Our journey to Cozumel is one we’re nonetheless fascinated about! The primary time I visited, I used to be simply 16 years previous on a cruise with my household. Evidently, coming again years later as an grownup, on a week-long journey with my associate, was a a lot totally different expertise!
We spent per week in Cozumel and have been pleasantly stunned at simply how a lot we have been capable of see in a brief time frame. Scuba diving, seaside lounging, visiting ruins, street tripping, consuming every little thing in sight… Cozumel has one thing for everybody.
You would possibly simply need to sit back on the seaside, with a drink in hand, and I perceive fully. However, after visiting right here, I like to recommend you permit the seaside behind and expertise the various different issues to do in Cozumel.
Cozumel is among the high locations to go to in Mexico, so give your self a while right here.
I extremely advocate that you simply plan a minimal of 5 days to see all of the issues to do in Cozumel, you could even need to keep longer. With quite a few unbelievable issues to do in Mexico, make certain Cozumel is in your checklist.
15 Finest Issues To Do in Cozumel
Right here’s my checklist of our favorite issues to do in Cozumel for adults that you simply don’t need to miss!
1. Go to Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Seaside is the most effective seaside on the Island, and a go to to this eco-park is a should! This isn’t a “Disneyland” kind place, it’s a pure gem and the primary factor do to in Cozumel.
This space is situated on the south of the island and covers an space of two,500 acres. There’s an entrance charge ($25 USD for adults and $17 for kids), however for my part, it’s price it.
There are many issues to do contained in the park, listed below are just a few of our high selections:
The Lighthouse
Throughout 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-degree views of the Island, you possibly can climb the 133 steps to the highest. On a transparent day, you possibly can even see the coast of Cuba, however sadly for us, that wasn’t the case. Entrance charges to the Punta Sur Eco Park embody the Celerain Lighthouse.
Marshlands Boat Journey
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park can also be out there. They’ll’t assure that you will notice any crocodiles on the day of the tour (we have been fortunate and noticed a pair!), however you will notice many species of birds, particularly the roseate spoonbill.
These brief boat excursions are at present departing at 1:00 and a pair of:00 pm. Verify the occasions on the entrance to the park if you arrive.
Go to the Mayan Wreck
El Caracol wreck – additionally referred to as Tumba del Caracol due to its small dimension – 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 manner that the robust breeze gave a buzzing noise alerting the Mayans of the upcoming hazard.
2. Personal Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
Probably the greatest actions to do in Cozumel is a personal 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 serious about seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put collectively an itinerary to fit your wants!
Other than personal transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a cease at a seaside membership are included within the journey. For extra data click on right here.
3. Go Crusing
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 simplest ways to take action.
You may both calm down on board having fun with drinks and snacks, or you possibly can snorkel the reef and take a look at the attractive sea life. If you’re snorkelling you’ll have the possibility to identify some sea turtles, stingrays and possibly even a shark.
The waters round Cozumel are protected for swimming and snorkelling. Click on right here for an superior catamaran journey to El Cielo and the Cash Bar Seaside – which is tremendous reasonably priced and consists of all drinks (margaritas as nicely!), and meals.
In case you’re celebrating an important day, are travelling with a gaggle, or in case you simply need some luxurious in your life, you’ll need to ebook this personal catamaran journey which incorporates all meals and drinks, snorkel gear and extra.
You may reserve now and pay later, which is all the time a superb factor in case you’re not 100% positive of journey plans. Plus, you possibly can cancel as much as 24 hours earlier than departure. Study extra right here.
4. Go to The Mayan Ruins
Do you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be sincere, we didn’t till our latest go to.
Positioned on the northern a part of Cozumel, tucked away within the undeveloped jungle, you’ll discover the San Gervasio archaeological web site (the pre-Hispanic identify was Tantun Cuzamil).
Positive, these ruins aren’t as massive or spectacular as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, however they’re fascinating in their very own manner. This is among the extra uncommon 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 web site – who actually introduced the place to life. Two entrance charges must be paid, however in complete, it’s round $10. The price of a information (in case you select) is round $20 for a 1.5-hour tour. Click on right here for instructions.
5. See the Cozumel Pearl Farm
A go to to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a singular tour the place you’re taken by boat to a secluded seaside on an uninhabited space of Cozumel.
The primary a part of the tour is an illustration 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 in regards to 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 on right here to study extra.
6. Take a look at the Mayan Cacao Firm
Simply quarter-hour from downtown Cozumel is the Mayan Cacao Firm. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
One of many many issues Mayans are recognized for is their manufacturing of chocolate from the beans of the cacao bushes. 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 also you get to pattern some chocolate as nicely. Click on right here to get you admission ticket.
In case you’d fairly have a extra interactive expertise, be part of this enjoyable workshop! You’ll discover ways to make a hand-crafted chocolate bar with the genuine Mayan recipe…and, methods to make a chocolate margarita (and drink it, after all). Each of those tickets are ebook now and pay later, with free cancellation as nicely.
⇒ See Additionally: 19 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Ladies
7. Go to the El Mirador
El Mirador is situated on the east aspect of the Island of Cozumel, half-hour from downtown. Rent a moped, lease a automotive or take a non-public taxi to get right here.
It’s a naturally stunning spot the place the ocean has carved an arch within the rocks through the years. You may climb to the highest for gorgeous views.
This is a superb place to keep away from crowds. In case you’re seeking to calm down, a go to to El Mirador is among the finest issues to do in Cozumel. Discover it on the map, right here.
☞ For different pure rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands Finish, one of many high issues to do in Cabo San Lucas.
8. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel has a number of the finest seashores in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you gained’t need 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 situated on the east coast, which is much less widespread than these seashores which are situated 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, akin to El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or on the funky Coconuts bar.
Word: despite the fact that this seaside is normally tremendous, all the time be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water may be fairly tough right here and undertows aren’t 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
9. Chill Out at a Seaside Membership
There are lots of seaside golf equipment and bars situated on the west coast. These seashores are calm and completely turquoise, whereas the seaside bars and golf equipment are the place you possibly can rent kayaks, laze on sunbeds or benefit from the seaside membership.
A few of the golf equipment have entrance charges, akin to Uvas Seaside Membership which is $20 together with amenities, snorkel gear and kayak, whereas the Cash Bar affords free chairs and umbrellas so long as you buy one thing.
I beloved the Cash Bar! I spent the day right here a few occasions whereas Nick was out scuba diving. They gave me free snorkel gear, and umbrella and chair. The meals and drinks have been actually good as nicely.
With Buccanos within the north, it’s $22 for the chairs and umbrella, however that quantity is subtracted out of your invoice. One of the vital widespread seaside golf equipment is Mr. Sanchos which has an all-inclusive day move out there. You may ebook your spot right here.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Final Journey Information
10. Go to San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
Since San Miguel is situated on the west coast, among the best actions right here is to stroll the broad sidewalk alongside the seafront at sundown. We did this nearly each evening throughout our keep in Cozumel, and beloved watching the realm come to life as everybody got here out to benefit from the cooler temps.
Throughout the day when the cruise ships are in port, the sidewalk could 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 people-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 road performers, these are a number of the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and lots of different Mexican cities.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Superior Issues To Do in Oaxaca Metropolis
11. Scuba Diving (the most well-liked exercise in Cozumel)
Scuba Diving alongside the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. In case you are a complicated scuba diver like Nick is, you will have the choice to dive at superior websites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Satan’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
Cozumel is thought for its unbelievable snorkelling and scuba diving, so ensure you bounce within the water throughout your journey!
We spent per week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a complete of 12 dives with Scuba Tony, and I did some snorkelling with them as nicely. The captains and dive guides have been all very skilled and welcoming, and the dive boat and gear have been in nice form.
I’m fairly hardcore in relation to water security, and I felt completely comfy with Scuba Tony (each the crew and the boat itself).
You may both meet at their location within the marina or, in case you’re staying within the south, the dive boat will choose you up straight out of your lodge’s jetty – how cool is that?!
Whether or not you’re open water, superior or simply studying methods to dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. Irrespective of your expertise stage, you’ll love recognizing turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and naturally, vibrant coral.
Night time diving can also be widespread and is a singular strategy to expertise the critters – count on to identify octopus, sharks, eels and extra. Diving in Cozumel is widespread, for good purpose. Study extra about Scuba Tony right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Prime Issues To Do in San Miguel de Allende
12. Eat Mexican Meals
Mexican delicacies is our favorite. Consuming road meals is among the finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however in case you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll nonetheless be spoiled for selection in Cozumel.
Suppose burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and naturally drinks akin to tequila, mezcal, margaritas and a calming Corona with a slice of lime.
A few of our favorite Cozumel eating places are:
- Guisados for unbelievable tacos – Av Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
- Loopy King Burrito …for, you guessed it, burritos – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel
- Mister Taco – Avenue Benito Juarez and sixtieth
- La Monina – tasty meals with epic sundown views
13. Be part of a Meals Tour
In case you take pleasure in meals excursions as a lot as we do, Cozumel Chef Meals Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to a number of totally different eating places the place you take pleasure in a Mexican dish and a neighborhood drink.
The locations you’ll go to are off the standard vacationer path, that means you’ll be consuming like a neighborhood. Even vegetarians are nicely catered for throughout this tour.
This is among the high Cozumel excursions in case you take pleasure in genuine Mexican meals. Make sure that to come back hungry! For extra data and reserving, click on right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 10 Issues To See and Do in Guanajuato
14. Deep-Sea Fishing
For deep sea fishing fanatics, Cozumel is the right location and one of many high corporations (Seaside Bum Cozumel) affords an superior expertise. Even in case you’re not a hardcore fisherman, that is nonetheless among the best issues to do in Cozumel.
Nick did some deep sea fishing for sailfish throughout our journey to Manzanillo, however he didn’t get an opportunity in Cozumel.
Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are a number of the native catch round Cozumel. You may catch tuna all yr spherical, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish can be found. You may reserve the boat now, and pay later. For extra data and constitution bookings click on right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico
15. Watch Sundown
On the finish of the day, nothing beats a superb sundown with a cocktail in hand. We advocate testing Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west aspect of the island. These are all wonderful locations that we frequented throughout our journey to Cozumel.
If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your factor, you possibly can all the time watch the sundown from the malecon, a jetty or the seaside…the most effective free Cozumel exercise for positive.
Extra Enjoyable Cozumel Actions
There are such a lot of extra enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, that I had so as to add some extra to the checklist.
Go Sea Scootering
In case 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, take pleasure in a market and a neighborhood Mexican lunch. Discover out extra about this enjoyable day journey in Cozumel right here.
Snorkelling at Night time to Spot Octopus
After getting briefed by your information, you’ll put in your snorkel gear, flip in your gentle and hit the ocean. You gained’t be going by boat, simply merely strolling into the water from the shore.
Be part of this extremely rated, 4 hour+ snorkelling journey, and spot octopus, turtles, squid, and extra within the wild. That is an expertise you gained’t neglect and is among the finest issues to do in Cozumel at evening. Study extra right here.
Be part of a Cooking Class
In case you’re in search of issues to do in Cozumel for foodies, take a look at this enjoyable cooking expertise. Begin the journey by visiting a neighborhood market and studying in regards to the typical meals of Mexico. Then, head to a household dwelling and discover ways to make genuine Mexican dishes…and naturally, eat them! You’ll make dips, essential dishes, snacks and drinks are included as nicely. Discover out extra right here.
The place is Cozumel?
The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” because it’s recognized in Spanish is situated 12 miles off the coast reverse Playa del Carmen within the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, often known as “Mexico’s high get together vacation spot” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
We have been staying in Playa del Carmen after we determined to move over to Cozumel – the quieter various to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Truly, among the best issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry throughout to tranquil Cozumel.
Methods to Get to Cozumel
In case you’re coming from Playa del Carmen (like we have been), the terminal is situated downtown close to the primary sq. – click on right here for instructions on Google Maps. In simply 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the ocean and arrive in Cozumel. Click on right here for the Cozumel Ferry schedule, which incorporates prices.
Ultramar Ferry runs on “odd” days, whereas the Winjet Ferry runs on “even” days of the week. The newest occasions may 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.
Whereas there are direct flights to Cozumel, most individuals will arrive on the Cancun airport. From there, you will have just a few choices to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel).
You may 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 on right here for particulars about airport transfers.
Word: in case you’re on a funds and don’t thoughts sharing, there’s a fast, protected and straightforward $25 shuttle you possibly can take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Study extra right here.
When is The Finest Time to Go to Cozumel?
You may go to Mexico year-round, however the most effective time to go to Cozumel is in the course of the months from March to June, earlier than the hurricane season begins.
The most popular 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 by way of to March.
We visited Cozumel on the finish of April, into Could, and had stunning climate – and it was much less crowded.
The place To Keep in Cozumel
Cozumel is a comparatively small island, so you possibly can keep just about wherever after which simply get round by automotive or golf cart. Having mentioned that, for seaside lovers, you’ll need to keep on the west coast because the east is rugged and windy.
In case you plan to do loads of diving, you would possibly need to keep at a spot that has its personal pier. Listed below are just a few of my suggestions for the most effective lodging in Cozumel. For extra, be sure you take a look at our The place To Keep in Cozumel Information.
Stingray Villa: We spent 5 nights on this stunning little 4-room boutique villa lodge that’s only a few brief blocks from the ocean. The rooms have cool painted interiors and all of them face in the direction of a beautiful and quiet shared pool. If this one is booked, or isn’t your fashion, one other extremely rated choice is Villas El Encanto.
Landmark Resort: We stayed right here the final time we have been in Cozumel and beloved it. Actually, we may see ourselves spending weeks and even months on this fantastically embellished, spacious condo advanced with sea views. Extremely really helpful. As a bonus, the Cash Bar Seaside Membership and scuba diving pier was proper right here!
The Westin: A cool lodge on the north finish of Cozumel that has its personal personal seaside space, an outside pool, an onsite restaurant and a few free facilities like snorkel gear.
Finest Eating places in Cozumel
Cozumel is a food-lovers paradise. We ate at plenty of totally different native and worldwide eating places throughout our keep there. After all, many menus characteristic seafood, however there are many different nice dishes together with Mexican delicacies, steaks, burgers and pasta.
Listed below are a few of our favorite eating places on the island of Cozumel.
Buccanos: We love this little restaurant/bar on the seaside. There’s a stupendous sundown view, good meals and engaging cocktails.
La Monina: One among our favorite little Mexican eating places on the seaside in Cozumel. Be sure to strive the seafood right here.
Lobster Shack: This was the primary meal Nick ate on our final go to to Cozumel. These lobster rolls are the most effective we’ve had since our time in Nova Scotia.
Sereno Cozumel: Most likely the most effective view from a restaurant on the island, Sereno additionally has nice meals and pleasant service.
The Espresso Cozumel: A superb cafe in Cozumel. The espresso is tasty and so are the breakfasts.
The Maple Bakehouse: One other nice breakfast place.
Azul Madera: A extra upscale spot with wonderful meals – get the surf and turf!
Cozumel Journey Itineraries
As I’ve mentioned earlier than, Cozumel is a small island so most individuals will both go to for just a few days or per week. We spent per week and will’ve stayed longer! Beneath I’ve included some instructed itineraries for these time frames.
3 Days in Cozumel
On day one, get up and head to The Espresso Cozumel for a morning brew and breakfast, then head to Punta Sur to spend the day recognizing crocs, having fun with the view, and going for a swim. That’ll take a lot of the day, however you might need time to take a look at the Mayan Ruins within the afternoon earlier than heading to a seaside bar for sundown.
On day 2 begin your day with a deliciously candy breakfast at The Maple Bakehouse. Then you possibly can both head out on a day journey snorkelling tour, or go for a few dives in case you’re into diving.
In case you make it again in time for lunch, hit up Sereno for some tasty tacos. Then spend the afternoon at a seaside bar earlier than going to El Mirador within the afternoon for sundown. Finish the day at Buccanos for a later afternoon cocktail and dinner.
On the final day, get up and go to whichever place you preferred extra between The Maple Bakehouse and The Espresso Cozumel for some espresso and breakfast. Then both be part of a personal jeep tour. This may take a lot of the day and embody lunch, so within the afternoon if you’re carried out, contemplate visiting the Cacao Firm.
Get pleasure from dinner at La Monina or head to the Lobster Shack for a fast roll, then head to El Palomar Restaurant and Bar for sundown cocktails and in case you’re fortunate, some reside music.
One Week in Cozumel
For the primary 3 days, do all the actions from the 3-day Cozumel itinerary above. On day 4, go to a Seaside Membership for the day. End the break day with sundown in San Miguel and dinner at Azul Madera.
On day 5 get up early and go deep-sea fishing. That may take a lot of the day and can embody lunch, if you’re carried out, relaxation for a bit earlier than heading out for dinner at any of the eating places with a sundown view.
Day 6 can begin with a espresso and a pastry at your lodge, earlier than visiting San Miguel, the capital of Cozumel. For lunch, eat at native Mexican eating places within the capital, earlier than visiting the Cozumel Pearl Farm within the afternoon. At evening head to Monkey Seaside Membership for some enjoyable music and meals.
On the final day, get up and have a fast snack for breakfast earlier than assembly for the Cozumel Chef Meals Tour at 11am. This may carry you thru lunch to the late afternoon. At the moment, simply head to a seaside membership and revel in your final day on the sand, swimming and snorkelling. I like to recommend Sky Reef or Mr. Sanchos.
Cozumel Journey FAQs
Cozumel could be very protected. It’s a small island the place everybody is aware of everybody. There’s little or no crime on the island and you can be protected travelling to just about each nook. Simply watch out in case you consider swimming on the east coast because it’s very wavy and harmful there!
When you can technically go to Cozumel yr spherical, the most effective time to go to is between November and March. These months are out of the hurricane season, have plenty of sunny days and are pleasantly cool.
Cozumel is fairly laid again, so don’t count on a loopy nightlife scene right here. Having mentioned that, Woody’s, Moist Wendys, La Rumba and The Cash Bar are fairly cool locations to have some drinks and dance into the wee hours.
Completely. There are many issues to do in Cozumel for kids together with snorkelling, having fun with the calm water of the seashores, heading to nature reserves and getting into submarines.
Deliver plenty of sunscreens, bathing fits and a few snorkel gear. Additionally, don’t neglect a hat and a cover-up because the solar right here may be intense even if you’re sporting sunblock. Most different belongings you would possibly want may also be purchased on the island if you arrive.
Usually, Mexico is a tourism tradition the place People and Canadians have introduced their tipping customs to main vacationer locations like Cozumel. In eating places, 10-15% is just about anticipated. Cleansing employees would admire $2-$3 per day at your lodge and taxis / tour guides will count on a ten% tip more often than not.
Cozumel is a simple place to drive. You may lease a automotive, or get a golf cart. Each are enjoyable and straightforward methods to get round. Simply pay attention to one-way streets and slender seaside roads.
Conclusion
Cozumel is a real island paradise. It’s laid again identical to the locals and affords a quieter environment than its coastal neighbours. We beloved our journey to Cozumel – each above and beneath the water!
Cozumel is an island that may wake you up with dawn on the jap aspect, whereas simply 10 miles throughout the island, you possibly can take pleasure in a sundowner on the west coast. There are quite a few enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel and we hope this checklist gave you some good concepts of the place to start out.