There are various issues to do in Cozumel – Mexico’s high Caribbean Island. After we point out Cozumel to different travellers, their eyes glaze over they usually think about silvery white sandy seashores, swaying palm bushes and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel definitely gives all of that, and rather more.
When travelling Mexico, you might determine you simply wish to relax on this Caribbean island, and I perceive fully. However, after visiting right here, I like to recommend you permit the seashore behind and expertise the various different issues to do in Cozumel.
Would you be capable of slot in a submarine tour, snorkelling the 2nd largest coral reef on this 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 among the high locations to go to in Mexico, so give your self a while right here.
I extremely suggest that you simply plan a minimal of every week to see all of the issues to do in Cozumel, you might even wish to plan 2 weeks. With quite a few unimaginable issues to do in Mexico, be certain Cozumel is in your record.
Observe: This text has been up to date for 2022 to mirror the most effective actions, excursions and prices in Cozumel. Get pleasure from your journey!
The place is Cozumel?
The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” because it’s identified in Spanish is positioned 12 miles off the coast reverse Playa del Carmen within the Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun, often known as “Mexico’s high celebration vacation spot” is 45 miles to the north of Cozumel.
Cozumel is the quieter various 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 positioned downtown close to the primary 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 occasions will 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 Finest Time to Go to Cozumel?
You’ll be able to go to Mexico year-round, however the most effective time to go to Cozumel is in the course of the months from March to June, earlier than the hurricane season 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 to March.
Attending to and From Cozumel
Earlier than you possibly can take pleasure in all of the enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, it is advisable get there.
Whereas there are direct flights to Cozumel, most individuals will arrive on the Cancun airport. From right here, you could have a couple of choices to get to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen (to take the boat over to Cozumel).
You’ll be able to both take the bus, rent a taxi, or go for a non-public shuttle from Cancun to Playa del Carmen. That is the quickest, most secure and most comfy to get to the Cozumel ferry. Click on right here for particulars about airport transfers.
Observe: when you’re on a funds and don’t thoughts sharing, there’s a fast, secure and simple $25 shuttle you possibly can take from the Cancun airport to the ferry port in Playa del Carmen. Study extra right here.
When you’ve arrived on the ferry port, you’ll must take the 30-minute boat throughout.
Now that you understand when to go to and get there, right here’s my record of the most effective issues to do in Cozumel that you simply don’t wish to miss!
1. Go to Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Seaside is the most effective seashore on the Island, and a go to to this eco-park is unquestionably one of many high issues to do in Cozumel. This space is positioned on the south of the island and covers an space of two,500 acres.
Right here you’ll discover unique birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, lovely flowers and delightful seashores – the proper place for nature lovers.
When 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 charge for this park ($18 USD for adults and $11 for kids), however for my part, it’s value it. Click on right here to seek out this high Cozumel day journey on the map.
Throughout the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at evening of the hazards of working aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now a part of a maritime museum.
For 360 diploma views of the Island, you 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 embody the Celerain Lighthouse.
A 40-minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park can be accessible. They will’t assure that you will notice any crocodiles on the day of the tour, however you will notice many species of birds, particularly the roseate spoonbill.
Replace Might 2021: these quick boat excursions are at present departing at 1:00 and a couple of:00 pm. Affirm the occasions on the entrance to the park once you arrive.
The Punta Sur Ecological Park has a lot to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Destroy right here. El Caracol smash – additionally known as Tumba del Caracol due to its small measurement – dates again to 1200-1500 AD.
Caracol means snail in Spanish and the ruins have been named this due to the snails that enhance 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 approach that the robust breeze gave a buzzing noise alerting the Mayans of the approaching hazard.
2. Playa Mia Grand Seaside Park
When you’re trying to go to a seashore park throughout your journey to Cozumel, contemplate Playa Mia Grand Seaside Park, an moral journey park. Whereas there are numerous “marine parks” which will sound nice, Goats On The Street doesn’t suggest visiting them because of the captivity of untamed animals.
Try Playa Mia Grand Seaside 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 suggest 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 Seaside Park (with meals and drinks). Click on right here to study that enjoyable day tour in Cozumel.
*Observe 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 Seaside Journey Park and plenty of locations to go to in Mexico supply excursions reminiscent of swimming with dolphins.
Please be a accountable traveller and contemplate the place you wish to spend your tourism {dollars}, and keep away from any animal reveals or actions. It’s far more enjoyable to see the animals within the wild in any case! Go snorkelling on a ship tour and have a extra genuine expertise with the wildlife.
3. Attempt Seatrek
A novel approach of experiencing the underwater world is by making an attempt helmet diving with Seatrek. The totally enclosed helmet sits neatly in your shoulders and a gradual stream of air assists you in respiratory.
When you put on prescription glasses, no downside, you possibly can nonetheless put on them within the helmet as you stroll alongside the underside of the ocean at round 20 – 25 ft. Bookings for this tour will be made direct at Seatrek.
4. Attempt Atlantis Submarines
In Barbados, we had the chance to expertise an evening dive with Atlantis Submarines. In Cozumel, they provide 3 daytime departures at 10:00am, 12 midday and 1:00pm.
Through the dive, you’ll go to the Felipe Xicotencatl wreck that sank within the yr 2000 plus vibrant faculties of fish, sharks, turtles, stingrays and lobsters. For extra data and the newest costs click on right here.
5. Personal Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkelling
The most effective actions to do in Cozumel is a non-public Jeep Tour with lunch and the chance to go snorkelling. The tour comes with your individual non-public information which signifies that he is aware of the best-secluded seashores to go snorkelling and swimming with out the crowds.
The perfect half about this Cozumel tour is that it’s fully customizable. Let your information know forward of time what you’re inquisitive about seeing in Cozumel and he’ll put collectively an itinerary to fit your wants.
Aside from non-public transportation, snorkelling, tequila tasting, Mexican lunch, and a margarita (or two) are included within the journey. For extra data 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 various issues to see across the island and hopping aboard a catamaran is one of the best ways to take action.
You’ll be able to both loosen up on board having fun with drinks and snacks or you possibly can snorkel the reef and take a look at the ample sea life. Whenever you’re snorkelling you’ll have the prospect to identify some sea turtles, stingrays and perhaps a shark.
The waters round Cozumel are ample 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 identify was Tantun Cuzamil).
Positive, these ruins aren’t as massive or spectacular as Chichen Itza or Tulum ruins, however they’re distinctive in their very own approach. This is among 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 should be paid, however in whole, it’s round $10. The price of a information (when 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’re taken by boat to a secluded seashore on an uninhabited space of Cozumel.
The primary a part of the tour is an illustration and clarification 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 concerning the reef system and viewing the underwater life-size Virgen de Guadalupe statue.
The remainder of your time is spent both swimming within the heat azure waters or lazing in one of many many hammocks, and naturally, having fun with your lunch with drinks that are included. Click on right here to study extra.
9. Try the Mayan Cacao Firm
Simply quarter-hour from downtown Cozumel and subsequent to Playa Mia Seaside Membership is the Mayan Cacao Firm. Who doesn’t love chocolate?!
One of many many issues Mayans are identified for was 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 sizzling water and made the primary sizzling chocolate drink.
The tour lasts for 70 minutes and you may attempt historic Mayan recipes and naturally, purchase a few of 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 Ladies
10. Go to the El Mirador
El Mirador is positioned on the east aspect of the Island of Cozumel, half-hour from downtown. Rent a moped, hire a automotive or take a non-public taxi to get right here.
It’s a naturally lovely spot the place the ocean has carved an arch within the rocks through the years. You’ll be able to climb to the highest for beautiful views.
This is a wonderful place to keep away from crowds. When you’re trying to loosen up, a go to to El Mirador is among the greatest issues to do in Cozumel.
☞ For different pure rock formations surrounded by water, don’t miss Lands Finish, one of many high issues to do in Cabo San Lucas.
11. Swim and Snorkel at Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel has a few of the greatest seashores in Mexico, and Playa Chen Rio is one you gained’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 positioned on the east coast, which is much less standard than these seashores which might be positioned on the west coast — good if you wish to get away from the crowds.
Get pleasure from a day of swimming and snorkelling, adopted by lunch at one of many nice eating places on the seashore right here, reminiscent of El Pescador Marisqueria and Bar, or on the funky Coconuts bar close by.
Observe: 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. Get pleasure from a Seaside Membership
There are various seashore golf equipment and bars positioned on the west coast, which is the precise reverse of Playa Chen Rio (above). These seashores are calm and completely turquoise, whereas the seashore bars and golf equipment are the place you possibly can rent kayaks, laze on sunbeds or benefit from the seashore membership.
A number of the golf equipment have entrance charges (reminiscent of Uvas Seaside Membership which is $15), whereas the Cash Bar gives free chairs and umbrellas so long as you buy one thing.
With Buccanos within the north, it’s $10 for the chairs and umbrella, however that quantity is subtracted out of your invoice.
☞ SEE ALSO: Manzanillo Colima – The Final Journey Information
13. Go to San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
Since San Miguel is positioned on the west coast, among the 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 may be very busy with cruise passengers, however outdoors of that point, it’s pretty quiet.
In the midst of San Miguel is the Zocalo (a central park), each Mexican metropolis or city has a Zocalo. It’s a gathering place for locals or a spot to sit down and simply individuals 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 avenue performers, these are a few of the greatest issues to do in Puerto Vallarta, La Paz and plenty of different Mexican cities.
14. Go Buying
In case you are in want of some retail remedy throughout your journey, there are numerous alternatives for procuring in Cozumel. These are a few of the fundamental procuring areas the place you’ll discover clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and extra:
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Superior Issues To Do in Oaxaca Metropolis
15. Expertise Temazcal Cozumel
A Temazcal is an historic Mayan ceremony, and whereas it’s one of many high issues to do in Cancun, it’s additionally an unimaginable 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 will likely be greeted by a Shaman.
Through the Temazcal ritual, your physique is put by a strategy of cleaning, enjoyable and purification. It ends with a cooling swim within the close by cenote.
The entire ceremony is a really religious expertise and when you have an opportunity, don’t miss it (there are a couple of locations, however you possibly can take a look at this one). This is among the most original 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 complicated scuba diver, you could have the choice to dive at superior websites in Cozumel like Maracaibo, Satan’s Throat, Cathedral or Barracuda.
Cozumel is thought for it’s unimaginable snorkelling and scuba diving, so ensure you bounce within the water throughout your journey!
When 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 every week scuba diving in Cozumel and did a complete of 12 dives with Scuba Tony. The captains and dive guides have been all very skilled and welcoming, whereas the dive boat and gear itself was in nice form.
You’ll be able to both meet at their location within the marina or, when you’re staying within the south, the dive boat will decide 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 dive, you’ll be impressed with the underwater world. Regardless of your expertise degree, you’ll love recognizing turtles, rays, eels, lobster, fish and naturally, vibrant coral.
Night time diving can be standard with Scuba Tony. It is a distinctive approach to expertise the critters — anticipate to identify octopus, sharks, eels and extra. Diving in Cozumel is standard, for good purpose. Study extra about Scuba Tony right here.
⇒ See Additionally: 21 Prime Issues To Do in San Miguel de Allende
17. Eat at Native Mexican Eating places
Mexican delicacies is our favorite. Consuming avenue meals is among the greatest issues to do in Mexico Metropolis, however when you’re not heading to the capital, you’ll nonetheless be spoiled for selection in Cozumel.
Suppose burritos, tacos, tortas, ceviche, enchiladas, churros and naturally drinks reminiscent of 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 high issues to do in Cozumel for foodies)
When 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 an area drink.
The locations you’ll go to are off the same old vacationer path, that means you’ll be consuming like an area. Even vegetarians are properly catered for throughout this tour.
This is among the high Cozumel excursions when you take pleasure in genuine Mexican meals. For extra data 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 an everyday paddleboarder, Cozumel will wow you with its crystal clear blue waters, and when you’re a newbie, that is the place to study.
Ha Haak supplies an excellent straightforward 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 Seaside Membership, South Lodge 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 lovers, Cozumel is the proper location and one of many high firms (Chi Chi Charters) gives an superior expertise. Even when you’re not a hardcore fisherman, that is nonetheless among the finest issues to do in Cozumel.
Barracuda, mahi mahi and triggerfish are a few of the native catch round Cozumel. You’ll be able to catch tuna all yr spherical, and from March to July white and blue marlin and sailfish can be found. For extra data 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 an excellent sundown with a cocktail in hand. We suggest testing Hemingway, El Palomar Restaurant and Bar and La Monina on the west aspect of the island.
When you head north about 5 minutes from the Ferry Terminal you’ll be greeted by El Palomar, who’ve really stopped serving plastic straws, approach to go! A margarita on the porch at sundown is an effective way to finish the day.
If sitting at a restaurant isn’t your factor, you possibly can at all times watch the sundown from the malecon, a jetty or the seashore…the most effective free Cozumel exercise for positive.
Extra Enjoyable Cozumel Actions
There are such a lot of extra enjoyable issues to do in Cozumel, I had so as to add some extra to the record.
Study Methods to Surf
When you’ve ever needed to attempt browsing, Cozumel is a good place to offer it a go. This 4-hour expertise with an area surf teacher could have you standing in your board very quickly! Discover out extra and reserve your spot right here.
Go Sea Scootering
When you’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 the entire “swimming” for you. Afterwards, take pleasure in a market and an area Mexican lunch. Discover out extra about this enjoyable day journey in Cozumel right here.
Snorkelling at Night time to Spot Octopus
After getting briefed by your information, you’ll put in your snorkel gear, flip in your gentle and hit the ocean. You gained’t be going by boat, simply merely strolling into the water from the shore. Be a part of this extremely rated, 1.5 – 2 hour snorkelling journey (all of it is determined by how lengthy you need), and spot octopus and squid within the wild. That is an expertise you gained’t overlook and is unquestionably among the finest issues to do in Cozumel at evening. Study extra right here.
Be a part of a Cooking Class
When you’re searching for issues to do in Cozumel for foodies, take a look at this enjoyable cooking expertise. Begin the journey by visiting an area market and studying concerning the typical meals of Mexico. Then, head to a household residence and learn to make genuine Mexican dishes…and naturally, eat them! You’ll make dips, fundamental dishes, snacks and drinks are included as properly. Discover out extra right here.
Now You Know What to Do in Cozumel
Cozumel is a real island paradise. It’s laid again similar to the locals and gives the customer a quieter ambiance than its coastal neighbours.
This island gives the most effective of adventures underneath the ocean — the place else on this planet may 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 record gave you some good concepts of the place to begin.
Goats On The Street Really helpful
Journey Assets for Cozumel
✓ Questioning the place to remain in Cozumel? There are quite a few lodging choices on Reserving.com – from luxurious resorts to midrange inns and cute guesthouses. Goats On The Street stayed at Stingray Villa which is a 4-villa property with a pool. Stingray Villa gives wonderful worth for cash and is in a fantastic location. Near eating places and bars, a few blocks to the ocean — but, you’ll take pleasure in a quiet evening’s sleep. Study extra right here.
✓ With the entire adventurous issues to do in Cozumel, it’s essential to have sufficient journey insurance coverage. Goats On The Street use and suggest Security Wing (one of the crucial standard choices for travellers and digital nomads). Click on right here for a free quote.
✓ When 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 prospects. When you’re not diving with that firm, you possibly can take a look at Expedia for automotive leases. Click on right here to seek out the newest costs and be warned that you’ll have to pay additional insurance coverage on high 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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