trip to cozumel

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Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

Top cozumel hotel deals.

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel - All Inclusive

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, an IHG Hotel

Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive

Secrets Aura Cozumel - Adults Only - All Inclusive

El Cozumeleño Beach Resort - All Inclusive

Melia Cozumel All Inclusive

Popular places to visit, playa mia grand beach and water park.

Bring the family to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Cozumel. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Mr. Sancho's Beach Club

Enjoy an outing to Mr. Sancho's Beach Club during your stay in Cozumel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Paradise Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Paradise Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cozumel. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Cozumel Vacations

You work hard to take a vacation, so why not make the most of your next getaway? Experience true solitude during your next international sojourn by reserving a Cozumel vacation package. Not only will you experience utter tranquility while staring out at the Caribbean Sea, but you can dive into adventure with the endless amount of activities available on the island.

Top Hotels in Cozumel

Once you’ve secured your passport, the rest of your trip planning will be smooth sailing. Booking package deals in Cozumel is nearly effortless when you make your reservation through Travelocity. Although you’re probably already dreaming up fruity cocktails garnished with a tiny umbrella, you still need to choose one of these fabulous hotels to lounge in during your stay.

• Playa Azul : With an ocean view in every room, you can’t go wrong at Playa Azul. Offering sumptuous breakfast and access to the golf green at the Cozumel Country Club, you’ll have no trouble filling your time between stretches of lying in the sand.
• Iberostar Cozumel All Inclusive : This 5-star resort will make even the most seasoned traveler gasp when they first see the accommodation. Nestled alongside the Mayan Riviera, the all-inclusive hotel offers numerous pools, delicious restaurants, and stellar service.
• Cozumel Palace All Inclusive : It’s called the Cozumel Palace, so you can expect to be treated like royalty. Enjoy a private balcony with a hammock, bright and spacious guest rooms, and views of the sea that will make your heart swell with happiness.
• Allegro Cozumel All Inclusive : Rooms adorned with brightly colored linens and a turquoise pool that will cause you to forget about all your worries are just a few of the reasons to stay at Allegro Cozumel All Inclusive resort. Located right on the beach, the resort’s décor reflects the sunlit charm of the Riviera and contains all the luxurious amenities you’ve come to associate with time well spent.

Major Attractions

Many travel to Mexico anticipating to simply lie on the beach and do nothing, which is a perfectly acceptable way to spend your Cozumel getaway, but you’d be missing out on many of the island’s charms. Its beaches are raved about by travelers from all walks of life, but its most inviting oceanic escape would be Cozumel’s sites for scuba diving. After you tire of reading your book on Palancar Beach or tanning on Paradise Beach, head to a local gear shop and rent scuba diving or snorkeling equipment. Palancar reef is home to colorful arrays of coral, sea sponges, and schools of swift fish. Advanced divers will delight in swimming above the Santa Rosa Wall, which boasts sea caves and tunnels that are large enough to swim through, as well as a multitude of sea life, including turtles, eagle rays, and large fish.

You could spend your entire vacation in Cozumel submerged in the warm salt water, but then you’d miss out on visiting the vibrant city of San Miguel. Stroll through the charming downtown district and marvel at the goods for sale in the open-air market, take a seat in the shaded town square, and sample local fare like chile rellenos and tamales until you’re as content as the seabirds swooping happily overhead.

Festivals and Events

Your Cozumel vacation will include sun-kissed days, margaritas enjoyed by the ocean, and sweet, peaceful moments of reading in the shade. And if you venture to Cozumel during late February or early March, your trip will also include celebrating Carnaval, one of the biggest events to occur annually on the island. The Mardi Gras-esque celebration lasts for an entire week and includes enchanting live music, flashing lights, sparkling parades, and enough cheer to make the Christmas season look morose in comparison. When attending Carnaval in Cozumel, be sure to bring your dancing shoes and an easygoing attitude—you never know where your feet could take you throughout the festivities.

In early November, celebrate Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, with locals. The final day of the celebration occurs on Nov. 2 every year and commemorates the lives of those who have passed on. Although the subject matter sounds quite somber, the holiday is celebrated with dancing, parades, fireworks, and lots of food. Join in on the festivities and if you’re planning on taking a Cozumel family vacation, this event might just be the perfect cultural experience to add to your itinerary.

The only thing standing between you and sipping on an icy margarita overlooking the Caribbean Sea is taking action and reserving your Cozumel vacation package today. Skim through our extensive list of accommodations and transportation options, and book the bundle best suiting your needs. Afterward, you might want to start sorting through the garage in search of your snorkel gear…

Tours and Activities in Cozumel

Whether you're venturing out alone or taking a break with your loved ones, traveling's all about expanding your horizons, diving into incredible new adventures and making memories along the way. Are you all set to go?

You'll never be bored in Cozumel. If you're having problems deciding on one thing, here are some recommendations:

• Clear Lounge® Underwater Oxygen Bar
• 2-Tank Dive with All-Inclusive Day Pass
• Private Cozumel Jeep Tour with Lunch & Snorkeling
• Atlantis Submarine Adventure
• ATV Adventure to Jade Caverns
• El Cozumeleño Beach Resort Day Pass

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History Fangirl

The Ultimate History Travel Blog Since 2015

40 Essential Cozumel Travel Tips: Planning a Trip to Cozumel Made Simple!

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 07:11 pm

Cozumel is a tropical paradise nestled in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, across the water from Playa del Carmen.

While the island has gained a reputation as an easy place to come and enjoy a fly-and-flop vacation, in my experience there’s so much more to the island than just beach chairs and margs.

However, it’s really easy to miss just all there is to see and do here if you don’t spend a little time planning a trip to Cozumel in advance!

Here are my best Cozumel tips based on my experience, including where to stay, what to do, what to eat, where to shop, traveling solo, traveling as a family, and more!

No matter what kind of Cozumel vacation you are looking for (yes, even if you’re coming in on a cruise ), this Cozumel trip planner will help you achieve it – whether it’s your first time in Cozumel or your tenth!

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My Favorite Travel Booking Sites for 2023

These are my favorite companies that I use on my own travels.

Protect Your Trip via Safety Wing

Find the best city tours, day tours, bus tours, & skip-the-line tickets on GetYourGuide and Viato r .

Find the best deals on hotels & vacation rentals on Booking.com .

For English-speaking private airport transfers, book through Welcome Pickups.

For road trips and independent travel, rent a car through Discover Cars .

Find information and cruise reviews on Cruise Critic.

For packing and travel essentials order via Amazon .

Book an affordable family or romantic photography session on your trip through Flytographer (Use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot).

For travel guidebooks to have with you during your trip, I always pick one or two from Rick Steves and Lonely Planet.

Cozumel Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Visiting Cozumel, Mexico & Complete Cozumel Travel Guide

Here are my best tips for planning a trip to Cozumel!

How Many Days in Cozumel

So people will come to Cozumel on a day trip from Playa del Carmen or on a cruise ship, but I don’t think one day is enough to enjoy the island (though it’s better than nothing!).

It’s entirely possible for many people living in North America to visit Cozumel for a long weekend.

If you can only get four days off in a row, you can get here, enjoy your time, and get home before your office starts wondering if you’ve run off forever (though, once you get here, you might not want to go back!).

Keep in mind, however, that this will end up being only 48-72 hours in Cozumel (depending on your flight schedule).

So if you only have a long weekend, take it. Cozumel is worth it!

However, if you can scrape together more time off, do it. You’ll be surprised how many Cozumel activities there are to enjoy.

In my experience, I found that a long weekend in Cozumel just wasn’t enough, and I wanted much more time on subsequent trips.

On our most recent family vacation to Cozumel, we spent five nights on the island, which meant we had four full days to enjoy and explore.

If you can get one week in Cozumel, that’s even better!

Later in the article, I lay out ideas for how to spend between one day and one week in Cozumel, so I promise you will not run out of things to do here!

When is the Best Time to Visit Cozumel

I love visiting Cozumel in winter because I get to escape snow storms back home and lay back on the beach instead. January and February are my favorite months here.

Of course, I’m not the only one to think this is the best time of year to travel to Cozumel . This is high season.

From December through February, you can expect higher prices and larger crowds (though it’s fairly easy to escape the crowds if you know how!).

If you visit between March-June, you’ll find slightly lower prices, but you avoid the hurricane season which makes visiting from July-November more complicated.

The weather is great year-round. The temperatures do get higher in summer, but if you plan to spend your time in or near the water, this shouldn’t deter you!

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit during hurricane season, which isn’t considered the best time to go to Cozumel, make sure to get travel insurance that includes coverage for trip cancellation.

Get a travel insurance quote!

Cozumel Tourist Map

Here’s a good overview of the Cozumel points of interest to help you get oriented:

How Big is Cozumel

I didn’t realize how big Cozumel is until long after my first trip there.

During my first trip to Cozumel, I booked an all-inclusive resort and used taxis to get downtown when I wanted.

I just wanted some beach and some time in town, so I didn’t venture further afield than that.

However, Cozumel is a bigger island than many people realize, which means you can enjoy Cozumel off the beaten path if that’s what you want.

(You can also stay entirely at your hotel if that’s what you need to recharge).

Cozumel is 181 sqaure miles and is 30 mi (48 km) long and 9.9 mi (16 km) wide.

This makes Cozumel the largest Mexican Caribbean island as well as Mexico’s largest inhabited island.

There are a few distinct areas of the island:

San Miguel is the capital of the island. It’s where the airport is located, as well as the ferry that goes to Playa del Carmen. This is where some of the smaller, independent hotels are located.

The Hotel Zone is north of San Miguel. However, the hotel zone is not the only place where you’ll find hotels on the island.

The East Side of the Island is home to many beach clubs as well as open stretches of public beach.

Punta Sur is the southernmost point of the island and is a small hub with a reggae bar and an ecological park with a lighthouse.

Punta Molas del Norte is the northernmost point of Cozumel. It’s only reachable by four-wheel drive or by boat.

Isla de la Passion is a small island off the north coast of Cozumel that is a popular spot for boat tours.

The island’s interior is a jungle with several Mayan ruins and a cenote to visit. Some areas are reachable by taxi and rental car, while others need four-wheel drive.

Where to Stay in Cozumel

There are dozens and dozens of hotels in Cozumel, so it can be intimidating to find a hotel that meets your travel style and needs.

Whether you choose to stay in a vacation rental, an all-inclusive resort, or an independent hotel in the town of San Miguel, make sure to read a few reviews by other travelers.

It’s too easy to make hotels look good online these days!

Here are a few of my favorite hotels in Cozumel for different budgets:

Budget Hotel in Cozumel

For my last trip to Cozumel, we stayed at the Suites Colonial in downtown San Miguel, just off the main plaza.

We loved it because of its location and the fact that it had a kitchen with a stove.

Since my husband is a chef, he always wants the option to be able to cook his meals (though he ended up loving the food in Cozumel so much that he never did).

The breakfast was included and was a simple continental breakfast with the option of fruit and yogurt, eggs, and toast.

While it’s not the least expensive hotel in Cozumel, it’s easy on the budget, has a great location if you want to feel like you’re really in San Miguel, and it is just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal.

I can happily recommend it!

Book your stay!

Mid-Range Hotel in Cozumel

If you want to feel like you’re staying in the jungle, but still be within a ten-minute taxi ride to the beach, check into the Villas El Encanto Cozumel.

The hotel has a pool and a private oasis feel that you won’t get at hotels downtown or the big all-inclusive resorts.

This is perfect for couples visiting Cozumel who don’t want to break the bank. Also great for groups of friends traveling together (girls’ trip, anyone?).

Luxury Hotel in Cozumel

If you want a luxury experience in Cozumel, book your stay at the Cozumel Palace.

This oceanfront five-star all-inclusive resort is great for couples and families who want to spend the majority of their trip soaking up the sun on the beach and splashing in the pool.

With two pools, a spa, private beach access, a fitness center, room service, and a restaurant, you won’t have to worry about a thing once you arrive!

Adults Only Hotel in Cozumel

If you are looking to avoid being around families and want to have a romantic getaway, you might consider an adults-only resort like the Secrets Aura Cozumel.

Here you’ll find all the luxuries of a great resort, including access to Cozumel must-dos like diving lessons. It’s perfect for a relaxing getaway with your partner.

A Brief History of Cozumel

The island’s first known inhabitants were Mayans, who arrived in the Yucatan around 200 CE.

Cozumel, which they called Cuzaam Luumi, or the land of the swallows, was considered a sacred site.

Mayan women came to Cozumel to participate in fertility rituals for the goddess Ixchel. Every Mayan woman was expected to make the pilgrimage at least once in her life before she began having children.

The Mayans started to decline in the tenth century CE, and the Toltec civilization rose to prominence in the area.

The Spanish landed in Cozumel in 1518, headed by Juan de Grijalva. Hernán Cortés made a subsequent expedition here.

While the Maya on the island received the Spanish peacefully, even when they desecrated some of their holy sites, the Spanish wreaked havoc on the Maya via the diseases they carried.

The Spanish infected the Maya with smallpox and left behind an epidemic after they were gone that r educed the Mayan population by about 85% to just 3,000 inhabitants.

The island was abandoned and used as an occasional hideout for pirates for over two hundred years.

During the mid-nineteenth century, the Yucatan peninsula erupted in what came to be known as the Castes War.

This was a revolt by local Mayans against the inhumane treatment they received from the European settlers who controlled Mexico.

Cozumel was a refuge for some of the Mayan leaders during this war. However, most of the fighting took place on the peninsula.

During the twentieth century, Cozumel was a sleepy fishing village, but it had an important role to play on the world stage yet to come.

During World War II, America used Cozumel as a military base to patrol for German submarines in the Caribbean.

Mexican pilots trained at this base, fighting for the Allies under the name the Aztec Eagles.

They flew 59 missions in the Pacific theater of the war and were decorated by both the Mexican and American militaries.

You can see some of their original planes outside of the airport.

In the 1960s Jacques Cousteau named Cozumel one of the most spectacular scuba diving sites in the world, and that was the end of Cozumel being a sleepy Mexican hidden gem.

Cozumel Tourism started to boom in the 1970s, and today Cozumel is the fourth busiest cruise port in the world.

What is Cozumel Famous For?

Besides its busy cruise port and its first-class scuba diving, Cozumel is known for being a quieter alternative to the much busier Cancun or the party towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

How to Get to Cozumel Island

There are three main ways people get to Cozumel. However, there’s no best way to travel to Cozumel because it’s dependent on where you are coming from and how you are traveling.

Flying to Cozumel

While most people flying to Mexico to visit nearby Playa del Carmen will fly into Cancun, Cozumel has its own airport.

I have flown to Cozumel International Airport (CZM) by connecting through Miami and Dallas, which makes it easy to get to from most cities in the US and Canada.

If you are only staying in Cozumel, you can fly round trip from CZM.

However, if you are starting or ending your trip in Cozumel and you will be exploring more of the Yucatan Peninsula for the rest of your time, you may want to fly in and out of different cities to avoid having to take the ferry before your departure.

I have never been able to do this, and it’s always a pain to have to leave for the airport ninety minutes earlier than necessary to take the ferry.

Taking the Ferry to Cozumel

If you will be visiting Cozumel from somewhere on the Yucatan Peninsula like the Riviera Maya or Cancun, you will get here by taking the ferry from Playa del Carmen.

The Playa del Carmen / Cozumel ferry takes almost an hour and lands right in the middle of San Miguel.

The ferry costs 2500 Pesos (about USD 12.50 each way). You can buy your tickets at the ferry terminal, and they take both cash and credit cards.

Normally I would suggest booking your tickets early – just in case – but you don’t want to do that here. You also don’t want to buy round-trip tickets for the same reason.

This is because there are two ferry companies – Ultramar and Winjet. They operate at alternate times, so if you miss your ferry and you have already bought tickets, you won’t be able to use them on the next one.

FWIW, I have used both companies multiple times. I used to think they were the same, but we recently had an obnoxious incident on Winjet where one of the men handling the baggage tried to get a tip from us upfront and refused to take our suitcase when we said we would tip at the end of the trip (which is when tips are normally given).

This only happened to us once, but it felt like they were singling my husband out. Because of this, I would personally use Ultramar if we have to take the ferry again with lots of luggage.

If you are coming to Cozumel by ferry, keep in mind that the last ferry times are 9 PM and 10 PM as of this writing. Always double-check the ferry schedules before making other arrangements that depend on them.

Once you have arrived in Cozumel, numerous taxis are waiting to pick up passengers and take them to their hotels.

I have never had a taxi here scam me and the official prices are listed on a board. Make sure you have the cash to pay for a taxi.

Pro Tip: Check the websites for up-to-date schedules close to your trip as they can change. You can see Ultamarr’s schedule here and Winjet’s schedule here.

Taking a Cruise Ship to Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ship ports in the world, so you might be planning to visit Cozumel by cruise.

Your cruise ship will help you book excursions if you want to experience some of the Cozumel must-do’s. Otherwise, you can head into town to enjoy walking around, which is one of the best free things to do in Cozumel.

If so, you won’t have to worry too much about making your arrangements to get there, just make sure not to miss your departure time!

Learn more about the Port of Cozumel and the Cruises to the Island!

Can You Drive to Cozumel?

Technically, yes, though this is not a common way to get to Cozumel.

You can take a cargo ferry from Playa del Carman, but it’s a different ferry than the main ferry terminal.

Two cargo ferry companies go to Cozumel, Ultramar and Transcaribe.

Can You Take a Bus to Cozumel?

No. You can use local Ado buses and take them to the station in Playa del Carmen. Then you will need to walk or take a short taxi ride to the ferry and continue your journey via the ferry.

What to Bring with You to Cozumel

This isn’t a complete packing list, but it’s a good start!

(For a full packing list, check out my post on what to bring to Cozumel ).

Lonely Planet Mexico and Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel, & the Yucatan are available as a paper copy or in a Kindle edition. You typically won’t find major guidebooks once you land, so get yours ahead of time.

(You know I love Rick Steves, but unfortunately, there are no Rick Steves Cozumel or Rick Steves Mexico guidebooks!)

I used both of these to plan my last trip to the Yucatan, and I read them cover to cover!

Mosquito Repellant   is the single most important thing you’ll want on you as soon as dusk hits. Have enough to at least get through the first night if you’re packing light.

Full-Sized Travel Towel  Unless your accommodations provide them, you will want to bring your own. I always bring my own towel to Mexico.

This is the best travel towel in the world. It’s pretty enough for the beach, large enough that you forget it’s a microfibre towel, and quick-drying, which is crucial in super humid parts of Mexico.

A Go Pro   for underwater and action photography. Why go all the way to Mexico and not be able to capture some of the most exciting parts of your trip?

A water bottle that can handle tap water in Mexico. This filtered water bottle will allow you to skip buying bottled water in Mexico and will last up to five years.

Reef-safe sunscreen so that you can keep from getting burned while also protecting the coral reefs around Cozumel.

A Dry Bag for your stuff when you go on a boat or to the beach. You can get a larger one to use for a group or if you plan on taking a larger camera.

Otherwise, I use small ones with lanyards to hold my cell phone, money, and credit cards so I could take them with me swimming when traveling solo.

You might also want a separate waterproof holder for your passport. I’ve seen people who weren’t allowed to board their flights home because their passports got water damaged.

Read next: 101 Things to Bring to Mexico: Complete Packing List for Mexico + What to Wear

Visas and Immigration for Visiting Cozumel

There are three important things to consider when visiting Cozumel as a foreigner.

Do I Need a Passport for Cozumel?

Make sure to bring your passport to Cozumel.

If you are a US citizen, you cannot use a Passport Card unless you are visiting Mexico by sea.

This means cruise ship passengers in Cozumel can use a passport card, but you cannot use one at the airport.

Do I Need a Visa for Cozumel?

Many people who start planning their trip wonder if they need a visa to visit Cozumel. The answer is simple – if you need a visa to visit Mexico then you will need one for Cozumel.

As a US Citizen, I do not need a visa to travel to Mexico for tourism as long as I stay less than 180 days.

Mexico has visa-free travel available to visitors from many nations. You can check here to see the rules for your country.

We chose Mexico for our most recent international trip because Mexico allows US Greencard holders to travel without a visa, which is not a common policy.

Since my husband has a Greencard and we wanted a last-minute vacation, we didn’t have time to apply for visas for anywhere in Europe, but Mexico welcomed us with open arms.

Do I Need to Hold Onto My Tourism Card in Cozumel?

When you arrive in Mexico, you will need to fill out an immigration card. This card needs to be turned in when you leave, so DO NOT LOSE IT.

When you go through Immigration, they will write down on this card how long you will be in the country. For many people, you can stay up to 180 days.

Note that the days of arrival and departure count toward this total.

Now 180 days sounds generous, but is it always really 180 days? Yes and no.

Mexico is cracking down on foreigners who come and live in Mexico without applying for their digital nomad visa.

On the immigration card, the immigration officer will write down how long you intend to stay. If you go over that number, you can be in big trouble , even if it’s under 180 days.

I heard a horror story that happened to a friend of a friend that took my breath away. We ended up extending and going to Immigration to let them know.

The Immigration Officer didn’t seem to care that we were only extending by three days, but when dealing with immigration it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

So, make sure you tell them your intended plans, and if you think you might be staying longer than you expect, let them know.

If you lose your tourism card, you will need to visit Immigration to get a new one. There is a fee for the card plus a fine that can be up to USD 60.

DO NOT GO BACK TO THE AIRPORT WITHOUT YOUR TOURISM CARD.

Cozumel Airport Tips

The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is small, but here’s what you need to know.

Landing at CZM

You will walk from the plane to the airport, so make sure you have your stuff organized before you depart the plane.

You will enter immigration and customs. If you didn’t already prepare a tourism card online before your flight, get one when you enter the line for Immigration.

Bring a pen with you to fill it out. I didn’t see any available last time. This might have been a public health precaution.

There are restrooms in this room if you need to use them. Unfortunately, if you are traveling solo, this means you will step out of the line.

This line moves very slowly. Glacial.

After you make it through immigration, you still need to pass through customs.

Our diaper bag got searched on our last trip. A dog marked it for further search, and we were told they were looking for fruit.

Luckily, we didn’t have any (the diaper bag just always smells like apples and bananas because we keep them in it so often).

It was a good reminder to make sure we aren’t traveling with produce since it’s bad for local agriculture and can result in big fines.

Flying From CZM

Flying out of Cozumel is pretty easy, but here’s an overview:

Our airline handled our Immigration cards, which was different than what I experienced in other Mexican airports.

Security was very efficient, but they were also very thorough. They saw phantom water bottles in my laptop bag – I would never – so this also took extra time.

They also tried to throw away my solid deodorant, and I had to explain it was solid. This has never happened to me before, so it was weird to be fighting for the right to keep my deodorant in public.

You want to arrive two hours before your international flight, so you will likely end up with a little time on your hands.

There is a restaurant and a few gift shops at the airport that you can use while you wait. The food was okay. Not our best meal in Mexico, but better than a lot of airport food.

I found some great gifts here that were slightly different than what I had seen at the local gift shops. The prices were not out of control, though they were higher than elsewhere on the island.

You will have to walk out to the plane, so make sure you are ready to spend some time on the tarmac before you get your boarding pass scanned.

Read next: 10 Tips for What to Wear on the Plane to Mexico + Airplane Outfits

How to Get from the Airport to Your Hotel

Once you have arrived in Cozumel, made it through Immigration and Customs, and retrieved your bags, you now have to go through what I lovingly refer to as the Gauntlet.

Do not talk to anyone in the airport that purports to work for the airport. They will steer you into someone trying to set up timeshare presentations.

Instead, take your bags outside. If you have prearranged a private transfer, this is where they will likely meet you.

If you want to take public transportation, leave the airport and look for the Cozushuttle .

These are shared shuttles that will take you to your hotel and leave when the seats are full.

The cost is a little more than $5 per person and up. Your total will depend on where your hotel is located on the island. You will pay this in cash. They will accept both pesos and USD.

If you don’t have cash, get some cash at an airport ATM before you leave the airport.

There are no taxis allowed to pick you up at the airport. However, if you want to use a taxi you can exit the airport, go get fish tacos across the street, and then have them call you a taxi.

This costs more than the shuttle, so I have not done this method.

Some hotels have private transfers available. Just check the prices, because these can cost a lot more than using Cozushuttle or booking your private transfer.

Book a private airport transfer!

How to Get Around San Miguel de Cozumel and the Hotel Zone

It’s easy to get around the town (and even most of the island) by taxi, and if you’re staying in town you can walk most places.

Cozumel on Foot

I find the downtown very walkable, and I love the colorful blocks that make up the main downtown corridor.

While the island is too big to walk all the way around as a reliable mode of transportation, if you’re staying downtown you will be able to see the best parts of San Miguel de Cozumel on foot.

Taxis in Cozumel

I use taxis to go anywhere that’s not downtown.

Taxis in Cozumel are clean, numbered, and have regulated fares. Fares might be higher than you expect, but we found them very reasonable.

In addition, many (most?) taxi drivers in Cozumel speak English

If you don’t want to rent a car, you can even use taxis to get to the rest of the island like Punta Sur and the east side.

For example, we paid 500 pesos (about USD 25) for a ride to the East Side of the island and for the driver to come back and pick us up at the end of the day.

It’s very easy to get taxis downtown because there are taxi stands.

Make sure to confirm your travel plans and the price before you leave . If you have questions, you can check the posted rate cards.

Pay in pesos for slightly better rates than the US equivalents.

Taxis do not take credit cards, so have the correct cash before you leave (or have a stop at an ATM included in your travel plans.

It’s customary in Cozumel to tip 10% in a taxi.

Avoid Common Scams in Cozumel

Luckily there aren’t too many Cozumel scams you need to watch out for, but these are ones you might see.

Cozumel Timeshare Scam

I’ve already alluded to the main one, which is people who work at the airport introducing you to the Occidental Vacation Club booth in the name of “helping you get the airport shuttle.”

The Occidental Vacation Club attendant will help you get your shuttle tickets, but he will then ask you if you want a tour and what your plans are for your trip.

The goal is to get you to sign up for a package of freebies (or pay a small fee for them). These freebies include a “tour of a new hotel.”

Read the fine print. This “new hotel” is a timeshare tour.

The freebies are real, but you will have to sit in a 90-minute timeshare presentation to avoid being charged for them.

Cozumel Gas Scam

The gas in Cozumel is pumped by attendants (a la New Jersey in the states). If you rent a car, you will need to fill it up to the pre-arranged amount before returning your rental car.

Most of the time everything goes smoothly. However, you will find some attendants who charge for gas they don’t pump.

Make sure the gas pump reads zero for both the pumped amount and the price. Listen to hear the gas being pumped.

Turn your car on and check your new gas level before you pay.

If you are being scammed, they may try to convince you that your gauge is broken and the car is old. This is part of the scam.

If they still haven’t pumped your gas, just smile and be polite. Refuse to pay for the gas you have not received. You can say “maybe the pump is broken. Let’s switch to a different pump.”

Luckily this should not cost you much money if you do fall for it.

Cozumel Tour Scams

I like to book tours through third-party sites like GetYourGuide and Viator (my two favorites).

I do this because I had a TERRIBLE tour in Dresden, and the company I booked through was able to get me a refund even when the tour company refused.

This also happened on my most recent trip to Mexico. I had a tour in Cancun where we just skipped half the listed itinerary. The tour company was unhelpful, but GetYourGuide got me an 80% refund.

So I avoid booking tours through tour kiosks, even when they are friendly people. I just prefer having someone I can escalate issues to instead of having to beg a tour company for my money back.

While most tour kiosks in Cozumel are trustworthy, a few of them do operate scams where they will take a deposit or even the full tour price for a tour they book online. Except the website is fake and you don’t get signed up for a real tour.

It’s easy to avoid this by using GetYourGuide and Viator for Cozumel tours, and if they don’t have what you’re looking for, ask your hotel to help you get set up.

Cozumel Credit Card Scams

I haven’t heard of this happening to anyone I know, but I did read online that people have been scammed by having their credit card run for services they did not pay for.

The advice in this situation is to use cash, but I would prefer to still use my credit card as much as possible (more on that in the money section).

Make sure you are using a credit card that will refund you for any fraudulent charges and track your expenses to compare them against your credit card statement.

Playa Del Carmen Hotel Scam

I ran into this one in PDC, but many people traveling to Cozumel will end up in the area where it happened. So just in case, if this applies to you, you will know to watch out for it.

I also ran into this scam in Tunisia, so you might see it anywhere really.

A guy will look you dead in the eye and greet you and say he works at the hotel you’re staying at.

The goal is to get you to be embarrassed that you don’t recognize him so that you let your guard down and trust him.

In Tunisia, the guy tried to get me to buy jewelry at a jewelry store.

In PDC, I laughed at the guy and said “we haven’t checked into a hotel yet” and walked away, so I don’t know what his goal was.

If you don’t recognize someone, just walk away. It feels rude, but it’s better to be safe.

If you do see them later at your hotel, you can apologize, but it’s most likely a scam.

English in Cozumel

English is very common in Cozumel, as it is in many popular tourist destinations in Mexico. You will find most waiters, hotel staff, store clerks, taxi drivers, and tour guides speak exceptional English.

If you do end up needing to speak with someone who doesn’t speak English, Google Translate is a great app to have.

It’s free and you can download it ahead of time to be prepared.

If you’ve never used it before, you can type or speak and it will translate your English into Spanish.

I’ve never had to use it in Cozumel, but I have used it in other parts of Mexico.

You will need cell data to use it (more on that below).

Crime & Safety in Cozumel

If you’re wondering if it is safe to visit Cozumel, the answer is yes.

You need to follow the same common-sense safety precautions you would on most international travels (or even domestic travels tbh).

Crime is much lower in Cozumel than in many parts of the US and some other parts of Mexico.

However, tourists are more likely to be the victims of minor crimes and scams.

This is why I look for travel insurance that covers replacing stolen items and using credit cards that refund fraudulent charges.

Cozumel Travel Safety Tips

A few common-sense travel safety precautions that I take everywhere regardless of destination:

I always buy a travel insurance policy . (In fact, I bought the policy for my next trip to El Salvador just today).

I keep copies of my passport, credit cards, important documents like tourism cards, and my travel insurance policy in my email so that I can access them from another computer if my laptop and cell phone are stolen.

I email these documents to my mother as well (especially my travel insurance policy in case I am incapacitated).

If I can, I keep hard copies of these in my suitcase.

I use hotel safes for storing passports and laptops. When there’s no hotel safe, I sometimes ask the front desk to watch my laptop while I am out. These are not foolproof, but they are better than leaving them out.

My sister had her passport stolen in Mexico, so I am always extra cautious about my passport and keep it in the safe or on my person at all times.

I never leave any of my stuff unattended in public.

I don’t pack non-essential tech or expensive items like jewelry.

I wrap my backpack or purse handle around a chair leg when I’m out in public.

I never flash cash, and I try to keep very little cash on me.

If I do have a lot of cash on me, I keep a separate wallet or pocket with small bills so that I don’t need to access the large stack of cash in public.

I won’t mention where I’m staying in public to anyone other than taxi drivers or people assisting me with getting a taxi. If you get a sketchy vibe from a taxi driver, don’t get in the car. If you’re already in the car, you can give them an address near your hotel and walk over yourself.

I’m warier of other travelers than most locals. Remember that other tourists post more of a risk to you than most locals. It’s the eternal ex-pat that’s more likely to scam you than a hotel clerk.

I don’t overindulge in alcohol or leave my drink unattended.

I don’t do anything related to illegal drugs.

I make sure to keep my phone charged , and I carry a backup portable battery to recharge.

Pro Tip: Most safety incidents with tourists are not crime-related though. Instead, they get into scooter accidents, diving accidents, or hurt themselves out on the water.

If you will be doing these activities, make sure to get the level of travel insurance coverage for the types of activities you will be doing.

Families traveling together can get a single policy, so look for one that will cover the activities everyone will be doing.

Get a travel insurance quote for your trip!

Cell Data in Cozumel

Cell data plans seem to be getting better all the time. For my most recent trip to Mexico, data in Mexico was included in my AT&T cell plan . I didn’t have to worry about it at all!

Check with your provider if Mexico is included in your data plan.

If it isn’t you can either add an international plan or get a local sim card.

If you want to get a local sim card, you will need to have your phone unlocked . In Europe, most phones come unlocked, but in the US we need to have our companies unlock them.

This is a total PITA.

You can then pick up a local SIM card in Cozumel to use for your trip.

You can get sim cards at Oxxo stores. Ask for a “chip.”

Many other places sell SIM cards, so feel free to ask around.

Wifi & Internet in Cozumel

My cell data worked well in Cozumel, and there was wifi available in our hotel free of charge.

However, the data didn’t work well on the eastern side of the island, which our taxi driver warned us about.

If you are staying in San Miguel or the hotel zone, you will most likely be able to find wifi and get good cell service.

However, be prepared for it to go out or get spotty when you visit the rest of the island.

Cozumel Time Zone & Daylight Savings

Time in Cozumel can be confusing if you are coming from the US or Canada.

Cozumel is in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

Quintana Roo and Cozumel use Eastern Standard Time.

If you are traveling to Cozumel from Merida or another city in the state of Yucatan (which covers a large portion of the Yucatan peninsula), you are coming from Central Standard time and will jump an hour ahead.

However, Cozumel does not have Daylight Savings Time. Mexico does not observe DST at all anymore.

So if you are coming from the US or Canada, you should double-check the time depending on the time of year.

For my family, living in the Central Time Zone in the US, this means that Cozumel is sometimes an hour ahead of us and sometimes they are at the same time as us.

What to Eat in Cozumel

Food in Mexico is very regional, and Mexican food is not Tex-Mex.

If this is your first trip to the area, there may be many dishes served in the Yucatan you haven’t seen on menus anywhere else before, including elsewhere in Mexico.

If you want to learn about local food in Cozumel, you can eat at a variety of restaurants while here, or you can go on a Cozumel food tour. This is a great way to get to know the island’s food scene from a local Cozumel guide.

Here are a few things you should eat in Cozumel:

Sopa de Lima

Sopa de Lima is a famous soup that is sometimes seen in cookbooks under the names Yucatan Style Lome Soup and Mexican Style Lime Soup.

With a delicious lime broth, this soup includes chicken, tortilla chips, tomato, cilantro, and bell pepper.

Bowls of it are served heaping full. While I do tend to order an entree to go with it, you can usually fill up on just soup and tortilla chips if you are visiting Cozumel on a budget.

Ceviche de Camaron

While ceviche is not originally from Mexico (it originated in Peru), you shouldn’t leave the area without having a local shrimp ceviche “cooked” in Mexican limes.

The dish gained popularity throughout the Spanish colonies, with different regions creating regional variations.

Mexican ceviche is served in a dish with onion, avocado, salt, lime, chili peppers, and cilantro.

It’s typically an appetizer in Mexico, but they are usually large enough to eat as an entree if you prefer.

Cochinita Pibil

This slow-roasted pork is traditionally made by roasting a suckling pig that has been marinated with acid and wrapped in banana leaves. You’ll also see Cochinita Pibil made with pork butt and pork shoulder.

The meat is tender and not spicy, so dishes can be paired with peppers to give it a kick.

Humans have been eating cacao in Mexico for 4,000 years, so you would be remiss to come to the home of chocolate without tasting some of your own!

You can visit several artisanal chocolate stores on the island or you can book a private Chocolate Workshop to get up close and personal with this Mesoamerican delight.

Book a Chocolate Seaside Workshop for your trip to Cozumel!

Marquesitas

A street food favorite in the Yucatan peninsula, marquesitas are an absolute must-do.

These hard wafer rolls stuffed with cheese don’t take like what I expected them to taste.

I thought it would be savory, but it was more like eating a waffle cone with parmesan cheese. (It’s technically Edam cheese, but it tasted saltier to me somehow).

So satisfying yet my tastebuds never got comfortable or could quite place what was going on.

If you want something more straightforwardly sweet, you can skip the traditional style and get Nutella, banana, or lechera (sweet condensed milk), instead.

Originally from Merida , you can now find them all over the region.

I had them in PDC instead of Cozumel, but the ones on the island can be found at food carts in the main square.

You can eat them as a dessert or as a snack.

Pro Tip: these carts are still open after some of the area’s restaurants are closed for the night.

Dulce de Papaya

This popular Yucatan dessert is made from slow-cooking papaya in sugar, Mexican vanilla, and cinnamon …Yummy!

Book a food tour for your trip to Cozumel!

What to Drink in Cozumel

While I will freely admit to drinking a shocking amount of Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola Zero while in Cozumel, these Mexican drinks are both delicious and a perfect excuse to double-fist.

Agua Fresca

The name translates to English as “freshwater” or “cool water.” These non-alcoholic drinks are made with blended fruit – think the most delightful juice you’ve ever had in your life.

You can get them in many flavors, from pineapple to mango to coconut to hibiscus.

You can find them everywhere from street vendors to restaurants.

If you want to drink one made with fresh fruit and not a pre-made blend, ask your server which flavors are made from fresh fruit.

This drink was probably brought from North Africa to Mexico by the Spanish. The drink can be made with a variety of grains, but the most common in Mexico is horchata made from rice.

The delicious flavor comes from adding milk, vanilla, and cinnamon.

You might find horchata listed as an agua fresca or listed as a separate beverage.

Tequila & Mezcal

While tequila and mezcal don’t originate in Cozumel, you’d be forgiven for wanting to do a Tequila tasting or a Mezcal tasting while in Cozumel.

Mezcal is originally from Durango, Guanajuato, Guerrero, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Michoacán, Puebla, and Oaxaca, while tequila is from Jalisco and a few municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.

However, many travelers coming to Cozumel won’t be venturing this far into mainland Mexico, and tequila is everywhere on the island.

Book a lunch and tequila tasting in San Miguel de Cozumel!

Mexican Coke

North of the border, Mexican Coke is famous for being made with real cane sugar, as opposed to the high fructose corn syrup that Coca-Cola is made of in the US.

Another difference is that it is served primarily in glass bottles (which the restaurant will want to recycle).

If you’re curious about the difference in flavor, make sure to order a Coca-Cola at lunch (or dinner).

Cocos Frtios (Agua de Coco)

If you see people selling green coconuts as drinks, the drink inside is fresh coconut water. This is served in a young coconut and is drank directly from the fruit itself.

While you’ll see signs advertising these as Cocos Fritos, it’s also called agua de coco (coconut water), so don’t be confused if you come across the alternate name.

This local Yucatanean liquor is made from anise seeds and fermented honey.

While tequila and mezcal are more famous Mexican liquors, Xtabentun is the local intoxicant you should make sure to try!

The Best Restaurants in Cozumel

There are a lot of restaurants here, so it’s natural to wonder where to eat in Cozumel.

Let me start by telling you where not to eat – don’t just eat at your hotel!

Another good tip is to walk a few blocks inland from Parque Benito Juarez (Benito Juarez Park is the main square/plaza in San Miguel de Cozumel).

Prices drop significantly if you go just a few blocks, and the cuisine gets even better!

You’ll also find less English in this part of the city, so make sure you have your Google translate ready to go if you have questions about the menu.

Getting the Best Cozumel Vacation Photos

Getting good vacation photos isn’t hard, but these are all tips and tricks we used to get vacation photos in Cozumel that we loved.

First, always have your camera (or cell phone camera) with you! The best photos aren’t always staged. Candids and selfies can be just as wonderful for trip memories as posed photos.

Second, If you want to keep your cell phone dry on the beach, bring a waterproof cell phone holder so that you can get beach and water pics.

Third, swap photos often! If you are sending each other your photos back and forth each day, then you’ll know if you have photos you like or if there’s something you want to be done differently.

This also ensures you’ll have all the photos from the trip in one place where you can safely back them up to the cloud.

Finally, hire a professional for special occasions! We use the company Flytographer for special trip photos, which we also used for our holiday cards.

They aren’t in Cozumel, but they are in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cancun.

I love this company, and it’s great for making sure there are photos of all of us together! If this will be an important trip for you and your partner or family, I can’t recommend this option enough!

Another option is to book a professional Cozumel photographer directly on Viator: Private Photo Session in Cozumel

Good to Know: If you book a photographer through Flytographer, use the code HISTORYFANGIRL for 10% off your first photoshoot.

Renting a Car in Cozumel

One of the best decisions we made during our most recent trip to Cozumel was renting a car . This allowed us to get out and experience some of Cozumel’s must-see sites on our own.

A lot of the best things to see in Cozumel are located outside of San Miguel and the Hotel Zone. Having your own wheels means you can explore so much more of the island!

Yes, we have used taxis to get to other parts of Cozumel, but you have to pre-arrange your return and you can’t see that many places since they are spread far apart.

Nature lovers will especially love being able to get off the beaten path.

Having a rental car for a day or two will give you the flexibility to see some of the island’s best spots, like Punta Sur Eco Park, Mayan Ruins, and some of the best beach clubs.

When you rent a car in Cozumel, you will likely pick it up at the ferry terminal . Make sure to request an automatic if you don’t drive a stick.

Families traveling with small kids should also request car seats ahead of time.

Follow any instructions they give you about gas levels and return instructions.

Get a car rental quote for your trip!

Driving Around Cozumel

I love driving in foreign countries, but if you haven’t done it before it can be a little intimidating!

Cozumel is a great place to get started since you will typically drive out of the main town to the beaches and parks on the other side of the island.

This makes getting around Cozumel on your own pretty easy!

Here are a few tips for driving in Cozumel:

Drive on the Right Side of the Road

In Mexico, cars drive on the right side of the road like in the US.

Watch for Animals on the Road

Stray dogs (and stray iguanas) mean you need to keep your eyes on the road at all times!

Expect Motorcycle and Motorbike Traffic

As you leave and return to San Miguel, expect more motorcycles on the road than other cars.

Follow All Traffic and Parking Signs

Signs will most likely look the same as back home, so even if you don’t know what “Alto” means, you can tell it’s a stop sign.

Cozumel Road Trip Ideas

Cozumel is a small island, and you can see most of it by car in one or two days.

If you rent a car for one day, plan to do the “loop,” starting at the San Gervasio ruins , out to some of the beaches on the eastern shore , down to Punta Sur, and back over to San Miguel.

This will take a full day, and there are many roadside attractions and beach clubs to stop at along the way.

If you want to drive to El Cedral, make sure to rent a car with 4-wheel drive and high clearance or go on a separate El Cedral tour.

If you plan to road trip Cozumel for more than one day , I would still have a home base at one hotel. The island isn’t big enough to need to bother moving all of your stuff with you every day!

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Cozumel

There are so many fun things to do in Cozumel – way more than you can fit into one or two days. However, here are my top recommendations for what to do in Cozumel:

See the Mayan Ruins at San Gervasio

The most significant cultural or historic thing to do in Cozumel is to visit the ruins at San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site , an important fertility site for all Mayan women .

Enjoy Cozumel’s Turquoise Waters and White-Sand Beaches with a Day Pass to a Beach Club

There are many beach clubs to pick from since there are so many beautiful Cozumel beaches.

I enjoyed our time at Playa Chen Rio, Playa Azul, and the beach bar Freedom in Paradise.

Other famous Cozumel beaches and beach clubs include Playa Palancar, The Money Bar, Playa El Cielo, and Playa Punta Morena.

Most beach clubs have food, drinks, and beach chairs, but some also have amenities like pools, hammocks, snorkeling gear rentals, kayaks, and swings.

See the Lighthouse (and the Crocodiles) and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is the place to go if you want to get 360 degrees views from the top of the lighthouse.

Shop til You Drop along Avenida Rafael Melgar in Downtown San Miguel

Walk along San Miguel’s waterfront Avenida Rafael Melgar to enjoy the city’s bustling atmosphere. The shops here are a tad overpriced, but they make up for it by being kitschy and fun.

Go Snorkeling in the Crystal Clear Waters of Chankanaab National Park

Cozumel is a world-famous snorkeling destination. You can bring your own snorkeling equipment or rent everything you need at one of the local dive shops.

You can go on a guided snorkeling tour or find the best snorkeling spots on your own.

Get Out and Enjoy Downtown Cozumel’s Nightlife, from Live Music to Tequila Bars

Cozumel is a famous cruise and day-trip destination, so getting out and experiencing Cozumel’s nightlife will show you a different side of the island that many tourists never see.

You can go to restaurants with live music , enjoy a low-key dinner, or simply people-watch on the main square.

Of course, if you want to enjoy a tequila bar or two, you won’t have trouble finding them!

Go Scuba Diving to see the Marine Life on the Mesoamerican Reef

If you are certified (or if you want to get your certification while you’re here), don’t miss Cozumel’s famous dive spots on one of the world’s best barrier reefs.

Eagle rays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks are just some of the marine life you can see here.

Visit Cozuel’’s Jade Cenote, the only Cenote on the Island

While the Yucatan peninsula is famous for cenotes, or underground water caverns, there’s only one cenote on Cozumel.

The Jade Cenote can be reached by an ATV or Jeep tour or a high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Eat on San Miguel’s Main Square

While it’s a touristy destination, I enjoy eating right on Cozumel’s main plaza at Benito Juarez Park.

This is also where the clocktower and Isla de Cozumel sign are located, so a stop here is a must!

Spend an Entire Day Relaxing at Your Resort

While I don’t think you should spend your entire time in Cozumel locked away in a resort, if you are staying at a nice resort hotel, spending a full day relaxing and unwinding can be a great way to get the most out of your resort time as possible.

I’ve done trips both ways – completely independently from our hotel, and by mixing exploring the island with enjoying time in an all-inclusive resort. And both ways are wonderful! Just don’t get trapped at your resort and forget to leave!

Most Popular Cozumel Guided Tours

Here are the most popular Cozumel tours. Some of these sell out, so plan ahead!

Cozumel: El Cielo, Palancar Reef, and Beach Party with Food

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

Cozumel Food Tour

Cozumel: Paradise Beach Exclusive All-Inclusive Day Pass

Cozumel: Snorkel and Swim with Stingrays

Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel

Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour

4-Hour Certified Scuba Diving Tour with Two Tanks in Cozumel

Best Day Trips from Cozumel

If you are based on the island, you can still see some of the most popular sites on the Yucatan Peninsula via day trips.

Organized day trips mostly leave from Playa del Carmen, which is just a short ferry ride away. You’ll want to make your way across the ferry and back on your own.

Many of these you can do on your own via taxi or by renting a car in PDC.

The two easiest day trips from Cozumel are Playa del Carmen and Tulum. You can even combine them into one day, and travel on your own by taxi.

Cancun and Morelos can be done on your own with more planning, or you can go on a guided tour. We went on a guided day trip from PDC to Cancun, but unfortunately, the tour was not good and I cannot recommend using that company.

The most famous day trip is to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Chichen Itza, but these Mayan Ruins are much further away than the rest.

I have done this as a guided tour similar to this one, and that’s really the only way to make it work. It’s a long day when you add in the extra ferry time, but really fun!

Prepare for the trip by reading my post on what to wear to Chichen Itza.

Reserve the Chichen Itza Deluxe Tour for your trip.

Cozumel Itinerary Ideas

While you can’t fit in all of the best Cozumel attractions in a day or two, if you are coming to Cozumel for 1-3 days, you can still see a lot of the highlights of the island.

If you are only coming on a Cozumel day trip from a cruise ship, I would plan to do an excursion around the island that includes transportation. This will eliminate having to figure out how to get around Cozumel on your own and give you access to some of the island’s highlights while still getting you back to your ship on time.

If you have one day in Cozumel, I would spend half the day exploring the island and the rest in town. If you want to do a dive or go snorkeling, then do this instead and end your day in town.

If you have 2 days in Cozumel, I would spend the second day relaxing at one of the island’s beach clubs.

With 3 days in Cozumel, you can spend a day exploring the island, one day at a beach club, and the third day on a dive or boat trip to enjoy Cozumel from the water.

If you have one week in Cozumel, you can spend 3-4 days on the island and add in 1-2 day trips.

Tips for Solo Travel in Cozumel

You may wonder is Cozumel worth visiting solo. I have traveled the island by myself and with my family, and I have to say that I do think Cozumel is a fun solo travel destination.

Unlike other parts of the Mayan Riviera, which are more party-focused, I find Cozumel to be a peaceful destination where you can soak up some calming vibes. I enjoy walking the town alone, and I also enjoy going to the beach clubs and hotel pools solo.

Just bring a book and prepare to relax!

Cozumel is also one of the safest places for solo female travel since crime rates on the island are low compared to other major tourist towns. I felt comfortable walking the touristy parts of the city alone at night using common sense travel safety.

Here are a few tips for traveling solo in Cozumel:

Pick a hotel that is not focused on couples. If you decide to stay at a resort, find one that is more family-focused. Otherwise, you’ll be surrounded by honeymooners.

Book group tours and dives – this is a great way to meet people when traveling! Plus it’s much less awkward than being the only person on a tour with your tour guide.

Find restaurants with some kind of entertainmen t – this is a great way to enjoy a meal that also feels like an activity and is great for those wondering what to do in Cozumel on your own.

Use rental cars and taxis to get around the is la nd. Don’t try to bike or walk between towns or from San Miguel.

Enroll in your country’s safe traveler program if they have one. In the US, we have the STEP program, which I have used in the past when traveling solo.

Follow proper beach safety when going to the beach solo.

Don’t flash cash.

Use common sense safety when out, and be especially vigilant in settings with alcohol.

Tips for Traveling Cozumel with Kids (and Toddlers)

Cozumel is a great family destination. However, a lot of the most popular activities to do on Cozumel have age restrictions.

Look for activities and tours that are age-appropriate for your family, and keep in mind that renting a car and getting out on your own might be easier than a group tour if you have little ones in tow.

Older kids can start to experience some of the island’s more exciting things to do. Discuss options with your kids ahead of time to get a feel for what they would enjoy and feel comfortable doing before putting down any nonrefundable deposits!

For traveling with babies and toddlers, look for beach clubs with a more family-friendly feel. Some have playgrounds and children’s areas, which can make it easier to enjoy your time together as a family.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Cozumel?

While Cozumel is a famous honeymoon destination with lots of options for romantic (and pricey) things to do, you can do Cozumel on a variety of budgets depending on your travel style.

What you can do in Cozumel will, of course, depend on what you plan to spend. However, even if you just want to enjoy less-expensive beach clubs, street food, and some of the island’s free things to do, you can still have an enjoyable time!

Accommodation Costs: You can find hostels for under $20 a night, mid-range hotels are $75-100 range per night, and luxury hotels can go from $200-400 per night.

Transportation Costs: Taxi rides to the hotel zone are less than $10 each way, while you’ll spend more to go to the other side of the island. However, you can also find group taxis with lower rates – you just have to be in the right place at the right time.

Food Costs: While nice restaurants in the touristy parts of town are pricier than local joints, you can still get a good meal downtown for less than $20 per person. Just keep your drink orders to a minimum.

Tips for Saving Money in Cozumel

Cozumel doesn’t have to be a pricey destination, and you can certainly have a great time while enjoying Cozumel on a budget!

Look for hotels in town with good reviews that are located in town instead of in the hotel zone or at a resort. The Suites Colonial in downtown San Miguel was great for budget travel since we had a kitchen and it came with breakfast.

You’ll also find cheaper prices at restaurants the further into town you walk. For the best food prices, find restaurants that cater to locals and eat local food – pizzas and pasta are mainly for tourists. Or alternate between touristy restaurants and cooking your meals in your hotel.

You can spend an afternoon exploring San Miguel without spending a dime, but if you want to get on the water make sure to shop around for discounts on diving tours or skip the diving and head to one of the budget-friendly beach clubs where you can enjoy the beach all day long.

Just pay attention to the cover price and the minimum spend before picking which one to go to, as well as the cost of transportation to get there.

How Money Works in Cozumel

Because Cozumel is a very touristy location, many hotels, shops, and restaurants take credit cards. However, there are still some situations where you will want to have cash.

You will need to have access to cash for things like taxi rides (especially from the airport), tipping, and even going to some of the beach clubs .

There are many ATMs in Cozumel to withdraw from, but you may encounter broken machines from time to time. Leave yourself room in your schedule to get cash if you have a tight deadline.

Make sure your bank knows you will be traveling so that you can use your card abroad. Try to get an account that doesn’t have foreign transaction fees or ATM fees. I use Charles Schwab so I don’t have any fees when I travel and need access to my money.

How Much to Tip in Cozumel

One of the top things American tourists forget about when traveling abroad is that our tipping customs are different than other countries – and we need to adjust accordingly.

And if you are coming to Cozumel from a country without a tipping culture, make sure to remember that leaving a gratuity is important to workers in the Mexican tourism industry.

Here are general guidelines for tipping in Cozumel:

Restaurants: 15%

Baggage Handlers: 25-50 MXN Pesos

Tour Guides and Dive Instructors: 200-400 MXN for a half-day trip or longer, 100-200 MXN for a tour that lasts less than three hours

Grocery Baggers at Grocery Stores: 5-10 MXN

What to Wear in Cozumel

While Cozumel is a beach destination, you will want to have more in your suitcases than bikinis and cover-ups.

Between windy nights, jungle humidity, and beach days, you’ll want to bring light layers so you can adjust your clothing temperatures as needed.

Think comfortable shoes, comfortable (breathable) layers, and the ability to d ress modestly if the setting necessitates it – like visiting churches and nice restaurants.

You can use my Mexico packing list for a complete list of things to bring to Mexico , including a packing list for what to wear with clothing suggestions.

What to Buy in Cozumel (Souvenirs & Gifts)

Because Cozumel has a large cruise ship contingent, tons of souvenir shops sell traditional kitschy souvenirs like keychains, t-shirts, etc.

While our family has a souvenir magnet collection, so I’d never say stay away from kitsch if it makes you happy, you may be looking for a few ideas of more traditional Cozumel souvenirs.

Popular souvenirs from Cozumel include Mexican Pottery, handwoven blankets, leather goods, and handmade hammocks.

Silver jewelry , while not from Cozumel, is also a popular Cozumel gift to bring back for a loved one – or yourself!

My favorite souvenirs from Cozumel that I’ve brought home are art pieces from Balam Art. While they specialize in art on feathers, I prefer the paintings in the back room.

The gallery is located at 5ta Avenida entre 2 Norte y Av Lic Benito Juarez Tienda Balam Art, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel.

Cozumel Island Guide Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

These are the most common questions about traveling to Cozumel.

How many days do you need in Cozumel?

I think four days is a great amount of time to spend in Cozumel if you will be visiting for a long weekend or as part of a larger trip around the Yucatan.

However, 2 or 3 days in Cozumel will give you a great introduction to the island.

If you have longer – like a week in Cozumel – you can add day trips to the mainland if you run out of things to do on Cozumel island.

What is the best month to go to Cozumel?

While Cozumel is a great destination year-round, January and February are the most popular months to go to Cozumel.

Which is better Cozumel or Cancun?

I VASTLY prefer Cozumel to Cancun. I have been to both multiple times, and I think Cozumel is a much more special destination than Cancun, which is a purpose-built tourist city.

Is Cozumel worth the money?

Yes, I think a trip to Cozumel is worth the money! You can find accommodations, food, and activities to fit any budget.

Is it safe to visit Cozumel?

Yes, it’s safe to visit Cozumel. Cozumel is one of the safest tourist destinations in Mexico. Just make sure to use common-sense safety tips.

What are the best places to visit in Cozumel?

San Miguel de Cozumel is the main Cozumel city, plus you’ll want to visit the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio as well as Punta Sur Eco Park.

Mexico Travel Resources

101 Things to Bring to Mexico: Complete Packing List for Mexico + What to Wear

101 Things to Bring to Cozumel: Packing List for What to Wear & What to Bring to Cozumel

24 Hours in Puerto Vallarta: Itinerary for One Perfect Day in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

23 Best Souvenirs from Mexico City: Gifts for Yourself and Your Loved Ones!

17 MUSA Cancun Tips: Planning a Visit to the Underwater Museum in Cancun

13 Tips for What to Wear to Chichen Itza + Outfit Ideas and Travel Tips

13 Tips for What to Wear to Tulum + Tulum Outfit Ideas

10 Tips for What to Wear on the Plane to Mexico + Airplane Outfits

10 Tips for Seeing the Holbox Bioluminescence: Tours, What to Wear, What to Bring, + More!

3 Ways to Get from Cancun to Chiquila Ranked from Easiest to Hardest

Pin this Cozumel Mexico Travel Guide to Help You with Planning a Trip to Cozumel, Mexico!

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$140 Find cheap flights to Cozumel

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to cozumel departing on 8/12. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to cozumel.

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Flights to cozumel - travel insights & trends, get data-powered insights and trends for flights to cozumel to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more., what is the cheapest flight to cozumel.

In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight to Cozumel was $140 for a one-way ticket from Chicago and $298 for a round-trip. The most popular route searched for by our users was for flights from Houston to Cozumel and the best round-trip deal found in the last 3 days was $334.

How much is a flight to Cozumel?

On average, a flight to cozumel costs $437. the cheapest price found on kayak in the last 2 weeks cost $114 and departed from chicago o'hare intl airport. the most popular routes on kayak are houston to cozumel which costs $384 on average, and miami to cozumel, which costs $464 on average., see prices from:, what is the cheapest day to fly to cozumel, based on kayak data, the cheapest day to fly to cozumel is tuesday where tickets can be as cheap as $485. on the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is saturday, where prices are $559 on average., what is the cheapest month to fly to cozumel, the cheapest month for flights to cozumel is august, where tickets cost $405 on average for one-way flights. on the other hand, the most expensive months are december and june, where the average cost of tickets from the united states is $779 and $710 respectively. for return trips, the best month to travel is january with an average price of $400., what is the cheapest time of day to fly to cozumel, the cheapest time of day to fly to cozumel is generally in the afternoon, when flights cost $350 on average. the most expensive time of day to fly to cozumel is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $555., what is a good deal for flights to cozumel, if you’re looking for cheap airfare to cozumel, 25% of our users found tickets to cozumel for the following prices or less: from chicago o'hare intl airport $114 one-way - $456 round-trip, from minneapolis $139 one-way - $293 round-trip, from houston george bush intcntl airport $174 one-way - $295 round-trip., how far in advance should i book a flight to cozumel, to get a below average price, you should book around 0 weeks before departure. for the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 82 days before departure., which airlines fly to cozumel, american airlines, united airlines, and southwest are commonly used to fly to cozumel from united states. see the amount of flights per week for popular airlines flying to cozumel., which airline offers the most flights to cozumel, of the 4 airlines that fly to cozumel, aerus offers the most flights, with around 35 per week, followed by volaris with 9 flights per week., how long is the flight to cozumel, the duration of your flight to cozumel depends on your departure and arrival airports. obviously any flights that include a layover will also be longer. the most popular routes to cozumel on kayak are from miami , which takes 1h 50m, new york , which takes 3h 56m, newark , which takes 4h 00m, and los angeles , which takes 4h 35m., how many direct flights to cozumel are there each day, there are around 6 direct flights from within united states to cozumel every day. most flights depart in the morning, with 9:00 am the most common departure time and 100% of flights departing in the morning., how many direct flights to cozumel are there each week, each week there are around 40 direct flights from within united states to cozumel. the most common day for departures is saturday, with 25% of flights taking off on this day., how many long-haul flights are there to cozumel each week, there are not any long-haul (6-12 hour flight duration) or medium-haul (3-6 hour flight duration) flights to cozumel. instead, there are 40 short-haul flights (up to 3 hour flight duration), with the most arriving from houston hobby airport., how many cities have direct flights to cozumel, from the united states, there are direct flights to cozumel from 6 cities. the city with the most direct flights is houston hobby airport, with 14 direct flights each week., good to know, when to book flights to cozumel, faqs - booking cozumel flights, does cozumel international airport (czm) have lounges.

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) provides a Caral VIP Lounge in front of Gate 5, which can be accessed through a day pass at the door. While the lounge does not have sleep facilities, it offers amenities such as food and beverages and is the only location in the airport with free Wi-Fi.

What is the best means of transport to and from Cozumel International Airport (CZM)?

To travel from Cozumel International Airport (CZM) and beyond, the most recommended transportation options are shuttles frequently provided by local hotels. If your hotel does not offer this service, you can book a transfer online or consider renting a car. These transfers and shuttle vans ensure time savings, waiting for you upon arrival and even offering transportation to the beach if that's your final destination, making them ideal for groups or families.

Is it possible to go by public transport from Cozumel International Airport (CZM) to the city center?

Public transport is commonly used by locals on the island, as the routes do not typically reach tourist spots like beaches and parks, nor do they have easy access to Cozumel city hotels.

What are the top attractions close to Cozumel Intenational Airport (CZM)?

Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is conveniently located a short drive from key island attractions, including the Coral Reefs Monument, Benito Juarez Park, Planetario De Cozumel, Cha'an Ka'an, and Dolphinaris Cozumel. You can book a trip directly to one of these attractions at the tourist stands near baggage claim, where numerous tour operators offer all-inclusive packages.

Does Cozumel International Airport (CZM) have any stores or boutiques?

For those interested in buying souvenirs at Cozumel International Airport (CZM), there are several shops to explore. Aldeasa is a duty-free store in the main terminal offering clothing, cosmetics, liquor, and food products. Additionally, there are small fashion boutiques with a variety of clothing and accessories.

Where can I rent a car at Cozumel International Airport (CZM)?

To rent a car at Cozumel International Airport (CZM), head to the rental car center next to the baggage claim in the Arrivals terminal. Desks for major car rental companies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz can be found there, with their vehicles stored within walking distance of the terminal.

Which hotels are closest to Cozumel International Airport (CZM)?

For a luxurious vacation, consider booking a room at the 4-star Hotel Cozumel & Resort, located less than 5 miles from Cozumel International Airport and just an 8-minute drive from Museo de Cozumel. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Plaza Cozumel is a 6-minute drive from the airport and a 2-minute walk to the oceanfront.

Does Cozumel International Airport (CZM) have a pharmacy or medical center?

If you feel unwell after your flight to Cozumel, visit the 24-hour medical center located in the Arrivals terminal of Cozumel International Airport (CZM). The professionals at this center can provide basic treatment and medicine, as well as suggest further resources if your illness or injury is severe.

How far is Cozumel from central Cozumel?

There are 2 miles between Cozumel city center and Cozumel.

What is the name of Cozumel’s airport?

All flights to Cozumel land at Cozumel. The airport code is CZM,and it can also be referred to as Cozumel.

On average, a flight to Cozumel costs $437. The cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks cost $114 and departed from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights to Cozumel?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Cozumel.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket to Cozumel?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Cozumel is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights to Cozumel?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Cozumel with an airline and back with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight to Cozumel?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Cozumel up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Cozumel

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Cozumel flight deals.
• You can fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM) from some of the busiest U.S. Cozumel routes from American cities like Houston, Miami, Dallas, Denver, Charlotte, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Orlando. American carriers like American Airlines, Southwest, Sun Country and United all operate direct flights from these destinations.
• The only alternative to flights to Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is a flight to Cancun which requires a ferry ride over. Thus, flights to Cozumel are the cheapest and fastest way to access all that the island has to offer. The ferry ride from Cancun takes 45min and costs $32 per adult.
• As the airport in Cozumel is small, there are only several US airlines that provide direct flights to Cozumel. If you would like to ensure that you do not have a layover when traveling to Cozumel International Airport (CZM), consider booking your reservation with either American, Delta, or United Airlines.
• If you have mobility restrictions , you need to call the airline you are traveling with. This is because all arrival flights arrive on the tarmac and depart via a staircase and the tarmac is a long walk to the airport terminal. The airline will arrange for airport personnel to assist you getting form the aircraft to terminal if you let them know ahead of time.
• If you want to change dollars to pesos before leaving the airport, check out the International Currency Exchange (ICE) located in the Arrivals Hall, just after the baggage claim.
• If you happen to be traveling for business , consider checking out the meeting room facilities at either the Hacienda San Miguel Suites & Hotel, the Casita de Maya Boutique Hotel or the Hotel Plaza Cozumel located close to the airport.
• It is important to know that, while travelers can take taxis to Cozumel International Airport (CZM), you must take a shuttle bus if you are heading to another destination from the airport such as your hotel. There is a shuttle ticket window that can be found in the Arrivals terminal where prices are clearly marked.
• Many businesses in Cozumel accept both US Dollars and Mexican Pesos, meaning you do not necessarily need to exchange money if you are coming from the United States. However, both Santander Bank and American Express have locations in Cozumel International Airport (CZM) where you can withdraw cash in either currency .
• If you are a smoker, keep in mind that Cozumel International Airport (CZM) does not currently have any indoor smoking rooms inside of its terminals. Instead, you will have to wait until you have exited security and left your terminal before you may have a cigarette or use any type of electronic smoking device. Some trash cans outside of the Arrivals terminal do have separate ashtrays.
• For those that would like to grab a snack or meal after their flights to Cozumel have landed, go to one of the several dining options in Cozumel International Airport. Air Margaritaville is a casual restaurant located in the Arrivals terminal that serves Mexican-inspired cuisine, while Grab & Go is located near the check-in desks and sells sandwiches and salads.

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Nonstop departures

United States to Cozumel

Aeromexico, Aerus, American Airlines, +8 more

Aeromexico, Aerus, +9 more

Aeromexico, Aerus, American Airlines, +9 more

Aeromexico, Aerus, +10 more

Nonstop returns

Cozumel to United States

Top 5 airlines flying to cozumel.

Delta is one of the best airlines I have flown

Made the Atlanta to Pittsburgh trip many times, with Delta no issues

I always fly with Delta. My friends tell me their horror stories of flying with other airlines. I just smile and say, “You should fly Delta”

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Horrible. This was not first class. This was a connecting flight whi h was late. My original flight never came. I hated the fact that delta gave me a connecting flight from New York to Orlando Florida. No meals and the television screens were not working. There wasn't even any power to charge your phones. This is NOT FIRST CLASS DELTA!!! Do better next time!

This flight was ridiculous. I had to have a connecting flight from New York to orlando Florida??? The flight left late and because it was a short flight there was no first class amenities. I had one alcohol drink. The flight crew was fine, but it sure did not feel like first class. Delta to me dropped the ball by giving me a connecting flight. By the time we got to Raleigh we would have missed the next flight. Lucky for me the flight never came so now I was stuck waiting for a later flight that came in late also.

Our flight was delayed in Atlanta. The staff could have gave us an explanation for the delay and how long it would be.

I liked the ease of checking in, luggage check in, wheel chair assistance, boarding and flight.

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive. I also upgraded to comfort + , I didn’t feel it was worth it. There was no benefit

On my way home I had a layover. The flight from ATL to CLT was amended 5x while I was waiting. I could have driven home sooner. Overall from Dallas, Tx to Charlotte, NC I started my trip at 4:30pm, I didn’t get home until past midnight. I know things happen, but 5x to make me run back and forth in an airport from different terminals is excessive.

Some entertainment and food/snack service would have been nice

All the pessengers should be wait in a line útil the creo and piloto are arrived.

Planes seat could be bigger very uncomfortable for tall humans.

1 hour waiting for suitcases to come out traveling in business class and food in business class is a sandwich? Avoid Aeromexico .

Newer plane with large seats. No meal, but snacks were plentiful. Inflight entertainment was good but movies were dated.

No space reserved for anyone who didn’t have underseat in front of them. Made it inconvenient to get the backs secured. No inflight entertainment in the 190. Bring your own! Food was excellent and we were surprised to get a full breakfast.

Nothing beats ANA customer service on my opinion. Maybe because of their Japanese culture (and food). Arigatō

So so. Terrible aircraft choice for that leg of the flight.

Due to one crew member not showing up to work, our flight was significantly delayed causing us to miss our connecting flight in Houston to Mississippi causing us to be delayed by more than 6 hours and missing our event all together. Very disappointing. All because ONE crew member called in sick. United did grant us a $15 meal voucher, which was a small but appreciated concession that I wasn’t able to use because I ordered my lunch and paid for it before applying the concession, and the staff said it was too late to use it. Ugh! We also had a TWO delay coming back from Mississippi, but that was on American Airlines and it was due to weather, so not their fault. Anyway, not at all impressed with United’s handling of our flight and the HUGE disappointment of missing our important family event for our 90 year old mother. All that money and all that stress and emotions for nothing. Having to wait the hour to bring an employee from LAX seemed like something that should not have happened. Why don’t you have a local back-up? Santa Ana is not a little airport in a rural area.

Flight delayed from Cape Town to Washington then got diverted to miami and in miami we had to fend for ourselves , im still trying to get to Shreveport now

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

I just wrote a text which was supposed to be for the flight from Denver to spokane not Frankfurt to Denver.

On time every leg of the journey and exceptional staff at counter, gate, and on board. I haven’t travelled in US for a long time and was genuinely surprised how pleasant this was.

Hated every minute of it. This flight should have only taken 1.5hrs but was delayed over 10hours. Now I am being told I cannot be compensated or refunded my ticket price or extra leg room, which I purchased but did not receive, because the airline is throwing the blame on the 3rd party I purchased tickets through and 3rd party putting the blame on airline. No one wants to help. They received their money and that's all they care about. Im going on 3 days of still trying to get to my final destination, had to cancel car rental, car insurance and hotel. Currently staying in airport until hotels open up. Thank you Lufthansa, Kayak, Underpricer and United for making this trip the worst ever.

The delays (5 hrs) were a comedy of errors, and the multiple safety issues encountered were very concerning.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Not sure why JAL partnered with American Airlines because their service is no where near similar. Flight attendants were not friendly and didn’t smile. Food was horrible…

this is starting to seem like an american airlines standard. delayed flights and fake apologies… getting tired of it

Terrible boarding , Business class seats are sub standard. As usual crew will miss your food too

Just get Economy Plus for international flights, so worth it the extra room, bigger seats…

This flight is frequently delayed. The connections seemingly are more frequently delayed. I’ve missed connections as a result twice on the same route to charlotte then Charleston. Final destination arrival has been the next day, twice in a row. No pilots, no crew. Too many excuses. Unfortunately, my days with American are over.

Entertainment was okay not because anything was wrong but it is a short flight so having no wifi is annoying but understandable. Crew was outstanding as usual

It was spectacular. I had basic Economy and was given so much space and their seats lean back so far. Staff was superb, food was superb, everything was superb, Finnair is Fantastic.

Those seats were way too narrow. I had the middle seat, one person was a very skinny person and we still couldn’t avoid touching each other anytime one of us moved. The other person was larger and we were basically sitting in each others lap the entire flight. There was zero entertainment. The flight was long enough to justify tvs, but no. Gotta sit there in your infant seat and twiddle your thumbs.

The Flight attendant had an attitude and didn't allow anyone any time to prepare for landing despite being absent throughout the entire trip

Flight boarded without pilots. Sat on plane for 3 hrs. after over an hour late boarding. Plane never took off. Had to deplane near midnight. Line for rebooking was 3 hours + long. I had to leave.

A flight attendant appeared to not be in a good mood that served us; felt she was being short. Overhead announcements were very loud compared to other airlines and the message was not friendly and was a little confusing. This flight was particularly over all was not satisfying compared to previous Sun Country flights.

Airlines should have to add their fees to their fares

I am upset with the hidden fees for bringing on an overhead carryon onto flight and also having to pay for my seat selection. This should all be part of the original price of the ticket. Very poor customer service

Sun country Wi-Fi was not working. Flight was overbooked by two people. Had to pay extra for carryons day before flight and I don’t like hidden fees like that.

WiFi did not work. Woman flight attendant in the rear of the plane was moody.

Flight delayed over 3 hrs due to unexplained issue. No text message to notify.

Well we did not realize at first it was a ground transfer, but we really enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to friends and family. Our driver was awesome and the ride was wonderful. A bathroom on board would have been nice, but at least we were warned that there wasn't one so we went ahead of time.

We were on a fairly long flight and they offered nothing for a snack (unless you paid) and then quickly gave you a drink and were never to be seen again. I would have loved a refill on my water but that was not an option. The flight attendants were standing on ther phone when we boarded and left and never even greeted us. Any other flight I have been on they would have welcomed us on the plane and again greeted us as we got off. Our landline transfer from MSP to Rochester on the other hand was FANTASTIC! We would highly recommend!

Took forever to get the plane loaded and unloaded. Longest I have ever had. I was in the middle of the plane and it almost took a hour after landing to get off of the plane.

Our flight was delayed and there was no communication at the airport.

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• The Explorean Cozumel - All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 1, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2024

• Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

• Cozumel Palace All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

• Occidental Cozumel - All Inclusive

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

Frequently asked questions

Expedia has 15 all-inclusive hotels for you to choose from in Cozumel.

Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive is an all-inclusive hotel featuring 2 restaurants and a children's pool, and a favorite with Expedia travelers. Other good choices for your stay include Cozumel Palace All Inclusive and El Cozumeleño Beach Resort - All Inclusive .

This relaxing beach destination has 15 all-inclusive hotels and other accommodations. Once you've made your way to your hotel and settled into your room, head out to enjoy activities like snorkeling spots, then finish off your day with some culture as Cozumel is also known for its ancient ruins.

If you want to venture outside of your all-inclusive resort, head to Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and Punta Langosta Pier and see why travelers like the beaches and recreational activities in Cozumel. Other attractions include Chankanaab National Park, Cozumel Maritime Terminal, and Paradise Beach.

There's nothing like an all-inclusive vacation in Cozumel to revive you, especially when you know what to expect from the elements. Here's some info to help you decide when to book: The hottest months are usually August and July with an average temp of 83°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 77°F. March and February are the driest months while June and September are the rainiest months.

Recent reviews of all-inclusive hotels in Cozumel Expedia verified reviews

Casa Mexicana Cozumel

• Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

El Cozumeleño Beach Resort - All Inclusive

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel - All Inclusive

• El Cid La Ceiba Beach All Inclusive

Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, an IHG Hotel

Melia Cozumel All Inclusive

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Other Cozumel Resort Hotel Options

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• Resorts & Hotels with Spas (36)
• Romantic Hotels (43)

More accommodation types in Cozumel

• Condo Rentals (129)
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• Resorts (10)
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All-Inclusive Hotels Near Popular Cozumel Attractions

• Hotels near Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park
• Hotels near Mr. Sancho's Beach Club
• Hotels near Paradise Beach
• Hotels near Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
• Hotels near Punta Langosta Pier
• Hotels near Chankanaab National Park
• Hotels near Palancar Beach
• Hotels near Nachi Cocom Beach Club & Water Sport Center
• Hotels near Isla de Pasion
• Hotels near Punta Sur Ecological Park

Cozumel All-Inclusive Hotels by Star Rating

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Other Hotels near Cozumel, Quintana Roo

• Allegro Cozumel All Inclusive
• Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive
• Hotel B Cozumel
• Hotel B Unique - Adults Only
• Hotel Puerto Libre Cozumel
• Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort
• Hotel Plaza Cozumel
• Caribo Cozumel
• El Cid La Ceiba Beach
• Kinta Kan Boutique Hotel
• Hotel Barracuda Cozumel
• Suites Colonial

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Cozumel Via Cancun

Things to do in Cozumel

Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins Deluxe Tour

Pirates Night Lobster Dinner Cruise

Cozumel Three Reefs by Explora Snorkeling Tour

Family activities in cozumel.

Sea lions, dolphins, and manatee! Oh boy!

Play all day at Playa Mia

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is home to the beach break, a place where attractions offer something for everyone to have a good time. Kick back in the massage tub and sip an umbrella drink as the kids splash and play at Buccaneers Bay playland and Twister Waterslide. Watch the marine life dart about in the crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reef. Play ping pong, soccer, water bicycles, and paddle boats. Goof-off on the floating park. Go sailing. Explore the underwater Mayan city. Play on the playa by booking a Mexican Caribbean vacation package with Southwest Vacations.

Nightlife and entertainment in Cozumel

Fine dining

Nightlife and entertainment

Cave swimming

A cozy island off the coast of Mexico’s Riviera Maya, this beach dwellers paradise has miles of white sandy shorelines and expansive jungle scenery. But there’s more to Cozumel than tranquil sunny days. The island offers a wealth of underwater gardens and Mexico’s largest reef system, making it perfect for scuba divers and snorkelers. With the laid-back vibes of San Miguel and enticing all-inclusive resorts all around the island, even if you're looking for more, you’re only a short ferry ride to the famed restaurants and night-life of Cancun. Pick the perfect resort for your ideal Cozumel all-inclusive vacation with a Southwest Vacations® package.

Cozumel Vacation FAQ

Cozumel Uncovered: 10 Insider Tips for an Amazing Adventure

Cozumel travel tips.

W elcome to Cozumel, the stunning island paradise in the Caribbean that offers a plethora of adventures for travelers of all types. Whether you're looking for breathtaking natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, or a vibrant cultural experience, Cozumel has it all. In this article, we will uncover 10 insider tips to help you have an amazing adventure in Cozumel. So grab your sunblock, put on your adventure hat, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!

Uncovering Cozumel Secrets

Cozumel is an island full of hidden gems and secrets waiting to be discovered. While many tourists flock to the popular attractions, there are some lesser-known spots that truly showcase the essence of Cozumel. Here are a few secrets we are unveiling just for you:

Must-try Cozumel Activities

No trip to Cozumel is complete without engaging in some thrilling activities that will leave you with lifelong memories. From exploring underwater wonders to immersing yourself in the vibrant local culture, Cozumel offers a wide range of activities that cater to all interests. Here are some must-try activities during your visit:

1. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters: Cozumel is famous for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Grab your snorkeling gear and dive into the turquoise waters to witness the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

2. Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins: Cozumel is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, such as San Gervasio and El Cedral. Take a step back in time and marvel at the architectural wonders of these ancient civilizations.

3. Swimming with the dolphins: Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures by participating in a dolphin swim experience. Interact with them, learn about their behavior, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

4. Discovering hidden cenotes: Cenotes are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Take a break from the beaches and explore these unique geological formations by swimming, snorkeling, or diving in them.

5. Trying traditional Mexican cuisine: Cozumel is a food lover's paradise, and trying the local cuisine is an absolute must. Sample dishes like cochinita pibil (pulled pork), ceviche (marinated seafood), and chiles en nogada (stuffed peppers) to tantalize your taste buds.

6. Island hopping to Playa del Carmen: Take a short ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and explore the vibrant town known for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, and trendy shops.

7. Embarking on an ATV adventure: Get your adrenaline pumping by going on an ATV adventure through the rugged terrain of Cozumel. Feel the thrill as you navigate through jungle paths and off-road trails.

8. Shopping for souvenirs at San Miguel: San Miguel is the main town in Cozumel and offers a plethora of shops and marketplaces where you can find unique souvenirs, local handicrafts, and traditional Mexican products.

9. Participating in a tequila tasting: Mexico is known for its tequila, and Cozumel offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the history and production process of this iconic beverage. Join a tequila tasting tour and discover your favorite variety.

10. Watching the mesmerizing sunset: Cozumel is blessed with breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple. Find the perfect spot, sit back, and let the natural beauty of Cozumel mesmerize you.

Conclusion:

Cozumel is a destination that caters to every type of traveler, offering a wide range of activities and experiences. By following these insider tips, you'll be able to uncover the hidden secrets of Cozumel and create memories that will last a lifetime. So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an amazing adventure in Cozumel!

The post Cozumel Uncovered: 10 Insider Tips for an Amazing Adventure appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

Cozumel Visitors Guide

How to get there, things to do & more.

Updated April 2024 ⋅ Written by Laura Schulthies ⋅ Edited by Daniel Mode

Welcome to Cozumel Mexico

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. This is Isla Cozumel. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. This is Isla Cozumel.

Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

Cozumel Map

A Bit Of History

A glistening tropical paradise off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel was once a bustling Mayan community with as many as 10,000 local residents.

Sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess, Ix Chel , the island and its temples were an important place of pilgrimage for women seeking fertility. The remnants of that once thriving civilization can still be seen today in the small ruins of San Gervasio  in the island’s forested interior.

Cozumel Today

Flash forward 2,000 years, and today Cozumel is an exciting tourist destination that holds a special place in our hearts.

With two very different sides to the beautiful island, one can access all the modern amenities around its main town of  San Miguel , and yet still find numerous places on the far side of the island to get away from it all.

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe area to travel to, especially compared to other parts of Mexico.

Within the highly touristic regions of the island, the crime rate is close to 0%, making the island non-threatening to travelers. There is a strong police presence on the island, as well as friendly locals who keep the island safe for tourists and residents, night and day.

Where is Cozumel?

The island of Cozumel is located just off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport.

Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world), Cozumel is an incredible spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the Island Life!

The Best Time to Visit Cozumel

Looking for the best time to go to Cozumel? The tropical climate in Cozumel is reasonably predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83° F) it’s the rainy season that travelers should pay attention to.

January – April

Wonderfully warm and clear weather-wise, this is also “peak” tourist season. If you are not a people person, consider this. The ocean and swimming pools (that aren’t heated) can still be a little chilly for some.

May – October

The hottest and “raniest” months of the year, May to October still has plenty of sunshine. The water in the summer is warm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling & diving. The hurricane season peaks in September and October so keep an eye on the forecasts and definitely get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

November – December

The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time, the humidity is low and the Caribbean Sea is still warm. It can be a little “cool” in the evenings so bring a jacket or a light sweater.

  When Is Cozumel Hurricane Season?

Cozumel hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak occurring between September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Cozumel are fairly low (only six hurricanes have hit the island in the past 30 years), but hurricanes traveling near Cozumel can still cause inclement and severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and we always suggest getting travel insurance during these months just in case.

How to Get to Cozumel & Around

There are a few ways to get to Cozumel and around the island. Note that some larger resorts in Cozumel may provide free airport transportation, so check ahead.

Arrival By Air

Numerous airlines fly directly into Cozumel including American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Sun Country. The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is very small (only 5 gates) and passengers must depart the airplanes down roll up stairs onto the runway. No skywalks here!

Be warned that American Airlines and United have been known to sometimes switch passengers headed to Cozumel onto Cancun flights last minute. This is a massive hassle as Cancun airport is huge and passengers would need to arrange overland travel 45 minutes south to Playa Del Carmen, walk a significant distance to the ferry and then take a 40-minute ferry ride to Cozumel. This can add a few hours of travel and plenty of extra money.

  Search for great deals on flights here .

Arrival By Ferry

A 40-minute ferry ride is the only way to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. Two ferry companies,  Ultramar and Winjet, offer passenger-only services to and from the island for $17 – $20 one way and $34 – $40 round trip for adults. You can catch the ferry from the Playa Del Carmen ferry terminal located three blocks away from Juarez and 5th Avenue’s ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive.

Arrival By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships traditionally stop at Cozumel daily, though passengers don’t have nearly as much time to explore the island. There is just too much to do in Cozumel!

Cruise ships dock at one of three cruise ship ports in Cozumel. Punta Langosta is conveniently right in town and close to shops and restaurants. Puerto Maya and the International Cruise Terminal are about 10 minutes drive south of town.

  Search for great deals on cruises here .

Airport Shuttles In Cozumel

Unless you know somebody in Cozumel that can pick you up, you will need to take a shuttle to your hotel from the airport. Taxis are no longer allowed to pick up at the airport. Private and Group shuttles are available. The kiosks are right outside the baggage claim past the timeshare hawkers. Prices are standardized and regulated so there is no point in haggling.

Renting a vehicle may be the most convenient choice for getting around the island depending on how much exploring you plan on doing. It is an easy and affordable option as rental cars can be as cheap as $30/day. The roads around the island are fairly straightforward and safe.

We do not recommend renting a scooter unless you are a well seasoned motorcycle/scooter rider with significant riding experience.

  Search for great deals on rental cars here .

Taxis can no longer pick up at the airport but they are a very convenient way to get around the island. They can easily be flagged down around town or can be called by your hotel.

Prices are standardized and regulated but can add up if you’re traveling from the resort areas to town or going to the wild east side of the island. Be sure to discuss the prices in advance of taking the ride so you know what you’ll pay.

Things to Do in Cozumel

Cozumel's top highlights.

There is so much to do in Cozumel! From diving and snorkeling to jeep tours and beach lounging, it’s really easy to make each day in Cozumel a special experience. Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy on the island!

1. Visit The Wild East Side

The “wild” east side of the island is absolutely worth a visit. While the west side is primarily hotels and beach clubs, the east side of Cozumel is a paradise of remote beaches interspersed with fantastic local beach bars. There are also a few great places to grab a lounger, eat some fresh fish tacos and take a dip in the water such as Chen Rio and Punta Morena , but the real highlight of the east side is the wonderful natural emptiness of it all. Be sure to stop for a fresh handmade beach cocktail at Rastas , Welcome to Miami or Mezcalitos (or all three!) and let the sea breeze wash over you. Hammocks included.

Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches from May to August. It can pile up on the sand and be a little smelly. If the east coast has too much seaweed when you arrive, we recommend visiting Punta Sur (see below) or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs instead.

  To reach the wild east side you can rent a car , hire a taxi in town or book a private tour in a van, jeep or dune buggy .

2. Go Diving

Cozumel is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility. From beginner’s discovery dives to advanced drift dives, there’s something for everyone around Cozumel.

  Be sure to check out our Cozumel Diving Guide for extensive information including recommendations for the top reefs, dive shops & dive schools.

  ISLAND LIFE TRAVEL TIP : GET TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel Insurance is a must in our opinion. Standard health insurance likely doesn’t cover you while outside of the country so travel insurance will cover any emergency medical needs as well as trip cancellation, lost or stolen luggage (it happens), flight delays, missed connections and more. You can easily compare the top-rated travel insurance plans here .

3. Spend the Day at a Beach Club

The west side of Cozumel has incredible sparkling, turquoise waters and numerous beautiful beaches. When visiting the island, there are several fantastic beach clubs where visitors have access to sandy beaches, swimming pools, oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, water activities and more. They typically range in cost from $20 USD to $65 USD per person with the pricier options being all inclusive with drinks and food.

  Check out our Best Cozumel Beach Clubs guide for great information about the top rated clubs on the island.

4. Take A Tour With A Local

Take your vacation in Cozumel to the next level by taking a tour with a local! There is nothing quite like getting an insider experience with people who live here and love all that the island has to offer. Curious about Cozumel’s green interior? Take a jeep tour to Cozumel’s original capital town, Cedral, a quaint community surrounded by forest on all sides. While there, take a jungle off-road visit to caves, trails and even a cenote where you can take a swim. If you are more interested in a water experience, head out from the local’s marina (not the tour boat marina) for some fishing, snorkeling and exploring on the way up to Passion Island. Once there, swim in the clear waters and enjoy a bbq on the beach, local family style! It doesn’t get much better than that. For arranging tours with a local, we recommend contacting Arturo at  Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge , and start planning your unique private experience. Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge is now offering an exclusive tour that has you visiting a private hacienda with caves to explore, a plunge pool and a delicious asadero (open fire bbq). By the end of the day, you will have enjoyed an authentic piece of Cozumel, just like a local.

  To arrange a private tour with locals, contact Arturo at Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge . You can email him here .

5. Go Snorkeling

The water off the coasts of Cozumel is world famous, so jump in! There are numerous snorkeling locations where you can simply enter from the shore, or you could take a boat tour out to the incredible reefs. If time is short, a shallow reef snorkel tour may be the perfect way for you to experience the underwater world. Feel like a full day snorkel excursion? Check out some of the many longer tours to the deeper sections of the reefs to try and spot some of the larger species that call this water home. Whatever you choose, you will be smiling the whole time.

  Be sure to check out our Cozumel Snorkeling Guide for the best snorkel sites and tour company recommendations.

6. Take a Bike or E-Bike Tour

Cozumel is the perfect location for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. With its flat roads, breathtaking scenery and warm weather, riding a bicycle or an e-bike in Cozumel is a fun way to explore the island. Whether you are a casual bike rider or an experienced cyclist, taking a bicycle tour in Cozumel is an excellent way to experience the island’s stunning landscapes, tranquil coastlines, and vibrant culture. If you aren’t feeling up to pedaling, consider using an e-bike. While you can simply rent a bicycle and discover the island on your own, we recommend taking a guided tour with  GoZumel.   They offer a variety of e-bike tours that are comfortable, safe and are sure to create lasting memories.

  Check out various E-Bike tours with GoZumel .

7. Try Sport Fishing

Deep sea and bottom fishing are fast becoming very popular activities here in Cozumel. Stunningly clear water and excellent weather create an enticing environment for this thrilling sport. If you are one of the many visitors to the island who are passionate about fishing, we recommend booking a private boat for the adventure of a lifetime. The waters around Cozumel are famous for a reason, they are teeming with gorgeous fish. Sailfish, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Barracuda and so many more swim through these waters daily. Whether you are an experienced mariner or have never been sea fishing before, don’t worry, the award-winning team at Aquadventures will guide you through every troll and reel. Bring some friends, bring your family, come enjoy a day on either the beautiful Grand Slam or Why Not boat stocked with everything you need to have a fun and exciting day on the water.

  To arrange a private fishing or snorkeling charter, check out this highly rated outfitter .

8. Go Shopping

No vacation to Mexico would be complete without at least a little shopping, and Cozumel is the perfect place to do just that. With dozens of shops ranging from high end silver jewelry to beach bag vendors, whatever your heart desires can be easily found. Although most people naturally flock to the town center or the Royal Village Mall by the cruise ship port, we recommend taking the time to explore a little further afield to find some true treasures. You may just end up buying your hammock from a local who has just finished stitching it on his front stoop! Also, whether you have one day for shopping or many days, you must be sure to visit Los Cinco Soles . Located at the north end of the waterfront, this is an exceptionally well-appointed shop. Filled to the brim with stunning art, souvenirs, jewelry, clothing, traditional handicrafts and more, Los Cinco Soles has something for everyone. It even has a tequila tasting bar! All created by Mexican artisans, farmers and families. You will be so happy you visited.

  Be sure to check out Los Cinco Soles about a 5 minute walk up the coast road from the main square.

9. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

Mexican food is definitely one of the main things to love about this region. Be it traditional Yucatecan cuisine or home-cooked Mexican classics like enchiladas or street tacos, there is something for everyone in Cozumel. Why not have some fun learning how it’s done and take home some great memories and new skills with you? There are a number of very popular cooking classes available in Cozumel.

  Explore a variety of Cozumel cooking classes here .

10. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

The entire southern point of Cozumel island is a sprawling nature preserve known as Punta Sur. It one of the best places to see the island’s vast natural habitat. With some of the most beautiful beaches on the island (bring your swimsuit!) and incredible mangrove marshlands (a free boat ride to see wild crocodiles and birds is included), Punta Sur is a nature lovers dream. Be sure to stop at the lighthouse and climb to the top for epic 360 degree views. There is so much to explore at Punta Sur, be sure to get there early and bring some extra money for food and drinks at the beachside restaurants.

  To reach Punta Sur you can rent a car , hire a taxi in town or book a private tour in a van, jeep or dune buggy .

11. Go on a Jeep Tour

While there are a number of paved roads around the island, many parts of Cozumel still only have dirt road access. Jeep tours are a popular way to see much more of the island. With trips through the woods and stops at beaches, a Jeep Tour can be an excellent (and at times, bumpy) way to get the lay of the land on the island.

  Explore a variety of jeep tours here .

Where To Stay In Cozumel

There are all types of accommodations in Cozumel. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to hostels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For great hotel info and recommendations, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide  or our Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort Guide.

For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide

What To Eat In Cozumel

You can find a wide range of wonderful bites to eat on Cozumel. If you’re looking for a culinary adventure, check out our Cozumel Restaurant Guide .

For great restaurant recommendations, check out our Cozumel Restaurant Guide

What To Pack For Your Trip!

The Mexican Caribbean is an enchanting wonderland of relaxation and adventure, one can easily have the trip of a lifetime here. Packing for such a vacation shouldn’t be hard, so we’ve put together a list to help you pack and included some of our favorites as well. Check out our What To Pack For Your Mexico Vacation Guide .

Check out our Packing List For Beach Vacation!

Find The Best Cozumel Flights

Finding the best flights to Cozumel shouldn’t be hard. We think the Kayak travel search engine is the best way to start. We’ve put together a quick guide to searching for the best flights using Kayak. Check out our Finding The Best Flights To Cozumel Guide .

Check out our Finding The Best Flights To Cozumel Guide!

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Much more to explore..., share this post, this post has 20 comments.

Awesome post, thanks

Hello, Is there a booklet or brochure you can send me. I will be cruising there in January. Thanks.

We dont have a booklet but there are loads of great recommendations in our web guides. I hope it helps you plan the perfect vacation!

Very informative, well-written info blog. Glad I found it!

I love the idea about visiting Buccanos! I’ll have to check that out on my next trip.

You will LOVE Buccanos.

I love the idea of an Island Photoshoot. I’m a female solo traveler, so this sounds like a cool thing to do while on vacation. Thank you for the guide!

Cool, I want to go there!

What a great comprehensive guide! I appreciate the wealth of information shared here. Thanks.

Thanks Linda! Glad you like it.

SO helpful for our trip to Cozumel coming up, thank you!

Happy to help!

We are coming Nov13-Nov18 2021. This is our 1st time. Our son will turn 15 while on the cruise and this is his surprise birthday present

Have a wonderful time! What a great present 🙂

This was such a great find! Thank you for posting this guide. We used it literally daily to pick what we would do and where we would go.

What a joy! This guide has taken the search out of my research. You all have saved me so much time. I can’t wait to get there with my family and see all of these places in person.

Forget trying to navigate TripAdvisor, this guide was exactly the thing we needed to organize our trip. Thank you 😊

Thanks for posting this. It was so much more helpful than the other guides I have found online. It made my Cozumel trip so much easier.

Really helpful guide. We referred to this (and your other guides) multiple times on our recent trip. Thanks so much.

A great blog post with just enough information to make you feel like you actually know something about Cozumel. Loved the history sections. Thanks for posting, all this info made our trip that much easier. Keep it up!

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The island of swallows, cozumel offers colorful traditions and glorious natural wonders and renowned diving..

Resting in the Caribbean Sea just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and Cancun, Cozumel welcomes visitors with lush jungles, shimmering lagoons, ecological treasures and mysterious cenotes. The town of San Miguel boasts lively eateries and shops. Resorts offer deluxe accommodations for a comfortable stay, and the ideal base for all of your adventures.

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More About Cozumel

The island of Cozumel is a kinder, gentler version of Cancún. It has its fair share of big resorts, but the streets aren't quite as chockablock with tourist traps. The world's second-largest barrier reef lies just off the coast, which makes this a top snorkeling and diving destination. A few Mayan ruins provide what limited sightseeing there is (aside from the island's glorious natural attractions). On the mainland is Playa del Carmen, a charming beach town that's the unofficial capital of the Riviera Maya, a string of beaches that is quickly becoming the next big destination. As you head south toward the ruins of Cobá and Tulúm, you'll find tiny fishing villages as well as a couple of ecological reserves. A few well-placed resorts mean that this area isn't entirely off the beaten path, but some areas are quite secluded.

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Before You Go

• To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
• Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
• Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
• Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
• If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
• For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.
• December through February: 82° to 82° (Winter)
• March through May: 84° to 89° (Spring)
• June through August: 89° to 90° (Summer)
• September through November: 89° to 84° (Autumn)

Sargassum/Seaweed Advisory

Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed that is especially prolific in the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico. While beneficial to ocean life, these large free-floating seaweed mats often wash up on beaches. The amount of seaweed on the beaches fluctuates based on the time of year and ocean currents. While resorts do their best to maintain the beaches for their guests, you may experience some inconvenience during your stay.

Top Experiences

Scuba Diving : Explore the world-famous 20-mile Maya Reef, where a profusion of fish and other underwater creatures reside. Underwater enthusiasts are drawn to the clear water, abundant marine life, and exquisite coral formations.

Taking in the Culture : Watch beribboned traditional dancers at the annual Feria del Cedral festival, one of the island's most colorful celebrations.

Partying, Local Style : Join the locals at the Plaza Central in San Miguel on Sunday nights for music and dancing that has more in common with the Caribbean than Mexico.

Exploring : Ride a jeep along the wild, undeveloped eastern coast. When you get hungry, stop for a picnic at any of the secluded beaches.

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The Top Things to Do in Cozumel

Beaches, Diving, Shopping, Ancient History

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The Caribbean island of Cozumel is Mexico's foremost diving destination , as well as the country's most visited port of call by cruise ships. Located twelve miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula , across from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is approximately thirty miles long and ten miles wide, making it the country's largest Caribbean island. With its bustling waterfront town, excellent shopping, lovely beaches, and great opportunities for underwater exploration, Cozumel is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a laid-back vacation with some prime diving opportunities. 

You can visit Cozumel on a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen , or stay on the island for a deeper taste into what this island destination has to offer. Here are some of our favorite things to see and do on a visit to Cozumel.

Discover the Mesoamerican Reef

The second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Reef , is located right off the coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, and Cozumel is the perfect location from which to explore it. Its warm waters, excellent visibility, and towering coral formations make Cozumel a favorite spot for divers. You can snorkel from the shore, or take an excursion farther out to explore in the open sea.

Reefs on the south side of the island are within the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, which begins just south of the International Pier and continues around the southern tip of the island (Punta Sur) and up a small portion of the east side of the island. The park consists of around 12,000 hectares (29,600 acres) of sea and coastline. Whether swimming, snorkeling, or diving, remember to respect the reef. Use biodegradable sunscreen, try not to touch or stand on the reef, and don't remove any of the sea life from its natural environment.

Visit San Gervasio Archaeological Site

Get a glimpse into ancient Mayan civilization at San Gervasio archaeological site, an ancient site on Cozumel island that has around 60 structures in various states of preservation. This was a shrine to the fertility goddess Ixchel, and according to legend, in ancient times, Mayan women would make a pilgrimage to the shrine to pay tribute to the goddess. She showed her pleasure by sending flocks of swallows, giving the island its name, which in the Mayan language is Ah Cuzamil Petin, which means "Island of Swallows". You may still spot some swallows, as well as other colorful birds, and the archaeological site also has plenty of iguanas wandering around, just waiting to have their photo taken.

Explore Chankanaab Park

Chankanaab Park, which means "small sea" in Mayan, is a water adventure park with a nice beach, a picturesque saltwater lagoon, a botanical garden, and archaeological park with reproductions of a Mayan village and Olmec, Toltec, Aztec, and Maya n stone carvings. The beach is great for swimming and snorkeling, with lots to discover beneath the water's surface. For an extra charge, there are additional activities on offer including a zip-line, swimming with dolphins, kayaking, as well as snorkeling equipment for rent.

This park has all the creature comforts, including recliners on the beach, hammocks, dressing rooms with lockers, and showers, as well as play areas for children. The facilities are good, and there is a buffet restaurant or waiter service by the beach. This park is a good option for cruise ship visitors and daytrippers, who may not have time to explore off the beaten path and want everything conveniently in one spot.

Visit Parque Punta Sur

The southernmost point of Cozumel island, known as Punta Sur, is home to an ecological reserve that is a sanctuary for iguanas, giant turtles, and more than 200 species of birds including kingfishers and pink spoonbills. The park has a beautiful white sand beach with good snorkeling just off the shore. A guided boat ride on the Colombia Lagoon is included in the entrance fee to the Punta Sur Park and offers the opportunity for bird watching, sightseeing, crocodile observation and more. Before leaving, be sure to climb to the top of the Celarain lighthouse to enjoy the spectacular view from above.

Learn About Cozumel's History

TripSavvy / Jamie Ditaranto

If you'd like to learn a little bit more about the island's history, as well as its flora and fauna, a visit to the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel is just the thing. This small museum is conveniently located on the main street in the center of San Miguel and has four exhibit rooms, and a recreation of a traditional Mayan home behind the building. It won't take long to visit, but will certainly give you more insight into this special area and its fascinating history, from when the Maya originally inhabited the island starting around 300 AD through to the present day.

Stroll Around San Miguel Town

The town of San Miguel sits in the center of Cozumel Island, on the side facing the coast. Many visitors to the island never venture beyond the cruise ship pier and the beachfront, but if you would like to see a bit of the real Mexico, take a stroll around the picturesque town square, and a few blocks beyond, to see some non-touristy shops and the areas where the locals live. Cozumel is a very safe destination and beyond taking the normal precautions against pickpockets and the like, you can feel perfectly safe exploring on your own.

Shop for Souvenirs

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

Cozumel has a great many shops for you to buy souvenirs for yourself or as gifts for family and friends. Some of the things you can buy here include Mexican chocolate, vanilla, and tequila, as well as pottery, jewelry, hammocks, clothes and all manner of handicrafts. There are many shops along the cruise ship pier, but these are mainly pricey shops designed to entice cruise ship passengers just off the boat. Visit the crafts market on the east side of the San Miguel main square for a good selection of crafts produced in many different regions of Mexico. Be sure to bring cash and be ready to haggle for some good deals.

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Your Cozumel Vacation

Enjoy the beachy city of Cozumel with a tailor-made Cozumel vacation package and immerse yourself in everything it has to offer. From its laid-back lifestyle and beaches to its laid-back lifestyle, prepare to fall for the unique charms of this vibrant destination. Ready to venture out and explore? Chankanaab National Park , Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and Stingray Beach are among the best places to visit during a trip to Cozumel. Don't delay exploring this city any longer. The perfect Cozumel vacation is only a few clicks away with Expedia.

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Where to stay in Cozumel

Zona Hotelera Norte

If you're spending some time in Zona Hotelera Norte, Playa San Juan and Villa Maya are top sights worth seeing.

Colonia Centro

While visiting Colonia Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Cozumel Maritime Terminal and Punta Langosta Pier.

Colonia Andrés

While there might not be top attractions in Colonia Andrés, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Punta Langosta Pier and Cozumel Maritime Terminal.

Colonos Cuzamil

When in Colonos Cuzamil, you can plan a visit to Punta Langosta Pier and Stingray Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Colonia Adolfo López Mateos

While there might not be top attractions in Colonia Adolfo López Mateos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cozumel Maritime Terminal and Punta Langosta Pier.

Cozumel Beach Vacation

If you want to escape the city crowds, a Cozumel vacation is the answer to your vacation prayers. There’s no shortage of stunning views to soak up on a trip to Cozumel. Those who love the water are likely to be familiar with Paradise Beach (13 kilometres away) and will probably want to stay nearby. But there's no need to worry if the closest accommodations are full. Plenty of visitors to the area also take advantage of Cozumel packages near San Francisco Beach and Palancar Beach.

Things You Should Know About Cozumel

• If you want to stay as close as possible to the water, check out what's available at these Cozumel beach hotels . There's sure to be a place that suits your travel style.
• Condos, like El Cantil Condos by Rentals Your Way and Condumel Condominiums , are also popular types of properties here. Compare prices and amenities and take your pick!
• Don't like constantly reaching for your wallet while on vacation? We know how you feel. With almost everything taken care of, our All-Inclusive hotels in Cozumel are the ideal solution.
• Want to know what Cozumel has to offer? You can't go past insider knowledge. As soon as you arrive, get chatting to one or two of the 77,200 people who live here. Check out our handy Cozumel things to do page , too.
• Paradise Beach is one major sight you need to see here. For plenty of other great travel plan ideas, look up our Cozumel vacation deals.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in cozumel, playa mia grand beach and water park.

Bring the family to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Cozumel. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

Mr. Sancho's Beach Club

Enjoy an outing to Mr. Sancho's Beach Club during your stay in Cozumel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Paradise Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Paradise Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cozumel. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.

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This 185-square-mile Island Is Mexico's Most Popular Cruise Port — but It's Still Home to Under-the-radar Restaurants and Local-loved Beaches

Cozumel, Mexico, has all the ingredients for a perfect beach vacation — with a twist.

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Cozumel, the largest of Mexico's islands in the Caribbean Sea, has everything you’d want from a typical beach getaway: white-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, crystal-clear water, and a laid-back lifestyle. But for some Mexican flair, it also offers Mayan ruins, traditional Yucatecan cuisine, and lots of beach bars to snag a tropical tequila-based beverage. 

The 185-square-mile island happens to be the most popular cruise port in Mexico, and its main town, San Miguel, hums with foot traffic thanks to the large volume of ships that call here every year. As you can imagine, San Miguel can be an overwhelming blend of souvenir stands and overpriced restaurants, but if you know where to look, you can find the real-deal eateries and locals-only beaches that fly under the radar. Venturing beyond the small town puts you at the doorstep of a protected natural environment and some of the very best scuba diving and snorkeling on the planet.

"Cozumel is a a limestone island in the Caribbean Sea. It's basically the terminus of the second-longest barrier reef in the world, and it's one of the busiest cruise ship ports. It sees around 3,000 ships a year carrying more than four million passengers," said Zach Rabinor , CEO of Journey Mexico and a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor. "The island is dominated by the cruise trade and swarms with local merchants hawking everything from tours to time-share real estate. That said, it has its own charm and there are pockets of local flavor."

Whether you’re visiting for just a few hours, or planning to spend several nights, Cozumel has enough to fill an itinerary. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tips on where to go, what to see, and where to eat while visiting Cozumel.

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Book a room at the best beachfront resort on the island, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa. 
• Swim among the stars at the world-famous Playa El Cielo.
• Pick up a bottle of organic vanilla, handcrafted silver, or a handmade hammock in downtown San Miguel.
• Grab the world’s best mojito on the Atlantic side of the island at The Coconut Shack.
• Have an intimate home-cooked meal at La Casita de Indio.

Courtesy of Iberostar Cozumel

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa

A Cozumel institution, the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa has a lengthy white-sand beach and five-star accommodations. The chic, spacious rooms offer spectacular Caribbean Sea views, and guests who want to experience Cozumel’s world-class diving can use the on-site dive center, or unwind at the spa.

The Explorean Cozumel

This adults-only all-inclusive may not be right on the beach, but don't let that dissuade you. It's an upscale experience chock-full of inclusions, from daily guided snorkeling expeditions to horseback riding, kayaking, and driving dune buggies. It's also a quick walk to the beach at the sibling resort, Fiesta Americana Cozumel.

Iberostar Cozumel

One of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel, Iberostar Cozumel has a quiet stretch of beach, two large pools, a spa, and a kids' club. It's a great option for travelers who prefer to distance themselves from busy San Miguel and want front-row seats to the best diving on the island.

Fiesta Americana Cozumel

While The Explorean is adults-only, its sibling resort, Fiesta Americana Cozumel , welcomes families to its oceanfront location. Guests can expect a private boat dock with overwater beds, suites with balconies, and five restaurants. 

James R.D. Scott/Getty Images

Dive the Mesoamerican Reef.

Cozumel is perched at the northern tip of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System — the second-largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. Teeming with wildlife, including colorful coral, a kaleidoscope of fish, sea turtles, and sharks, the reef system is one of the star attractions in Cozumel and diving is a top priority for visitors.

Snorkel Playa El Cielo.

You don't have to be PADI-certified or go very far offshore to have an epic underwater experience in Cozumel. Off the southern coast of the island is a beach called Playa El Cielo, famous for the thousands of underwater starfish scattered across the fine white sand, much like stars in the sky. El Cielo translates to "heaven," and it will be no surprise why this beach bears its name. "El Cielo is an incredible shoal/sandbar, and it's only accessible by boat. It's a 30-minute trip and absolutely worth it for those wishing to escape the more crowded beaches," said Rabinor.

Visit Isla Pasion.

As if Cozumel doesn't have enough pristine beachfront, many day trippers to the island like to pop over to the nearby uninhabited Isla Pasion. The dreamy island has crystal-clear water, sun-bleached sand, and plenty of activities to keep visitors occupied, from kayaks and hammocks to beach volleyball, buffet-style restaurants, and bars. Lots of cruise lines also offer packages for excursions to Isla Pasion, so it's easy to squeeze in a visit.

Head to the beach clubs.

Cozumel has its own picture-perfect beaches and beach clubs, too. Most day trippers visiting on a cruise will stick to the beach clubs facing the calm Caribbean Sea and Playa del Carmen skyline. These spots have restaurants, showers, and restrooms, as well as plenty of water sports. For the more local beaches, which are often less crowded and less developed, head to the eastern coast of the island. These stretches face the Atlantic Ocean and are much more rugged, albeit beautiful.

Drive around the island.

Whether on two wheels or four, the best way to see the most of Cozumel is to get out on the road. One highway circumvents the island and along the way are many different points of interest, from beach clubs to Mayan ruins to the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. 

Ant DM/Getty Images

Los Cinco Soles

Being the most popular cruise port in Mexico means Cozumel has its fair share of souvenir stores. But the one to beat them all is Los Cinco Soles . Unlike other busy cruise port shops, Los Cinco Soles is at the far end of downtown and widely considered to have the best selection of handcrafts, silver, and naturally grown vanilla.

Muebles Rústicos Santa Cruz

This quirky furniture store is packed with some beautifully handcrafted wooden pieces. While you may not be able to bring that ornately carved headboard on the plane or cruise ship, you can certainly find lots of other treasures, from artwork and ceramics to cool lamps and picture frames.

Sergio's Silver

Mexican silver is a great trinket to bring home, and on Cozumel, Sergio's has the best selection of jewelry. Plus, the centrally located shop is within walking distance of the cruise terminal downtown. 

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The Money Bar

Cozumel locals and longtime visitors know The Money Bar well. This island institution is a must for a sundowner, with a two-for-one happy hour and live music on Thursday through Sunday evenings.

The Coconut Shack

If you’re exploring the eastern coast of the island, be sure to schedule a stop at The Coconut Shack. This ramshackle beach bar has a handful of plastic tables out back overlooking the water, a few colorful hammocks, and next-level mojitos.

Mezcalito's

While you're over on the eastern side of the island, leave some time to visit Mezcalito's, one of the oldest bars on Cozumel. Open since 1979, this watering hole offers a casual, toes-in-the-sand experience with palapa-topped umbrellas and endless Atlantic Ocean views.

No Name Bar

Tucked inside Hotel Barracuda, No Name Bar is another Cozumel staple. A beach club by day, sports bar by night, this oceanfront club has strong drinks, no cover charge, and free Wi-Fi. 

El Cielo Lounge Bar

There's a certain kitsch factor at El Cielo Lounge Bar , from the neon cursive signs encouraging bad decisions to the electric blue cocktails and clouds of hookah smoke. But that's also what devotees love about this place. Cozumel may be small, but it knows how to party into the wee hours, and you'll often find people pushing their bedtimes at El Cielo.

Elijah-Lovkoff/Getty Images

Aqui + Ahora

Sometimes, all you need is a strong cup of coffee and a menu that serves breakfast till noon. That's what you'll get at Aqui + Ahora , a coffee shop with a prime location across from the ferry terminal. I love this spot for its sleek decor, sea views, and long list of great juices. The Yucatan Dream 85 is a must.

Beach clubs are a dime a dozen on Cozumel, but Buccanos stands out in the best way. Located in the North Hotel Zone, it's centrally located with a sandy beach and laid-back vibe. It also has some of the best seafood in town. Expect to pay tourist prices, but that's the norm on Cozumel. By night, Buccanos puts on a spectacular sunset dinner experience. It's best to make reservations far in advance, if possible.

La Casita de Indio

You won't find any other experience like La Casita de Indio on Cozumel. If you're someone who loves a local connection, this is the dining experience to try. "This local spot has a family cooking for you in their own home," said Rabinor. "They even encourage you to go to the fish market and bring them the catch of the day, which they will prepare for you. They prepare a mean coconut shrimp."

Guido's

If you're craving something other than Mexican, Guido's serves up great Swiss Italian cuisine in a lovely courtyard. Rabinor said the fish carpaccio and the black linguine Frutti di Mare is excellent.

mikolajn/Getty Images

The best time to visit Cozumel is between December and April, particularly if you want a beach getaway. This period is the peak season, marked by sunny days and little to no rainfall. For ideal weather — not too hot and with a cool breeze at night — January and February are the best times to plan a trip.

However, if you want the best conditions for scuba diving, consider June through December. The summer is the hottest time of year, and you'll experience the most rainfall in late summer and early fall, but you'll also be able to snag considerable travel deals and see lots of activity beneath the water's surface. 

If you plan to visit from August through October, you'll be traveling during peak hurricane season. Travel prices are at their lowest during this time, so you'll want to use those extra savings to get yourself some travel insurance, just in case you get rained out.

For an island that's only 185 square miles, there are a surprising number of ways to get there. The easiest way to reach Cozumel is to fly directly into its airport (CZM). The small Aeropuerto Internacional de Cozumel receives flights from American, Delta, Southwest, United, Volaris, Aeromexico, Air Canada, WestJet, and Sun Country Airlines. 

Another easy way to get to Cozumel is to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen. The popular Ultramar ferry has continuous departures from Playa del Carmen's main pier to Cozumel. The trip is about 45 minutes.

The third way visitors get to Cozumel is via a cruise stopover. Cozumel is the busiest cruise port in Mexico, with its three piers seeing as many as seven ships at once during high season. 

Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Cozumel is a small but well-maintained island with a ring road, as well as one that bisects the island. It only takes an hour to drive around the island. 

Downtown San Miguel is walkable, but if you want to go further afield, you may need some wheels. Fortunately, cabs are found around the island, but due to demand, prices can get expensive. You can rent your own set of wheels on Cozumel to have a bit more flexibility for getting around. Note that while you may see a lot of tourists on scooters, the accident rate on Cozumel is extremely high, so be sure you know what you're doing before you rent one on the island.

Cozumel   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Tais Policanti | Getty Images

Why Go To Cozumel

Cozumel's clear turquoise waters and powdery sands coax travelers from cold winter climates to this relatively small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.  Cruise ships  are a constant feature of Cozumel's coastal views, and the atmosphere on this charming island is often interrupted by tourist chatter. In fact, Cozumel's charms are so effective that the shopping plazas and eateries along the waterfront stay congested much of the year – especially during the day when several huge cruise ships are in port at once.

But crowds shouldn't deter you from discovering what this island has to offer, especially as Cozumel's real allure is far away from the downtown area. You can charter a fishing or diving boat to discover the shallow reefs along the coast (this is arguably one of the best diving destinations in the world), take a glass-bottom boat on a tour around the island or simply find a quiet beach where you can relax and do nothing. Once the cruise ships clear out, head down to a local bar for some live music and the real skinny on this slice of paradise.

Also, keep in mind that Cozumel’s compact size (just 29 miles long and 9 miles wide) means you can see quite a bit of the island over the span of a weeklong vacation. Many travelers wind up doing exactly that by renting a golf cart (the most common option), scooter or small car for a few days or their entire trip.

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• # 3 in Best Places to Visit in Mexico for 2023
• # 4 in Best Mexico Beaches for 2024
• # 10 in Best Cheap Winter Vacations

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Best of Cozumel

Best hotels in cozumel.

• # 1 in InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa, an IHG Hotel
• # 2 in Casa Mexicana Cozumel
• # 3 in Iberostar Cozumel

Best Things to Do in Cozumel

• # 1 in Cozumel Boat Tours
• # 2 in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
• # 3 in Palancar Beach

Popular Tours

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass

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Paradise Beach Exclusive All-Inclusive Day Pass

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Cozumel Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Cozumel is from March to June, when the island enjoys daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s. Winters can be slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging between the upper 60s and the lower 80s, so it is best to pack layers. However, winter months can also see highs in the 90s, depending on the year. Summer and early fall mark the rainy season, and hurricanes have been known to wreak havoc on the island. Even though Cozumel is unlikely to take a direct hit from a hurricane, rough seas and rain from local weather system can ruin a beach vacation in a hurry.

Weather in Cozumel

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Protect your feet Some of Cozumel's beaches are littered with rocks, and coral reefs have been known to snag a tourist toe or two, so be sure to bring your swim shoes.

Keep your top on The culture here is conservative, so nude bathing and topless tanning are prohibited.

Say no to tap water Cozumel's water filtration system pales in comparison to U.S. standards. To avoid unnecessary illness, drink bottled water. Always make sure your bottled water is sealed, your ice has been tested for purity and your food has been prepared with bottled water.

How to Save Money in Cozumel

Pay in pesos Most places accept U.S. dollars, but you will usually get a better deal in pesos.

Steer clear of the piers  The major cruise lines unload at Cozumel's piers, so avoid them at all costs – it's one expensive tourist trap. If you must shop, head into San Miguel where the souvenirs are cheaper.

Pack your sunscreen  You  can  buy your sunblock in Cozumel, but you'll probably pay dearly. Purchase it at home and make sure it's reef-safe. Don't forget the sunglasses, hats and bug spray, either!

Culture & Customs

Spanish is the primary language spoken, but many residents – especially those who work in the tourist zone – speak English. It may be both helpful and respectful to know some basic Spanish vocabulary, such as hello ( hola ), goodbye ( adíos ), please ( por favor ) and thank you ( gracias ).

Cozumel's official currency is the Mexican peso. Since the Mexican peso to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check the conversion  before you go. American dollars are, however, widely accepted in Cozumel, though you may get change back in pesos. You also might get a better deal on goods and services if you pay in pesos.

What to Eat

Thanks to the abundance of all-inclusive resorts  in Cozumel (which commonly include the cost of food and alcoholic beverages in the room rate), many tourists find little need to explore the island's dining scene. But if you're willing to venture beyond your hotel digs, you'll find a bevy of delicious (often affordable) eateries.  

Meals in Cozumel are built on a foundation of shellfish, seafood and common Mexican staples like tacos and ceviche (fresh seafood marinated in lime). Many of the best restaurants in town offer local seafood, including affordable lobster dishes. Most can be found in downtown San Miguel, in addition to a number of local food stands that offer cheap, local fare that is ideal for a quick snack.

Cozumel – San Miguel in particular – experiences relatively little crime. Still, if you need help, special tourist police can assist you with any safety concerns. Travelers' main concerns should regard food and water safety. Never drink the tap water in Cozumel; drink bottled water instead. According to local sources, most restaurants prepare their food with bottled water, but you should confirm this with your server before eating. If you have a sensitive stomach or you’re worried about getting sick, you should also skip drinks made with ice and order bottled beverages instead. Be sure to wash all produce thoroughly with bottled water before consuming. You should brush your teeth with bottled water, as well.

Getting Around Cozumel

The best way to get around in Cozumel is on foot or via a golf cart, as most of the attractions are centrally located. Moped and scooter rentals are popular, but they can be dangerous for novice drivers. Although you can easily rent cars in San Miguel through many hotels and at the Cozumel International Airport (CZM), we recommend taking one of the many taxis. They're cheap and government regulated, so you won't have to barter for the fare.

Entry & Exit Requirements

You'll need a passport to visit Mexico, and you’ll also need to pay a new tourist tax that applies to visits in Quintana Roo. This tax is $19.90 per person, including children. Visitors can pay the tax online ahead of time here or pay at the airport before their departure. For additional information, visit the U.S. State Department's website .

Cozumel is home to multiple excellent beaches and stands as one of the premier diving and snorkeling destinations in the world.

Explore More of Cozumel

Things To Do

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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.

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

► Book a private jeep tour with a local guide

Discover Cars Mexico Review

Discover Cars is one of the most popular car rental for many reasons, among which:

✔︎ straight forward information ✔︎ full coverage add-on ✔︎ listing of different companies with reviews

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

2. Paradise beach

• High-quality food and drinks
• Sol & XX beer
• Lounge chairs
• Heated pool
• 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

• 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 f a mily 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

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 w hich 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:

• Is Cancun Safe?
• Is Tulum Safe?
• Is Puerto Vallarta safe?

💉 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 is traveler and animal lover, a former tourism professional with an multinational background that lead her to Mexico, that she can proudly call home. After seven years in Cancun where she's still a resident, she took a bold leap, leaving her fancy job to embrace a nomadic lifestyle. She traveled all over Mexico, from Baja California to Ciudad Juarez, Oaxaca, Chiapas Hidalgo exploring and living like a local. Isabella founded Let's Travel to Mexico to help travelers plan their own trip on and off the beaten path in this beautiful land that she loves so dearly.

Cozumel Guide

Oh, how I love Cozumel . One day I’m moving to this beautiful Caribbean Island. But for now, I’ll just have to make do with visiting as often as I can. In this Cozumel guide, I’ve included everything I know about Cozumel to help you make the most of your visit.

Many people visit Cozumel on a cruise ship. They dock for a day and spend a few hours exploring a small part of the Island, hardly scratching the surface. Others visit Cozumel on a diving vacation , spending most of their time under the sea and enjoying the  best private tours in Cozumel . 

But there is so much more to Isla Cozumel than cruise ships and scuba diving (although I Scuba Diving in Cozumel is my favorite thing to do).

Did You Get Insurance Yet?

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you need to be prepared for anything!

The Insurance companies I personally recommend are Hey Mondo and  Safety Wing

Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single trip cover, annual multi trip cover, and long term travel cover.

Safety Wing is great value with monthly cover starting at $39. It’s super easy to use and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy.

Read my full travel insurance post here where I go into detail about the companies. 

Pin For Later

Click for other Mexico guides

Quick Tip:  Book accommodation, tours and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress. 

Best Cozumel Tours :  Click here to check out the top Cozumel tours Best Cozumel Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Cozumel Best Cozumel Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Cozumel

Top 10 Things to do In Cozumel

1. Go Scuba Diving

Of course, scuba diving in Cozumel is my number one thing to do. It’s what first brought me over to the island after all. There are so many amazing dive sites along the second largest reef in the world (second to the great barrier reef). On a normal dive, you can expect to see turtles, nurse sharks, toadfish, green moray eels, and if it’s the season you might get lucks and see spotted eagle rays. I only ever dive with ScubaTony on the island as they are hands down the best dive operator there. It’s a great fun thing to do if you are up for the challenge.

2. Relax at a beach club

What better thing to do in between dives than chill at a beach club?! The best way to make the most of your time is to rent a car in Cozumel that way you can easily get around to all of the good beach clubs! If you want one close to town then I’d recommend Playa Azul which has a sandy area or Bucannos . 

3. Eat at Buccanos

After scuba diving, most of my favorite things to do on the island involve eating. If you are a foodie then don’t miss eating at Buccanos at Night . The beach club closes at 5 pm and the evening restaurant opens at 6 PM. Ocean views and good food, what more could you want? They also have an Asian Fusion restaurant next door which is equally as good.

4. Rent a car and drive around the Island

As I’ve already mentioned the best way to see the island is to rent a car and drive around it. It can actually end up saving you quite a bit of money doing it this way as taxis in Cozumel can get pretty pricy. Be careful who you rent with though as most of the companies like to rip off tourists. The only company I recommend is Fiesta Car Rental . They are a local company and honest. Their deposits are reasonable and they release the money back on your card as soon as you give back the car. They also will deliver and pick up your rental car from your accommodation.

5. Eat Lion Fish

Pretty much the only fish you can eat with a totally clear conscience is lionfish . There are a few places where you can get lionfish in Cozumel. My personal favorite is the lionfish pizza at Cerveceria Punta Sur , which also happens to be a microbrewery.

6. Go Surfing

Yes, that’s right. You can go surfing in Cozumel . But you will need to head over to the other side of the island to do so. Another reason to rent a car in Cozumel. I have yet to do this, so no recommendations. But I’m planning on taking some classes soon.

7. SUP at sunset

What better way to watch the sunset than on a SUP board floating around in the blue Caribbean sea? The sea is generally calm and flat all year round and so nothing quite beats this. Living in Playa del Carmen we get sunrise, not sunset. So I’m always super keen to make the most of each and every sunset while I’m in Cozumel.

8. Do a tour on a glass boat

Scuba diving , is not your thing? Not a fan of snorkeling ? Still, want to see what’s below the surface of the sea? Well, now that’s not a problem because Cozumel has a small fleet of completely clear boats! I was lucky enough to have been invited to one recently and it was incredible. And way more fun than I was expecting! You can do a short tour or a longer one to el Cielo. It’s fun to do with friends, but also perfect to do with families. I know my mom would LOVE it. Book through Vanessa and tell her I sent you for the best price. Send her a message in English or Spanish on WhatsApp.

9 Visit El Cielo

In Spanish El Cielo means heaven. When you take a tour to El Cielo Cozumel you will understand the name. It really is incredible. I have never seen water so blue and clear in my life. El Cielo is known for having an abundance of starfish so grab your snorkel gear and GoPro Dome it’s time to put your freediving skills to work. Sadly the only way to see El Cielo is on a boat tour . It is impossible to access by car (believe me I’ve tried). It’s also pretty far away so you will need at least half a day. Book through Vanessa and tell her I sent you for the best price. Send her a message in English or Spanish on WhatsApp. This can be done as a day tour from Playa del Carmen with her too,

10. Check out the Street Art

Cozumel has an abundance of cool street art. it was all commissioned a few years ago as part of a project called Sea Walls. There is a map (which is difficult to read, but not impossible) and you can easily spend several hours finding all of the pieces on it. Check out this post for more info . I made it around almost all of the pieces by bike (it’s too far to walk) but I flaked towards the end as it was too hot. Pace yourself, start early in the morning so it’s not too hot.

QUICK TIP: Book your tours, rental cars, and transfers through my local contact I’ve been working with Turismo Channel in Playa del Carmen for years and they are who I send all my family and friends to when they visit the Riviera Maya. I really can recommend them enough for tours , private airport transfers , and rental cars . Vanessa and Oliver are personal friends of mine and I have 100% faith that you will have a wonderful time with them. You can check out their tours by clicking here and using the following discount codes when booking online to save $$$ clairecaroff (car rental), claire10off (for 10% off group tours), claireprivate (for a discount on private tours). You can also send her a WhatsApp message quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

Food in Cozumel

As I’ve already confessed, my second favorite thing to do in Cozumel is eating. 

I’m going to share a few of my personal go-to restaurants suitable for all budgets.  For a more comprehensive full guide to restaurants in Cozumel, read this post on the ScubaTony blog.

Tips for Finding Cheap Eats

Firstly if you are on a budget and want to eat more economically stay away from any restaurant on the waterfront or close to the central plaza. Eating tacos and quesadillas like the locals is always going to save you money. You just need to know the good places.

Best Tacos in Cozumel

You will find the best tacos in Cozumel at a place called Mister Taco . It’s a bit of a way out of the main tourist area, maybe a 20-minute walk. But easy to get to if you have one. a car or scooter. 

If you want fish tacos then I believe Diegos is the place to go, although I’ve still yet to verify this myself! 

Best quesadillas in Cozumel

I love love love Chilangos . It’s cheap and the food is good. Nothing special to look at. But I have a rule that you don’t get good Mexican street food at restaurants that don’t have plastic chairs and tables haha. This one is up on the 30th too. Better if you have a bike or car.

Best budget restaurant in Cozumel

If you want cheap eats in Cozumel then Cocina Económica Las Palmas will hit the spot. It’s open from 9-6 pm, so better for lunch or an early dinner. Here you can get a set meal for less than $100 pesos (soup, main, drink). It’s good honest Mexican food.

Best Breakfast in Cozumel

My go-to breakfast spot is Corazon Contento . I’m a sucker for the little pastries they bring to your table. The food is always good here and the coffee is refillable. Sometimes it can get pretty busy, especially on weekends.

Best Cafe in Cozumel

I love Sucre Sale it was pretty much my office when I lived in Cozumel. I went every day for breakfast, lunch, or just for coffee and delicious French treats. The wifi is ok, the staff are great, and they have plug sockets everywhere!

My favorite restaurants in Cozumel

I dream of this pasta. It’s always the first place I want to go and eat when I get to Cozumel. Everyone I recommend to go there reports back how good it was. It’s up on 30th so on the edge of the main town, more in the local’s area. They have a super nice roof terrace you can eat at or you can take away. It’s an Italian restaurant and everything is super fresh… My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Next up is Buccanos . This is more of a treat as it’s a bit more pricy, although, considering the quality of what you get, it’s actually incredible value. You would pay triple these prices somewhere like New York City. This is another place I tell anyone who will listen to go eat and they always write back thanking me. It’s the only place I would ever pay $24 for Mac and Cheese (with lobster) and not feel one pang of guilt. Worth. Every. Penny.

Cozumel Money Saving Tips

If you want to keep the costs down in Cozumel I have a few suggestions. Most people blow their budget here on food and transportation (and diving haha). So some easy ways to save are knowing the cheap places to eat, and not having to take taxis everywhere.

Street Eats

There aren’t so many street food carts in the main town. But if you head out a bit to mega you will find some spotted around. Eating at places like Mister Taco and Las Palmas will help though. As I’ve already mentioned, just stay away from the waterfront restaurants.

There are also 2 large supermarkets in el Centro so get a hostel with a kitchen and go shopping.

Rent a Bike, Moto, or a Car

Public transport in Cozumel is unlikely to get you to anywhere you will need to go. I use colectivos all the time in playa, but not in Cozumel. For. a full guide to transport in Cozumel, read this . In short, if you can afford it rent a car or scooter. If you can’t rent a bike , or find accommodation that comes with a bike. The price of taxis is pretty outrageous, it’s more than double what I pay in Playa for the same distance. So I avoid at all costs.

Learn Spanish

As always, learn some Spanish ! It’s an instant way to save a lot of money. I took this course ran by my friends at Heart of Travel.

Cozumel Packing Advice

Cozumel is a small Caribbean island. It’s hot and humid, most of the time. Summer can be unbearably hot and winter can get pretty chilly. Cozumel also has what we call nortes, strong (cold) north winds. They often blow in and sit over the island for a day.

When packing for Cozumel I’d advise you to pack for the heat and humidity, but don’t forget to pack a rain jacket and at least one sweater , just in case!

If you are planning on diving, then bring warm things for the boat, it can get pretty chilly out there sometimes, especially during the winter.

Quick Tip : View my full Cozumel packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Cozumel Essentials shopping list here .

Where to Stay in Cozumel

I’m not going to go into lots of details about accommodation in Cozumel in this post, I already did that in this blog post .

However, I will recommend a few of my favorite places to stay in Cozumel depending on your budget. All are in great locations and have excellent options. Even Amigos hostel has a swimming pool!

Casa Phoenix 

Presidente intercontinental Cozumel

Casa del Solar 

Amigos Hostel

Map of Accommodation in Cozumel

How to get to cozumel (and how to get around).

I’ve written a super detailed guide on how to get to Cozumel which I’d advise you to read. But I’ll cover the basics here for you too.

Most people fly either into Cozumel airport. Or they fly into Cancun and travel by road to Playa del Carmen before taking a ferry to Cozumel… otherwise known as the bag drag.

If you are traveling by road, you first need to get to Playa del Carmen where you will need to take a ferry to the island. It is possible to take the car ferry, but it’s a pain in the backside.

Read the full post here.

Regarding getting around, I’d advise you to limit your use of taxis to save money and rent a car instead. Personally, I drive a scooter over there, but I’ve seen way too many tourists crashing there, so unless you are very confident on a scooter and know the island well, I’d advise strongly against it. 

To rent a car contact Fiesta Car Rentals (a local company).

To rent a Scooter speak to Mario, he will give you a great price and normally deliver and pick up from you. The cost is $25 USD a day and you can send him a message on WhatsApp in English or Spanish +52 9875642651

Alternatively, rent a bike !

Coworking in Cozuemel

Working online in Cozumel can be tricky. Sadly it’s nowhere near where Playa del Carmen or even Tulum is. And Tulum is pretty terrible.

So there are no functioning co-working spaces in Cozumel. And there are no cafes with good wifi. So basically your options are to get an Airbnb with good wifi, or go and suffer in a cafe! 

That said if you are just doing minimal stuff you will be fine, but if you need to take zoom calls or do lots of uploading and downloading, not so much.

The best wifi I’ve found is in Rock’n’Java , but it’s a bit too noisy for calls, and it’s not particularly cheap. I mostly worked from Sucre Sale which has ok wifi, great coffee, and they don’t mind you sitting there all day working. 

Cozumel Travel Guide planning

🧳 Any recommendations on what I should pack for Cozumel?

Yes! I have created a whole packing guide to Cozumel which you can read here and you can also check out my packing list for Cozumel on Amazon here .

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation while I’m in Cozumel?

I strongly recommend using GottoGo . You can book almost all transport in the major Mexican tourist destinations through them online. They don’t just cover buses they also cover shuttles, ferries, and private drivers.

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours in Cozumel?

I recommend either Viator  or GetYour Guide . They have a  lot of options available!

If you are traveling from Playa del Carmen then I recommend booking through my friend Vanessa at Turismo Channel. You can check out their tours by  clicking here  and using the following discount codes for the best prices  clairecaroff  (car rental),  claire10off  (for 10% off group tours),  claireprivate  (for a discount on private tours). You can also  send her a WhatsApp message  quoting the above codes to receive the discount.

🤿 What is the best diving operator in Cozumel?

I strongly recommend ScubaTony on the island as they are hands down the best dive operator there!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing  digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here . I personally use GlocalMe  as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using either Airhub or Alosim . Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com , and Expedia  They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here . I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack . 

CozumelSafety Advice

Cozumel is pretty safe, especially when comparing it to Cancun , Playa , and Tulum .

That said, watch your stuff. Don’t go swimming leaving all your things on the shore. Be careful walking the street alone late at night. And be extra careful where you park your bike or scooter (I had my scooter stolen from outside my house one night). Also, never leave anything in your car!

The Best Time To Visit Cozumel

Wondering when the best time to visit Cozumel is? Well, the truth is that there is no bad time to visit. Obviously, the winter gets cooler, but it’s actually perfect. The daytimes are hot and it cools so you can sleep at night. The summer can be pretty intense if you aren’t used to that kind of heat!

The only months I would tell you to avoid if possible are September and October, because of the rain (and risk of hurricanes). November-December is considered high season, so prices will rise. Same for April.

In my opinion, if you are a diver, come in November. Prices are up a little, but you have a good chance of seeing spotted eagle rays.

What to Read in Mexico

Lonely Planet Mexico (Country Guide)

Where would we be without the trusty Lonely Planet Mexico book?!? It really is the best all-around guide to Mexico . The only issue I ever have with these books is that often the information can be outdated, but if you want to really explore Mexico, not just the tourist trail version of Mexico then get this book on your Kindle . It’s oftern free if you have a kindle unlimited subscription .

Oaxaca: Home Cooking from the Heart of Mexico

It’s all about the food here in Mexico. Especially in Oaxaca, thought of as the culinary heart of Mexico. This Mexican cookbook is the first true introduction to Oaxacan cuisine by a native family, each dish articulates their story, from Oaxaca to the streets of Los Angeles and beyond.

The book showcases Mexican “soul food” serving up 140 authentic, yet accessible recipes using some of the purest pre-Hispanic and indigenous ingredients available. 

Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter's Journey Through a Country's Descent into Darkness

As much as I don’t want to perpetuate Mexico’s reputation as a county full of cartels, drugs, and danger. It can’t really be ignored, and I know many people are interested in learning more. So I’ve included Midnight in Mexico on my list of books to read. It’s a true crime book written by a Mexican-American journalist and migration lawyer. It’s about as close to the truth as you can get. Being. journalist here in Mexico is one of the most dangerous arrears you can have. But Corchado is known for never shying away from the truth reporting on government corruption, murders, and the drug cartels of Mexico. In 2007, Corchado received a tip that he could be their next target, he had twenty-four hours to find out if the threat was true…

The Secret Book of Frida Kahlo: A Novel

Are you even alive if you don’t know who Frida Kahlo is? If you are a Friday fan then this is the perfect fictional accompaniment to your Mexican vacation. Especially if you will be visiting Mexico City.

Using several of Frida’s notebooks as inspiration acclaimed Mexican novelist F. G. Haghenbeck was inspired to write this touching fictional account of her life.  Through the book, you are taken on a magical ride through this imagined life of Freida 

Like Water For Chocolate

An old, but a goodie! This one is for all of you lovers of romance novels! It’s described as:

“A novel of passion, food, and magic, Like Water For Chocolate is a romantic, poignant tale, touched with moments of magic, graphic earthiness, bittersweet wit – and recipes.”

Forbidden love, family obligations, and seduction by food… what more could you ask for in a novel!

Moving To Merida

I must confess, my friend Mexico Cassie wrote this book. That doesn’t mean it’s not a bloody brilliant guide to moving to Mexico, because it is. As someone who moved to Mexico there was so much of this book that resonated with me, even though I moved here myself, without a family. 

She goes in to great detail about the visa application process and some other notoriously tricky things like trying to buy a car or find a good school for your kids. 

If you are considering a move to Merida , or anywhere in Mexico actually this is a great read!

Check out My travel books

The Solo Girls Guide to Traveling Without Fear

The solo girls guide to becoming a digital nomad

Mexico blog posts.

The Best Hotels in Cancun Mexico | Best Places to Stay in Cancun

What is Jalisco Known For? Pueblos Magicos Jalisco

Do I Need A Power Adaptor For Mexico? Mexico Outlets Guide

12 Tulum Beach Clubs You NEED to Visit [2024 Update]

Where to Stay Puerto Escondido: Best Puerto Escondido Hotels and Resorts

What is Guanajuato Known For? Things to Do in Guanajuato Mexico

Sayulita Resorts and Best Hotels in Sayulita Mexico

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta: Best Hotels in Puerto Vallarta

Where to Stay in Guadalajara: Best Hotels in Guadalajara Mexico

Tips for Travel to Mexico

Ultimate Guide to Fun Things to Do in Merida Mexico

Best Dental Implants in Mexico: Mexico Dental Prices

Ultimate Guide to Cozumel Scuba Diving

The Complete Guide To Cozumel Scuba Diving

24 Reasons Why Scuba Diving In Cozumel Is The Best

How to Get From Cancun to Cozumel (and Cozumel to Cancun)

Fun Things to Do in San Jose del Pacifico Oaxaca Mexico

How to Get From Mexico to Guatemala (and Back)

What to Pack for a Trip to Mexico: Ultimate Mexico Packing List for Cancun, Tulum, and More

Mexico Residency Requirements: How to Get Residency in Mexico

2-Week Mexico Road Trip to Oaxaca Coast

Day Trips From Merida Mexico: Merida Beaches, Cities, and More

Scuba Diving Mexico: Riviera Maya Scuba Diving

The Ultimate Guide to Sian Ka’an Biosphere in 2024

Where To Stay In Mexico City [2024 update]

10 Of The Best Vacation Spots In Mexico To Visit in 2024

How to Get to Holbox from Cancun Airport, Playa del Carmen, and More

Visiting Cenotes Near Playa del Carmen | Cenote Azul & Cenote Cristalino

Visiting Coba Ruins Mexico | Everything You Need To Know

Visiting Tulum Ruins in Mexico

Playa Del Carmen Food Tour Review

Massage Playa del Carmen: Best Spas in Playa del Carmen

When is Hurricane Season in Cancun? Preparing for Hurricane Season in Mexico

When is the Best Time to Visit Cancun?

The Best Beach Clubs Playa del Carmen

Scuba Diving Playa del Carmen

The Best Hotels In Playa del Carmen

Does Amazon Deliver To Mexico? Amazon Mexico Shopping Guide

Where To Stay In Tulum

The Best Tulum Boutique Hotels

Isla Holbox Mexico Hotels You Need To Stay In

Complete guide to chichen itza mexico.

Pyramid Sound and Light Show: How to See the Chichen Itza Night Show

Riviera Maya Things to Do: Top Riviera Maya Excursions

Salsa Dancing Playa Del Carmen: Where to Go

Tulum Beach Guide: Best Beaches in Tulum

Things to Do in Holbox Mexico for Nature Lovers

Best Time To Visit Tulum: Avoiding the Tulum Rainy Season

Exploring Mayan Ruins Riviera Maya

How to Get To Bacalar Mexico

Tulum Cenote Diving

How To Get A Mexican Drivers License In Playa del Carmen

The Playa del Carmen Yoga Guide

The Best Tulum Cenotes To Visit

Things to do in Puerto Morelos

Glamping in the Riviera Maya

Tulum hostel review – the best hostels in tulum mexico.

Playa Del Carmen Car Rental

How To Get To Tulum – 6 Ways To Get From Cancun Airport To Tulum

The Ultimate Guide To Playa Del Carmen Nightlife

The Ultimate Backpacking Mexico Itinerary

The Best Yoga Retreats Mexico 2023/24

The Complete Guide To Visiting Las Grutas de Tolantongo Mexico

Can You Drink The Water In Mexico? Guide To Mexican Water

Bull Shark Diving In Playa Del Carmen Everything You Need To Know

Whale Shark Tours Playa del Carmen | Everything You Need to Know

The Playa del Carmen Digital Nomads Guide

Your Ultimate 14-Day Yucatan road trip Itinerary

Top 12 Things To Do In San Miguel De Allende

The Ultimate Guide to Pueblos Magicos of Nayarit, Mexico

Guadalajara Safety Advice for Female Travelers

Best Things to Do in Guadalajara Mexico

Guanajuato Mexico Itinerary

The Ultimate Playa Del Carmen Beach Guide

Is guadalajara safe guadalajara safety advice for female travelers.

The Ultimate Guide to Pueblos Magicos in the State of Guanajuato

The Best Wellness Activities in Guanajuato Mexico

Things to Do in Puerto Escondido Mexico

Best Things To Do In Oaxaca State

11 Best Things to Do in Queretaro

My Kambo Experience | Doing Kambo In Mexico

How to Get to Sayulita

Scuba Diving in Puerto Morelos

My Personal Journey With Ayahuasca Mexico

How to Get From Cancun Airport to Playa Del Carmen

The Complete Guide To Huasteca Potosina San Luis Potosi

The Ultimate Sayulita Surf Guide for Beginners

Top Playa del Carmen Excursions

Best Surfing in Mexico

How To Get From Playa del Carmen To Tulum

Safe and Fun things to do in Playa del Carmen

Playa del carmen safety advice | is playa del carmen safe.

Cozumel Accommodations | Condos In Cozumel

Claire Summers

Hi I’m Claire!

At 34 I sold all my worldly possessions that wouldn’t fit into 3 boxes or my backpack and hit the road.

I started Claire’s Itchy Feet to inspire women to pack their bags and travel more. With no plans to stop anytime soon I’m always looking for my next adventure be it attempting to surf or climbing a volcano I’ll try (almost) anything once!

© 2023 Claire’s Itchy Feet  

The Perfect Day Trip to Cozumel from Cancun

 Disclaimer:  This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of those links, I may earn a commission at zero cost for you. You can read my  disclaimer policy  and  privacy policy .

Planning a day trip to Cozumel from Cancun? Look no further! In this post, we will tell you the best way to visit Cozumel in one day.

One of the great things about Cancun is its close proximity to other locations throughout the Yucatan Peninsula. If you want to experience a new location, a day trip to Cozumel is a great option.

Compared to the Cancun hotel zone which is full of shopping, restaurants, amazing hotels, and nightlife, Cozumel has a more relaxed, island vibe.

Here you can stroll through the main plaza, snorkel in crystal-clear water, or take a drive around the island to see the undeveloped east side, sometimes called the “wild side.” 

Where is Cozumel Located?

Cozumel is located in the Caribbean Sea about 20 km off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The island is 30 miles long and 10 miles wide.

Most of the island’s population lives in the town of San Miguel, which is located on the west side of the island. There are several resorts and restaurants dotting the west coast of Cozumel, going south from town.

However, most of the island, including the east side, is undeveloped. The east side of Cozumel is full of beaches, separated by rocky, iron shores areas, with a handful of small, rustic beach bars. 

The waters off the western coast of Cozumel are filled with a spectacular coral reef system. This area is famous for its impressive coral structures that can reach up to 100 feet.

These reefs are filled with tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. Cozumel has long been a scuba diver destination, and in recent years attracted non-divers too with its charming downtown , relaxing beach clubs, and other tourist attractions. 

Do you want a change of pace from Cancun? A day trip to Cozumel is a great way to see a different part of Quintana Roo. Keep reading for ideas on how to spend your day in Cozumel and tips for traveling here. 

Day Trip To Cozumel: An Overview

If you have not been there yet (or even if you have) Cozumel is a great spot to explore.

To get to Cozumel, you will need to take the ferry from Playa del Carmen. Playa del Carmen is located about 80 kilometers to the south of Cancun.

You can book a private shuttle to pick you up and take you to the ferry terminal in downtown Playa del Carmen.

A private shuttle is the fastest, and easiest, way to get to the ferry terminal, but you could also take the ADO public bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen.

If you have a rental car, you can drive it to Playa del Carmen and park it in one of the parking lots near the ferry.

It usually takes around one hour to get from Cancun to the Cozumel ferry dock, and you should give yourself some extra time to arrive and buy your tickets. 

There are two ferry companies that operate the crossing from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. They rotate the hourly departures, so you should just buy a ticket for the next crossing.

Both ferry companies have comfortable boats with an open-air section or an indoor, air-conditioned, seating section. They even have live music during the day!

You can sit back and enjoy the 45-minute crossing. You should plan that the trip from Cancun to Cozumel will take you a few hours. 

The ferry arrives in downtown San Miguel Cozumel, just in front of the main plaza. Here you are within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and all sorts of tour operators.

As you immediately exit the ferry, you will be offered plenty of options for snorkeling tours and car rentals.

My advice is to have an idea of what you would like to do in Cozumel before you get off the ferry, so you are not overwhelmed by the salespeople.

It is a good idea to book your tours in advance. More about that later in this post.

Avoid booking tours with street vendors, on either the Playa del Carmen or Cozumel side. Trusted sites such as viator.com will help guarantee you know exactly what you are receiving for your tour. On the street, right off the ferry, you can always find taxis, if you need one to take you to the marina or to a beach club. 

There are many transportation options to get you from Cancun to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen, and the ferries to Cozumel depart every hour from 8am until 9pm.

Is one day in Cozumel enough?

Depending on what types of activities you like to do on vacation, you might wonder whether one day in Cozumel is enough. That depends on what your interests are.

There are many transportation options to get you from Cancun to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen, and the ferries to Cozumel depart every hour from 8 am until 9 pm.

If you are going to do a Cozumel day trip, it’s a great idea to get up early so you can make the most of your time on the island.

If you plan your day right, you can see a lot of the island in one day. But, if you think that one day is not enough time for you to see everything you would like to on the island, plan to book a hotel room here for a night or two.

Spending a few days in Cozumel will let you hit all the “must do” activities, such as snorkel or dive, visit some of the national parks, and see the “wild side” of the island. Cozumel has hotel options for all budgets and types of travelers.

There are several clean, but basic hotels just off the plaza. Or, you can find beachfront hotels that have more amenities slightly north or south of downtown.  

Cozumel Day Trip Itineraries

Day trip to cozumel itinerary #1: best cozumel day trip itinerary for beach lovers.

If your perfect vacation day is spent relaxing on a beach, check out Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club. Mr. Sancho’s is located south of downtown San Miguel, at Carretera Costera Sur, kilometer 15.

The beach club is on a long stretch of beautiful white sand, with amazingly clear, blue water. It is an easy, sandy water entry, with the sand slowly sloping down to shallow water.

There are never any waves here, the water is almost always flat. This makes it an ideal spot to swim, especially for families with children. 

Mr. Sancho’s is a popular spot for people visiting the island, so it is a good idea to make a reservation. They offer an all-inclusive package that is $68 for adults, $45 for teens 12-17 years old, and $40 for children 4-11 years old.

The package includes all-you-can-eat food from the buffet and menu,  and drinks, and the beach club is open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Saturday. You can also choose to do a pay-as-you-go option where you order from the menu.

The menu includes standard beach club favorites such as nachos, tacos, hamburgers, and ceviches. Mr. Sancho’s has beach umbrellas and loungers for guests to enjoy, as well as a large palapa with tables and chairs. 

In addition to eating and drinking, there is plenty of fun stuff to do at Mr. Sancho’s.

You can purchase a pass for $14 to enjoy the Aqua Park which is full of all different size floating toys. You will feel like a kid again climbing on the iceberg, jumping on the water trampolines, and going down the slide.

If Aqua Park is not your thing, you can take an ATV tour or horseback ride along the beach and through the mangrove, go for a ride on wave runners, or check out views of the island from above while parasailing.

If you want to explore the coral reef sign up for a snorkel or scuba diving tour. 

With all these activities to choose from at Mr. Sancho’s you can see why it’s recommended to cross over to Cozumel early in the day. You will want plenty of time for all these activities.

When you are ready to head back to town from Mr. Sancho’s there will be taxis available at the exit. 

Day trip to Cozumel Itinerary #2: Cozumel Day Trip For Adventurers

If you want to make an adventure of your day exploring Cozumel, a great option is to rent a car and make a loop of the island. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore wherever you want to go, and no time limits on how long you can stay at any given spot. 

When you exit the ferry, there are plenty of car rental options within walking distance. You can choose between Jeeps, converted VW bugs, and an assortment of open beach cruisers.

Pick whatever makes you feel comfortable and enjoy the ride with the wind in your hair. Just remember, if you are in an open car you will want to be careful about how much sun you are getting- you may not feel like you are burning while you are driving along. 

You can choose which direction you want to make your loop around the island- either heading south along the western coast first or crossing to the other side of the island. There is only one road that takes you around the island, so you should not have any problems getting lost and needing directions.

As a heads up – there is a bike path that runs along the other side of the island, make sure you do not drive your car in it or you will likely get a ticket from a waiting police officer. The bike path is closer to the ocean than the car road and is marked with signs that say no cars. 

On your loop around the island you can stop at several different beach restaurants.

If you want the chance to hop in the water to snorkel check out a beach restaurant on the southern, western side of the island. Sky Reef and the Money Bar both have great snorkeling just in front of the restaurant.

If you want to check out a national park, Punta Sur Ecopark on the southern tip of the island is a great choice. Here you can climb the lighthouse for amazing views of the lagoon and ocean, and take a boat ride through the lagoon to see crocodiles. 

When you get to the “other” side of the island you will find beautiful beaches separated by sections of rocky ironshore. If you want to get in the water here, use caution because the waves can be very strong.

On the east side of the island, there is hardly any development except for a few restaurants that are only open during the day. You can visit one of these restaurants, or find a section of the beach for yourself to relax on.

Just a tip – make sure to keep an eye on your valuables when you get out of the car. Unfortunately, many tourists have left their bags in the car and when they return after a quick photo on the beach their bag is gone. 

On the transversal road, as you approach the other side of the island, there are small Maya ruins you can visit.

These ruins do not have any large pyramids and are much smaller than the nearby ruins on the mainland like Coba and Chichen Itza. However, if you are interested in Maya history, the guides give a very interesting tour. 

As you arrive back in town you can finish your self-guided tour of the island with a cruise through town.

If you are feeling adventurous you can find tacos or other small, local favorite restaurants further off the main road.

Renting a car will give you the freedom to choose your own Cozumel adventure and explore the island at your own pace. 

Day Trip from Cancun to Cozumel: Organized Tours

If you want the ultimate relaxing day, with someone else making all your travel and tour arrangements, consider taking a tour from Cancun to Cozumel.

A tour will take all the “work” out of the day for you, with round-trip transportation and your Cozumel excursions all set up for you. 

Can you take a day trip to Cozumel from Cancun?

Yes! Plan for it to be an all-day activity, but you can make a day trip from Cancun to Cozumel.

If you do not want to arrange transportation to the ferry or book your own tours in Cozumel, consider signing up for a tour.

Tours that take you from Cancun to Cozumel will include all your transportation and whatever activity you choose in Cozumel. A great option is:

Cozumel Reef Snorkeling Tour

Experience the best of Cozumel’s coral reefs with this s n o r k e l i n g tour . You will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the ferry pier in Playa del Carmen.

After crossing to Cozumel, you will hop onto a fast speedboat that will take you to the southern snorkeling sights.

You will visit the famous Palancar and Colombia reefs to snorkel where you will have the chance to see corals, fish, turtles, rays, and sharks.

You will also visit the El Cielo, a shallow sand bank with amazingly clear turquoise water, and lots of starfish and rays in the water.

Lunch, non-alcoholic beverages, and snorkeling equipment are included. 

Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

Cozumel Island sits right across the channel from Playa del Carmen. On calm, clear days you can easily see it.

Visitors in Playa del Carmen can plan a day in Cozumel to explore downtown and experience the clear waters and amazing coral reefs – whether at a beach club or on a snorkel tour. 

How to Get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

It is very easy to make a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. All you need to do is make your way to the ferry terminal and cross to the island.

If you are staying in a downtown hotel, you may be able to walk to the ferry terminal. If not, you can catch a taxi to the ferry terminal.

The crossing to the island takes around 45 minutes.

If you want to enjoy an excursion in Cozumel without any hassle, you can book a tour from Playa del Carmen. These tours will include transportation and your excursion on the Cozumel side. A great option is:

Cozumel Island (Ferry + Snorkel + Virgin Beach + Jeep)

Experience the best of Cozumel with the all-day tour.

After crossing to Cozumel, you will start your day with a visit to Chankanaab Park. There you can enjoy the botanical gardens, relax on the beach, and go for snorkel.

When it is time to leave Chankanaab, a Jeep will be waiting for you. You will drive to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park where you will have the chance to climb the lighthouse for views of the lagoon, go for a boat ride in the lagoon to see birds and crocodiles, and relax on beautiful beaches.

You will finish your day with a tequila tasting before boarding the ferry to return to Playa del Carmen. 

Day Trip to Cozumel From Tulum

If you are staying in Tulum, you can make a day trip to Cozumel.

You have several options to get from Tulum to the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen. You can book a private shuttle, take a taxi, take the public ADO bus , or take a colectivo.

Private shuttles and taxis will take you directly from where you are staying in Tulum to the ferry pier. The last few blocks to the ferry pier are pedestrian-only, but they will drop you off as close as possible.

If you take a taxi, remember to always negotiate the price before getting into the taxi.

ADO buses leave continuously from Tulum to Playa del Carmen, as do colectivos, which are shared passenger vans. These options will drop you off at their respective terminals, a few minutes’ walk away from the ferry pier.

It takes around one hour to get from Tulum to Playa del Carmen.

Once in Playa del Carmen you can buy your ferry ticket and cross to the island. 

From Isla Mujeres to Cozumel Day Trip – Is it worth it?

If you are staying on Isla Mujeres and want to visit another island, you might be wondering, is it worth it to take a day trip to Cozumel? This answer depends on you.

There is no direct ferry that takes you from Isla Mujeres to Cozumel. Instead, you will need to take the ferry from Isla Mujeres to either Puerto Juarez or the Cancun hotel zone.

From there you will need to get to Playa del Carmen, which takes around one hour or so, and then take another ferry to Cozumel.

The ferry to Cozumel takes between 35 and 45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions. For many people, this is a lot of steps to only spend the day in Cozumel. Instead of rushing to go back and forth in one day, you might be more comfortable booking a night’s stay in Cozumel. 

Best Time to Visit Cozumel

Just like the rest of Quintana Roo, there is no bad time to visit Cozumel.

The winter months from November to April are the peak tourist season. Visitors love to come to this area in the winter because of the great weather – it is hot and sunny, but not overly humid or uncomfortably hot.

The winter months are also the dry season, so there is a lower chance of rain; however, it is still the tropics so a little bit of rain is always possible.

Because of the great weather, the winter months are the busiest time on the island. Starting in December and continuing until Easter, there are lots of visitors on the island. 

If you want to stay away from crowds, visiting Cozumel in the low season may be a good option for you.

May to October is the rainy season, and the summer months of July and August can be very hot and humid.

But, if you plan to spend most of your vacation in the water, this can be a great time to visit. You can get a great deal on hotels and will enjoy a slow, peaceful atmosphere on the island.

September and October are peak hurricane seasons , so many travellers stay away from the island at this time; however, if you are willing to take the chance of having rainy weather or a storm, the reward can be great weather and empty beaches. 

How To Get Around Cozumel

The Cozumel ferry pier is in the heart of downtown Cozumel. It is directly across the street from the main plaza, and within easy walking distance of lots of shops, restaurants, and small hotels.

If you plan to explore the downtown area, you can do so on foot.

If you need to go to the marina to get on a snorkel or dive boat or want to spend your day at one of the beach clubs, there is a taxi stand on the main road, just north of the ferry pier.

Here you can easily get a taxi, and check out the rate chart before getting in. The island is divided into zones, with set prices for each zone.

Double-check the rate, and do not forget to still confirm the rate with your driver before getting into the taxi.

All major beach restaurants and beach clubs will have taxis waiting, so whenever you want to leave, it will be easy to get back downtown. 

If you want freedom to explore the island on your own, you can rent a car. This lets you drive around and stop at many different beaches.

If you plan to have a few margaritas ( or other alcoholic drinks ) do not rent a car.

You can also hire a taxi driver to act as your tour guide/driver and pay them by the hour.

They will drive you to different beach clubs, bars, and beaches, and wait for you. This gives you the freedom to have a few drinks without worrying about getting behind the wheel. 

Best Things To Do In Cozumel

There are lots of fun activities to do in Cozumel. Whether you are a water lover, or prefer to spend your time on the sandy beach, you will find something you love.

Here are some of the most popular activities to do:

1. Join the best boat tour for amazing snorkeling

Cozumel is famous for its blue waters and stunning coral reefs. If you love to be in the water, you do not want to miss the chance to see this underwater world.

The best snorkeling tours will take you to a few shallow reefs. The water is so clear that you will have no problem looking down on the coral formations and have the chance to spot tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, and rays.

Most snorkel tours end with a stop at El Cielo, a shallow sandbank known for its beautiful blue water, starfish, and friendly southern stingrays. 

Rent a jeep or a scooter

You can rent a Jeep or scooter and make a loop around the island. You will enjoy cruising along the “other” side of the island.

Aside from a few rustic beach bars, the wild side of the island is undeveloped, so you can find a great spot on the beach to relax away from crowds.

If you rent a scooter, make sure to drive carefully and not go too fast. 

2. Relax in a beach club

The east side of Cozumel is home to several great beach clubs. Find a great spot with a beach umbrella and have a relaxing day sipping on margaritas and enjoying snacks.

Many of the beach clubs have shore snorkeling, and will rent you snorkel equipment.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach club to quietly enjoy your day, or a more lively atmosphere with jet skis, parasailing, and inflatable water toys, you will be able to find a beach club to satisfy your desires. 

3. Explore multiple beaches

Cozumel is an island, and there is no shortage of beaches to explore.

The best way to explore different beaches is to have transportation- you can either rent a car or scooter or hire a taxi by the hour to take you around.

Many of the best beaches on the west side of the island have hotels or beach clubs on them that you need to visit to access the beach.

The east side of the island is full of public beaches to explore. The most popular public beaches are marked with parking lots and lookout spots to take pictures.

Just be aware, most public beaches in Cozumel do not have lifeguards, so be careful of the waves and currents.

Playa Chen Rio has naturally protected shallow areas that are great to soak in or for kids to swim in. It is popular with locals and tourists and there are often food vendors there and you can rent umbrellas. 

4. Dive in Cozumel

Cozumel is famous for its scuba diving.

If you are a scuba diver, or ready to give it a try, this is a great location to go diving. The water is warm and clear year-round.

The impressive coral reef structures are home to countless tropical fish, sharks and rays, and sea turtles.

Divers of all levels can enjoy diving here, there is everything from shallow sites for beginners to more challenging sites for very experienced divers.

If you want to dive in Cozumel, it is best to book your diving in advance, as many dive shops get busy during the high season. 

5. Visit Punta Sur

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is located on the southern tip of Cozumel.

The best way to visit the park is by car because the entrance is several kilometers away from the beach areas.

There are several different lookout towers you can climb to give you views of the ocean and Colombia lagoon. You can climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse for amazing views.

The park is great for nature lovers and you can take a boat ride around the lagoon. Your guide will point out different bird species and try to find you the resident crocodiles.

When you want a break from exploring, there are beautiful beaches with restaurants to relax at, and you can snorkel out to the reef. 

Cozumel Day Trip: FAQ

Is a day trip to cozumel worth it.

Yes! If you get moving early, you will have a lot of time to explore and enjoy the island.

Try to catch an early ferry to the island and have a plan for how to spend your day. It helps to book tours in advance so that you will not waste any time.

Check out viator.com for great tour options. 

How many days should I stay in Cozumel?

This depends on you. If you want to have time to go snorkeling, scuba diving, visit the other side of the island, and spend time at a national park or beach club, you should book at least one night on the island.

If you are a scuba diver, Cozumel is a great place to spend a few days. There is a coral reef the entire length of the east side of the island, and you will want to get a few days to see different sections of it. 

Can you just walk around Cozumel?

Yes. Cozumel is very safe. When you exit the ferry, you will be across the street from the main plaza.

There are often artisan markets here, and you can stroll around. In the downtown area there are countless restaurants and bars to enjoy too. 

What is the prettiest beach in Cozumel?

There are many beautiful beaches in Cozumel, it is hard to pick one and say it is the prettiest.

The west side of the island has many beautiful, undeveloped beaches to enjoy. Check out Punta Morena and Chen Rio, both have protected areas that make it easier to swim.

The beaches inside Punta Sur Eco Beach Park have beautiful white sand and easy entry into the water.

The water is almost always clear and flat at Playa Palancar, making it beautiful and great to swim at.

In general, the water is calmer on the west side of the island, making it easier to swim. The beaches on the east side of the island are undeveloped, but the waves can be strong. 

What is Cozumel known for? 

Cozumel is known for its amazing coral reefs. It has long been a popular destination for scuba divers.

In recent years it has become more and more popular with families and all types of tourists. Whether they are a scuba diver or not, everyone who visits is amazed by the clear water and amazing blue colors of the ocean. 

Which side of Cozumel is better?

That depends on what you are looking for.

The east side of the island, also known as the wild side, has almost no development, aside from a few rustic beach bars. Here you can find long stretches of empty beach to enjoy. The water entries can be rough, look out for rocks, and there are often waves.

The west side of the island has much more development and many of the best beaches are accessed through beach clubs or hotels. The water is almost always calm and flat, making it easier to swim or snorkel. 

Is Cancun nicer than Cozumel?

Cancun and Cozumel are different, but it is impossible to say which is better.

Cancun has more restaurants, shopping , and nightlife, and is much, much bigger than Cozumel. Cozumel has Caribbean Island energy and is more casual and relaxed.

It is great to experience both locations for two totally different experiences. 

Cozumel Day Trip: Final Thoughts

If you are in Cancun or on the Riviera Maya, it can be a lot of fun to take a day trip to Cozumel.

You can relax, listen to music, and enjoy great views while you ferry across from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

Once in Cozumel, you can choose how you want to explore the island, whether focusing on enjoying the clear water and coral reefs or staying on land and touring around the island.

Cozumel is a great chance of pace from the mainland, and it is worth spending a day there. 

Adrienne Banka is a Michigander and fell in love with diving at 16 years old. Now she is an island living dive instructor turned brewmaster, turned mom.  When she is not in the water she enjoys riding her bike and chasing after her dog and her little girl. 

Southwest cancels nonstop route from Austin to Cozumel. When is your last chance to book?

If you want to travel from Austin to Cozumel, you better act fast.

Southwest Airlines announced Thursday it is ceasing service to the Cozumel International Airport in August, meaning Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is losing yet another nonstop route.

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The change is expected to take effect on August 4. The last nonstop flight from the Austin airport to Cozumel appears to be July 27 at 11:30 a.m. As of Friday afternoon, tickets for that flight cost between $248 and $368.

Southwest's announcement came alongside its first quarter 2024 financial report, which showed the company endured a net loss of $231 million. The airline is also planning to cancel service to other airports, including Bellingham International Airport in Bellingham, Washington; George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston; and Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

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"To improve our financial performance, we have intensified our network optimization efforts to address underperforming markets," Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan said in a statement. "We are focused on achieving our financial prosperity goals and creating value for our shareholders, while we adjust to changes in our aircraft delivery plans, customer travel patterns and preferences, higher fuel prices and other cost pressures."

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U.S. tourist faces 12 years in prison after taking ammunition to Turks and Caicos

An Oklahoma man faces up to 12 years in prison on a Caribbean island after customs officials found ammunition in his luggage.

Ryan Watson traveled to Turks and Caicos with his wife, Valerie, to celebrate his 40th birthday on April 7. They went with two friends who had also turned 40.

The vacation came to an abrupt end when airport staff members found a zip-close bag containing bullets in the couple's carry-on luggage. Watson said it was hunting ammunition he had accidentally brought with him — but under a strict law in Turks and Caicos, a court may still impose a mandatory 12-year sentence.

"They were hunting ammunition rounds that I use for whitetail deer," Watson told NBC Boston in an interview conducted last week that aired after their first court appearance Tuesday.

"I recognized them, and I thought, 'Oh, man, what a bonehead mistake that I had no idea that those were in there,'" he said.

The couple were arrested and charged with possession of ammunition. Authorities seized their passports and explained the penalties they faced.

Valerie Watson said in the interview: "When I heard that, I immediately was terrified, because I was like we can't both be in prison for 12 years. We have kids at home, and this is such an innocent mistake."

The charges against her were dropped, and she returned home to Oklahoma City on Tuesday after the court hearing to be reunited with her two young children.

"Our goal is to get Ryan home, because we can’t be a family without Dad," she said.

The couple also spoke about the financial burden of a much longer-than-planned trip. "This is something that we may never recover from," Ryan Watson said.

The U.S. Embassy in the Bahamas issued a warning to travelers in September about a law that strongly prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition in Turks and Caicos, an overseas British territory southeast of the Bahamas that is a popular vacation spot.

It said: "We wish to remind all travelers that declaring a weapon in your luggage with an airline carrier does not grant permission to bring the weapon into TCI [Turks and Caicos Islands] and will result in your arrest."

The embassy added: "If you bring a firearm or ammunition into TCI, we will not be able to secure your release from custody."

The embassy and the government in Turks and Caicos did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The same thing happened to another American, Bryan Hagerich, of Pennsylvania, who was arrested after ammunition was found in his luggage before he tried to board a flight out of Turks and Caicos in February. He said he accidentally left it in his bag.

Hagerich was on a family vacation with his wife and two young children but has now been in the country for 70 days. He spent eight days in prison before he posted bail.

"It’s incredibly scary. You know, you just don’t know what the next day may bring — you know, what path this may take," Hagerich told NBC Boston.

"You know, it’s certainly a lot different than packing your bags and going away with your family for a few days. It’s been the worst 70 days of my life," he said.

Hagerich, once a professional baseball player, was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the MLB 2007 June amateur draft from the University of Delaware.

His case goes to trial May 3.

Patrick Smith is a London-based editor and reporter for NBC News Digital.

Rhode Island children stranded in Mexico after medical emergency

by LEANNA FAULK, NBC 10 NEWS

(WJAR) — Two Rhode Island children are stranded in Mexico after a medical emergency abroad a cruise ship.

Sarah Martin sent her kids on a spring break cruise vacation with their grandparents, which was smooth sailing until their grandmother had a heart attack.

Now, her kids are stuck in Mexico with no passport, and no way to get to home.

"They were having the time of their lives just having so much fun," said Martin.

The fun stopped when she said their grandmother suffered a heart attack.

According to Martin, she was too critical to return to their original port of Miami.

The family was rushed to a local hospital in Cozumel where their grandmother remains in a medically-induced coma.

"They keep on asking me the same thing, mommy, how am I gonna get back to you? And it's just really sad because I don't have an answer," said Martin.

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Some cruises that begin and end in the United States do not require guests to have a passport, however they are encouraged.

Now, Martin is begging the US Embassy for a lifeline to allow them to fly home.

"The US Embassy was misinformed on all of the options that we had. Nobody would help me," she said.

Martin said her 8-year-old son is days away from finishing his epilepsy medication.

"I don't want him to you know, join as his grandmother at the hospital," she said.

"I can fall down and crumble when they're not on camera. But when I'm on camera with them. I have a brave face, and I think it's helping them be brave."

An hour after NBC 10 reached out to Carnival Cruise, Martin said the company called her and confirmed they were in contact with the Embassy.

She said they are working to get her kids on a flight home as soon as Tuesday.