28 Fun Things To Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Last Updated on November 27, 2024

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

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

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

Is Cozumel touristy?

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

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

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

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

How to get to Cozumel, Mexico

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

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

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

Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

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

If you are taking a day trip to Cozumel, buy a one-way ticket, so you are not tied to one ferry company and can return on any of the three companies. There’s no discount for buying a round-trip ticket anyway.

• Ultramar – 290 MXN one way
• Winjet – 280 MXN one way
• Xcaret – 305.28 MXN one way

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

Getting to Cozumel by airplane

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

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

Taxis are not allowed to pick up passengers right at the airport, so you have to walk away a couple of blocks away from the airport to catch one. There are usually a couple waiting by Diego’s.

Getting from Cancún to Cozumel by plane

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

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

Best time to visit Cozumel

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

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

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

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

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

How many days to spend in Cozumel

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

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

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

How to get around Cozumel, Mexico

By car

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

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

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

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

By a scooter

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

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

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

By bike

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

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

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

Things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

Go scuba diving

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

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

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

Go snorkeling

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

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

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

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

Spend a day at Punta Sur

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit El Cielo

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

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

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

Explore San Miguel

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

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

Take a picture with Cozumel sign

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

Visit Cozumel Museum

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

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

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

Check out the street art

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

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

Stroll the Malecón

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

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

Explore the island by car

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

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

Visit Mercado Municipal

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

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

Enjoy the views at El Mirador

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

Explore San Gervasio Ruins

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Mayan Bee Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9 am -3 pm
• Cost: $8

Go beach hopping

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

Beaches on the East side

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

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

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

Beaches on the West side

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

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

• Playa Corona – small beach club with amazing off shore snorkeling and easy access to water. Amenities are basic, which is maybe why it’s not overrun with tourists. A few tables, hammocks and a small restaurant. If you want a quiet, relaxing spot with no loud music and crowds, this is a great place.

• Playa Palancar – this beach club is one of the favorites on the island. It has a nice stretch of sandy beach, great swimming and nice amenities. It used to be free to enter, but now there’s a $20 entrance fee, which includes the use of beach chairs and all the amenities. You can also rent a kayak or sign up for a snorkeling tour to the nearby Palancar Reef.

Rent a bike

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

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

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

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

Visit Isla de la Pasión

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

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

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

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

Book a private boat tour

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

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

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

Visit Cozumel Pearl Farm

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

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

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

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

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

Watch the sunrise

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

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

Spend the day at a Beach Club

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

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

Watch the sunset

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

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

Visit a dog rescue

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

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

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

Go on a Pirate Ship Cruise

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

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

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

You can book your Pirate Ship Cruise here

Visit Punta Molas Lighthouse

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

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

Try craft beer at Punta Sur Cerveceria

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

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

Eat your way through Cozumel

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

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

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

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

Have a Mojito at Welcome to Miami bar

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

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

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

Things NOT do do in Cozumel

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

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

• Dolphinaris – located closer to downtown, this is another place to steer clear of.

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

Day trip to Cozumel

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

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

Where to eat in Cozumel

Cozumel has an insane number of amazing places to eat, from hole in the wall taquerias, casual eateries, to fine dining. After many trips to Cozumel and weeks spent on the island, I feel like I barely scratched the surface. I chose some of my best finds, and I’m sure I’ll be adding more with each visit. Some if the restaurants listed below are right in town, others a bit away from the main touristy area, but still an easy walk or a short cab ride away.

Best Taquerias in Cozumel

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

Best local restaurants in Cozumel

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

Fine dining in Cozumel

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

Fun bars in Cozumel

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

Where to stay in Cozumel

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

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

Hotels in Centro

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

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

• Mary Carmen – one of the best and most popular budget hotels in Cozumel, located right in the middle of all the action, with the main square just down the street. Simple, but clean with comfortable rooms and a nice courtyard.

• Stingray Villa – This small, 4 room boutique hotel is my absolute favorite place to stay in Cozumel. I almost don’t want to share it, as I want it to be available each time I visit. Rooms are very spacious with a big comfortable bed. I love the small touches, like the small fridge in the room, big jug of water and fresh ground coffee to make in the morning. There is a pool to cool off and the entire place is spotless. The location is perfect, close to many restaurants and attractions, but tucked away, so it’s quiet, which is not often the case when you stay in Centro. Be sure to book directly on their site for the best rates and no extra fees.

• Puerto Libre Hotel – one of the newest hotels in Centro, in excellent location, right on Melgar and a short walk to the ferry. Many restaurants, coffee shops and stores withing a walking distance. Rooms are modern and spotless with comfortable beds and spacious bathroom. All rooms have sea views, floor to ceiling windows and balconies. Some of the amenities include a snack bar and a small infinity pool.

• Cozumel Palace – if you are looking for a luxury, all inclusive hotel in downtown San Miguel, Cozumel Palace is an excellent choice. Great location, ocean front views. The hotel is also continuously praised for its excellent service.

Hotels in Northern Cozumel

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

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

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

Hotels in Southern Cozumel

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

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

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

READ MORE:

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

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