There are two basic types of tourists in Cozumel: scuba divers and cruise ship passengers. And there’s lots to interest both throughout this island, just 30 miles long, 10 miles wide and 12 miles off the Yucatán Peninsula mainland.
Mexico’s largest island, fringed on its western side by close-in coral reefs, is an internationally known dive destination, and it sports many hotels and resorts catering to that niche market. But Isla Cozumel is also a welcoming place for the more than 1 million cruise passengers who alight annually in search of blindingly white sand and warm “I-can’t-believe-it’s-so-clear!” water.
Despite dense, Miami-like development along its west shore, Cozumel has clung to nature with long stretches of open shoreline on its wild, surf-pounded north and east littorals. Dozens of small but intriguing Maya ruins sit inland and hint at the island’s indigenous past.
Tam Warner Minton / Creative Commons BY-SAA great day of scuba diving off Cozumel can include a glimpse of the splendidly named Splendid Toadfish.
Top things to do & see in Cozumel
Scuba diving
Certified divers will find many operators waiting to serve them with everything from shallow reef explorations to challenging wall, drift and tunnel dives. Never-ever divers can take an intro course and get an exhilarating feel for the sport. There’s lots of competition in the island dive market, so be sure your instructor is certified by PADI or another organization you trust.
Snorkeling
Cozumel’s stunningly clear waters would be a sensuous pleasure to swim in even if there were nothing but sand under the surface. Snorkeling out from shore, don't expect much: sand, rocks and a few schools of colorful tropical fish are basically what you’ll see. That’s because the island’s shallow reefs were destroyed by Hurricanes Emily and Wilma, which slammed into Cozumel in 2005, causing intense damage above and below the surface. If you want to see coral and bountiful marine life, spring for a boat tour that visits off-shore reefs. Glass-bottom boat and sailboat excursions are especially fun.
Beaches
- Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Restrooms, showers, hammocks, restaurants and other amenities make this pretty, state-managed stretch of sugary sand a great place to spend the day. Admission.
- Other west side beaches. All Mexican beaches are open to the public, and there are plenty of places on Cozumel where you can park your rental car and jump in. However, if shade and refreshment are on your “must have” list, you’ll want to visit a strand with a “beach club.” Paradise Beach, Playa San Francisco and Playa Mia are three that are tops with cruise passengers.
Courtesy of Cozumel & RM Tourism BoardKitesurfing near Cozumel beaches offers thrills on the water and in the air.
Attractions — and how to party on, dude!
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is, yes, totally contrived — but in a good, Disneyesque kind of way. If you have kids or just want to chill in a pretty and amusing place for the day, the price of admission (about $21 if you get there on your own) is worth it. For that you can swim and snorkel in a serene lagoon, hang out in a beach chair or a hammock, wander through a botanical garden, ogle crocodiles, enjoy entertainment and tour some Maya exhibits. Many additional activities, as well as food and drink, are available at extra charge.
- Party boats and buses. If Margaritaville is your thing, hop aboard a pirate ship, a party catamaran or a double-decker party bus and raise a toast.
- Sightseeing tours. Guided tours by bus, jeep or limo will provide insight to the island’s geography, natural and human history.
- Time-share tours. No, we’re not recommending that you get hooked into promises of “free” activities in exchange for a timeshare hard sell. Just be forewarned that you will be approached more than once by smiling salesmen (and women) touting deals too good to be true.
- Go to Cancun? Many ships calling in Cozumel run tenders (i.e., lifeboats) back and forth to Cancun, the big resort city that's a 45-minute ride away. Our advice: Save it for another visit.
Shopping
Passengers debark into an open-air shopping district that stretches for blocks along the waterfront. It’s very colorful and inviting, but there’s not much here you won’t see everywhere else.
Family-friendly options
A glass-bottom boat tour or a day spent at Chaankanab or any of the west-shore beach clubs should satisfy all ages.
Courtesy of Cozumel & RM Tourism BoardPlaya Mia beach and water park offers a variety of activities for visitors to Cozumel.
YOLO (You only live once!)
You owe it to yourself to get beneath the surface of that gorgeous water. A “discover scuba” excursion starts with a classroom session, progresses to practice in shallow water and proceeds to open water. Too scary, expensive or time consuming? Consider snuba, a kind of advanced snorkeling in which you make shallow dives while connected by air hose to a raft on the surface.
Best bets for dining
- Beach-club eats: You’ll only be here for one meal — lunch — so might as well chow down wherever you find yourself beached when the sun hits high noon. The dishes to order: lobster, ceviche or fresh fish.
- Reggae beat: If you’re traveling around in a rental car, time your trip to take in lunch at the Bob Marley Freedom in Paradise Beach Bar on the island’s windward coast. As the slogan goes, it’s “as much a state of mind as it is a place.” Drop into a hammock and let the good times roll.
Best time to go
Cruise ships visit Cozumel year-round on their Western Caribbean itineraries. Summer cruises are the most popular, but you’ll get a better deal in winter. The island will be less crowded then, too. August to November is hot, muggy hurricane season. You take your chances if you cruise then, but you also get the lowest prices of the year.
Fun facts
- With 3.3 million cruise guests annually, Cozumel is the busiest cruise destination in the Caribbean region.
- Isla Cozumel was believed by its indigenous Maya inhabitants to be sacred to Ix Chel, goddess of the moon. Its name, in Yucatec Maya, means “Island of the Swallows.”
- Many small Maya ruins can be found around the island, and there used to be more. Several were bulldozed during World War II to make way for a military airstrip.
- Cozumel, population about 80,000, is one of 10 municipalities in Quintana Roo, which became Mexico’s 31st and youngest state in 1974.
When you arrive
Docking information
Cruise ships dock at either the International Pier, south of town near the La Ceiba Hotel, or the new Puerto Maya, which is bit farther south, five miles south of San Miguel, the island's largest city. It's a $10 cab ride.
Getting around
Courtesy of Cozumel & RM Tourism BoardA flock of tangerine-colored flamingos on Cozumel.
Rent a car, a jeep or a moped and see what you can see. The island is small, and you can drive around the perimeter in just over two hours. Exercise extreme caution if you opt for two wheels. Road rash is perhaps the biggest hazard on Cozumel, and slips on gravel and sand surfaces send lots of tourists to the hospital.
Another option is to take a taxi to San Miguel and head inland, away from the commotion at the port. Find the municipal market and join the locals for an inexpensive meal at a loncheria, or casual market restaurant. Enjoy homemade tortillas and fresh Mexican cuisine, then stroll the streets and browse the shops where few cruise passengers go.
Free Wi-Fi
- Calling Station, Avenue Rafael E. Melgar 27, San Miguel
- Coffee Bean, Calle 3, San Miguel
- Señor Frogs, Avenue Rafael E. Melgar, San Miguel
Need to know
Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport.
Language: Spanish, but English is widely understood and spoken.
Currency: The Mexican peso, but many prices are also listed in dollars, which are readily accepted.
Tipping: Even if prices are posted, they can be negotiated. Bargaining is widely accepted.
Safety: Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico are generally safe. Nevertheless, crime and violence can be serious problems in Mexico, so it is recommended that you stay in the tourist areas and be aware of your surroundings. Don’t bring valuables to the beach as there are many pan handlers. See Cruiseable's safety tips for cruise passengers.
Your take
Have you been to Cozumel? Planning to go? I'd love to hear about your experience or see your photos! What was the highlight for you?
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