There are a lot of issues to do in Cozumel – Mexico’s prime Caribbean Island. After we point out Cozumel to different travellers, their eyes glaze over they usually think about silvery white sandy seashores, swaying palm timber and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel definitely affords all of that, and rather more.
When travelling Mexico, you might determine you simply wish to relax on this Caribbean island, and I perceive utterly. However, after visiting right here, I like to recommend you permit the seashore behind and expertise the numerous different issues to do in Cozumel.
Would you have the ability to slot in a submarine tour, snorkelling the 2nd largest coral reef on the planet, visiting a Mayan archaeological website or making an attempt an historic Mayan chocolate recipe in only a few days?
Most likely not! This is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Mexico, so give your self a while right here.
I extremely advocate that you simply plan a minimal of per week to see all of the issues to do in Cozumel, you might even wish to plan 2 weeks. With quite a few unbelievable issues to do in Mexico, be certain Cozumel is in your checklist.
Notice: This text has been up to date for 2022 to replicate the very best actions, excursions and prices in Cozumel. Take pleasure in your journey!
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, generally known as “Mexico’s prime occasion vacation spot” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
Cozumel is the quieter different to Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Truly, among the finest issues to do in Playa del Carmen is to take a ferry throughout to tranquil Cozumel.
In Playa del Carmen, the terminal is situated downtown close to the principle sq.. 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.
Replace Might 2021: Ultramar Ferry runs on “odd” days, whereas the Winjet Ferry runs on “even” days of the week. The most recent instances could be discovered on their respective Fb accounts. Having skilled each, I can say that the Ultramar ferry to Cozumel was nicer, quicker and had extra facilities on board.
When is The Greatest Time to Go to Cozumel?
You possibly can go to Mexico year-round, however the very best time to go to Cozumel is through the months from March to June, earlier than the hurricane season commences.
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.
Attending to and From Cozumel
Earlier than you possibly can take pleasure in all of the enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, you must get there.
Whereas there are direct flights to Cozumel, most individuals will arrive on the Cancun airport. From right here, you have got a number of choices to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel).
You possibly can 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.
Notice: should you’re on a funds and don’t thoughts sharing, there’s a fast, secure and straightforward $25 shuttle you possibly can take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Be taught extra right here.
When you’ve arrived on the ferry port, you’ll must take the 30-minute boat throughout.
Now that when to go to and tips on how to get there, right here’s my checklist of the very best issues to do in Cozumel that you simply don’t wish to miss!
1. Go to Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Seashore is the very best seashore on the Island, and a go to to this eco-park is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Cozumel. This space is situated on the south of the island and covers an space of two,500 acres.
Right here you’ll discover unique birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, lovely flowers and delightful seashores – the proper place for nature lovers.
In case you don’t really feel like snorkelling the reef or visiting the lighthouse (see under), you possibly can simply hang around on hammocks and benefit from the solar.
There’s an entrance payment for this park ($18 USD for adults and $11 for youngsters), however in my view, it’s price it. Click on right here to search out this prime Cozumel day journey on the map.
Throughout the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night time of the hazards of operating aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now a part of a maritime museum.
For 360 diploma views of the Island, you 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 was not the case.
Entrance charges to the Punta Sur Eco Park embrace the Celerain Lighthouse.
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park can also be accessible. They’ll’t assure that you will note any crocodiles on the day of the tour, however you will note many species of birds, particularly the roseate spoonbill.
Replace Might 2021: these quick boat excursions are at the moment departing at 1:00 and a couple of:00 pm. Verify the instances on the entrance to the park once you arrive.
The Punta Sur Ecological Park has a lot to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Smash right here. El Caracol spoil – 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 adorn the small dome on the highest of the temple.
The construction was constructed as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan folks. The roof was constructed in a means that the robust breeze gave a buzzing noise alerting the Mayans of the upcoming hazard.
2. Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park
In case you’re trying to go to a seashore park throughout your journey to Cozumel, take into account Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park, an moral journey park. Whereas there are various “marine parks” that will sound nice, Goats On The Street doesn’t advocate visiting them because of the captivity of untamed animals.
Take a look at Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park as a substitute.
Right here, you’ll have use of snorkels, waterslides, swimming pools, kayaks, hobie cats, paddle boats, volleyball courts and extra. This park doesn’t have any animals in captivity, which is why we advocate it. Entrance charges begin from $30 USD.
Another choice is to take a tour on a catamaran boat, together with the Cozumel Reefs Nationwide Marine Park for snorkelling, and a go to to Playa Mia Grand Seashore Park (with meals and drinks). Click on right here to find out about that enjoyable day tour in Cozumel.
*Notice that Goats On The Street doesn’t condone any tourism actions that contain cruelty to animals, or promotes their captivity. We’ve been suggested that the Chankanaab Seashore Journey Park and lots of locations to go to in Mexico supply excursions akin to swimming with dolphins.
Please be a accountable traveller and take into account the place you wish to spend your tourism {dollars}, and keep away from any animal reveals or actions. It’s far more enjoyable to see the animals within the wild anyhow! Go snorkelling on a ship tour and have a extra genuine expertise with the wildlife.
3. Strive Seatrek
A novel means of experiencing the underwater world is by making an attempt helmet diving with Seatrek. The absolutely enclosed helmet sits neatly in your shoulders and a gentle stream of air assists you in respiration.
In case you put on prescription glasses, no drawback, you possibly can nonetheless put on them within the helmet as you stroll alongside the underside of the ocean at round 20 – 25 toes. Bookings for this tour could be made direct at Seatrek.
4. Strive Atlantis Submarines
In Barbados, we had the chance to expertise an evening dive with Atlantis Submarines. In Cozumel, they provide 3 daytime departures at 10:00am, 12 midday and 1:00pm.
Through the dive, you’ll go to the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck that sank within the 12 months 2000 plus vibrant faculties of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and lobsters. For extra info and the most recent costs click on right here.
5. Non-public Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
Among the best actions to do in Cozumel is a non-public Jeep Tour with lunch and the chance to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your personal personal information which implies 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 utterly customizable. Let your information know forward of time what you’re focused on 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 margarita (or two) are included within the journey. For extra info click on right here.
6. Sail The Waters Off Cozumel in a Catamaran
That is undoubtedly among the finest issues to do in Cozumel! There are a lot of issues to see across the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is one of the best ways to take action.
You possibly can both calm down on board having fun with drinks and snacks or you possibly can snorkel the reef and take a look at the considerable sea life. Whenever you’re snorkelling you’ll have the possibility to identify some sea turtles, stingrays and possibly a shark.
The waters round Cozumel are considerable with marine life and are secure for swimming and snorkelling. Click on right here to study extra about catamaran excursions in Cozumel, and click on right here for glass-bottom boat journeys with snorkelling.
7. Go to The Mayan Ruins
Do you know that there are Mayan ruins on Cozumel?! To be trustworthy, we didn’t till our current go to.
Positioned on the northern a part of Cozumel, tucked away within the undeveloped jungle, you’ll discover the San Gervasio archaeological website (the pre-Hispanic title was Tantun Cuzamil).
Positive, these ruins aren’t as giant or spectacular as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, however they’re distinctive in their very own means. This is likely one of the extra off-track issues to do in Cozumel, and is a good day journey.
We drove there in our rental automotive after which employed a information on the website — who actually introduced the place to life. There are two entrance charges that have to be paid, however in complete, it’s round $10. The price of a information (should you select) is round $20 for a 1.5-hour tour.
8. Go to the Cozumel Pearl Farm
A go to to the family-owned and operated Cozumel Pearl Farm is a novel tour the place you might be taken by boat to a secluded seashore on an uninhabited space of Cozumel.
The primary a part of the tour is an illustration and rationalization of pearl farming methods. 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.
9. Take a look at the Mayan Cacao Firm
Simply quarter-hour from downtown Cozumel and subsequent to Playa Mia Seashore Membership is the Mayan Cacao Firm. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
One of many many issues Mayans are recognized for was their manufacturing of chocolate from the beans of the cacao timber. After the fermenting, drying and roasting course of, they floor the beans right into a paste, added sizzling water and made the primary sizzling chocolate drink.
The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you may strive historic Mayan recipes and naturally, purchase among the tasty chocolate. For extra particulars on the Mayan Cacao Firm and ticket costs click on right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 19 Enjoyable Issues To Do in Isla Mujeres – Mexico’s Island of Girls
10. 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, hire a automotive or take a non-public taxi to get right here.
It’s a naturally lovely spot the place the ocean has carved an arch within the rocks through the years. You possibly can climb to the highest for gorgeous views.
This is a wonderful place to keep away from crowds. In case you’re trying to calm down, a go to to El Mirador is likely one of the finest issues to do in Cozumel.
☞ For different pure rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands Finish, one of many prime issues to do in Cabo San Lucas.
11. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel has among the finest seashores in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you received’t wish to miss. With its protected space and shallow water, this seashore 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 standard than these seashores which are 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 seashore right here, akin to El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or on the funky Coconuts bar close by.
Notice: at all times be cautious when swimming on the east coast of Cozumel. The water is kind of 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
12. Take pleasure in a Seashore Membership
There are a lot of seashore golf equipment and bars situated on the west coast, which is the precise reverse of Playa Chen Rio (above). These seashores are calm and completely turquoise, whereas the seashore bars and golf equipment are the place you possibly can rent kayaks, laze on sunbeds or benefit from the seashore membership.
Among the golf equipment have entrance charges (akin to Uvas Seashore Membership which is $15), whereas the Cash Bar affords free chairs and umbrellas so long as you buy one thing.
With Buccanos within the north, it’s $10 for the chairs and umbrella, however that quantity is subtracted out of your invoice.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Final Journey Information
13. Go to San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
Since San Miguel is situated on the west coast, among the finest actions right here is to stroll the broad sidewalk alongside the seafront at sundown.
Through 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 folks watch.
In case you are in Cozumel on a Sunday night head to the Zocalo at round 8:00 pm for a lot of free occasions.
☞ In Mexico, you’ll discover quite a few seaside promenades with zocalos and free actions happening. Don’t miss wandering alongside the Malecon and seeing avenue performers, these are among the finest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and lots of different Mexican cities.
14. Go Purchasing
In case you are in want of some retail remedy throughout your journey, there are various alternatives for procuring in Cozumel. These are among the primary procuring areas the place you’ll discover clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and extra:
- Puerta Maya
- Punta Langosta Mall
- Royal Village Cozumel
- Plaza del Sol in San Miguel
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Superior Issues To Do in Oaxaca Metropolis
15. Expertise Temazcal Cozumel
A Temazcal is an historic Mayan ceremony, and whereas it’s one of many prime issues to do in Cancun, it’s additionally an unbelievable expertise right here in Cozumel.
You’ll enter right into a brick hut that’s warmed by volcanic rocks – much like an expertise in a sauna – and can be greeted by a Shaman.
Through the Temazcal ritual, your physique is put by means of a means of cleaning, enjoyable and purification. It ends with a cooling swim within the close by cenote.
The entire ceremony is a really non secular expertise and you probably have an opportunity, don’t miss it (there are a number of locations, however you possibly can take a look at this one). This is likely one of the most unusual issues to do in Cozumel.
16. Scuba Diving (among the finest issues to do in Cozumel)
Scuba Diving alongside the Mesoamerican Reef is second to none. In case you are a sophisticated scuba diver, you have got the choice to dive at superior websites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Satan’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
Cozumel is understood for it’s unbelievable snorkelling and scuba diving, so be sure to bounce within the water throughout your journey!
In case you haven’t tried scuba diving earlier than, there are PADI programs accessible. There are quite a few dive facilities in Cozumel, at all times do your due diligence and select a good firm.
We not too long ago spent per week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a complete of 12 dives with Scuba Tony. The captains and dive guides have been all very skilled and welcoming, whereas the dive boat and gear itself was in nice form.
You possibly can both meet at their location within the marina or, should you’re staying within the south, the dive boat will choose you up immediately out of your resort’s jetty — how cool is that?!
Whether or not you’re open water, superior or are simply studying tips on how to dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. Regardless of your expertise stage, you’ll love recognizing turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and naturally, vibrant coral.
Night time diving can also be standard with Scuba Tony. It is a distinctive solution to expertise the critters — count on to identify octopus, sharks, eels and extra. Diving in Cozumel is standard, for good purpose. Be taught extra about Scuba Tony right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 High Issues To Do in San Miguel de Allende
17. Eat at Native Mexican Eating places
Mexican delicacies is our favorite. Consuming avenue meals is likely one of the finest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however should you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll nonetheless be spoiled for selection in Cozumel.
Assume 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 – Av Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
- Loopy King Burrito – Calle 4 Norte 5 in Centro San Miguel
- Mister Taco – Avenue Benito Juarez and sixtieth
- Cuatro Tacos – Calle 3 Sur 5ta y Melga
18. Cozumel Chef Meals Tour (one of many prime issues to do in Cozumel for foodies)
In case you take pleasure in meals excursions Cozumel Chef Meals Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to a number of totally different Cozumel eating places the place you take pleasure in a Mexican dish and a neighborhood drink.
The locations you’ll go to are off the same old vacationer path, which means you’ll be consuming like a neighborhood. Even vegetarians are effectively catered for throughout this tour.
This is likely one of the prime Cozumel excursions should you take pleasure in genuine Mexican meals. For extra info and reserving, click on right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 10 Issues To See and Do in Guanajuato
19. Ha Haak Paddleboarding Cozumel
In case you are a daily paddleboarder, Cozumel will wow you with its crystal clear blue waters, and should you’re a newbie, that is the place to study.
Ha Haak supplies a brilliant simple intro lesson for first-timers that may get you standing up on a paddleboard very quickly.
Ha Haak’s location at Mr Sancho’s Cozumel Seashore Membership, South Resort Zone, is the proper place to benefit from the sport ($35 for a rental). For extra particulars click on right here.
20. Deep-Sea Fishing
For Deep Sea Fishing fans, Cozumel is the proper location and one of many prime corporations (Chi Chi Charters) affords an superior expertise. Even should you’re not a hardcore fisherman, that is nonetheless among the finest issues to do in Cozumel.
Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are among the native catch round Cozumel. You possibly can catch tuna all 12 months spherical, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish can be found. For extra info and bookings click on right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Issues To Do in Mazatlan, Mexico
21. Watch Sundown
On the finish of the day, nothing beats a superb sundown with a cocktail in hand. We advocate testing Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west aspect of the island.
In case you head north about 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal you can be greeted by El Palomar, who’ve truly stopped serving plastic straws, solution to go! A margarita on the porch at sundown is a good way to finish the day.
If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your factor, you possibly can at all times watch the sundown from the malecon, a jetty or the seashore…the very best free Cozumel exercise for certain.
Extra Enjoyable Cozumel Actions
There are such a lot of extra enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, I had so as to add some extra to the checklist.
Be taught Learn how to Surf
In case you’ve ever needed to strive browsing, Cozumel is a good place to present it a go. This 4-hour expertise with a neighborhood surf teacher could have you standing in your board very quickly! Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here.
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 received’t be going by boat, simply merely strolling into the water from the shore. Be part of this extremely rated, 1.5 – 2 hour snorkelling journey (all of it depends upon how lengthy you need), and spot octopus and squid within the wild. That is an expertise you received’t neglect and is certainly among the finest issues to do in Cozumel at night time. Be taught 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 learn to make genuine Mexican dishes…and naturally, eat them! You’ll make dips, primary dishes, snacks and drinks are included as effectively. Discover out extra right here.
Now You Know What to Do in Cozumel
Cozumel is a real island paradise. It’s laid again identical to the locals and affords the customer a quieter ambiance than its coastal neighbours.
This island affords the very best of adventures underneath the ocean — the place else on the planet might you go to an underwater museum, dive to the underside of the ocean onboard a submarine or snorkel round a pearl farm?
Cozumel is an island that 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.
Goats On The Street Advisable
Journey Sources for Cozumel
✓ Questioning the place to remain in Cozumel? There are quite a few lodging choices on Reserving.com – from luxurious resorts to midrange resorts and cute guesthouses. Goats On The Street stayed at Stingray Villa which is a 4-villa property with a pool. Stingray Villa affords wonderful worth for cash and is in an awesome location. Near eating places and bars, a few blocks to the ocean — but, you’ll take pleasure in a quiet night time’s sleep. Be taught extra right here.
✓ With all the adventurous issues to do in Cozumel, it’s essential to have satisfactory journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Street use and advocate Security Wing (some of the standard choices for travellers and digital nomads). Click on right here for a free quote.
✓ In case you’d prefer to hire a automotive in Cozumel and are scuba diving with Scuba Tony, they provide a rental automotive for his or her clients. In case you’re not diving with that firm, you possibly can take a look at Expedia for automotive leases. Click on right here to search out the most recent costs and be warned that you’ll have to pay additional insurance coverage on prime of the listed worth.
✓ For excursions, actions and different issues to do in Cozumel, take a look at Get Your Information for low costs and wonderful service. All the time cross-reference your excursions with evaluations and discover one which fits your wants.
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