Cozumel is a popular holiday destination in Mexico that is surrounded by the beautiful Caribbean Sea. People come here to enjoy various activities such as sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The island is known for its stunning white sands, sparkling turquoise waters, and swaying palm trees.
Cozumel, being the largest island in the country, is located near the Yucatan Peninsula and has a lush jungle covering its interior. There are also ancient Mayan ruins to explore. While many visitors come here to relax at the resorts, the capital city, San Miguel de Cozumel, offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
The area is also famous for its rich reefs and diverse marine life, making activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and watersports very popular. Overall, Cozumel provides a wonderful tropical paradise experience with plenty of things to do.
18. Take a Jeep Tour
Catamaran trips offer a chance to explore the island’s sparkling waters, while jeep tours allow you to discover its lush, jungle-covered interior. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a variety of plants and animals, and stop at cenotes, caves, and historical sites.
There are many different packages and itineraries available, so you can customize the tour to your preferences. You can choose to visit ancient Mayan ruins and remote natural spots, or spend time at beautiful beaches and viewpoints.
Additionally, activities like snorkeling, jet-skiing, and horseback riding can be included, along with meals at authentic restaurants and atmospheric beachside bars. Exploring the island’s jungle, filled with fascinating caves and refreshing cenotes, on a private jeep tour is truly one of the best ways to experience it.
17. Dolphin Experience
If you’re looking for a closer interaction with marine life, there is an exciting Dolphin Experience that you must try. At Dolphinaris and Dolphin Discovery Cozumel, you can arrange to swim with, feed, and pet the adorable dolphins. An expert trainer will guide you as you enter the pool and play with the dolphins in the water.
You’ll have the opportunity to feed them fish, take pictures together, and watch them perform cool tricks. The trainers will also provide you with knowledge about dolphins, as well as offer encounters with sea lions and manatees. After the experience, you can relax at the on-site restaurants, browse the gift shop, or enjoy the beach.
16. Playa El Cielo
Playa El Cielo is a beautiful beach with soft, sparkling sand. It is located on the southwest side of the island. Many tourists visit this beach during sightseeing trips and scuba diving excursions to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
The beach is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, which provide stunning views and great photo opportunities. Although there is no reef nearby, the shallow waters are famous for the numerous starfish that can be found on the sand. Sometimes, you may even spot stingrays, sharks, and dolphins swimming by.
In addition to swimming and snorkeling, you can also take a leisurely stroll on the white sands and enjoy the amazing views of the sandbar and sea. The friendly boat captains at the beach also offer drinks and snacks for you to enjoy while sunbathing.
15. San Gervasio
Once you are finished enjoying all the activities in the sun and water, it is a good idea to explore the rich history and culture of Cozumel. San Gervasio is one of the most important and impressive Mayan ruins on the island. It is located in a dense jungle and is dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility.
The ruins are believed to be from 800 AD or even earlier. San Gervasio used to be the religious center of the island but was abandoned in the 1500s when the Spanish arrived. Nowadays, you can visit the ruins which are surrounded by a wildlife refuge.
There is a small pyramid, a Central Plaza, ancient structures, an altar, and a reconstructed arch to explore. To learn more about the history of the site, it is recommended to hire a knowledgeable guide.
14. Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is a peaceful and beautiful beach located on Cozumel’s western coast. The beach is lined with palm trees and has white sand, which is perfect for lounging and enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea. Visitors often describe it as a paradise.
It is surrounded by warm waters and you can often see playful raccoons, regal peacocks, and lazy iguanas in the nearby trees. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can take a leisurely walk on the beach or go snorkeling in the shallow waters.
The beach also has bars where you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, and try delicious food and cocktails. If you’re in the mood for some adventure, you can also go kayaking or parasailing. Playa Palancar is a perfect place to relax and unwind, but you can also engage in more active and thrilling activities.
13. Columbia Reef
One of Cozumel’s popular dive sites is the fascinating Columbia Reef. It has a lot of marine life, large coral formations, and an interesting deep area, making it highly sought after for scuba diving. The reef is like a maze with tunnels, crevices, and caverns, and the other side drops deep, ensuring there is always something new to discover.
Many fish and sea turtles can be seen swimming in and out, occasionally with sightings of nurse sharks and moray eels. The moderate current makes it suitable for intermediate and experienced divers, and the coral formations offer some protection.
Divers usually reach depths of 50 to 90 feet during the dive, providing amazing views and opportunities for exploration.
12. El Mirador
One interesting place to visit along the southeastern shore of the island is El Mirador. Over many years, the waves have created a natural arch in the coral reef, which offers amazing photo opportunities and breathtaking views.
At this beautiful location, you can explore the rocky terrain and coral to find the perfect angle for capturing the arch and the rough waters surrounding it. The landscape is also full of hidden spots to discover and explore. One standout attraction is a hollow in the rock known as ‘the Jacuzzi’.
Once you have taken some photos and explored the exposed coral, you can enjoy a meal or a drink at the small local restaurant.
11. Chankanaab Reef
If you want to see lots of fish and colorful corals while swimming, Chankanaab Reef is a great place to go. It is located near an exciting beach park with activities for everyone. The waters are not very deep, so it is suitable for both beginner snorkelers and scuba divers. You may see barracudas, stingrays, and nurse sharks at the reef sometimes.
While the visibility may not be as good as other reefs, there are still plenty of fish to see. Chankanaab Reef is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, so it is definitely worth visiting if you can.
10. Mia Grand Beach Park
The Mia Grand Beach Park is a place that is both enjoyable for families and suitable for all ages. It offers various exciting water sports activities and has a beautiful beach. Additionally, it provides numerous other things to do and facilities.
The park is located on the western side of the island and is well-known for its exceptional snorkeling spots and tasty local food. Whether you choose to arrive by car or cruise ship, you will be greeted with stunning white sands and lovely pools surrounded by lush plant life.
Apart from sunbathing and swimming in the sea, you can also rent kayaks, pedalos, and snorkeling equipment to explore the colorful reefs just off the coast. If you’re interested in cooking, the park offers remarkable cooking classes, and you can enjoy the swim-up pool bar, various restaurants, and shaded outdoor areas.
In addition to trying out the water slides, visitors can also experience the thrilling Adventure Floating Park or arrange unforgettable excursions.
9. Playa Chen Rio
Playa Chen Rio is a peaceful and natural beach on the east coast of Cozumel. Unlike other beaches in the area, the water here is calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling. The presence of a reef and rocky formations protect against strong currents and waves. This means you can enjoy the water without worrying about being carried away.
Since most tourists and cruise ships stay on the western side of Cozumel, Playa Chen Rio is never crowded. However, there are limited facilities, with only one small but highly recommended restaurant nearby. This makes it a perfect choice for people who want to relax, sunbathe, and swim without the crowds.
8. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Just a short distance away, you can visit the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and experience a wide variety of scenery, nature, and wildlife. It is located at the southern tip of the island and includes beautiful beaches, reefs, lagoons, a lighthouse, and an ancient Mayan temple.
You can enjoy various outdoor activities such as exploring the coastline, relaxing by the calm lagoons, and hiking through the forested areas. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including sea turtles, iguanas, pelicans, vultures, and occasionally even crocodiles.
In addition to its natural beauty, there is a tall lighthouse to admire and a Mayan site that may have been a temple or an early lighthouse.
7. Santa Rosa Wall
A must-visit dive site in Cozumel is the stunning Santa Rosa Wall on the west side of the island. This dive is known for its steep and impressive coral wall, which goes down more than 3,000 feet. You can spot colorful fish, sponges, and anemones all along the wall.
However, this dive is only suitable for intermediate divers and above, as the coral cliff face is rough and rugged. It drops dramatically from the sandy ledge near the surface. While the wall goes even deeper, most divers stick to depths between 50 and 120 feet due to unpredictable currents.
Divers who explore the Santa Rosa Wall will be delighted by the presence of giant Parrotfish, groupers, and turtles swimming leisurely around. You may also come across Barracudas, Angelfish, sharks, eels, and rays. The dive is made even more memorable with overhangs, tunnels, and deep crevices to explore.
6. Isla Pasion
Isla Pasion is a beautiful island north of Cozumel that rivals the beach in terms of its beauty. It is just a fifteen-minute boat ride from downtown. The island has pristine sandy beaches, a peaceful lagoon, and palm trees that will make your heart race and make you want to take lots of pictures.
On this private island, you can relax in hammocks or sun loungers while enjoying the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. You can have delicious snacks and cocktails brought to you or visit the island’s bar and restaurant. You can also go kayaking and paddleboarding along the coast and explore the lagoon.
Sightseeing jeep and speed boat tours are also available. There are fun beach games and limbo contests, and the staff is very friendly and welcoming.
5. Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a beautiful destination with amazing features like white sands, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Located on the west coast near Mia Grand Beach Park, it offers many activities and facilities for visitors. You can relax on the sun loungers, use umbrellas, and enjoy the pool, restaurant, and shops along the beach.
In addition to sunbathing and swimming, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear to explore the clear waters. Although it can be crowded because of cruise ships, it is still considered one of Cozumel’s finest beaches.
Moreover, kids can have fun on the climbing wall, trampolines, and inflatable playground, while adults can relax in the spa or enjoy drinks at the beach bar.
4. San Miguel de Cozumel
San Miguel de Cozumel, the main city of the island, offers a wide range of enjoyable activities and attractions. The beautiful waterfront and nearby beaches are the main highlights, but there are also many shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs in the downtown area.
During the day, when cruise ships are docked, the streets are bustling with tourists buying souvenirs, booking tours, and exploring the city. Alongside the numerous hotels and dive centers that cater to visitors, there are also charming blocks with colonial-style architecture.
In addition to the vibrant dining and nightlife scenes around Plaza Central, there are interesting historical sites to visit. The Cozumel Island Museum showcases artifacts and exhibits about the island’s intriguing past, and the ruins of San Gervasio are just a short twenty-minute drive away.
3. Catamaran Excursion
One of the best ways to explore the beautiful shores and surroundings of Cozumel is by joining a Catamaran Excursion. There are many companies on the island that offer amazing trips to lagoons, beaches, mangroves, and reefs, guaranteeing breathtaking scenery and views no matter where you go.
Some of these trips take you to secluded spots where you can swim, snorkel, and observe marine life, while others even teach you how to sail the catamaran yourself. Riding across the sparkling sea is an exhilarating experience, as you may have the chance to see dolphins, sharks, and sea turtles swimming beneath the surface.
Most of these excursions provide snacks, drinks, and meals either on the boat or at picturesque locations. You can choose to go on a sunrise or sunset excursion, both of which are equally beautiful. No matter what you decide, you can’t go wrong, as the island and its waters are absolutely breathtaking.
2. Cozumel Pearl Farm
Just off the island’s northern coastline, there is a very interesting and peaceful place called the Cozumel Pearl Farm. You can only reach it by boat, and it has a beautiful white beach with clear turquoise waters that are truly breathtaking.
This pearl farm is the only one in the Caribbean that is still active, and it is located on a small strip of secluded sand. On one side, there is a mangrove lagoon, and on the other side, the beach is bordered by the swirling waters of the sea.
Since 2012, a small number of visitors each day have been invited to learn about the farm’s pearl farming techniques and the local ecosystems. After snorkeling and seeing the amazing sea life, you can take a leisurely walk along the beach and explore the lovely lagoons. In addition, the farm offers a delicious lunch, and the boat trip to and from the island is just as special because of the incredible views.
1. Palancar Reef
Palancar Reef is a stunning dive site in Cozumel that is full of vibrant corals, fish, and marine mammals. It is often considered the highlight of any trip to Cozumel. The reef is expansive, covering a distance of 3.5 miles and reaching depths of up to 115 feet. It offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced divers.
The underwater gardens are decorated with large formations and shaded swim-throughs, making it one of Mexico’s most beautiful dive sites. Even snorkelers can enjoy the wonders of Palancar Reef, with its abundant sponges, sea turtles, and schools of fish visible in the shallower waters.
For those who venture deeper, there are breathtaking overhangs and fascinating tunnels to explore. It’s worth noting that Palancar Reef can sometimes get crowded, as many tour operators bring scuba divers to this popular location. However, there are plenty of corals for everyone to enjoy.
Best Time to Visit Cozumel
The best time for tourists to visit Cozumel is during the high season which starts in November. This is when the rainy season is almost over. Although there is still some rainfall in December and January, many people from the US and Europe come to escape the winter weather.
The hotels and restaurants in Cozumel are very crowded during Christmas and New Year’s, and prices are higher. The weather during this time is around 28 to 29°C (82 to 84°F), which is perfect for activities like scuba diving, taking catamaran tours, and enjoying water sports.
It is even better to visit during the dry season from February to April, as there are fewer crowds. The weather is a bit warmer during this time, so sun worshippers can relax on the beaches. Cozumel also hosts fun events like its carnival and El Cedral Fair during this time. However, prices and crowds increase again during spring break.
May and June are quieter months as there is more rain and it is the beginning of the hurricane season. But if you don’t mind getting wet, you can find great deals during these months and in September and October. Even though July and August are hot, humid, and rainy, many people still visit.
While jungle treks might not be as enjoyable due to heavy rainfall, it is a great time to go scuba diving and explore marine life.
