This island institution is a must for a sundowner, with a two-for-one happy hour and live music on Thursday through Sunday evenings.

The Coconut Shack

If you’re exploring the eastern coast of the island, be sure to schedule a stop at The Coconut Shack. This ramshackle beach bar has a handful of plastic tables out back overlooking the water, a few colorful hammocks, and next-level mojitos.

Mezcalito's

While you're over on the eastern side of the island, leave some time to visit Mezcalito's, one of the oldest bars on Cozumel. Open since 1979, this watering hole offers a casual, toes-in-the-sand experience with palapa-topped umbrellas and endless Atlantic Ocean views.

No Name Bar

Tucked inside Hotel Barracuda, No Name Bar is another Cozumel staple. A beach club by day, sports bar by night, this oceanfront club has strong drinks, no cover charge, and free Wi-Fi. 

El Cielo Lounge Bar

There's a certain kitsch factor at El Cielo Lounge Bar , from the neon cursive signs encouraging bad decisions to the electric blue cocktails and clouds of hookah smoke. But that's also what devotees love about this place. Cozumel may be small, but it knows how to party into the wee hours, and you'll often find people pushing their bedtimes at El Cielo.

Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images

Aqui + Ahora

Sometimes, all you need is a strong cup of coffee and a menu that serves breakfast till noon. That's what you'll get at Aqui + Ahora , a coffee shop with a prime location across from the ferry terminal. I love this spot for its sleek decor, sea views, and long list of great juices. The Yucatan Dream 85 is a must.

Beach clubs are a dime a dozen on Cozumel, but Buccanos stands out in the best way. Located in the North Hotel Zone, it's centrally located with a sandy beach and laid-back vibe. It also has some of the best seafood in town. Expect to pay tourist prices, but that's the norm on Cozumel. By night, Buccanos puts on a spectacular sunset dinner experience. It's best to make reservations far in advance, if possible.

La Casita de Indio

You won't find any other experience like La Casita de Indio on Cozumel. If you're someone who loves a local connection, this is the dining experience to try. "This local spot has a family cooking for you in their own home," said Rabinor. "They even encourage you to go to the fish market and bring them the catch of the day, which they will prepare for you. They prepare a mean coconut shrimp."

Guido's

If you're craving something other than Mexican, Guido's serves up great Swiss Italian cuisine in a lovely courtyard. Rabinor said the fish carpaccio and the black linguine Frutti di Mare is excellent.

mikolajn/Getty Images

The best time to visit Cozumel is between December and April, particularly if you want a beach getaway. This period is the peak season, marked by sunny days and little to no rainfall. For ideal weather — not too hot and with a cool breeze at night — January and February are the best times to plan a trip.

However, if you want the best conditions for scuba diving, consider June through December. The summer is the hottest time of year, and you'll experience the most rainfall in late summer and early fall, but you'll also be able to snag considerable travel deals — including reservations at one of Cozumel's best all-inclusive resorts — and see lots of activity beneath the water's surface.

If you plan to visit from August through October, you'll be traveling during peak hurricane season. Travel prices are at their lowest during this time, so you'll want to use those extra savings to get yourself some travel insurance, just in case you get rained out.

For an island that's only 185 square miles, there are a surprising number of ways to get there. The easiest way to reach Cozumel is to fly directly into its airport (CZM). The small Aeropuerto Internacional de Cozumel receives flights from American, Delta, Southwest, United, Volaris, Aeromexico, Air Canada, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines. 

Another easy way to get to Cozumel is to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen. The popular Ultramar ferry has continuous departures from Playa del Carmen's main pier to Cozumel. The trip is about 45 minutes.

The third way visitors get to Cozumel is via a cruise stopover. Cozumel is the busiest cruise port in Mexico, with its three piers seeing as many as seven ships at once during high season. 

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Cozumel is a small but well-maintained island with a ring road, as well as one that bisects the island. It only takes an hour to drive around the island. 

Downtown San Miguel is walkable, but if you want to go further afield, you may need some wheels. Fortunately, cabs are found around the island, but due to demand, prices can get expensive. You can rent your own set of wheels on Cozumel to have a bit more flexibility for getting around. Note that while you may see a lot of tourists on scooters, the accident rate on Cozumel is extremely high, so be sure you know what you're doing before you rent one on the island.

Related Articles

Things To Know Before Going To Cozumel

Just off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico lies Cozumel , one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Its crystalline waters, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage make it a haven for adventure seekers and sun worshippers alike.

Whether you’re yearning to explore stunning coral reefs or unwind on serene beaches, this tropical island is the perfect paradise for your next getaway. Read on to learn the things to know before going to Cozumel.

Why Cozumel is a Must-Visit Destination

Cozumel is a favorite of cruisers due to its wide range of activities as well as its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. The island is a paradise for snorkelers and divers who come to explore the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world.

Aside from its underwater treasures, Cozumel also boasts lush jungles, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant local markets where you can fully immerse yourself in the island’s culture. It’s a destination that guarantees unforgettable experiences for every visitor.

Planning Your Trip

Planning ahead is crucial to make the most of your time in Cozumel. The island offers a wide array of must-see attractions, so knowing what you want to experience will help you prioritize your activities. Consider the time of year, the cruise line’s schedule, and your personal interests and abilities when planning your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Cozumel boasts a delightful tropical climate, making it an inviting destination throughout the year.

The dry season, from November to April , is the best time to visit Cozumel for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and diving, when the weather is warm and the humidity is lower. The rainy season, from May to October, is less crowded and also has its charms.

How to Get There

Cozumel is a popular destination for many top cruise lines, with multiple cruise terminals situated near San Miguel , the island’s main town.

Cruise ships usually dock for approximately 8 hours, giving you plenty of time to spend a day at the beach, take a cultural tour, or embark on an adventurous excursion. Rest assured, you’ll find numerous options that suit your schedule.

Getting Around in Cozumel

Once off the ship, getting around Cozumel is easy. Taxis are readily available at the port and are an efficient way to reach various attractions around the island.

If you prefer more independence, renting a scooter, bike, or car is a popular option and allows you to explore at your own pace. Many excursions also include transportation, making navigating from one activity or attraction to the next simple. Ferries are available if you want to explore attractions on the mainland.

  Essential Travel Information

Before traveling to Cozumel, it’s crucial to have all the necessary travel information in order to fully enjoy your time on the island without any unexpected issues.

Entry Requirements

For the majority of cruise passengers, you won’t have to go through customs or carry your passport when getting off for a day trip — however, you will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, with you.

The official currency in Cozumel is the Mexican Peso (MXN), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Plan on carrying some pesos for smaller transactions. ATMs are available around the island if you need to withdraw local currency, and most businesses accept credit cards.

Health and Safety

Cozumel is a safe destination, but as with any travel, it’s wise to take standard precautions. No specific vaccinations are required for visiting, but it’s a good idea to be up-to-date on the standard travel vaccines. The island has good medical facilities and pharmacies, and the port area is well-serviced by local emergency services.

The island can get hot and steamy, especially in the summer months; bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wear sunscreen and use insect repellent, especially if you’re spending a lot of time outdoors or trekking through the jungle.

Top Excursions and Tours

Cozumel offers a variety of excursions that cater to every interest, from underwater adventures to cultural experiences. At Shore Excursions Group, we pride ourselves on offering a curated selection of tours that allow you to explore the best of Cozumel in small, personalized groups.

Underwater Adventures

Cozumel’s clear waters and vibrant marine life make it a top destination for those looking to explore beneath the surface. The island’s underwater world is one of its biggest attractions, drawing divers and snorkelers from around the globe.

One of the most exciting ways to explore Cozumel’s reefs is on the Atlantis Submarine Adventure . This family-friendly tour takes you 100 feet below the surface in a real submarine to the world-famous Chankanaab Reef, where you can enjoy a unique perspective of the island’s rich marine life without getting wet.

For those who prefer to be more hands-on, the Snorkel El Cielo and Colombia Reef with Playa Mia excursion offers a combination of snorkeling at two of Cozumel’s most famous reefs to see sea turtles and more, followed by relaxation at the Playa Mia beach club. The kiddos will enjoy seeing numerous starfish in the shallow waters of El Cielo , a special site only reachable by boat.

If scuba diving is on your bucket list, the One Tank Scuba Dive at Chankanaab provides the perfect introduction to the underwater world. Explore an ancient cave and admire underwater sculptures as colorful parrot fish, sand rays, and more surround you. This is one of the best dive spots in Cozumel for beginners and experienced divers alike, and all equipment will be provided.

Cultural and Historical Tours

Are you more interested in the history and traditions of the island? If so, you’re in luck. Cozumel’s rich cultural heritage offers plenty of opportunities for exploration beyond the beach.

The Cozumel Jeep and Beach Adventure combines a fun drive around the island with stops at historical sites and a beach break, making it a great way to see multiple sides of Cozumel. Stroll through the Mayan ruins of El Caracol , swim in the warm waters of Punta Sur Bay , and savor mouthwatering fajitas along the way.

For a more immersive experience, the Dolphin Swim Adventure at Chankanaab National Marine Park lets you interact with these intelligent creatures while learning about marine conservation. Perfect for families, this excursion comes complete with an unforgettable ride atop a dolphin’s belly.

If you’re interested in a deeper dive into Mexican culture, the Cozumel Lucha Libre Spectacular offers a thrilling introduction to Mexico’s famous wrestling tradition, complete with a meet-and-greet with the luchadores. Cheer on your favorite warrior as you watch a gripping showdown between good and evil from your seat in the genuine Mexican arena.

Beach and Relaxation

For those who prefer to unwind, Cozumel’s pristine beaches are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Make the most of the island’s beautiful coastlines with these delightful excursions.

A day at the beach is a must when visiting Cozumel, and the Beach Day at Playa Mia Deluxe with Transfers offers you the complete package at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park . Enjoy access to all of the park’s amenities, including a buffet lunch and open bar. Take an invigorating swim, explore the beautiful coastline in a kayak, or just stretch out on the sand while your kids enjoy the water slides or make like a pirate at Buccaneer Bay .

Craving a more private experience? The Private Catamaran Sandbar and Snorkeling Adventure allows you to explore Cozumel’s famous sandbars and snorkel in secluded spots, all while enjoying the comfort of a luxury catamaran. You’ll feel like a VIP while discovering the iconic Marine Park Reef and indulging in island favorites at the El Cielo Sandbar .

If you’re looking to combine relaxation with a bit of adventure, the Serene Fish Spa and Beach Break provides a unique experience where you can indulge in a fish spa treatment followed by a relaxing day at the beach. Sit back and relax as dozens of tiny, toothless carp work their magic smoothing your feet — a treat not to be missed.

Cozumel Travel Tips and Tricks

Knowing what to expect when visiting Cozumel can help you get the most out of your trip. From packing the right gear to understanding local customs, these insights will make your visit more enjoyable.

Packing Essentials

What to pack when visiting Cozumel? The tropical climate means you’ll want breathable clothing that is light and comfortable; Dri-Fit pieces are an excellent option here. Don’t forget essentials like reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, a hat, and insect repellent.

If you plan on snorkeling or diving, consider bringing your own gear for your comfort, although many tours provide it. A waterproof bag is also handy for keeping your belongings dry during water-based activities.

Language and Communication

Spanish is the official language of Cozumel, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your interactions with locals and is always appreciated. Phrases like “Buenos días” (Good morning) and “Gracias” (Thank you) go a long way in making connections with the local community.

Cultural Etiquette

Cozumel is known for its warm hospitality, but it’s important to show respect for the local customs. Make sure to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or attending cultural events, and be mindful of your behavior.

Tipping is common practice in Mexico, and it’s polite to leave a tip for tour guides, drivers, and restaurant staff. A tip of 10-15% is suggested, and generally appreciated.

Shore Excursions Group: Your Partner for the Ultimate Cozumel Trip

Cozumel is an ideal escape that caters to every type of traveler, from thrill seekers to those seeking relaxation on its stunning shores. Whatever your fancy, Cozumel promises an experience that will stay with you forever.

To make the most of your visit, explore the exciting excursions offered by Shore Excursions Group. For more details and to book your perfect Cozumel adventure, visit our Cozumel Excursions page.