Cozumel is a small island paradise, off the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula that we have visited numerous times. Trust me, there are a million reasons to visit Mexico, but to be honest, Cozumel is a reason in its own right. The island is blessed with abundant sea life, providing a mesmerizing insight into the spectacular underwater world. We actually did a lot of SCUBA diving around Cozumel over the years. The Yucatan Peninsula has a stunning mainland atmosphere. However, once you’ve enjoyed all the things to do in Playa del Carmen, it is time to stray off the mainland and embrace island life on Cozumel. There are many cool things to do in Cozumel, from scuba diving to jungle treks and wildlife spotting and we highlight them all here.
Best Things to Do in Cozumel
This guide will cover the best things to do in Cozumel – from the many beach clubs to the historic archaeological sites and peaceful views on this beautiful island. Get ready to create the itinerary of a lifetime.
Planning Your Trip To Cozumel Right Now?
Below are some of the top tours in Cozumel. Don’t forget to plan ahead when visiting Mexico!
Top Activities and Tours in Cozumel:
1. Walk Through San Miguel de Cozumel
San Miguel de Cozumel is impossible not to love. The island town is entirely of brightly colored architecture and is Cozumel’s absolute hub of activity. San Miguel is where to head if you want nightlife, infrastructure, and walkable beach bars and restaurants. It is also where you’ll start your Cozumel experience since it is where the major ports and airport is located.
To get a taste of the island’s culture and heritage, we’d recommend spending at least 2-3 hours walking downtown San Miguel. You can check out the town square, aka Benito Juarez Park, walk along the beachfront boardwalk, admire graffiti, people-watch in cafes, and enjoy souvenir shopping. Since much of the attractions and infrastructure are scattered around Cozumel, having somewhere with such a density of activity is a pleasant change. And you should definitely allocate time to exploring San Miguel on foot.
2. Paradise Beach
Are you ready to experience the most famous beach club in Cozumel? Paradise Beach Cozumel is a beautiful beach club on the east coast of the island and the perfect place to party in style. The club is all-inclusive, meaning you pay a single upfront fee. Your day pass fee treats you to food, drink, a heated pool, and water equipment. The layout is stunning, with a massive pool, a private beach section, and an inflatable obstacle course in the ocean. If you want somewhere fancy to spend a day, this all-inclusive beach club is the way forward. Paradise Beach Cozumel has an excellent reputation.
People say that Cozumel has less of a party scene than Cancun, which is true since it is smaller and less built up. However, Paradise Beach Cozumel is the perfect place to socialize and enjoy in the daytime. You can then return to San Miguel de Cozumel for evening club entertainment. Book your tickets here!
3. Playa del Carmen
It is worth mentioning that you don’t just need to stick to things to do on Cozumel itself. One thing worth venturing off the island for is Playa del Carmen, a scenic resort town on mainland Mexico with seven daily ferries running directly to Cozumel. The ferry ride is only 45 minutes one way, meaning you have tons of time to explore the mainland before catching your return ferry. Playa del Carmen has its own archaeological site, planetarium, and cenotes like Cenote Chaak Tun. If you fancy a mainland beach day, you can also just kick back on its beaches.
Playa del Carmen has a bit more buzz about it than Cozumel, which is mostly sleepy with that typical island culture and ‘manana’ atmosphere. It is a great day trip to get a bit of partying in or add some extra attractions to your itinerary – especially if you are flying directly to Cozumel and not traveling down from Cancun for a ferry crossing. If you want to experience nightlife, we suggest booking an overnight stay in Playa del Carmen. But otherwise, a day trip is the perfect way to experience the mainland in a convenient daytime chunk.
4. Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Ecological Park is easily one of the prettiest Cozumel parks and the best things to do in Cozumel for anyone who loves nature. The state reserve has over 240 acres of coastal lands to venture through and appreciate. It’s home to an abundance of flora and fauna. The park is located at the southern tip of Cozumel. It can be visited as part of a guided organized tour – usually by jeep – or independently since it has numerous hiking trails. You can also take a boat trip to see lagoons and mangroves and even spot crocodiles. Punta Sur has everything from tropical fish to turtles and raccoons. It is also a hotspot for bird watching and a hub for migratory birds stopping for a break in their lengthy journey.
To reach Punta Sur, you must take a taxi or rental car, as public transport is essentially non-existent here. You also pay a single upfront entrance fee of around $20 per person.
5. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is where to go for fun in Cozumel, especially if you visit as a family. The vast section of the beach has water activities and rides galore, ranging from an inflatable obstacle course to waterslides and a pool play park for kids. It is coined as the largest family-friendly beach in Cozumel. It is a water park that meets a beautiful beach resort. And while kids enjoy the play parks and slides, adults can enjoy jet ski rentals and even giggle as they attempt to use water bicycles. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is great fun.
Located on the busy east coast of Cozumel, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is easy to reach, and plenty of companies offer shuttle services between the park and major resorts. We’d recommend this park over the nearby Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, which keeps dolphins in captivity.
6. San Gervasio Archeological Site
San Gervasio Archeological Site is an incredible historical attraction to visit in Cozumel. The site has the largest selection of Mayan ruins on the island and over a dozen individual ruins to explore. The best way to visit the San Gervasio Archeological Site is undoubtedly with a tour guide, as signage is limited, and you don’t get as much insight without a guide. It is a fantastic addition to a Cozumel itinerary and ideal for anyone wanting to learn about Mayan culture and get close to preserved history.
As an exciting, novelty side note, the San Gervasio Archeological Site is also home to thousands of iguanas. The iguanas are masters at camouflaging, but there are so many of them that you are bound to see at least a few. If you want to tick off a historical site and wildlife encounter in one go, the San Gervasio Archeological Site is brilliant.
7. Mayan Cacao Company
When you visit Cozumel, tasting the chocolate is a must-do activity. There is no better place to do that than at the Mayan Cacao Company – a small shop and experience attraction on the island’s east coast. Chocolate was created by the Mayans, and this company embraces both the heritage and taste side of this world-loved product by offering tasting sessions as interactive experiences. Visitors can book general admission tickets for the experience or special chocolate workshop tickets for a little more.
The general admission ticket includes a guided tour, tastings, a Mayan purification ritual, and an introduction to Mayan traditions. The workshop gives you all of the above plus the chance to make your own bar of Mayan chocolate. There’s also the chance to complete a chocolate and margarita workshop for extra indulgence. The Mayan Cacao Company is an enjoyable thing to do in Cozumel. You should put this at the top of your itinerary if you have a sweet tooth.
8. El Caracol Archeological Site
El Caracol Archaeological Site is another top contender regarding the best things to do in Cozumel. This site is technically located in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Still, it is so beautiful and historically valuable that we are classing it as an attraction in its own right. The Mayan ruins are spectacular in this small site, with unique snail shells studded into the rocks. The ruins are accessible via a boardwalk and are beautifully set against a mangrove and coastal backdrop.
We’d suggest combining El Caracol with a visit to Cozumel’s other southern attractions. You’ll need to rent a car or book taxis to reach this spot, but it is worth the extra effort. It is much quieter than Cozumel’s larger ruins and northern archaeological sites.
9. Columbia Reef
You don’t need the Great Barrier Reef to get an insight into the beautiful underwater world. Columbia Reef is Cozumel’s stunning collection of coral reefs, reaching depths of 50 to 90 meters in sections with famously varied underwater landscapes. If you are confident scuba diving, you can explore tunnels, caves, and pinnacle reefs – all while seeing sea turtles, tropical fish, manta rays, and more. It is easily one of Cozumel’s best things to do if you enjoy scuba diving. This reef is frequently rated as one of the world’s best dive sites.
You can also snorkel sections of the reef, so don’t worry if you don’t have diving qualifications or experience. Although we’ll cover diving a little later, sit tight if that has spiked your interest.
10. Jade Cavern
Jade Cavern is the next best thing to do in Cozumel. This cenote is beautiful green, with dozens of stalactites adorning the cavern ceiling and a popular cliff jump. It is accessible via guided tours that use offroad jeeps to reach this remote spot. The Mayans believed that cenotes were a connection to the underworld, and cenotes are still sacred in Mexican culture today. Cozumel has limited cenotes, many of which are unsuitable for swimming due to crocodiles. However, Jade Cavern is an excellent option for a Cozumel cenote experience – just book an excursion online.
It is essential to preserve cenotes and have minimal impact when visiting. Taking an organized trip also means getting insight into cenotes’ cultural and historical significance, not just a refreshing dip and pretty pictures.
11. Faro de Punta Celarayn
Faro de Punta Celarayn might be located in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Still, it is so impressive that it is getting a section of its own. This picturesque lighthouse is located on the southern tip of Cozumel, next to Columbia Lagoon and the Caribbean Sea. The colossal white lighthouse has a beautiful viewpoint from the top, and tourists are welcome to climb the spiral stairs and admire the views from the lighthouse’s top-most viewing platform.
If you are visiting this area of Cozumel, detouring to Faro de Punta Celarayn is one of the best things to do on the island. You’ll be treated to fantastic views over the beach park and ocean. Plus, you’ll get an insight into Cozumel’s coastal heritage and architecture.
To reach Faro de Punta Celarayn, take a guided tour or organize a car rental. It is best to combine it with other nearby attractions, like the El Caracol Archaeological Site.
12. Sanchos Beach Club
Do you fancy somewhere exclusive for a day? Book a day pass at Mr Sanchos Beach Club, a beautiful, tropical resort that offers day passes to enjoy its facilities. You can enjoy a full-service spa, a section of private beach, pools, dining, a water park, and water activities like parasailing and jet skiing – honestly, what’s not to love? There’s even horse riding on the beach.
Mr Sanchos Beach Club is popular amongst cruise passengers looking to spend a relaxing and all-inclusive day on Cozumel. However, it equally suits those staying in downtown San Miguel who want to escape the town for a day and kick back on a private beach. Whatever your reasoning, this fabulous beach club is one of Cozumel’s best and fan favorites. Book a day at Mr Sanchos Beach Club to have a beach day with an all-inclusive experience.
13. Coral Reefs Monument
Coral Reefs Monument is a stunning display in San Miguel. While it is only a 15-minute maximum attraction, it is still worth incorporating into your itinerary. This fabulous monument is dedicated to the coral reefs in Cozumel. The monument features two scuba divers ‘exploring’ the reef, swimming towards each other under an arch of coral and surrounded by marine life. At night, the monument lights up spectacularly, and there are water fountains spraying up in a serene display.
Cozumel is an island with close connections to its ocean and marine life. And where better to appreciate that than in front of a monument dedicated to its underwater world? The Coral Reefs Monument is a really touching tribute to Cozumel’s marine world and a hugely popular landmark when visiting the island. Definitely carve out time for a visit, even just combining the monument with a walk around San Miguel’s downtown.
14. Paddleboarding
We’ve discussed many water-related activities in Cozumel, but paddleboarding should definitely be on your list. Cozumel is perfect for paddleboarding, which involves kneeling or standing on a huge board – much like a surfboard – and using a paddle to steer yourself sedately along the water. You can rent paddleboards along the Cozumel coastline and make the most of the calm waters.
Paddleboarding is a great, budget-friendly activity and perfect for admiring marine life as you go. You can rent paddleboards and enjoy the experience independently. Or you can book yourself in for a guided paddleboard excursion, usually exploring a specific region or spotting a particular wildlife creature.
15. Deep Sea Fishing
Another fabulous activity you should tick off in Cozumel is deep-sea fishing. Deep sea fishing is a bit more of a splurge price-wise, but if you are keen on fishing, it is considered a bucket list activity. Cozumel is also the perfect place to experience deep-sea fishing, thanks to a vast canyon that sits underwater between the island and the mainland. It means you can reach deep sea fishing territory in hardly any time. Budget around $450 for a 4-hour experience and $600 for 8 hours on the water.
The summer is the best time to go deep-sea fishing, as this is when you’ll find large tuna fish. But you can organize deep-sea fishing excursions all year round, so just look and see what tours are available on your dates.
16. Temazcal Cozumel
Experiencing a Temazcal ceremony is one of the most memorable cultural experiences you can possibly have in Cozumel. A Temazcal ceremony is a sacred procedure carried out by a shaman. It involves the cleansing and detoxifying of the body and mind. This is traditionally done through a mixture of hot stones and special herbs, using steam and heat to spread the power and scent of the herbs. Many compare it to a sauna or steam room, with the added benefit of a cultural and spiritual experience.
A Temazcal ceremony is a privilege to experience first-hand and provides a deeper connection with Mexican culture. When you visit Cozumel, this is one of the most memorable and unique things you can do. In Cozumel, the most popular place for a Temazcal ceremony is at Xkanha, which runs for 3 hours for $80 as of 2023-2024. You also have the option to add on a meditative jungle walk.
17. Atlantis Submarines
Atlantis Submarines is a leading activity in Cozumel, especially if you aren’t confident scuba diving or swimming to see the island’s beautiful surrounding reefs. The submarines dive to depths of 100 feet, taking you up close to the underwater world and beautiful scenery without getting your feet wet. The typical submarine route takes you up close to reefs, a dramatic shipwreck, and allows you to spot animals like sting rays and barracudas.
For non-swimmers and scuba divers, this is a brilliant way of still managing to experience Cozumel’s underwater offerings. The tour aspect of the experience is fantastic, really helping you through the process as an informative experience and making it suitable for adults and children alike. If you want to try something new, a submarine experience with Atlantis Submarines is an excellent idea.
18. Take a Scuba Diving Course
If all that scuba diving earlier sounded incredible, but you don’t have a PADI yet, this section is for you. Why not get your PADI license while holidaying in Cozumel? There are over four different dive schools located on the island, mainly around San Miguel, and these schools offer PADI training courses that typically run over 2-3 days for basic certification. Why not invest in a certificate if staying in Cozumel for a week or more?
You’ll be able to acquire a new skill that you can use elsewhere in the world – like the Great Barrier Reef. You can participate in those scuba diving experiences we mentioned earlier, usually at a discounted rate, if you book the experience with the same operator with whom you obtained your PADI.
19. Hacienda Antigua
Hacienda Antigua is a brilliant attraction in Cozumel. The museum is a model of a working tequila factory in Guadalajara and provides visitors with insights into the tequila-making process and tasting experiences. You’ll learn about the three plants that can be used to create tequila, including how long the process takes (hint: a tequila pineapple can take 10 years to suitably mature). For an eye-opening and fun introduction to the world of tequila, Hacienda Antigua is a firm favorite Cozumel attraction.
20. Mayan Bee Sanctuary
It doesn’t get more wholesome than a visit to the Mayan Bee Sanctuary. This sanctuary is a haven for Mayan Stingless Bees, aka meliponas or Xunan Cab. These bees are responsible for over 80% of pollination of the forests on the Yucatan Peninsula, including those on Cozumel. At this sanctuary, you take a guided tour to learn more about these incredible creatures and their importance in Mayan history. You’ll get to try out a honey-tasting experience, tour the sanctuary with a guide, learn about Mayan traditions, and even participate in a Mayan purification ritual.
The Mayan Bee Sanctuary is one of the most memorable things to do in Cozumel. And if you are interested in beekeeping, nature, and sustainability, it is easily a leading activity.
21. Surf at Chen Rio Beach
Chen Rio Beach is a whole experience in itself. Located on Cozumel’s wild west coast, it experiences bigger waves thanks to facing the Caribbean Sea. At certain times of the year, it becomes an impressive surfing destination. At these times, you should head to Cozumel Surfing School Nacho to pick up a few new skills or rent a board to show off your existing skillset. As Cozumel’s ‘first and only surf school,’ it carries a huge responsibility. It is an absolute hub for surfers living on and visiting the island.
If you want a surfing experience in Cozumel, this surfing school at Chen Rio Beach is where to head. It is run by a leading surf champion born and raised in Cozumel called Nacho Gutierres.
22. Take a Food Tour
A food tour is a must in Cozumel – you are in Mexico, after all. Cozumel has fantastic authentic Mexican dishes, including the classics like tacos, empanadas, and burritos. It also has fabulous seafood, thanks to its fishermen’s culture. You can book 3-hour food tasting tours and even farm-to-table experiences. As an island, Cozumel is much more connected with its food processes and is impressively resourceful in many ways.
Apart from organized food tours, we’d encourage you to sample as many dishes as possible. Street food in Cozumel is renowned for being delicious as well.
23. Go Snorkeling
It might go without saying, but a snorkeling tour is one of Cozumel’s most exciting things to do. You can rent or pack snorkeling gear, go face-to-face with marine life, and independently explore coral reefs. You can find loads of beautiful snorkeling spots located just off of beaches. And these don’t cost you anything to explore if you bring your own gear. Just be mindful of water safety and stick to spots with lifeguards and plenty of others.
If you are at a resort, you might even have a private beach where the resort provides snorkel gear on a complimentary basis. If not, we recommend booking one of the many snorkeling tours that depart from Cozumel. These tours typically provide all necessary gear, food, and drink and take you to harder-to-reach spots.
24. Passion Island
Passion Island, aka Isla de la Pasion, is a natural attraction in Cozumel. The little peninsula is on the northeast coast of the island. It consists of a beautiful white sand beach – one of the only white sand beaches in Cozumel. This tiny paradise is typically quiet and much less visited than other beaches on the island. The scenery is stunning, with extensive lines of palm trees, shallow green-blue waters, and bright white sands. And there are hammocks to enjoy, plus kayak and paddleboard rentals.
To reach Passion Island, you ideally need your own transport, which is partly what keeps this spot quiet. Just drive to Bahia Ciega Bay and park near its ferry terminal. You can then catch the ferry to Passion Island in just 5 to 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can seek a guided tour, which may offer transfers from San Miguel as part of a group tour.
25. Cozumel Museum
Cozumel Museum is a beautiful museum entirely dedicated to the island’s history. To get under the island’s skin and connect with its individual story, the Cozumel Museum is the best place to visit and one of the leading attractions. You can view Mayan artifacts and the details on the geographical layout of the island. Thanks to the island’s two major dig sites, the Cozumel Island Museum is also a hotspot for archaeological finds. For such a small place, it really packs a punch, and it is excellent value for money, considering it provides a couple of hours of entertainment at under $10.
Once you’ve finished in the museum, there’s a restaurant with sea views too. You can treat yourself to a meal and decompress after reading fascinating information.
Royal Village Shopping Center is where to go on the unlucky chance that you have a rainy day in Cozumel. The outdoor-indoor mall is mainly covered by overhead canvases, and you can quickly nip between stores to dodge bad weather. It is more pricey than other souvenir stores. Still, it is worth visiting if you are okay with paying premium prices for the mall experience. Royal Village Shopping Center has plenty of brand knock-offs and fun souvenirs, and it is also close to the dock for those nipping off for a day in Cozumel before continuing their cruise.
Convenient and fun, Royal Village is the shopping center to choose from in bad weather or for quick retail therapy. It is the central area of high-density stores in Cozumel, so jot it down if you want to shop.
27. Cozumel Pearl Farm
Since Cozumel is famous for its coral reefs, it should be no shock that the island is also brilliant for pearls. Cozumel Pearl Farm is an attraction and store you can visit on the northeast coast of Cozumel. The small farm is family-owned, and tourists can take guided tours of the farm, learning more about pearl harvesting and the challenges pearl harvesters on Cozumel face. It is a really immersive experience – ideal for those wanting a unique cultural experience in Cozumel and anyone with a love for fine jewelry. Cozumel Pearl Farm’s mantra is to show you ‘how much work it takes to wear one single pearl around your neck’.
You can book a guided tour for approximately $140, which includes a guided tour of the farm, snorkeling, a 45-minute boat tour, and lunch. You can also splurge on an overnight experience if you wish for a more in-depth immersion in the local fishermen region of Cozumel.
28. Take a Catamaran Sunset Tour
A catamaran sunset tour is one of Cozumel’s most classic things to do. Since so much of the island is coastal with beautiful beaches and waterfront scenery, you’d want to admire the island from the water. And with a catamaran tour, you can have a really luxurious experience. Many catamaran excursions are available on Viator, so scroll through and see what sorts of deals you can find.
Catamarans are also a brilliant option for anyone worried about seasickness since the boat’s low and wide design helps reduce motion. This is one of the leading reasons why catamarans are so popular amongst boat party tours and more sedate, relaxing sunset cruises.
How to Get to Cozumel
Now that you know about all the things to do in Cozumel, how on Earth do you actually get there? The short answer is by boat or plane.
You can fly directly to Cozumel International Airport. It is a breeze to organize, and while it is a little more expensive, it is easily the most straightforward option. If you plan on visiting Cozumel, flying into its international airport is your best option.
On the other hand, you can also fly to Cancun Airport, take a domestic flight onwards to Cozumel, or travel to take a ferry. The benefit of this option is that it is much cheaper, with flights to Cancun flying much more regularly and at lower prices. You fly into Cancun, enjoy the mainland for as long as you want, and then venture down to Playa del Carmen to catch a 40-minute ferry to Cozumel – costing around $20 as a round trip. The ferries run every hour from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. and are a reliable, budget-friendly option.
Lastly, many cruise ships venture to Cozumel. Therefore, a cruise may be a good option if you are already traveling on a cruise or would like to spend a short period hopping around Mexico. On a cruise ship, you’ll typically get half a day in Cozumel, with the option to book guided activities.
Where to Stay in Cozumel
Where to stay in Cozumel is another brilliant question. You could choose downtown Cozumel, with its delicious food and beach bars. You could choose the west coast, peppered with beach clubs and attractions like Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. You could pick the southern tip of Cozumel, with its archaeological ruins and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Or you could choose the east coast, with its quieter, long stretches of white sand beaches.
And when you’ve decided on the best area, you still need to choose the best accommodation. Mexico has a reputation for having the best all-inclusive resorts, and Cozumel has a fair share of its own. These are the best accommodation choices in Cozumel per budget.
Budget: Casa del Solar Centro Cozumel
This cheap and cheerful 2-star hotel is your answer to a budget-friendly stay in Cozumel. Situated right in the middle of San Miguel de Cozumel, it has a convenient location and pretty rooms that each feature a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries.
Mid-Range: Hotel B Cozumel
This stunning mid-range property is superbly located within San Miguel de Cozumel. It is full of avant-garde Mexican décor and traditional bright colors. The hotel features yoga classes, art workshops, an onsite spa, an outdoor pool, and a beach bar.
Luxury: The Explorean Cozumel All Inclusive
This 4-star hotel offers meals and drinks as part of its luxury accommodation package on Cozumel. There’s a spa, gym, and beautiful covered terrace with sea views. The Explorean Cozumel All Inclusive is located on Cozumel’s busy east coast and is ideal for those wanting a location near San Miguel.
Where to Eat in Cozumel
Who doesn’t love Mexican food? And if you are in Cozumel, you must find the best food possible. Make the most of your holiday by treating yourself to many delicious dishes. These are the top places to eat on your Cozumel trip.
Burritos Gorditos
Burritos Gorditos is a little restaurant in the center of San Miguel de Cozumel. It has a brilliant menu of primarily burritos but also serves tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. With vegan and gluten-free dishes available, it is like a one-stop fix for traditional Mexican cuisine.
Restaurant el Mirador
Restaurant el Mirador is the place to eat if you want to dine along Cozumel’s west coast. The beach restaurant sits under traditional thatched roofing. It treats you to stunning ocean views while you enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine.
Zacil de la Cocay
This brilliant restaurant hosts its own tasting experiences – from chocolate to tequila tasting. Many tours in Cozumel detour to stop off at this restaurant as it provides such a great insight into authentic Mexican cuisine. There are cultural experiences here, too, including dance performances.
How to Rent a Car in Cozumel
We’ll be honest; car rentals aren’t necessary when visiting Cozumel. The island is small, and you can quickly get between different attractions on cheap guided tours – contributing positively to the local economy and reducing omissions. There are also collectivos, essentially minivans, that act like buses and run a public transportation system.
Still, if you want the freedom of exploring on your own wheels, car rentals are cheap in Cozumel. This way, you can visit more secluded beach choices and attractions without worrying about transport timings. You can find car rentals all over San Miguel de Cozumel, where the airport is.
Best Time to Visit in Cozumel
Mexico is known for its brilliant weather, and Cozumel is equally attractive for most of the year. You need to be mindful of two rainy seasons if you want lots of sunshine and dry weather: October to January and April to July. These periods are when you can expect daily showers. However, if you are happy with the trade-off, the cheapest rates, thanks to these periods, make up Cozumel’s off-season.
You should also be aware that June to November is hurricane season in this region. While it has been around 20 years since Cozumel was last severely impacted by a hurricane, it can affect your travel to and from the island.
So, when is the best time to visit Cozumel? February to April is the best chunk of time. At this time of year, you’ll see an average of around 86 Fahrenheit and get plenty of dry weather to kick back in pools and sunbathe on white sand beaches.
Visiting Cozumel: FAQs
Did scuba diving catch your eye? Or Playa Mia Grand Beach Park? There are tons of options when it comes to the best things to do in Cozumel. So the simple solution is to stay as long as possible – you want to maximize your itinerary, right? Before you go ahead and try to squeeze all these activities and attractions in, though, check out these significant FAQs. Who knows, perhaps these answers will solve some of your queries.
What is Cozumel best known for?
Cozumel is known for its island life vibe – with plenty of beach clubs, beach bars, beaches, and water activities, but also quiet corners with secluded natural scenery. The island also has many beautiful snorkeling and scuba diving sites where you can encounter marine life.
Is Cozumel or Cancun prettier?
Cozumel is prettier, with a quieter vibe than Cancun and a more rugged allure. Cancun has white sand beaches and a harder party culture to escape.
Does Cozumel have waterfalls?
Yes, Cozumel has waterfalls, including one in Chankanaab National Park in the island’s center. It isn’t best known for its waterfalls, though it is better known for beaches and jungle scenery. If you want waterfalls, planning a mainland day trip might be best.
How many days should I spend in Cozumel?
At a minimum, you should spend three days in Cozumel. This is enough to get a taste of island culture and scenery, indulge in a guided tour and water activity, taste local cuisine, and enjoy a beach day. However, to truly embrace island living, it is best to stay a week to better balance relaxation with sightseeing.
Cozumel is incredible, whether you head to the most popular beach clubs, embrace coral reef scenery at beautiful dive sites, or Mayan culture at archaeological preserves. The humble-sized island is an absolute hub of attractions and a brilliant place to visit in Mexico in 2023 and beyond. It has some of Mexico’s prettiest beaches. You can still combine it with a mainland holiday to Cancun, Tulum, and all the cenotes. If you play your cards right, it is essentially the island detour of a lifetime. And these best things to do in Cozumel all deserve a place on your island detour itinerary.
For more Mexico inspiration, check out our Yucatan road trip itinerary for a week of mainland adventure to pair with your trip to Cozumel. Have a fantastic time on your trip.