If you are searching for things to do in Cozumel Mexico this article is just for you.
Save your time by searching for the best Cozumel attractions and enjoy this post filled with fun-packed information. Having visited Cozumel many times and now living on the Island, I am confident that I know all the best spots and things to do here on this big piece of paradise.
Cozumel won my heart over a few years ago when I was living in Playa del Carmen. I would visit Cozumel frequently on the weekends exploring different parts of the Island. Snorkeling, swimming, eating, scuba-ing and relaxing. I would even come just for a day trip to Cozumel whenever I could.
Cozumel without a doubt is my favorite island in the Riviera Maya. I may be biased in my opinion, but after reading this article I hope you join me in agreement.
There is a magical pull about Cozumel that has visitors returning year after year.
It could be the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, or the white sandy beaches lining the shore. The quaint town is full of delicious restaurants and amazing underwater activities. Cozumel is also said to be a scuba divers paradise.
Whatever adventure you are looking for, the island is sure to have it.
Continue reading to learn about the 8 best things to do in Cozumel, but first things first, let’s learn how to get to the Island.
Don’t miss out on the sunsets over the west side of the island!
How to get to Cozumel
Whether you are staying on the island or at a resort in Playa del Carmen or the surrounding area, getting to Cozumel is really simple.
You will be happy to know that there is an international airport on the island with many flights arriving daily. The airport is small but very efficient and offers a good amount of flight routes.
If you are staying on the mainland, you will need to cross to Cozumel by taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen.
There are 2 companies running passenger ferries from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. The boat ride is a short 45 minutes and the boats run every hour. Check out Ultramar or Winjet websites for the timetables and ticket rates.
Crossing the water with your car is possible via the cargo ferry. You will want to leave from the Calica port just outside Playa del Carmen. There are two different companies that offer crossings with different scheduling.
This crossing takes about 2 hours, and you will need to arrive early at the port to guarantee your spot in line.
Check out more details on the Ultracarga website or on the Transcaribe website here.
Best Things to Do in Cozumel
Now that know how to reach this beautiful Island let’s move on to the fun information. My list of the top eight best things to do in Cozumel Mexico.
When you arrive in Cozumel, you know pretty quickly that you are somewhere special.
1. El Cielo Tour
The El Cielo Snorkeling Tour is an absolute must-do on your list of things to do in Cozumel Mexico.
El Cielo means “heaven” in Spanish and lives up to its name in every way.
I love snorkeling with this tour so much that I think I have gone about five times now!
The standard tour is about 4 hours long and includes four different activities throughout the tour.
The El Cielo tour will start with a boat ride out to the Coral Reef. Usually, the captain takes you to a snorkel spot at Palancar or Columbia Reef. From here you will snorkel at two different spots with a 7 – 10 meter (23-33 feet) depth before heading to El Cielo.
The reefs at Palancar and Columbia are full of colors and marine life.
Your next stop on the boat will be at El Cielo. This is where you get to snorkel in crystal clear shallow waters (3-4 meters) and admire all the beautiful starfish lying on the white sand below.
The final stop on the tour will bring you to El Cielito which is a shallow sandbar. Your crew will prepare some fresh snacks for you while you swim around, chill out, and enjoy.
While you are at El Cielito keep your eye out for gentle manta rays, and small fish swimming nearby.
Pricing ranges from 600- 1000 pesos depending on the season and also the company you book with.
You can book your tour directly as you get off the ferry, as there will be many salespeople offering you the tour. Alternatively, you can prebook one of the tours before you arrive so that you know exactly where and when to meet for the tour. These are the top-rated options online.
- Catamaran Party Boat Tour: Sail around Cozumel with this tour. The tour is a full day out with swimming, a decadent lunch, snorkel gear, beach stops, and an open bar. The price includes unlimited beers and margaritas. Book that tour here.
- Budget Boat Party Tour: This is one of the cheaper options available. There is still an open bar available but the drinks will mostly be beers and sodas. The lunch is ceviche which is a slightly lighter lunch option than some of the other more expensive tours. You still stop at all of the main snorkel and beach spots. Book the budget boat tour here.
- Family Friendly Boat Tour: This boat tour is much less of a party boat than the other options. If you are looking to enjoy this trip simply to swim, snorkel, and see the beautiful beaches, this is the best option for you. Beers are still available on the boat, but it is more about sightseeing than partying on this boat tour. Book that tour here.
Snorkeling trips are one of the best things to do in Cozumel, there is so much sea life to see!
2. Scuba Dive
Scuba lovers get ready and explore some of the best coral reefs that the Riviera Maya has to offer.
Visitors from all over the world frequently travel and return to Cozumel to explore the reefs that surround the island.
The island is situated on the Mesoamerican Barrier Coral Reef, which is the second largest coral Reef in the world next to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. You can explore it from the Belize islands as well.
Cozumel boasts some of the most spectacular and alive coral reefs in the world, making scuba diving one of the best things to do in Cozumel, Mexico.
The Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, Columbia Wall, and Shipwreck, are just a few of the awe-inspiring dive sites that are awaiting your exploration.
Whether you’re an expert diver or just learning to dive, Cozumel offers something for everybody. There’s no shortage of dive shops on the island, each with fully qualified guides and instructors with PADI and SSI certifications.
Your dive trip will usually include a 2 tank dive. The dive boats in Cozumel vary in size depending on your dive shop but normally they are 2-level dive boats with washrooms on board. Book a 2-tank dive here.
On your surface interval, lunch is provided for you which is normally fresh fruits, guacamole, sandwiches, and refreshments.
Dressel Divers, Salty Endeavors, and Aldora Divers are just a few of the many reputable and well-known dive shops on the island.
Enjoy snorkeling or diving in Cozumel.
3. Tour the Island
One of the best things to do in Cozumel Mexico, and actually one of my favorites, is to do a self-guided tour of the island.
Cozumel is actually quite a big island with so much to offer. Renting a vehicle and taking a lap around the coastline is the best way to experience all its beauty.
Renting a car is super easy to do in Cozumel. As you exit the ferry you will find many kiosks and many salespeople offering vehicle rentals.
You have the option to rent mopeds, cars, open-air jeeps, and buggies. Rental rates start at 500 Pesos (about $28 USD) daily and move upwards from there depending on what vehicle you choose.
If you are renting mopeds please be sure to wear your helmet as it is mandatory by law.
With your vehicle of choice, hit the road heading to the south of the island. Along the way, you can drive the coastline, with incredible views of the blue Caribbean sea.
There are many beach clubs along this route that you can stop for lunch, drinks, and snorkeling.
Sky Reef is one of my personal favorites for strawberry daiquiris, guacamole, and offshore snorkeling.
Continue along your way to Punta Sur, the southernmost point of the island. There is a park at Punta Sur where you can explore the lighthouse, and old Mayan ruins, and enjoy the beautiful preserved beach.
Welcome to Miami is a fun place to stop for a refreshing mojito, or the Rasta Bar for a fresh ceviche and cerveza.
As you continue along your route, stop at lookout points such as Chen Rio, El Mirador, and Playa Punta Morena.
Another recommendation while along the east side of the island is to stop at Coconuts for a bite to eat and witty entertainment from the service staff. The lookout from Coconuts is breathtaking as well.
Continue on your way north, then turn left to continue west back to the center of town.
Hacienda Antigua is a great stop on your way back for a tequila tasting, as long as you’re not the one driving of course.
These are just a few of my favorite places to stop along the island while doing a tour, but with the freedom of your rental vehicle, you can stop and explore wherever you’d like.
Enjoy a day at the beach. Some of the beaches are perfect for grabbing a snorkel and some fins and exploring right off of the shore.
4. Have a Beach Day
If you are in the mood for a relaxing vacation day, plant yourself at one of the many great beach clubs in Cozumel.
Has your vacation been non-stop with activities and excursions? A beach day in Cozumel is the perfect way to unwind in a tropical paradise.
Powdery white sand, palm tree-lined beaches, and clear turquoise water are what you can expect along the coastline of Cozumel.
There are so many beach clubs in Cozumel offering different types of experiences.
If you are looking for family-friendly check out Mr. Sanchos, Playa Mia, or Playa Palancar. These clubs offer extensive food and beverage menu options and tons of water activities to keep you entertained.
For more of an adult calmed vibe Buccanos Beach Club or The Cabana Beach at Chankanaab Beach are both excellent options. The menus are elevated and the aesthetic of both beach clubs is a bit more swanky offering a more luxurious experience.
Enjoy the different coves and beaches as you drive around the island. You’ll find a few places that you can have all to yourself.
5. Deep Sea Fishing
For all you fishermen out there (and even non-fisherman), deep sea fishing is one of the best things to do in Cozumel.
The Caribbean Sea is home to many species of fish such as triggerfish, snapper, barracuda, and mahi mahi. These fish are quite common to catch around the island.
March to July is the season for big game fish such as Blue Marlin and Sailfish.
Tours are normally half-day trips and include refreshments, snacks, and all your fishing equipment necessary. There are so many different companies in the downtown area near the ferry terminal where you can walk in and inquire about fishing charters.
If you want to prebook something, Cozumel Charters consistently ranks as one of the best fishing charter companies on the island.
There are so many amazing sunsets to enjoy in Cozumel, you won’t want to miss them from the west side of the island.
6. Deep Dive in the Atlantis Submarine
Have you ever dreamt of diving hundreds of feet below the ocean in a Submarine? If your answer is yes – then this Cozumel Attraction is perfect for you.
Submerging yourself into the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea offers an incredibly unique perspective on the island’s marine life and natural beauty, all while staying dry.
Whether you’re a frequent scuba diver or just looking for an extraordinary way to explore Cozumel’s underwater wonders, the Atlantis Submarine is perfect for people of all ages.
The Atlantis Submarine will descend to depths reaching 100 feet below the sea.
Inside the comfortable and air-conditioned submarine, you’ll be treated to views of the vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, and intriguing shipwrecks. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cozumel, providing an unforgettable experience. Book onto the submarine here.
Stop at different beaches and beachfront restaurants along the way as you explore all of the best things to do in Cozumel.
7. Explore Town
San Miguel Cozumel is a magical little tourist town with so many things to offer. Spend some time exploring finding your favorite coffee shops and the best Cozumel restaurants, or shopping for souvenirs.
San Miguel’s streets are lined with colorful buildings and lively markets that are busy with locals, tourists, and expats.
The town is surrounded by beautiful beaches, which are enjoyed by sunbathers and swimmers alike.
Right along the middle of town, you have the boardwalk or malecon where the edge of the island meets the ocean. Here you will find many restaurants and shops with beautiful views of the sea. This is also a great place to catch the sunset.
As you enter the square, you will find more restaurants and more shopping. Cozumel has an incredible restaurant scene with some restaurants that you won’t want to miss. Check out all of our favorites here.
A lot of the scuba dive shops on the island have their locations downtown as well.
In the evening the streets come alive. Live music is a thing of abundance in Cozumel. Every night of the week at various bars and restaurants across the city you can find bands and singers, playing music for you. Rock, country, salsa, oldies, and more.
San Miguel Cozumel is a fun and exciting place for travelers looking to experience Mexican culture in a blissful tropical paradise.
The color of the water in Cozumel is absolutely breathtaking.
8. Visit the Pearl Farm
A trip to the Pearl Farm is a truly unique and fascinating Cozumel attraction. It is a day full of adventure, learning, beauty, and tranquility.
The Pearl Farm is located on the North Side of Cozumel Island and is a family-owned operation that began in 2001.
Your tour begins with a 45-minute boat ride to the secluded farm. From there you get a tour of the property and your guide explains to you the cultivation process for the pearls.
Then comes the water activity where you snorkel out to the reef to see the oyster hatchery along with the coral reef.
Once you are back at shore enjoy a big juicy hamburger and beer which is included in your tour. The rest of the afternoon is your time to chill out on the pristine beaches or lounge in the hammocks.
I love this tour because of the intimacy of the group size and the fact that the farm is so isolated. You really feel like you are far away from reality lost in a tropical paradise. The family who runs the farm are so knowledgeable and love hosting guests on their property.
This tour costs 2500 Pesos for adults (about $140 USD), but because it is such a special tour I would absolutely recommend it as one of the best things to do in Cozumel Mexico.
For more information or to book your tour visit their website.