17+ Top Things to Do in Cozumel, Unimssable Tours + Useful Tips [2023]
If you are planning a trip to one of the best Mexican islands, you have come to the right place. In this post, you will find all the amazing things to do in Cozumel and other practical tips on how to have the best time ever.
I have been to Cozumel three times and planning to go back soon to do more of the amazing things to do on the island.
Every time I discover something new, a new beach to explore, and new great snorkeling spots.
In fact, besides being one of the most amazing places where to dive in Mexico, Cozumel is not only a diving destination by all means.
It is brimming with incredible places to visit for nature lovers.
From boat tours to Mayan ruins nestled in lush jungle, amazing beaches where to enjoy the peace and tranquillity and explore the near coral reef while snorkeling, great food and so much more.
Read on if you want to know all about it.
Also, read how to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen
THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL
Cozumel at a Glance: things you should know before traveling to Cozumel
A fun fact about Cozumel is the legend that back in the day during the Mayan civilization, women in search of a prosperous marriage would travel to Cozumel to make offerings to the temple of Ixchel, the fertility goddess, and to consult the oracle.
Although I love the Mayan mysticism and history, there are many other reasons why nowadays people flocks to Cozumel, including its spectacular barrier reef full of marine life and the spectacular coastline.
Situated a 30-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel can be an easy one-day tour during your stay, though you definitely won’t get bored if you decide to stay over for a few nights.
Keep in mind that Cozumel is also one of the main stops for multiple cruises, but worry not, the cruise crowds won’t affect your peaceful escape if tranquillity is what you are seeking.
Cozumel is principally known as the mecca of divers, and the surrounding reef is considered the second-best in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
If you are a diver, whether multiply-certified or simply a newbie enthusiastic about the underwater world, this is, without a doubt, the place to be.
Each hotel has its diving shop, and on every corner of the main town there is a diving center, a diving equipment shop, and a diving bar everything is about diving!
There are so many incredible dive sites in Cozumel for any experience level.
However, if scuba diving is not something you are into, or you just don’t feel like it… don’t be discouraged, there is still plenty to do, including amazing snorkeling spots, that you can explore both with boat tours or by yourself.
On arrival to Cozumel by ferry, what you see around the port certainly does not look like the quaint local village which used to be there; instead, it would seem more like a touristic complex, built to welcome shoppers and party crowds alike.
Once you take a few steps inland, you will, however, discover a more picturesque scene, with cute little bars and quirky restaurants, local-style houses, narrow streets, and lots of colorful and inspiring murals about underwater life.
That is the main town of San Miguel, and in fact, the only inhabited area.
Nevertheless, the true wonder of Cozumel is to be found on the outskirts of the town and beyond, and if you have a few extra minutes to spare, I can tell you how you can enjoy it to the fullest, and never want to leave.
If you are not sure where to stay, check out this guide to the best All-inclusive hotels in Cozumel and my article on the best Airbnb in Cozumel and other home rentals.
Download your free PDF guide here ▼
THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL
Amazing things to do in Cozumel
1. Bike around Cozumel
The island is 48 km long and 16 km wide, however, the northern part is not accessible using regular transportation. It is therefore ideal to start from downtown San Miguel and head southwards along the Caribbean coast, which is 20 km long right down to the southern tip.
I have to say that the smartest thing they have ever done is to create a cycling lane which cars – and for the initial stretch, scooters – are not allowed to encroach upon.
This is awesome because you can ride in tranquillity without having to watch out for cars, if any, and thus concentrate on enjoying the memorable scenery.
Biking on the Cozumel Caribbean side
On the Caribbean side, the water is flat, calm, and open. Free spaces are interrupted by local bars and restaurants, all of them equipped to rent snorkeling gear and changing rooms.
However, you cannot take the gear with you for the day, so we preferred to do it our way and rent the gear in town at a very cheap rate (requiring a credit card for the deposit).
This way, you are free to go snorkeling anywhere on the coast.
The first time I went to Cozumel I was with a friend and we indeed biked around the island.
We stopped in a few spots, left our bikes to one side, and jumped in the water, keeping an eye on our stuff now and then, which was generally safe. (But we didn’t have any valuables with us, of course)
Snorkeling in Cozumel is certainly not the same thing as scuba diving, but marine life is abundant just off the coast as well, all very colorful and worth a couple of dips.
I particularly like the first part of the coast for swimming, as there are some beach clubs where you can spend the day. I will talk about them later in this post.
Otherwise, most of the coast, it’s rocky which means that the water is clearer and there is more underwater life.
If you continue towards the southern point there are a couple of establishments, but I find them too crowded, the beach not so attractive and the water murky.
If you like to meet people, drink, and party it could be your place though.
Biking by the Cozumel Atlantic coast
Continue southward until you reach the lighthouse of the island, just before the route takes you up the stunning Atlantic coast, about 25 km long.
At the southern tip, you will find the entrance to Faro Clelerain Ecological Park, which we didn´t explore on this occasion but I will go back soon; this is a protected area with a preserved ecosystem where you can find the Colombia Lagoon, providing undisturbed shelter for much of the wildlife, including endangered marine turtles and crocodiles.
Later on in this post, I will talk about a tour that includes that amazing snorkeling spot.
Keep in mind that if you are exploring by bike, you will have to cycle another 5km to get to the lighthouse from the entrance.
If you decide to skip the park, just after it is the first beach bar on the Atlantic coast, with restrooms, a nice restaurant, and a beautiful, equipped beach.
We chose to move on, attracted by the intense blue of the water and the infinite white-sand beach, which was hailing us like a siren… the view was just breathtaking.
We wanted to continue our ride and find the best spot on the beach where we could also take a swim and found it we did.
A note on safety is due here: the east coast is known for surfing because of its currents and beautiful waves, which are fascinating but can also be dangerous for the inexperienced swimmer (as well as the experienced!), so please take care before entering the water on this side.
Having said that, we managed to find an amazing spot with no current, or at least that’s what my friend said, as I found it quite rough.
The sun was really hot and we were continuously rubbing high-protection sunscreen on our skin, highly recommended, especially on a bike or scooter.
Along the way, the view continued to mesmerize us, while the breeze from the ride was soothing under the strong sun (and it’s generally the easiest way to get burned!).
It was becoming the perfect day.
You can find many lovely spots on the beach along the way, as it is almost one long shoreline, rarely interrupted by nice, wooden bars and the odd art-and-craft shop.
I found myself imagining how cool it would be to spend a night on this side of the island and fall asleep to the sound of the waves, but there are neither hotels nor houses here, all the homes and lodgings are on the other coast. Too bad.
So, we carried on right until the very end of this beautiful, easily-rideable paved road, with its preferential lane for bikers, until we bounced into thick vegetation, as well as we came across a typical wooden bar situated on the gorgeous, ivory-sand beach; a good stop for freshwater (by the time you get there you will probably have run out of your reserves!).
At this point, you are supposed to turn left and start heading inland. No cars, bikes, or scooters are allowed to enter that area, only ATVs in guided tours.
Keep in mind also that on that side of the island there is no phone signal so you are completely out of reach. It’s quite a safe island but just so you know. That’s why it’s better to bike with other people, in case something happens.
Bike Rental in Cozumel
We rented with Rent a bike Cozumel and we found them top-notch. The bikes are new and they deal with great professional brands.
Service is superb, they can bring the bike to your place and pick it up (Swiss time).
To reserve a bike, place your order on their website and they will get in touch with you in the late afternoon to arrange the pick-up. Very competent and nice people.
2. Visit San Gervasio archeological site
After you turn from the east coast to go back to town, halfway in, you will see the sign for the Archeological site of San Gervasio about 6 km down a paved road, off the main route.
We would suggest visiting this fascinating historical site early morning if you can, while it is still cool, or warm rather than hot, depending on the time of the year!
I visited it at 9 am but it was rainy season and it just rained for a week almost no stop. I cannot even tell you how many mosquitos were biting me. I was surrounded, so I made my visit short, but the site is worth it.
3. Walk around town
Walking around town you can appreciate the beautiful artworks in the murals painted all over the town walls representing marine life, check out nice restaurants and cafes and walk by the Malecon to watch the sunset.
5. Rent a scooter and find snorkeling spots
On the second day, we decided to rent a scooter and try to do it the easy way, which was fun! We did the same ride around the island, holding onto our snorkeling gear until we finally took a long dip to explore the marine life on the Caribbean side.
Before that, however, we wanted to have our cultural moment and visit the San Gervasio ruins, which were very interesting.
I would suggest asking for a guide at the entrance as they can give you some hints on the Mayan culture, and you understand what you are seeing.
After the ruins, we took the same route around the island that we did by bike, only in the opposite direction, stopping off at a white-sand beach on the Atlantic coast, and then heading back from the Caribbean to stop and snorkel.
Amazing. I should warn you that the wind blows against you when you ride this way round, so keep it in mind if you are on any type of bike!
Scooter rental in Cozumel
The company we picked was not exceptional, in fact – quite the contrary. Therefore we have nothing to recommend.
However you will find tons of bike rentals in town, or you can ask the concierge at your hotel.
Just make sure the bike is in good condition before you set off. Costs should be around 50 USD, with taxes and insurance included.
6. Dive in Cozumel
Cozumel is especially renowned for diving, as one of the greatest reefs in the world. There is a lot to see and lots of fun dive sites in Cozumel.
I am planning to go soon and will share my experience. In the meantime, I asked fellow bloggers Jenn and Ed from Colemanconcierge.com to share their experiences of scuba diving in Cozumel. So here below is their write-up.
You can also check out my posts on scuba diving in Cozumel written by local dive instructors:
► The best dive shops in Cozumel
► The best dive sites in Cozumel
Cozumel has been considered a diving mecca since Jacques Cousteau introduced it to the world in the 1960s. Since then, National Parks have grown up around the reefs, and a thriving dive community provides quality service with a nearby hyperbaric chamber just in case.
But what makes diving in Cozumel so good?
The answer is the island’s location on the Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest reef in the world! A steady current brings clear ocean water and the perfect conditions for building coral reefs. The coral form massive towers above the ocean floor. Divers get to sit back and enjoy a long drift dive along the walls.
For the more adventurous, you can even find a swim through or two and, of course, an amazing array of tropical fish.
This Cozumel dive guide shows all the popular dive spots, along with a list of hotels where the dive boats will pick you up right from the hotel dock. Make sure you go with a quality dive company, like Scuba Life Cozumel. Look for a dive charter with top-quality equipment and a low diver to divemaster ratio, both of which are important for drift dives for both fun and safety.
Jenn and Ed from Colemanconcierge.com
7. Join a snorkeling tour off of the Cozumel coast
There are some amazing snorkeling spots that you can’t reach without a boat. And that’s where I become fun of organized tours because there is no other way to get there unless you hire a private boat.
This snorkeling tour will take you to three spectacular snorkeling spots, Palancar reef, Columbia reef, and the magical El Cielo Beach surrounded by beautiful starfish and sandy white bottom. (Not to be touched)
You will be in awe at the crystal clear turquoise water and the wealth of underwater life. The only aspect I didn’t like about this tour is
8. Explore the Mayan Jungle, Jade Cavern Cenote, and go snorkeling on an adventure tour
If you don’t feel like renting a bike or a scooter or if you don’t have a lot of time, this tour is perfect because includes the best of both Cozumel worlds, the history, the jungle, and the spectacular underwater world.
This 5-hour tour includes:
- Drive a Jeep to the island’s popular attractions, including El Cedral
- Snorkel in sparkling waters at a designated location
- Enjoy a delicious lunch of chicken fajitas
- Sample tequila and learn about the distillation process at a famous factory
9. Underwater Helmet Diving Experience in San Miguel de Cozumel
Try a new experience, walking underwater with the helmet and exploring the amazing underwater world. You don’t even need to know how to swim.
10. Take a tour to Isla de la passion
If you love adventure and don’t care about brutal sandflies bites you must check Isla de La Passion.
It’s a peninsula, located on the northernmost point of the west coast of the island and separated by the main island by a line of thick mangroves.
To get there, you can drive or get a cab to the end of the road on the western coast of Cozumel where all the hotels are.
There you will find fishermen and their boats ready to take you to the other side of the lagoon (Laguna Ciega) where a white sand beach and pristine waters await.
The place is idyllic and most of the time deserted. The water is always a little murky but if you swim a little further you may see some fauna underwater. So take your mask and snorkel with you.
The main problem though is the sand flies. A WHOLE LOT! I have been eaten alive while my friend had mild bites. So maybe you will be ok but I just wanted to give you the heads up.
11. Visit Punta Sur Ecological park
Punta Sur Ecological Park is home to one of the best beaches on the island and Visiting Punta Sur is one of the best things to do in Cozumel.
It’s a natural state reserve that covers over 1,000 hectares and it includes a wide variety of flora, fauna, and lagoon systems.
Nature lovers will find paradise here. There are a variety of things to do and enjoy in Punta Sur Ecological park including:
✔ take a boat tour in the lagoon observing the diversity of birds and many endemic animals of the island.
✔ get to the top of the tower and observe the crocodiles in their natural habitat
✔ explore the museum lighthouse with a spectacular view
✔ rent a kayak and go for a ride along the coast
✔ go snorkeling along the reef
✔ just relax on the hammocks in the beach park and enjoy the views
Practical information
Entry Fee
Price Adults USD 18
Children USD 11 ( 4 to 12 years old)
Children under 3 Enter Free
Opening time:
Monday to Saturday
9:00am to 5:00pm
Restaurants:
Anemona de Mar
Tikin Xic
Snorkel Equipment Rental
Available in Playa del Cielo – 15 USD
How to get to the Punta Sur Ecological Park
► Rent a car in Cozumel and explore on your own
Discover Cars Mexico Review
Browse through international and local car rentals and find the best deal.
12. Go power snorkeling with sea scooters
The local guide Adolfo will take you on a power snorkeling tour in the crystal clear water off the coast of Cozumel.
The sea scooters do all the swimming for you while you enjoy the beautiful marine life of Cozumel.
It’s a 50 minutes tour from Monina, followed by a 30 minutes relaxation on the beach and a delicious lunch
at Chilangos, a local family restaurant.
The tour will end with a tequila class and a tasting of course!
► 4 hrs tour
► 4.90 ⭐ (124 reviews)
13. Spend a day in Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Located inside Cozumel´s National Reef Marine Park, Carr. Costera Sur Km. 9, in San Miguel de Cozumel, Chankanab beach park is an adventure park located on a beautiful beach.
Among the thing you can do in this park is snorkeling and swimming on the beach or relaxing in the hammocks and having some delicious food in the local restaurant.
What I don’t recommend doing is the dolphins and manatee encounters, simply because animals shouldn’t be kept in captivity, but live in their natural habitat in freedom following their natural instinct and not kissing human beings.
If you are arguing that they were already born in captivity, that means that even their mother or the mother of their mother has been captured from the ocean.
It doesn’t change my point of view. And I thought I should share it.
14. Enjoy one (or two) of the many beach clubs in Cozumel
A trip to Cozumel is not complete if you don’t spend a day in one of the many beach clubs on the island.
It’s a great way to enjoy the beach with all the comfortable facilities including delicious restaurants and easy access to great snorkeling spots along, with sunbeds, lockers, showers, and bathrooms.
Here are a few of the most popular beach clubs in Cozumel ( a full post is coming soon):
1. San Pancho Beach Club
What’s included
- All-you-can-eat menu and daily buffet
- Unlimited drinks (open bar)
- Ocean kayak
- Locker
2. Paradise beach
What’s included
- Entry fee
- High-quality food and drinks
- Sol & XX beer
- Lounge chairs
- Wifi
- Heated pool
- Hammocks
- Fresh water showers
- Clean bathrooms and changing rooms
3. Playa Mia Beach break
- Entry to Cozumel’s Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park
- full-day admission to more than 20 water park attractions, including an underwater Mayan city Make a splash at Buccaneer’s Bay, Oasis Island, the Floating Park, and the Twin Twister waterslides Swim in the Caribbean Sea
- sunbathe on a lounge chair at the sandy beach
- non-motorized water toys like kayaks, paddleboats, and Hobie cats (small sailing catamarans)
4. Del Mar Latino Beach Club Cozumel
Located at a free walking distance from Puerta Maya pier and SSA International Cruise ship port
What’s included
- Snacks-
- A la carté menú including cold & hot snacks From 10:30 to 4:00 p.m
- Open bar- alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks until 5:00 p.m.
- Lounge Chairs
- Entry/Admission – Del Mar Latino Beach Club
- Access to the pool, Restaurant, Sun area & Restrooms Wifi
- Umbrellas (first come, first serve)
- Seaside area/access
15. Join a Cozumel Buggy Tour With Lunch
This 5 hours tour around the island with a guide will take you to visit the most incredible spots of the island led by a local guide.
The tour includes some beach time and a delicious Mexican-style lunch at San Martin Beach Club, a scenic ride around the island, a snorkeling trip along the reefs of Cozumel National park, and then more other stops ( and more food).
16. Go on a zip line thrill adventure
This is your chance to fly above the Cozumel jungle on this 6-zipline tour at Awesome flights Cozumel
It is just a 1-hour tour but full of adrenaline and so much fun!
Awesome Flight Cozumel is located on Carr. Costera Sur km 7. 9, 77688 Mexico, Q.R., Mexico – Open in Google Maps
(transport is not included)
17. Go horseback riding on the beach and jungle
Book your horseback riding trip and enjoy some amazing guided tours into the jungle, past mangrove forests and farms, before you reach the stunning shoreline of Cozumel’s white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters.
More information
✔ family-friendly outing and suitable for riders of all levels.
✔ 30-minute horseback-riding
✔ safety briefing
✔ choose from a morning or afternoon departure time
How to get to Cozumel Mexico
👇 Book your transfer from Cancun Airport to Cozumel 👇
Getting to Cozumel is very easy. From Playa del Carmen there are ferries to the island every 30 minutes with 3 different companies, from early morning to late at night. In this post, I explain more in detail how to get to Cozumel from anywhere in the Riviera Maya and Cancun
You can also fly to Cozumel International Airport from different cities in Mexico and the USA.
Where to stay in Cozumel Mexico
I always love to stay in a home when I travel, because of the personal interaction with the homeowners and because I prefer to have a place where I can cook my meals every now and then.
However, sometimes I love to just relax and get pampered. So an all-inclusive would do!
Here are my top picks!
Best All-inclusive Resorts in Cozumel
► Occidental All-inclusive Resort Cozumel – Check rates and availability on Booking.com
► Melia Cozumel – Check rates and availability on Booking.com
Top Airbnb in Cozumel
► For family or friends retreat: Beachfront Las Brisas
► For a couple or solo getaway isolated from everything: Stingray villa Cozumel
► Luxury family vacation: Oceanfront Cozumel Home with Private Pier + Pool!
► Solo vacation or workation: Oceanfront Condo
THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL
Is Cozumel Safe?
Besides average petty thefts just like you find anywhere else in the world, Cozumel is considered quite a safe community.
Of course, it’s recommended to use the most common-sense rules, such as, don’t leave your personal belongings unattended, don’t accept awkward invitations from strangers, or at least be mindful, don’t walk alone at night on deserted roads. I would use these basic tips anywhere I go.
After recently staying in Cozumel just now I can say that I felt much safer than in Tulum or Cancun.
Remember also:
✔ The ocean side can be rough at certain times of the year, if you are not a pro swimmer I would avoid it. But I suggest you check it out because it’s either picturesque to see or you may find it as flat as a swimming pool some times of the year.
✔ The sun is strong, use a sun protector, better if it’s ecological. However, when you are swimming by the coral reef it’s much better to use a rashguard instead of any sun lotions to avoid any possible risk of contamination.
Would you like to learn more about Cozumel? Here you go 😀
- The Best Time to Visit Cozumel for Weather, Deals, Scuba Diving, and Other Things to Do
- The best Cozumel Beach Clubs in 2022
- The Top 11 Sites to Go Snorkeling in Cozumel [2022]
- The 15 Best Dive Sites in Cozumel for the Best Mexico Diving
- The Top 13 All-inclusive Resorts in Cozumel
- The best dive shops in Cozumel for the most incredible diving experience
- Cancun vs Cozumel: which one is better for a great vacation?
- Airbnb Cozumel: the 11 pretty homes to rent for a perfect vacation
- The 17 best restaurants in Cozumel in 2022
✨ Mexico Travel Planning Guide ✨
👉 Do I need travel insurance to travel to Mexico?
I would do it if I were you. You never know what can happen and know that no matter what, you will be covered with any expenses will give you peace of mind, and make your travel worry-free. You can check out SafetyWing which I have used and find it affordable and comprehensive and also Travel Insurance Master which is great because you can insert all your information and what kind of insurance you need and their system will pull out the best insurance for your need.
🚰 Can I drink tap water in Mexico?
No, you can’t! Maybe in some areas or in some homes where they have installed water filters but to be on the safe side, I would say, never drink tap water in Mexico. Carry a water bottle with you and fill it up where you find available potable water sources. Most of the hotels have those.
🚗 Is it safe to drive in Mexico?
The short answer is: depending on where you are. Although in general if you stick to the main roads and don’t drive at night you should probably be safe. In lesser tourist areas you should probably check the local news to stay up to date. Driving in the Yucatan Peninsula is easy everywhere, even at night, although I would still avoid it. I recommend Discover Cars because the site offers the option to compare prices among different car rentals and you can add their own full coverage.
Read more on my guide on Renting a car in Mexico.
📱 Will my phone work in Mexico?
It will probably work, especially if you have a European or US phone, but your roaming rates may be to the stars (check with your SIM provider). Even if have an affordable international rate, you will be much better off by buying a Mexican SIM Card. It’s cheap, easy to set up, and it will keep you connected with your friends, family, and, more important, google Maps so you will never get lost!
🤕 Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now?
The short answer is, yes it is. However, there are parts of Mexico that are indeed troubled and you should avoid for now, and others that are super safe and easy to travel around.
Regardless of where you are you should always use some common sense rules such as, never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money and keeping a low profile.
Read more on my detailed guide on safety in Mexico. If you are traveling to a specific destination I have got you covered as well:
💉 Do I need any vaccine to travel to Mexico?
No, there is no vaccine requirement (of any kind) to travel to Mexico
🇲🇽 Do I need a visa to travel to Mexico?
If you are coming from the US or Europe you don’t need a VISA to enter Mexico. Once you get in you need to fill out a form that you need to keep with you until you leave. If you don’t have it you will pay a fine.
Although the tourist visa for US and European travelers used to be 6 months long which you could easily renew by leaving the country for a couple of days and going back, nowadays they have been stricter. You may be asked how you would sustain your living and other similar questions. Sometimes they even ask you to show your credit cards.
It seems odd but they can do that. If you intend to stay longer than a usual couple of weeks’ vacation time, just be honest and explain your plans. If you are not from the US, check this site to see if you need a visa
💸 Where do I find the best travel deals for Mexico? 💸
A trip to Mexico can be expensive if you love to travel with all the comforts (like I do). There are a few tricks that will help you find the best deals. Here are my tips:
👉 DON’T travel in the high season, which is Holy week, Christmas and winter in general, and August.
👉 Book months in advance to find early booking discounts
👉 Use aggregators such as Discover Cars to find price comparisons and VRBO for vacation rentals!
👉 Look for packages flights+hotels on Expedia.
👉 Check on Booking.com or Hotels.com for hotel deals
Happy travels!!
Isabella, author, editor, and founder
A passionate traveler and photographer, in love with life and adventures, Isabella is the founder and editor of Letstraveltomexico where she shares her love for Mexico, a fascinating country that she’s proud to call home. When she’s not exploring a new place you will find Isabella in a cafe, writing on this blog, or on her other sites Boundless Roads, Mexico Cenotes and Ruins and Letstraveltocancun.com where she loves to share her travels on and off the beaten path in Mexico and around the world.