The Best Things To Do In Cozumel

Chances are you’ll come upon Cozumel as part of a cruise ship port of call, but the gorgeous island of Cozumel needs its own holiday to enjoy all that there is to see and explore. Around the cruise ship docks, visitors will find a lot of the souvenir shops and touristy areas, but there is so much more to the island than meets the eye.

Cozumel blends Caribbean atmosphere with a lot of Mexican culture to create a unique and breathtaking destination. The coastal location means that there are some of the best diving reefs in the entire world — perfect for those who love to snorkel or get out in that crystal blue water. Weather is pretty fabulous all year long, which makes a trip to Cozumel an ideal tropical holiday especially between the months of October and March. After a day walking the beaches or diving around the water, a walk through Cozumel town square is always a perfect way to end the day. Delicious authentic food and handmade crafts are always featured throughout the streets, but if you really want to explore Cozumel and its surrounding geography you’ll definitely want to rent a car or a scooter and head out onto one of the coastal roads.

Surrounding Cozumel are spectacular panoramic vistas and island views – not to mention the close proximity to some of the famous ancient ruins from Mayan culture. Cozumel is one of those locations in Mexico where you can either have an itinerary of things to do or you could just let your adventurous side dictate what you see and explore. Located on the tip of the gorgeous Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel’s within driving distance to Cancun if you want to spend time driving along the coast and visiting many of the towns along the way. If you don’t feel like planning your own getaway, travel guides located throughout Cozumel will help you create a list of things to do during your stay — some of the favorites include heading out on the water in a glass-bottom kayak or simply just snorkeling in the gorgeous tropical waters. Throughout the year Cozumel is also home to numerous festivals so chances are you will experience one during your stay!

HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL…

Punta Sur Ecological Park

Thirty kilometres south of San Miguel, you will find the beautiful Punta Sur Ecological Park. Stroll along the white sands of the beach and snorkel in the waters to explore the world below. Then wander a little and enjoy the lighthouse, the birdlife, and the restaurants – this is a great day out! There is excellent diving at this park, but it is best to use a dive operator because of the depth of the diving areas and the cavern system.

Palancar Reef

When visiting Cozumel, a trip to Palancar Reef takes you to a beautiful underwater paradise. Whether you snorkel or dive, you will be amazed by the variety of colourful marine life that make the coral reefs of Palancar their home – marvel at the colours of the fish, and the gracefulness of the turtles and rays as they glide by. For divers, there are choices to match your experience, so take a tour and make memories for a lifetime!

El Cedral

The small village of El Cedral sits on the edge of Cozumel and showcases the oldest Mayan ruins on the island – take yourself back to the 1500’s when this quaint village was the heart of Mayan commerce! Visit the ruins and explore the small church, and you will see not just the remnants of the splendour of that bygone era, but also reflect on how this transition to a small village shows that history never stands still!

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

You deserve a day at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park! Take time to recharge your batteries and have a whole lot of fun at the same time. Spend the day lying in your hammock, take the occasional dip in the pristine waters, or explore the oceans and snorkel for a while! For the curious, take a tour of the Tequila Factory and try some of its product, explore a little on a Segway, or enjoy a buffet meal while the kids are entertained in Buccaneer Bay! There is so much to do here!

San Gervasio Ruins

Cozumel was an outpost of the Mayan empire, and the San Gervasio Ruins reflect the lifestyle of the people and the role of this Island in that bygone era. The ruins are not examples of grand pyramids but are an excellent representation of the structures that supported the local ceremonies. Enjoy the serenity of these low stone structures and take time to soak up the history!

Columbia Reef

Take a tour to Columbia Reef to snorkel or dive in one of the most picturesque locations in the world. As you snorkel in the shallows or dive at Columbia Deep, you will swim with a kaleidoscope of coral fish, turtles and rays. As amazing as the fish life that inhabit it, look carefully at the structure of the reef itself – it’s as if a coral city has been specifically constructed for the marine life, with tunnels and spires and arches woven into the reef. This unique experience is not to be missed!

Cancun

Cancun is the perfect mix of an all-night-long party scene and picturesque coastal beauty. It’s a pristine paradise where perfect white sands meet the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. With it’s luxury resorts, endless water-sports, and a nightlife that rivals any on earth; get ready for action!

Yucatan Peninsula

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for fun and relaxation at Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but make sure you also try to include a visit to the capital, Merida, where the architecture and colour fill your days and nights with splendour. As you explore the region, take in the Mayan history with a stroll through the many ruins on offer, enjoy the pristine beaches of the coast, and dive or snorkel in the pristine turquoise waters. Then, as the sun goes down, let your hair down and take in the spectacular nightlife that the region is famous for!

Puerto Morelos

You can choose action-packed days, leisurely exploring, or just relax and soak up the beauty of the one and only Puerto Morelos. Snorkel the marine reserve, and be amazed at its kaleidoscope of colour as the fish glide through the corals, or explore the ancient Mayan history, and the natural beauty of the region, such as the underground river and crystal caves. As you stroll through the town keep an eye out for Faro Inclinado; the leaning lighthouse so popular with photographers.