There are lots of issues to do in Cozumel – Mexico’s prime Caribbean Island. Once we point out Cozumel to different travellers, their eyes glaze over and so they think about silvery white sandy seashores, swaying palm timber and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel actually gives all of that, and way more.
When travelling Mexico, you could determine you simply wish to relax on this Caribbean island, and I perceive fully. However, after visiting right here, I like to recommend you allow the seaside behind and expertise the numerous different issues to do in Cozumel.
Would you be capable of slot in a submarine tour, snorkelling the 2nd largest coral reef on the planet, visiting a Mayan archaeological website or attempting an historical Mayan chocolate recipe in only a few days?
Most likely not! This is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Mexico, so give your self a while right here.
I extremely suggest that you simply plan a minimal of per week to see all of the issues to do in Cozumel, you could even wish to plan 2 weeks. With quite a few unbelievable issues to do in Mexico, make certain Cozumel is in your record.
Be aware: This text has been up to date for 2022 to replicate one of the best actions, excursions and prices in Cozumel. Get pleasure from your journey!
The place is Cozumel?
The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” because it’s recognized in Spanish is positioned 12 miles off the coast reverse Playa del Carmen within the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, referred to as “Mexico’s prime occasion vacation spot” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
Cozumel is the quieter various to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Really, among the best issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry throughout to tranquil Cozumel.
In Playa del Carmen, the terminal is positioned downtown close to the primary sq.. In simply 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the ocean and arrive in Cozumel. Click here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which incorporates prices.
Replace Might 2021: Ultramar Ferry runs on “odd” days, whereas the Winjet Ferry runs on “even” days of the week. The most recent occasions will be discovered on their respective Fb accounts. Having skilled each, I can say that the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel was nicer, sooner and had extra facilities on board.
When is The Finest Time to Go to Cozumel?
You’ll be able to go to Mexico year-round, however one of the best time to go to Cozumel is through the months from March to June, earlier than the hurricane season commences.
The most well liked months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts till November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest interval and it runs from December via to March.
Attending to and From Cozumel
Earlier than you may get pleasure from all of the enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, you should get there.
Whereas there are direct flights to Cozumel, most individuals will arrive on the Cancun airport. From right here, you may have just a few choices to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel).
You’ll be able to both take the bus, rent a taxi, or go for a non-public shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. That is the quickest, most secure and most comfy to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for particulars about airport transfers.
Be aware: should you’re on a funds and don’t thoughts sharing, there’s a fast, secure and straightforward $25 shuttle you may take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Learn more here.
When you’ve arrived on the ferry port, you’ll have to take the 30-minute boat throughout.
Now that when to go to and how you can get there, right here’s my record of one of the best issues to do in Cozumel that you simply don’t wish to miss!
1. Go to Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Seashore is one of the best seaside on the Island, and a go to to this eco-park is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Cozumel. This space is positioned on the south of the island and covers an space of two,500 acres.
Right here you’ll discover unique birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, lovely flowers and delightful seashores – the proper place for nature lovers.
In the event you don’t really feel like snorkelling the reef or visiting the lighthouse (see beneath), you may simply hang around on hammocks and benefit from the solar.
There’s an entrance payment for this park ($18 USD for adults and $11 for kids), however for my part, it’s value it. Click here to seek out this prime Cozumel day journey on the map.
Inside the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at evening of the risks of working aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now a part of a maritime museum.
For 360 diploma views of the Island, you may climb the 133 steps to the highest. On a transparent day, you may even see the coast of Cuba, however sadly for us, that was not the case.
Entrance charges to the Punta Sur Eco Park embrace the Celerain Lighthouse.
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park can also be obtainable. They’ll’t assure that you will note any crocodiles on the day of the tour, however you will note many species of birds, particularly the roseate spoonbill.
Replace Might 2021: these quick boat excursions are at present departing at 1:00 and a couple of:00 pm. Verify the occasions on the entrance to the park once you arrive.
The Punta Sur Ecological Park has a lot to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Destroy right here. El Caracol wreck – additionally referred to as Tumba del Caracol due to its small measurement – dates again to 1200-1500 AD.
Caracol means snail in Spanish and the ruins have been named this due to the snails that embellish the small dome on the highest of the temple.
The construction was constructed as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan folks. The roof was constructed in a means that the robust breeze gave a buzzing noise alerting the Mayans of the approaching hazard.
2. Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park
In the event you’re trying to go to a seaside park throughout your journey to Cozumel, take into account Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park, an moral journey park. Whereas there are various “marine parks” that will sound nice, Goats On The Street doesn’t suggest visiting them as a result of captivity of untamed animals.
Try Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park as an alternative.
Right here, you’ll have use of snorkels, waterslides, swimming pools, kayaks, hobie cats, paddle boats, volleyball courts and extra. This park doesn’t have any animals in captivity, which is why we suggest it. Entrance charges begin from $30 USD.
An alternative choice is to take a tour on a catamaran boat, together with the Cozumel Reefs Nationwide Marine Park for snorkelling, and a go to to Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park (with meals and drinks). Click here to study that enjoyable day tour in Cozumel.
*Be aware that Goats On The Street doesn’t condone any tourism actions that contain cruelty to animals, or promotes their captivity. We’ve been suggested that the Chankanaab Seashore Journey Park and plenty of locations to go to in Mexico supply excursions corresponding to swimming with dolphins.
Please be a accountable traveller and take into account the place you wish to spend your tourism {dollars}, and keep away from any animal reveals or actions. It’s far more enjoyable to see the animals within the wild in any case! Go snorkelling on a boat tour and have a extra genuine expertise with the wildlife.
3. Attempt Seatrek
A novel means of experiencing the underwater world is by attempting helmet diving with Seatrek. The absolutely enclosed helmet sits neatly in your shoulders and a gentle stream of air assists you in respiratory.
In the event you put on prescription glasses, no downside, you may nonetheless put on them within the helmet as you stroll alongside the underside of the ocean at round 20 – 25 toes. Bookings for this tour will be made direct at Seatrek.
4. Attempt Atlantis Submarines
In Barbados, we had the chance to expertise an evening dive with Atlantis Submarines. In Cozumel, they provide 3 daytime departures at 10:00am, 12 midday and 1:00pm.
In the course of the dive, you’ll go to the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck that sank within the 12 months 2000 plus vibrant faculties of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and lobsters. For extra data and the most recent costs click here.
5. Personal Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
Probably the greatest actions to do in Cozumel is a non-public Jeep Tour with lunch and the chance to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your individual personal information which signifies that he is aware of the best-secluded seashores to go snorkelling and swimming with out the crowds.
The most effective half about this Cozumel tour is that it’s fully customizable. Let your information know forward of time what you’re excited about seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put collectively an itinerary to fit your wants.
Aside from personal transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a margarita (or two) are included within the journey. For extra data click here.
6. Sail The Waters Off Cozumel in a Catamaran
That is positively among the best issues to do in Cozumel! There are lots of issues to see across the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is one of the best ways to take action.
You’ll be able to both calm down on board having fun with drinks and snacks or you may snorkel the reef and take a look at the plentiful sea life. Once you’re snorkelling you’ll have the possibility to identify some sea turtles, stingrays and possibly a shark.
The waters round Cozumel are plentiful with marine life and are secure for swimming and snorkelling. Click here to study extra about catamaran excursions in Cozumel, and click here for glass-bottom boat journeys with snorkelling.
7. Go to The Mayan Ruins
Do you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be sincere, we didn’t till our current go to.
Situated on the northern a part of Cozumel, tucked away within the undeveloped jungle, you’ll discover the San Gervasio archaeological site (the pre-Hispanic identify was Tantun Cuzamil).
Certain, these ruins aren’t as massive or spectacular as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, however they’re distinctive in their very own means. This is likely one of the extra off-track issues to do in Cozumel, and is a superb day journey.
We drove there in our rental automotive after which employed a information on the website — who actually introduced the place to life. There are two entrance charges that have to be paid, however in complete, it’s round $10. The price of a information (should you select) is round $20 for a 1.5-hour tour.
8. Go to the Cozumel Pearl Farm
A go to to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a novel tour the place you might be taken by boat to a secluded seaside on an uninhabited space of Cozumel.
The primary a part of the tour is an indication and rationalization of pearl farming strategies. The second a part of the tour takes you to the pearl hatchery itself.
On the hatchery, you are able to do some snorkelling to see how the pearls are grown whereas studying concerning the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.
The remainder of your time is spent both swimming within the heat azure waters or lazing in one of many many hammocks, and naturally, having fun with your lunch with drinks that are included. Click here to study extra.
9. Try the Mayan Cacao Firm
Simply quarter-hour from downtown Cozumel and subsequent to Playa Mia Seashore Membership is the Mayan Cacao Firm. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
One of many many issues Mayans are recognized for was their manufacturing of chocolate from the beans of the cacao timber. After the fermenting, drying and roasting course of, they floor the beans right into a paste, added scorching water and made the primary scorching chocolate drink.
The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you may attempt historical Mayan recipes and naturally, purchase a few of the tasty chocolate. For extra particulars on the Mayan Cacao Firm and ticket costs click here.
⇒ See Additionally: 19 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Ladies
10. Go to the El Mirador
El Mirador is positioned on the east aspect of the Island of Cozumel, half-hour from downtown. Rent a moped, hire a automotive or take a non-public taxi to get right here.
It’s a naturally lovely spot the place the ocean has carved an arch within the rocks over time. You’ll be able to climb to the highest for beautiful views.
This is a superb place to keep away from crowds. In the event you’re trying to calm down, a go to to El Mirador is likely one of the finest issues to do in Cozumel.
☞ For different pure rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands Finish, one of many prime issues to do in Cabo San Lucas.
11. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel has a few of the finest seashores in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you gained’t wish to miss. With its protected space and shallow water, this seaside is appropriate for all ranges of swimmers and snorkellers.
As an added bonus, Playa Chen Rio is positioned on the east coast, which is much less fashionable than these seashores which can be positioned on the west coast — good if you wish to get away from the crowds.
Get pleasure from a day of swimming and snorkelling, adopted by lunch at one of many nice eating places on the seaside right here, corresponding to El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or on the funky Coconuts bar close by.
Be aware: at all times be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water is kind of tough right here and undertows should not unusual. At all times ask the locals earlier than venturing in.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Guadalajara You Don’t Need To Miss
12. Get pleasure from a Seashore Membership
There are lots of seaside golf equipment and bars positioned on the west coast, which is the precise reverse of Playa Chen Rio (above). These seashores are calm and completely turquoise, whereas the seaside bars and golf equipment are the place you may rent kayaks, laze on sunbeds or benefit from the seaside membership.
A number of the golf equipment have entrance charges (corresponding to Uvas Beach Club which is $15), whereas the Money Bar gives free chairs and umbrellas so long as you buy one thing.
With Buccanos within the north, it’s $10 for the chairs and umbrella, however that quantity is subtracted out of your invoice.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Final Journey Information
13. Go to San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
Since San Miguel is positioned on the west coast, among the best actions right here is to stroll the broad sidewalk alongside the seafront at sundown.
In the course of the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk may be very busy with cruise passengers, however exterior of that point, it’s pretty quiet.
In the course of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), each Mexican metropolis or city has a Zocalo. It’s a gathering place for locals or a spot to sit down and simply folks watch.
In case you are in Cozumel on a Sunday night head to the Zocalo at round 8:00 pm for a lot of free occasions.
☞ In Mexico, you’ll discover quite a few seaside promenades with zocalos and free actions happening. Don’t miss wandering alongside the Malecon and seeing avenue performers, these are a few of the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and plenty of different Mexican cities.
14. Go Purchasing
In case you are in want of some retail remedy throughout your journey, there are various alternatives for purchasing in Cozumel. These are a few of the most important purchasing areas the place you’ll discover clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and extra:
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Superior Issues To Do in Oaxaca Metropolis
15. Expertise Temazcal Cozumel
A Temazcal is an historical Mayan ceremony, and whereas it’s one of many prime issues to do in Cancun, it’s additionally an unbelievable expertise right here in Cozumel.
You’ll enter right into a brick hut that’s warmed by volcanic rocks – just like an expertise in a sauna – and shall be greeted by a Shaman.
In the course of the Temazcal ritual, your physique is put via a strategy of cleaning, enjoyable and purification. It ends with a cooling swim within the close by cenote.
The entire ceremony is a really non secular expertise and you probably have an opportunity, don’t miss it (there are just a few locations, however you may take a look at this one). This is likely one of the most original issues to do in Cozumel.
16. Scuba Diving (among the best issues to do in Cozumel)
Scuba Diving alongside the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. In case you are a complicated scuba diver, you may have the choice to dive at superior websites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Satan’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
In the event you haven’t tried scuba diving earlier than, there are PADI courses available. There are quite a few dive facilities in Cozumel, at all times do your due diligence and select a good firm.
We not too long ago spent per week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a complete of 12 dives with Scuba Tony. The captains and dive guides have been all very skilled and welcoming, whereas the dive boat and gear itself was in nice form.
You’ll be able to both meet at their location within the marina or, should you’re staying within the south, the dive boat will choose you up instantly out of your lodge’s jetty — how cool is that?!
Whether or not you’re open water, superior or are simply studying how you can dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. Irrespective of your expertise degree, you’ll love recognizing turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and naturally, vibrant coral.
Night time diving can also be fashionable with Scuba Tony. It is a distinctive solution to expertise the critters — count on to identify octopus, sharks, eels and extra. Diving in Cozumel is fashionable, for good purpose. Be taught extra about Scuba Tony here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 High Issues To Do in San Miguel de Allende
17. Eat at Native Mexican Eating places
Mexican delicacies is our favorite. Consuming avenue meals is likely one of the finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however should you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll nonetheless be spoiled for alternative in Cozumel.
Suppose burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and naturally drinks corresponding to tequila, mezcal, margaritas and a relaxing Corona with a slice of lime.
A few of our favorite Cozumel eating places are:
- Guisados – Av Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
- Crazy King Burrito – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel
- Mister Taco – Avenue Benito Juarez and sixtieth
- Cuatro Tacos – Calle 3 Sur 5ta y Melga
18. Cozumel Chef Meals Tour (one of many prime issues to do in Cozumel for foodies)
In the event you get pleasure from meals excursions Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to a number of completely different Cozumel eating places the place you get pleasure from a Mexican dish and an area drink.
The locations you’ll go to are off the same old vacationer path, which means you’ll be consuming like an area. Even vegetarians are nicely catered for throughout this tour.
This is likely one of the prime Cozumel excursions should you get pleasure from genuine Mexican meals. For extra data and reserving, click here.
⇒ See Additionally: 10 Issues To See and Do in Guanajuato
19. Ha Haak Paddleboarding Cozumel
In case you are a daily paddleboarder, Cozumel will wow you with its crystal clear blue waters, and should you’re a newbie, that is the place to study.
Ha Haak gives a brilliant straightforward intro lesson for first-timers that can get you standing up on a paddleboard very quickly.
Ha Haak’s location at Mr Sancho’s Cozumel Seashore Membership, South Lodge Zone, is the proper place to benefit from the sport ($35 for a rental). For extra particulars click here.
20. Deep-Sea Fishing
For Deep Sea Fishing lovers, Cozumel is the proper location and one of many prime corporations (Chi Chi Charters) gives an superior expertise. Even should you’re not a hardcore fisherman, that is nonetheless among the best issues to do in Cozumel.
Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are a few of the native catch round Cozumel. You’ll be able to catch tuna all 12 months spherical, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish can be found. For extra data and bookings click here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico
21. Watch Sundown
On the finish of the day, nothing beats a superb sundown with a cocktail in hand. We suggest trying out Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west aspect of the island.
In the event you head north about 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal you’ll be greeted by El Palomar, who’ve truly stopped serving plastic straws, solution to go! A margarita on the porch at sundown is an effective way to finish the day.
If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your factor, you may at all times watch the sundown from the malecon, a jetty or the seaside…without cost.
Bonus Cozumel Actions
There are such a lot of extra enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, we had so as to add some extra to the record.
Be taught The best way to Surf
In the event you’ve ever needed to attempt browsing, Cozumel is a superb place to offer it a go. This 4-hour expertise with an area surf teacher can have you standing in your board very quickly! Discover out extra and reserve your spot here.
Go Sea Scootering
In the event you’ve by no means heard of a sea scooter, you want to take a look at this tour. Discover sunken ships and the attractive Caribbean sea, whereas an underwater scooter does all the “swimming” for you. Afterwards, get pleasure from a market and an area Mexican lunch. Discover out extra about this enjoyable day journey in Cozumel here.
Now You Know What to Do in Cozumel
Cozumel is a real island paradise. It’s laid again identical to the locals and gives the customer a quieter environment than its coastal neighbours.
This island gives one of the best of adventures beneath the ocean — the place else on the planet might you go to an underwater museum, dive to the underside of the ocean onboard a submarine or snorkel round a pearl farm?
Cozumel is an island that can wake you up with dawn on the japanese aspect, whereas simply 10 miles throughout the island, you may get pleasure from a sundowner on the west coast. There are quite a few enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel and we hope this record gave you some good concepts of the place to start out.
Goats On The Street Really useful
Journey Assets for Cozumel
✓ Questioning the place to remain in Cozumel? There are quite a few lodging choices on Reserving.com – from luxurious resorts to midrange lodges and cute guesthouses. Goats On The Street stayed at Stingray Villa which is a 4-villa property with a pool. Stingray Villa gives wonderful worth for cash and is in a fantastic location. Near eating places and bars, a few blocks to the ocean — but, you’ll get pleasure from a quiet evening’s sleep. Be taught extra here.
✓ With all the adventurous issues to do in Cozumel, it’s essential to have sufficient journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Street use and suggest Security Wing (one of the vital fashionable choices for travellers and digital nomads). Click here for a free quote.
✓ In the event you’d prefer to hire a automotive in Cozumel and are scuba diving with Scuba Tony, they provide a rental automotive for his or her clients. In the event you’re not diving with that firm, you may take a look at Expedia for automotive leases. Click here to seek out the most recent costs and be warned that you’ll have to pay additional insurance coverage on prime of the listed value.
✓ For excursions, actions and different issues to do in Cozumel, take a look at Get Your Guide for low costs and wonderful service. At all times cross-reference your excursions with evaluations and discover one which fits your wants.
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