Cozumel is a tropical paradise packed with stunning beaches, world-class diving spots, and vibrant Mayan history. As someone who has explored this Mexican Caribbean gem firsthand, I can tell you—it’s more than just a cruise stop.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a history buff, or someone who just wants to relax on white-sand beaches, Cozumel offers an unforgettable experience.
One of the island’s biggest draws is its coral reefs, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the second-largest in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Cozumel reveal an underwater world teeming with colorful marine life, sea turtles, and stunning coral formations. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. The island is home to the ancient San Gervasio Mayan ruins, where you can step back in time and learn about Cozumel’s role in Mayan culture and rituals.
For nature lovers, a visit to Punta Sur Eco Park is a must. This ecological reserve boasts exotic wildlife, breathtaking coastal views, and a historic lighthouse. Meanwhile, the bustling San Miguel de Cozumel offers authentic Mexican cuisine, duty-free shopping, and lively nightlife.
From swimming with dolphins to exploring hidden cenotes and underground rivers, Cozumel is an adventure waiting to happen. Keep reading as I break down the absolute best things to see and do in Cozumel, ensuring you make the most of your trip.
Cozumel, the Mayan island of reefs
Before we delve into Cozumel’s main attractions, let’s take a quick look at its history.
Although the Spanish arrived in 1518 with the expedition of Juan de Grijalva, the Mayans had already inhabited it long before. The island was a sacred place for them, and here they worshipped the goddess Ixchel , deity of the moon, love and fertility. In fact, many women made pilgrimages to Cozumel in search of the goddess’ blessing.
From that time of splendor there are still some minor ruins that can be visited today and which we will tell you about later in the article. With the Spanish conquest, the Mayan population decreased drastically due to diseases and conflicts. Later, the island went from being a pirate refuge to a key place in the Caste War , which pitted the indigenous peoples against the Creoles and mestizos who dominated the Yucatan region.
It wasn't until the mid- 20th century that Cozumel really gained popularity , largely thanks to its impressive coral reef , the second longest on the planet after Australia's, which attracted Jacques Cousteau and put the island on the international diving map. Today it is one of the most recommended stops on a trip to the Riviera Maya .
Curiosity : the name of the island comes from the Mayan Cuzamil , which means “land of swallows”.
What to see and do in Cozumel
Now that we know a little more about its history, let's see all the great plans that await you on the island and that can't be missed on a trip to Cozumel:
1. Diving and snorkeling in Cozumel
Without a doubt, the island's greatest attraction is found beneath its waters : its underwater universe full of colors, its coral reefs and its marine biodiversity make Cozumel a true paradise for lovers of snorkeling and scuba diving .
In Cozumel you will discover the impressive Mesoamerican Reef , the second largest in the world, which extends from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula to the south of the continent for approximately 1,000 km. Among its corals live tropical fish such as angelfish, parrotfish and pufferfish, as well as majestic sea turtles , including the green, loggerhead and hawksbill species. It is also possible to encounter eagle rays, manta rays and nurse sharks (harmless).
For those who prefer snorkelling, there are several very interesting snorkelling spots spread around the island. The most notable ones are El Cielo , which we will tell you about in the next point, Punta Sur at the end of the island, the Palancar Reef with corals and lots of marine life, the entire coastline in front of the Money Bar Beach Club and at Playa Corona , or north of the town at Playa Las Casitas , or at Playa Las Rocas , among many others.
In addition, it is also highly recommended to join some water activities that will allow you to enjoy the sea in Cozumel, such as these:
- Transparent boat ride + snorkeling
- Snorkeling with turtles in the wild
- Submarine ride in Cozumel
And if you're into diving, you should know that there are numerous companies that offer diving tours to discover this fascinating underwater world. You can do everything from scuba diving for beginners to dives in different parts of Cozumel's reefs. And they're all very well priced!
2. Cozumel Sky Tour, the best thing to do on the island
But if there is one famous place in Cozumel to explore with your snorkeling goggles on, it is El Cielo. Heaven? Yes, there is an area off the southwest coast of the island where the water is so crystal clear and pure blue that it looks like a mirror reflecting the sky. In addition, this place is famous for its large number of starfish spread throughout the sandy bottom, which give it a magical appearance, as if you were floating in a sky full of stars underwater.
Important : Please do not touch the starfish and certainly not take them out of the water, as this can even cause their death.
It is located in an area inaccessible by road, so the only way to get there is by boat or catamaran tour . In fact, you will soon realize that it is the most popular activity to do in Cozumel. We booked the catamaran tour which, although a little more expensive, ensured a more peaceful experience, and we enjoyed it very much! It includes several snorkeling stops, equipment, and lunch.
If you go during high season, we recommend booking a few days in advance to secure your spot, because as you know, it is the most popular tour.
3. Best beaches in Cozumel and beach clubs
Unfortunately, many of Cozumel's beaches are private and access to them is through beach clubs that require a fee, sometimes quite a bit. This means that if you want to spend a day or a few hours lying around and tanning your body, you will have to take out your wallet to pay an entrance fee (around $15-20) or make a minimum purchase ($10-20). There are also others that operate with an all-inclusive plan , which allows you to use their facilities and eat and drink whatever you want for a single fee, which is around $60-70.
The most popular beach clubs in Cozumel are: Club Playa Mia , Palancar Beach Club and Paradise Beach Club , but there are many others. We only wanted to spend a few hours there, so it wasn't worth the money, and the weather wasn't great. We found the solution at the Bahía de las Uvas Beach Club , with free entry and no minimum order (we had a few beers).
Top Family All Inclusive Resorts
Best Family All Inclusive Resorts Playa Del Carmen | Best Family All Inclusive Resorts Greece | Best Family All Inclusive Resorts Tulum | Best Family All Inclusive Resorts Aruba | Best Family All Inclusive Resorts US Virgin Islands | Best Family All Inclusive Resorts Dominican Republic | Best All Inclusive Resorts for Families Boca ChicaMost of the best beaches (though not all) are on the west coast of Cozumel , with calmer currents than the other, much wilder side. Take note of some of them:
- Palancar Beach: a quiet spot with white sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing. It has a reef nearby, making it perfect for snorkelling.
- Chen Río Beach: on the east side, it is a curious beach that has small natural pools between the rocks.
- Playa Bonita : one of the few on the east side with sand, it is less touristy than others on the island, although wilder.
- San Francisco Beach: a lively and popular beach with a festive atmosphere. It offers water activities, restaurants and bars, ideal for those looking for fun.
- Paradise Beach: Famous for its family atmosphere and complete facilities, this beach has calm waters and a wide range of services. Perfect for spending the day at a beach club.
- Punta Sur Beach: Part of the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, this beach is known for its natural beauty and turquoise waters. It is excellent for swimming and relaxing in a protected environment. Below we tell you more about this reserve.
And by the way, if you're wondering if there's sargassum in Cozumel , there's good news: it's not common for it to affect Cozumel's beaches.
4. Passion Island
Although it's not technically an island but a peninsula , it's actually a 1km strip of land with white sand beaches , calm, crystal-clear waters, and a mangrove forest. It also has a small beach club with sun loungers and other paid services. And even a little chapel where you can celebrate your wedding! In short, a heavenly place ideal for those looking for a romantic escape or a day of total privacy, and with luck, maybe you'll see a friendly raccoon.
It is located north of Cozumel and the only way to get there is by boat from the Colibrí Pier . The price is around 150 MXN per person. You can also book a more complete excursion by boat or catamaran that includes snorkeling stops, snacks, beach club, drinks, etc.
5. Ruins of San Gervasio
If you are interested in history, you should know that there are several archaeological sites in Cozumel, although the most famous is San Gervasio . Here a Mayan ceremonial center dedicated to Ixchel was built . It is a place full of energy and beauty that connects you with the island's past.
To enter, you must pay two fees: one to enter the park ( 105 pesos ) and another to enter the archaeological zone ( 90 pesos ). Although it may not be as impressive as other archaeological sites in the Riviera Maya, we do find it an interesting and alternative visit in Cozumel that we missed because it started to rain 🙁
6. Visit San Miguel de Cozumel
San Miguel de Cozumel is the most populated center on the island , the point where ferries to Cozumel arrive and depart, and the place chosen by most visitors to stay due to its hotel offering. We won't say that it was the prettiest town in Mexico, as the competition is very tough, but we did find it to be a pleasant place with a certain charm, especially in the evenings and at night.
We visited the boardwalk, the municipal market, Benito Juárez Park, a few restaurants (below we recommend where to eat in Cozumel) and, of course, we took a photo with the famous colored letters and with one of the symbols of the town, the monument to the Coral Reef .
Tip: There's a really nice happy hour from 4 to 6 pm with 2 for 1 cocktails at Jeanie's (and we had a VERY good dinner).
By the way, San Miguel is not the only inhabited center in Cozumel… In the south of the island there is a small community known as El Cedral that usually goes unnoticed by tourists, but it will add a touch of color to your car tour of the island.
7. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
At the southern end of the island lies this protected nature reserve , the largest in Cozumel, where you will find long, beautiful beaches, several affordable beach clubs, a lighthouse with spectacular views, a lagoon where you can spot crocodiles and birds, the Cultural and Navigation Museum and much more. In addition, the price for access to the reserve is not exorbitant (374 MXN) so we think it is a great plan for a day in Cozumel.
With your ticket you will be entitled to:
- Use of all facilities (bathrooms, changing rooms, showers, etc.)
- Parkings
- Mayan archaeological site "El Caracol"
- Observation Tower
- Celarain Lighthouse
- Museum of Navigation
- “El Tatich” boat ride on the lagoon
- Observation Trail
- Access to the beaches, with hammocks and chairs
Before you go, remember to read the information on the official website as there are certain restrictions such as not bringing food or water only in reusable bottles. To get around there, it is essential to have a car or motorbike and it is recommended to drive with caution, as the roads are somewhat uneven.
Casino Resorts & Hotels
Best Casino All Inclusive Resorts Mexico | Best Luxury Hotels Switzerland | Best Luxury Hotels New York Times Square
More things to do in Cozumel
The truth is that there are a thousand plans to spend time in Cozumel, here are a few more ideas:
- Do you fancy parasailing in Cozumel? You can book the activity here .
- If you prefer to stay with your feet on the ground, or rather, among the waves, you might be interested in taking a surfing course in Cozumel .
- Although it is a popular thing to do in Cozumel, we DO NOT recommend going to Chankanaab Park since there are dolphins and sea lions in captivity, something we do not like at all.
- If you don't rent a car but want to tour part of the island, this jeep tour of Cozumel + Jade Cavern and cenote may be interesting for you.
- Are you traveling to Cozumel with children? Some visits that they will surely love can be to the theme parks of Pueblo del Maíz , Cozumel Kun Che Park or the Planetarium of the island .
Tips for visiting Cozumel
Finally, we leave you with all the useful information you need to plan your visit to Cozumel in the best way:
✓ How to get to Cozumel
Although the island has an airport, the best way to get to Cozumel is by taking a ferry from Playa del Carmen . There are three companies that make this journey: Xcaret Xailing, Ultramar and Winjet, all of which are very similar and have similar prices. The schedules are spread out, with departures practically every 30 minutes.
The journey takes approximately 1 hour and the ticket price is around €15. You can book it online or go directly to the port and buy the ticket for the next ferry at the official sales points (avoid buying them from street vendors).
✓ Where to stay in Cozumel
We spent 2 nights at the Cozumel 400A – Vacation Rental . Although we were comfortable and the price is reasonable, it is not super centrally located, so we might try to find a good deal closer to the main square in San Miguel (the main inhabited center of Cozumel) or even on a beach if we have a car all the time. Some of our recommendations are:
- Colonial Suites
- Xiknal Cozumel
- Hotel Plaza Cozumel
✓ Restaurants in Cozumel
The truth is that the island's gastronomic offering is immense and you won't have any problems finding restaurants where you can eat divinely... But watch out for prices: Cozumel is a cruise port and the menus in many places are expensive. This also means that generally all places accept credit cards as a means of payment.
Resort Reviews
Sandals Grande St. Lucian Review | Excellence Oyster Bay Review | Royalton Riviera Cancun Review | Golden Sands Review | AVA Resort Cancun
⭐ In this post we tell you about 5 restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply in Cozumel .
✓ How to get around Cozumel
There are several ways to get around the island, the most convenient are to rent a scooter or a jeep/car , although for short trips you might prefer to go by bike (for long trips it is better to skip this option). We opted to rent an old car for a day and paid around 40USD. The most common option is to rent a jeep, which costs around 50-60$. If you are interested, we recommend that you find out and book a few days in advance via WhatsApp with local companies, such as “SharkRider Rental”.
Alternatively, there are vans or “colectivos” and public bus services run by the company Uniper, which are usually the option for residents to get from one point to another. Taxis are also plentiful, but the prices seemed exorbitant to us (about 100 MXN for 1.5 km inside the town). And finally, although it is not cheap, there is the panoramic bus tour , and the more unique tram tour (which is actually a bus made up of a toy).
✓ Cozumel Map
We leave you a map with the location of the places of interest in Cozumel that will surely be great for you to get an idea of the island and its attractions:
We hope that our Cozumel travel guide will help you plan a great trip and that you will enjoy this Caribbean destination with turquoise waters to the fullest. Do you know of any other things to see and do in Cozumel ?
More activities
Best things to do Bend Oregon | Best things to do Oahu for Couples | Best things to do Bembridge UK | Best Things to do Isle of Wight | Best things to do Texas City | Best things to do Chicago | Best things to do for Couples Cabo | Best Summer Travel Ideas | Best Places to Visit Colombia | Best things to do in Colombia for Couples | Best Things to do Kennebunkport
Best Tours & Activities
Best Local Living Trips & Tours in USA | Best Distillery Tours in Kentucky | Best 8-Day Scandinavian Tours for Seniors in USA | Best Farm Tours from Rome | Best Colosseum Tour | Best Slow Walking Tours | Best Mesa Verde Tour | Best Baunei Boat Tour | Best Summerland Penticton Wine Tour
