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Our trip to Cozumel is one we’re still thinking about! The first time I visited, I was just 16 years old on a cruise with my family. Needless to say, coming back years later as an adult, on a week-long trip with my partner, was a much different experience!
We spent a week in Cozumel and were pleasantly surprised at just how much we were able to see in a short period of time. Scuba diving, beach lounging, visiting ruins, road tripping, eating everything in sight… Cozumel has something for everyone.
You might just want to chill out on the beach, with a drink in hand, and I understand completely. But, after visiting here, I recommend you leave the beach behind and experience the many other things to do in Cozumel.
Cozumel is one of the top places to visit in Mexico, so give yourself some time here.
I highly recommend that you plan a minimum of 5 days to see all the things to do in Cozumel, you may even want to stay longer. With numerous incredible things to do in Mexico, make sure Cozumel is on your list.
15 Best Things To Do in Cozumel
Here’s my list of our favourite things to do in Cozumel for adults that you don’t want to miss!
1. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Beach is the best beach on the Island, and a visit to this eco-park is a must! This isn’t a “Disneyland” type place, it’s a natural gem and the number one thing do to in Cozumel.
This area is located on the south of the island and covers an area of 2,500 acres. There’s an entrance fee ($25 USD for adults and $17 for children), but in my opinion, it’s worth it.
There are lots of things to do inside the park, here are a few of our top choices:
The Lighthouse
Within the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night of the dangers of running aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now part of a maritime museum.
For 360-degree views of the Island, you can climb the 133 steps to the top. On a clear day, you can even see the coast of Cuba, but unfortunately for us, that wasn’t the case. Entrance fees to the Punta Sur Eco Park include the Celerain Lighthouse.
Marshlands Boat Ride
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park is also available. They can’t guarantee that you will see any crocodiles on the day of the tour (we were lucky and saw a couple!), but you will see many species of birds, especially the roseate spoonbill.
These short boat tours are currently departing at 1:00 and 2:00 pm. Confirm the times at the entrance to the park when you arrive.
Visit the Mayan Ruin
El Caracol ruin – also called Tumba del Caracol because of its small size – dates back to 1200-1500 AD. Caracol means “snail” in Spanish and the ruins were named this because of the snails that decorate the small dome on the top of the temple.
The structure was built as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan people. The roof was constructed in a way that the strong breeze gave a humming noise alerting the Mayans of the impending danger.
2. Private Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
One of the best activities to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the opportunity to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your own private guide which means that he knows the best-secluded beaches to go snorkelling and swimming without the crowds.
The best part about this Cozumel excursion is that it’s completely customizable. Let your guide know ahead of time what you’re interested in seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put together an itinerary to suit your needs!
Apart from private transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a stop at a beach club are included in the trip. For more information click here.
3. Go Sailing
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Cozumel! There are many things to see around the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is the best way to do so.
You can either relax on board enjoying drinks and snacks, or you can snorkel the reef and check out the gorgeous sea life. When you’re snorkelling you’ll have the chance to spot some sea turtles, stingrays and maybe even a shark.
The waters around Cozumel are safe for swimming and snorkelling. Click here for an awesome catamaran trip to El Cielo and the Money Bar Beach – which is super affordable and includes all drinks (margaritas as well!), and food.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, are travelling with a group, or if you just want some luxury in your life, you’ll want to book this private catamaran trip which includes all food and drinks, snorkel equipment and more.
You can reserve now and pay later, which is always a good thing if you’re not 100% sure of travel plans. Plus, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure. Learn more here.
4. Visit The Mayan Ruins
Did you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be honest, we didn’t until our recent visit.
Located on the northern part of Cozumel, tucked away in the undeveloped jungle, you’ll find the San Gervasio archaeological site (the pre-Hispanic name was Tantun Cuzamil).
Sure, these ruins aren’t as large or impressive as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, but they are interesting in their own way. This is one of the more unusual things to do in Cozumel, and is a great day trip.
We drove there in our rental car and then hired a guide at the site – who really brought the place to life. Two entrance fees need to be paid, but in total, it’s around $10. The cost of a guide (if you choose) is around $20 for a 1.5-hour tour. Click here for directions.
5. See the Cozumel Pearl Farm
A visit to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a unique excursion where you are taken by boat to a secluded beach on an uninhabited area of Cozumel.
The first part of the tour is a demonstration and explanation of pearl farming techniques. The second part of the tour takes you to the pearl hatchery itself.
At the hatchery, you can do some snorkelling to see how the pearls are grown while learning about the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.
The rest of your time is spent either swimming in the warm azure waters or lazing in one of the many hammocks, and of course, enjoying your lunch with drinks which are included. Click here to learn more.
6. Check out the Mayan Cacao Company
Just 15 minutes from downtown Cozumel is the Mayan Cacao Company. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
One of the many things Mayans are known for is their production of chocolate from the beans of the cacao trees. After the fermenting, drying and roasting process, they ground the beans into a paste, added hot water and made the first hot chocolate drink.
The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you get to sample some chocolate as well. Click here to get you admission ticket.
If you’d rather have a more interactive experience, join this fun workshop! You’ll learn how to make a handmade chocolate bar with the authentic Mayan recipe…and, how to make a chocolate margarita (and drink it, of course). Both of these tickets are book now and pay later, with free cancellation as well.
⇒ See Also: 19 Fun Things To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Women
7. Visit the El Mirador
El Mirador is located on the east side of the Island of Cozumel, 30 minutes from downtown. Hire a moped, rent a car or take a private taxi to get here.
It’s a naturally beautiful spot where the sea has carved an arch in the rocks over the years. You can climb to the top for stunning views.
This is an excellent place to avoid crowds. If you’re looking to relax, a visit to El Mirador is one of the best things to do in Cozumel. Find it on the map, here.
☞ For other natural rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands End, one of the top things to do in Cabo San Lucas.
8. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel has some of the best beaches in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you won’t want to miss. With its protected area and shallow water, this beach is suitable for all levels of swimmers and snorkellers.
As an added bonus, Playa Chen Rio is located on the east coast, which is less popular than those beaches that are located on the west coast – perfect if you want to get away from the crowds.
Enjoy a day of swimming and snorkelling, followed by lunch at one of the great restaurants on the beach here, such as El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or at the funky Coconuts bar.
Note: even though this beach is usually fine, always be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water can be quite rough here and undertows are not uncommon. Always ask the locals before venturing in.
⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Guadalajara You Don’t Want To Miss
9. Chill Out at a Beach Club
There are many beach clubs and bars located on the west coast. These beaches are calm and perfectly turquoise, while the beach bars and clubs are where you can hire kayaks, laze on sunbeds or enjoy the beach club.
Some of the clubs have entrance fees, such as Uvas Beach Club which is $20 including facilities, snorkel gear and kayak, while the Money Bar offers free chairs and umbrellas as long as you purchase something.
I loved the Money Bar! I spent the day here a couple of times while Nick was out scuba diving. They gave me free snorkel gear, and umbrella and chair. The food and drinks were really good as well.
With Buccanos in the north, it’s $22 for the chairs and umbrella, but that amount is subtracted from your bill. One of the most popular beach clubs is Mr. Sanchos which has an all-inclusive day pass available. You can book your spot here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Ultimate Travel Guide
10. Visit San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
Since San Miguel is located on the west coast, one of the best activities here is to walk the broad sidewalk along the seafront at sunset. We did this almost every night during our stay in Cozumel, and loved watching the area come to life as everyone came out to enjoy the cooler temps.
During the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk is very busy with cruise passengers, but outside of that time, it’s fairly quiet.
In the middle of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), every Mexican city or town has a Zocalo. It’s a meeting place for locals or a spot to sit and just people-watch.
If you are in Cozumel on a Sunday evening head to the Zocalo at around 8:00 pm for many free events.
☞ In Mexico, you’ll find numerous seaside promenades with zocalos and free activities going on. Don’t miss wandering along the Malecon and seeing street performers, these are some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and many other Mexican cities.
⇒ See Also: 21 Awesome Things To Do in Oaxaca City
11. Scuba Diving (one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel)
Scuba Diving along the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. If you are an advanced scuba diver like Nick is, you have the option to dive at advanced sites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Devil’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
Cozumel is known for its incredible snorkelling and scuba diving, so make sure you jump in the water during your trip!
We spent a week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a total of 12 dives with Scuba Tony, and I did some snorkelling with them as well. The captains and dive guides were all very professional and welcoming, and the dive boat and equipment were in great shape.
I’m pretty hardcore when it comes to water safety, and I felt totally at ease with Scuba Tony (both the crew and the boat itself).
You can either meet at their location in the marina or, if you’re staying in the south, the dive boat will pick you up directly from your hotel’s jetty – how cool is that?!
Whether you’re open water, advanced or just learning how to dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. No matter your experience level, you’ll love spotting turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and of course, colourful coral.
Night diving is also popular and is a unique way to experience the critters – expect to spot octopus, sharks, eels and more. Diving in Cozumel is popular, for good reason. Learn more about Scuba Tony here.
⇒ See Also: 21 Top Things To Do in San Miguel de Allende
12. Eat Mexican Food
Mexican cuisine is our favourite. Eating street food is one of the best things to do in Mexico City, but if you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll still be spoiled for choice in Cozumel.
Think burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and of course drinks such as tequila, mezcal, margaritas and a chilled Corona with a slice of lime.
Some of our favourite Cozumel restaurants are:
- Guisados for fantastic tacos – Av Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
- Crazy King Burrito …for, you guessed it, burritos – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel
- Mister Taco – Avenue Benito Juarez and 60th
- La Monina – tasty food with epic sunset views
13. Join a Food Tour
If you enjoy food tours as much as we do, Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to several different restaurants where you enjoy a Mexican dish and a local drink.
The places you’ll visit are off the usual tourist path, meaning you’ll be eating like a local. Even vegetarians are well catered for during this tour.
This is one of the top Cozumel excursions if you enjoy authentic Mexican food. Make sure to come hungry! For more information and booking, click here.
⇒ See Also: 10 Things To See and Do in Guanajuato
14. Deep-Sea Fishing
For deep sea fishing enthusiasts, Cozumel is the perfect location and one of the top companies (Beach Bum Cozumel) offers an awesome experience. Even if you’re not a hardcore fisherman, this is still one of the best things to do in Cozumel.
Nick did some deep sea fishing for sailfish during our trip to Manzanillo, but he didn’t get a chance in Cozumel.
Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are some of the local catch around Cozumel. You can catch tuna all year round, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish are available. You can reserve the boat now, and pay later. For more information and charter bookings click here.
⇒ See Also: 21 Things To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico
15. Watch Sunset
At the end of the day, nothing beats a good sunset with a cocktail in hand. We recommend checking out Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west side of the island. These are all excellent places that we frequented during our trip to Cozumel.
If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your thing, you can always watch the sunset from the malecon, a jetty or the beach…the best free Cozumel activity for sure.
More Fun Cozumel Activities
There are so many more fun things to do in Cozumel, that I had to add some more to the list.
Go Sea Scootering
If you’ve never heard of a sea scooter, you need to have a look at this tour. Explore sunken ships and the beautiful Caribbean Sea, while an underwater scooter does all of the “swimming” for you. Afterwards, enjoy a market and a local Mexican lunch. Find out more about this fun day trip in Cozumel here.
Snorkelling at Night to Spot Octopus
After getting briefed by your guide, you’ll put on your snorkel gear, turn on your light and hit the sea. You won’t be going by boat, just simply walking into the water from the shore.
Join this highly rated, 4 hour+ snorkelling trip, and spot octopus, turtles, squid, and more in the wild. This is an experience you won’t forget and is one of the best things to do in Cozumel at night. Learn more here.
Join a Cooking Class
If you’re looking for things to do in Cozumel for foodies, check out this fun cooking experience. Start the trip by visiting a local market and learning about the typical foods of Mexico. Then, head to a family home and learn how to make authentic Mexican dishes…and of course, eat them! You’ll make dips, main dishes, snacks and drinks are included as well. Find out more here.
Where is Cozumel?
The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” as it’s known in Spanish is located 12 miles off the coast opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, known as “Mexico’s top party destination” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
We were staying in Playa del Carmen when we decided to head over to Cozumel – the quieter alternative to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Actually, one of the best things to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry across to tranquil Cozumel.
How to Get to Cozumel
If you’re coming from Playa del Carmen (like we were), the terminal is located downtown near the main square – click here for directions on Google Maps. In just 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the sea and arrive in Cozumel. Click here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which includes costs.
Ultramar Ferry runs on “odd” days, while the Winjet Ferry runs on “even” days of the week. The latest times can be found on their respective Facebook accounts. Having experienced both, I can say that the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel was nicer, faster and had more amenities on board.
While there are direct flights to Cozumel, most people will arrive at the Cancun airport. From there, you have a few options to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel).
You can either take the bus, hire a taxi, or opt for a private shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. This is the fastest, safest and most comfortable to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for details about airport transfers.
Note: if you’re on a budget and don’t mind sharing, there is a quick, safe and easy $25 shuttle you can take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Learn more here.
When is The Best Time to Visit Cozumel?
You can visit Mexico year-round, but the best time to visit Cozumel is during the months from March to June, before the hurricane season starts.
The hottest months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts until November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest period and it runs from December through to March.
We visited Cozumel at the end of April, into May, and had beautiful weather – and it was less crowded.
Where To Stay in Cozumel
Cozumel is a relatively small island, so you can stay pretty much anywhere and then just get around by car or golf cart. Having said that, for beach lovers, you’ll want to stay on the west coast as the east is rugged and windy.
If you plan to do a lot of diving, you might want to stay at a place that has its own pier. Here are a few of my recommendations for the best accommodation in Cozumel. For more, be sure to check out our Where To Stay in Cozumel Guide.
Stingray Villa: We spent 5 nights in this beautiful little 4-room boutique villa hotel that’s just a few short blocks from the sea. The rooms have cool painted interiors and all of them face towards a lovely and quiet shared pool. If this one is booked, or isn’t your style, another highly rated option is Villas El Encanto.
Landmark Resort: We stayed here the last time we were in Cozumel and loved it. In fact, we could see ourselves spending weeks or even months in this beautifully decorated, spacious apartment complex with sea views. Highly recommended. As a bonus, the Money Bar Beach Club and scuba diving pier was right here!
The Westin: A cool hotel on the north end of Cozumel that has its own private beach area, an outdoor pool, an onsite restaurant and some free amenities like snorkel gear.
Best Restaurants in Cozumel
Cozumel is a food-lovers paradise. We ate at lots of different local and international restaurants during our stay there. Of course, many menus feature seafood, but there are lots of other great dishes including Mexican cuisine, steaks, burgers and pasta.
Here are some of our favourite restaurants on the island of Cozumel.
Buccanos: We love this little restaurant/bar on the beach. There’s a beautiful sunset view, good food and tasty cocktails.
La Monina: One of our favourite little Mexican restaurants on the beach in Cozumel. Make sure you try the seafood here.
Lobster Shack: This was the first meal Nick ate on our last visit to Cozumel. These lobster rolls are the best we’ve had since our time in Nova Scotia.
Sereno Cozumel: Probably the best view from a restaurant on the island, Sereno also has great food and friendly service.
The Coffee Cozumel: An excellent cafe in Cozumel. The coffee is tasty and so are the breakfasts.
The Maple Bakehouse: Another great breakfast place.
Azul Madera: A more upscale spot with excellent food – get the surf and turf!
Cozumel Travel Itineraries
As I’ve said before, Cozumel is a small island so most people will either visit for a few days or a week. We spent a week and could’ve stayed longer! Below I’ve included some suggested itineraries for those time frames.
3 Days in Cozumel
On day one, wake up and head to The Coffee Cozumel for a morning brew and breakfast, then head to Punta Sur to spend the day spotting crocs, enjoying the view, and going for a swim. That’ll take most of the day, but you might have time to check out the Mayan Ruins in the afternoon before heading to a beach bar for sunset.
On day 2 start your day with a deliciously sweet breakfast at The Maple Bakehouse. Then you can either head out on a day trip snorkelling tour, or go for a couple of dives if you’re into diving.
If you make it back in time for lunch, hit up Sereno for some tasty tacos. Then spend the afternoon at a beach bar before going to El Mirador in the afternoon for sunset. End the day at Buccanos for a later afternoon cocktail and dinner.
On the last day, wake up and go to whichever place you liked more between The Maple Bakehouse and The Coffee Cozumel for some coffee and breakfast. Then either join a private jeep tour. This will take most of the day and include lunch, so in the afternoon when you’re done, consider visiting the Cacao Company.
Enjoy dinner at La Monina or head to the Lobster Shack for a quick roll, then head to El Palomar Restaurant and Bar for sunset cocktails and if you’re lucky, some live music.
One Week in Cozumel
For the first 3 days, do all of the activities from the 3-day Cozumel itinerary above. On day 4, go to a Beach Club for the day. Finish the day off with sunset in San Miguel and dinner at Azul Madera.
On day 5 wake up early and go deep-sea fishing. That will take most of the day and will include lunch, when you’re done, rest for a bit before heading out for dinner at any of the restaurants with a sunset view.
Day 6 can start with a coffee and a pastry at your hotel, before visiting San Miguel, the capital of Cozumel. For lunch, eat at local Mexican restaurants in the capital, before visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm in the afternoon. At night head to Monkey Beach Club for some fun music and food.
On the last day, wake up and have a quick snack for breakfast before meeting for the Cozumel Chef Food Tour at 11am. This will bring you through lunch to the late afternoon. At this time, just head to a beach club and enjoy your last day on the sand, swimming and snorkelling. I recommend Sky Reef or Mr. Sanchos.
Cozumel Travel FAQs
Cozumel is very safe. It’s a small island where everyone knows everyone. There is very little crime on the island and you will be safe travelling to pretty much every corner. Just be careful if you think of swimming on the east coast as it’s very wavy and dangerous there!
While you can technically visit Cozumel year round, the best time to visit is between November and March. These months are out of the hurricane season, have lots of sunny days and are pleasantly cool.
Cozumel is pretty laid back, so don’t expect a crazy nightlife scene here. Having said that, Woody’s, Wet Wendys, La Rumba and The Money Bar are pretty cool places to have some drinks and dance into the wee hours.
Absolutely. There are plenty of things to do in Cozumel for children including snorkelling, enjoying the calm water of the beaches, heading to nature reserves and going in submarines.
Bring lots of sunscreens, bathing suits and some snorkel gear. Also, don’t forget a hat and a cover-up as the sun here can be intense even when you’re wearing sunblock. Most other things you might need can also be bought on the island when you arrive.
Generally, Mexico is a tourism culture where Americans and Canadians have brought their tipping customs to major tourist destinations like Cozumel. In restaurants, 10-15% is pretty much expected. Cleaning staff would appreciate $2-$3 per day at your hotel and taxis / tour guides will expect a 10% tip most of the time.
Cozumel is an easy place to drive. You can rent a car, or get a golf cart. Both are fun and easy ways to get around. Just be aware of one-way streets and narrow beach roads.
Conclusion
Cozumel is a true island paradise. It’s laid back just like the locals and offers a quieter atmosphere than its coastal neighbours. We loved our trip to Cozumel – both above and below the water!
Cozumel is an island that will wake you up with sunrise on the eastern side, while just 10 miles across the island, you can enjoy a sundowner on the west coast. There are numerous fun things to do in Cozumel and we hope this list gave you some good ideas of where to start.
