Our journey to Cozumel is one we’re nonetheless eager 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 accomplice, was a a lot completely different expertise!
We spent per week in Cozumel and had been pleasantly shocked at simply how a lot we had been capable of see in a brief time period. Scuba diving, seaside lounging, visiting ruins, highway tripping, consuming every thing in sight… Cozumel has one thing for everybody.
You may 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 numerous 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 suggest that you just plan a minimal of 5 days to see all of the issues to do in Cozumel, it’s possible you’ll even need to keep longer. With quite a few unimaginable issues to do in Mexico, make certain Cozumel is in your listing.
15 Greatest Issues To Do in Cozumel
Right here’s my listing of our favorite issues to do in Cozumel for adults that you just don’t need to miss!
1. Go to Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Beach is the perfect seaside on the Island, and a go to to this eco-park is a should! This isn’t a “Disneyland” sort 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 price ($25 USD for adults and $17 for youngsters), however in my view, it’s price it.
There are many issues to do contained in the park, listed here are a number of of our high decisions:
The Lighthouse
Inside the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night time 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 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 wasn’t the case. Entrance charges to the Punta Sur Eco Park embody the Celerain Lighthouse.
Marshlands Boat Trip
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park can be obtainable. They’ll’t assure that you will note any crocodiles on the day of the tour (we had been fortunate and noticed a pair!), however you will note many species of birds, particularly the roseate spoonbill.
These brief boat excursions are presently departing at 1:00 and a couple of:00 pm. Affirm the instances on the entrance to the park once you arrive.
Go to the Mayan Smash
El Caracol damage – 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 had been named this due to the snails that beautify the small dome on the highest of the temple.
The construction was constructed as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan individuals. The roof was constructed in a method that the sturdy breeze gave a buzzing noise alerting the Mayans of the approaching hazard.
2. Non-public Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
Among the best actions to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the chance to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your personal non-public information which signifies that he is aware of the best-secluded seashores to go snorkelling and swimming with out the crowds.
One of the best half about this Cozumel tour is that it’s fully customizable. Let your information know forward of time what you’re enthusiastic about seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put collectively an itinerary to fit your wants!
Other than non-public transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a cease at a seaside membership are included within the journey. For extra data click here.
3. Go Crusing
That is positively top-of-the-line issues to do in Cozumel! There are various issues to see across the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is the easiest way to take action.
You may both calm down on board having fun with drinks and snacks, or you may snorkel the reef and take a look at the beautiful sea life. If you’re snorkelling you’ll have the prospect to identify some sea turtles, stingrays and perhaps even a shark.
The waters round Cozumel are secure for swimming and snorkelling. Click here for an superior catamaran journey to El Cielo and the Cash Bar Seaside – which is tremendous inexpensive and consists of all drinks (margaritas as effectively!), and meals.
For those who’re celebrating a special day, are travelling with a gaggle, or if you happen to simply need some luxurious in your life, you’ll need to e book this private catamaran trip which incorporates all meals and drinks, snorkel tools and extra.
You may reserve now and pay later, which is at all times a very good factor if you happen to’re not 100% positive of journey plans. Plus, you may cancel as much as 24 hours earlier than departure. Learn more here.
4. Go to The Mayan Ruins
Do you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be trustworthy, 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 site (the pre-Hispanic identify was Tantun Cuzamil).
Certain, these ruins aren’t as giant or spectacular as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, however they’re attention-grabbing in their very own method. This is among the extra uncommon issues to do in Cozumel, and is a superb day journey.
We drove there in our rental car after which employed a information on the website – who actually introduced the place to life. Two entrance charges have to be paid, however in complete, it’s round $10. The price of a information (if you happen to select) is round $20 for a 1.5-hour tour. Click here for directions.
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 might be taken by boat to a secluded seaside on an uninhabited space of Cozumel.
The primary a part of the tour is an illustration and clarification 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 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 identified 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 effectively. Click here to get you admission ticket.
For those who’d relatively have a extra interactive expertise, join this fun workshop! You’ll discover ways to make a hand-crafted chocolate bar with the genuine Mayan recipe…and, learn how to make a chocolate margarita (and drink it, after all). Each of those tickets are e book now and pay later, with free cancellation as effectively.
⇒ See Additionally: 19 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Girls
7. Go to the El Mirador
El Mirador is situated on the east facet of the Island of Cozumel, half-hour from downtown. Rent a moped, rent a car or take a personal 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 beautiful views.
This is a superb place to keep away from crowds. For those who’re seeking to calm down, a go to to El Mirador is among the greatest issues to do in Cozumel. Discover it on the map, 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 few of the greatest seashores in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you received’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 in style than these seashores which might be situated on the west coast – excellent if you wish to get away from the crowds.
Take pleasure in 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.
Observe: though this seaside is normally nice, at all times be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water will be fairly tough right here and undertows are usually not unusual. All the time 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 various 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 may rent kayaks, laze on sunbeds or benefit from the seaside membership.
A number of the golf equipment have entrance charges, akin to Uvas Beach Club which is $20 together with amenities, snorkel gear and kayak, whereas the Money Bar gives free chairs and umbrellas so long as you buy one thing.
I liked the Cash Bar! I spent the day right here a few instances whereas Nick was out scuba diving. They gave me free snorkel gear, and umbrella and chair. The meals and drinks had been actually good as effectively.
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 in style seaside golf equipment is Mr. Sanchos which has an all-inclusive day cross obtainable. You can book your spot 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, top-of-the-line actions right here is to stroll the broad sidewalk alongside the seafront at sundown. We did this nearly each night time throughout our keep in Cozumel, and liked watching the world 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 outdoors 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 take a seat 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 occurring. Don’t miss wandering alongside the Malecon and seeing road performers, these are a few of the greatest 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 (one of the vital in style issues to do in Cozumel)
Scuba Diving alongside the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. In case you are a complicated scuba diver like Nick is, you’ve the choice to dive at superior websites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Satan’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
Cozumel is understood for its unimaginable snorkelling and scuba diving, so be sure to 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 effectively. The captains and dive guides had been all very skilled and welcoming, and the dive boat and tools had 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, if you happen to’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 simply studying learn how to 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.
Evening diving can be in style and is a singular method to expertise the critters – anticipate to identify octopus, sharks, eels and extra. Diving in Cozumel is in style, for good cause. Be taught extra about Scuba Tony here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 High Issues To Do in San Miguel de Allende
12. Eat Mexican Meals
Mexican delicacies is our favorite. Consuming road meals is among the greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however if you happen to’re not heading to the capital, you’ll nonetheless be spoiled for selection in Cozumel.
Assume burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and naturally drinks akin to tequila, mezcal, margaritas and a relaxing Corona with a slice of lime.
A few of our favorite Cozumel eating places are:
- Guisados for improbable 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 sixtieth
- La Monina – tasty meals with epic sundown views
13. Be a part of a Meals Tour
For those who get pleasure from meals excursions as a lot as we do, Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to a number of completely different 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 effectively catered for throughout this tour.
This is among the high Cozumel excursions if you happen to get pleasure from genuine Mexican meals. Be sure to return hungry! For extra data and reserving, click here.
⇒ See Additionally: 10 Issues To See and Do in Guanajuato
14. Deep-Sea Fishing
For deep sea fishing fans, Cozumel is the proper location and one of many high corporations (Seaside Bum Cozumel) gives an superior expertise. Even if you happen to’re not a hardcore fisherman, that is nonetheless top-of-the-line 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 few of the native catch round Cozumel. You may catch tuna all 12 months 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 here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico
15. Watch Sundown
On the finish of the day, nothing beats a very good sundown with a cocktail in hand. We suggest trying out Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west facet 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 may at all times watch the sundown from the malecon, a jetty or the seaside…the perfect 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 listing.
Go Sea Scootering
For those who’ve by no means heard of a sea scooter, you want to take a look at this tour. Discover sunken ships and the gorgeous 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.
Snorkelling at Evening 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 received’t be going by boat, simply merely strolling into the water from the shore.
Be a part of this extremely rated, 4 hour+ snorkelling journey, and spot octopus, turtles, squid, and extra within the wild. That is an expertise you received’t neglect and is among the greatest issues to do in Cozumel at night time. Learn more here.
Be a part of a Cooking Class
For those who’re on the lookout for issues to do in Cozumel for foodies, take a look at this fun cooking experience. Begin the journey by visiting an area market and studying in regards to the typical meals of Mexico. Then, head to a household house and discover ways to make genuine Mexican dishes…and naturally, eat them! You’ll make dips, predominant dishes, snacks and drinks are included as effectively. Find out more here.
The place is Cozumel?
The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” because it’s identified in Spanish is situated 12 miles off the coast reverse Playa del Carmen within the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, generally known as “Mexico’s high social gathering vacation spot” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
We had been staying in Playa del Carmen after we determined to move over to Cozumel – the quieter various to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Truly, top-of-the-line issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry throughout to tranquil Cozumel.
Tips on how to Get to Cozumel
For those who’re coming from Playa del Carmen (like we had been), the terminal is situated downtown close to the principle sq. – click here for instructions on Google Maps. In simply 30 – 45 minutes, you’ll cross the ocean and arrive in Cozumel. Click 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 instances 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.
Whereas there are direct flights to Cozumel, most individuals will arrive on the Cancun airport. From there, you’ve a number of 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 personal shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. That is the quickest, most secure and most snug to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click here for particulars about airport transfers.
Observe: if you happen to’re on a funds and don’t thoughts sharing, there’s a fast, secure and simple $25 shuttle you may take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Learn more here.
When is The Greatest Time to Go to Cozumel?
You may go to Mexico year-round, however the perfect 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 means of to March.
We visited Cozumel on the finish of April, into Might, and had stunning climate – and it was much less crowded.
The place To Keep in Cozumel
Cozumel is a comparatively small island, so you may keep just about anyplace after which simply get round by automobile or golf cart. Having stated that, for seaside lovers, you’ll need to keep on the west coast because the east is rugged and windy.
For those who plan to do plenty of diving, you may need to keep at a spot that has its personal pier. Listed below are a number of of my suggestions for the perfect lodging in Cozumel. For extra, make sure to 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 just some 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 possibility is Villas El Encanto.
Landmark Resort: We stayed right here the final time we had been in Cozumel and liked it. In reality, we may see ourselves spending weeks and even months on this superbly embellished, spacious house advanced with sea views. Extremely beneficial. 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 non-public seaside space, an outside pool, an onsite restaurant and a few free facilities like snorkel gear.
Greatest Eating places in Cozumel
Cozumel is a food-lovers paradise. We ate at numerous completely 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 good looking sundown view, good meals and engaging cocktails.
La Monina: Certainly one of our favorite little Mexican eating places on the seaside in Cozumel. Be sure you attempt 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 perfect we’ve had since our time in Nova Scotia.
Sereno Cozumel: Most likely the perfect view from a restaurant on the island, Sereno additionally has nice meals and pleasant service.
The Coffee Cozumel: A wonderful 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 stated earlier than, Cozumel is a small island so most individuals will both go to for a number of days or per week. We spent per week and will’ve stayed longer! Under I’ve included some prompt itineraries for these time frames.
3 Days in Cozumel
On day one, get up and head to The Coffee 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 may need time to take a look at the Mayan Ruins within the afternoon earlier than heading to a beach bar for sunset.
On day 2 begin your day with a deliciously candy breakfast at The Maple Bakehouse. Then you may both head out on a day journey snorkelling tour, or go for a few dives if you happen to’re into diving.
For those who 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 a part of a private jeep tour. This can take a lot of the day and embody lunch, so within the afternoon once you’re completed, contemplate visiting the Cacao Company.
Take pleasure in 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 if you happen to’re fortunate, some dwell 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 time off 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, once you’re completed, 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 night time 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 Food Tour at 11am. This can convey you thru lunch to the late afternoon. Right now, simply head to a seaside membership and luxuriate 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 secure. It’s a small island the place everybody is aware of everybody. There may be little or no crime on the island and you’ll be secure travelling to just about each nook. Simply watch out if you happen to consider swimming on the east coast because it’s very wavy and harmful there!
When you can technically go to Cozumel 12 months spherical, the perfect time to go to is between November and March. These months are out of the hurricane season, have numerous sunny days and are pleasantly cool.
Cozumel is fairly laid again, so don’t anticipate a loopy nightlife scene right here. Having stated 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 youngsters together with snorkelling, having fun with the calm water of the seashores, heading to nature reserves and entering into submarines.
Convey numerous sunscreens, bathing fits and a few snorkel gear. Additionally, don’t neglect a hat and a cover-up because the solar right here will be intense even once you’re sporting sunblock. Most different belongings you may want will also be purchased on the island once 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 recognize $2-$3 per day at your lodge and taxis / tour guides will anticipate a ten% tip more often than not.
Cozumel is a simple place to drive. You may lease a automobile, or get a golf cart. Each are enjoyable and simple 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 similar to the locals and gives a quieter ambiance than its coastal neighbours. We liked our journey to Cozumel – each above and beneath the water!
Cozumel is an island that may wake you up with dawn on the jap facet, 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 listing gave you some good concepts of the place to begin.
