Destinations and Attractions on a Trip to Cozumel
General Information
Cozumel is Mexico's largest and most inhabited island. It is one of the most popular islands among cruise lines, attracting over a million passengers every year. Almost all Western Caribbean itineraries include Cozumel. Thanks to this, Cozumel is one of the islands with the highest building and development momentum in the Caribbean, especially in its only city, San Miguel, which is located near the cruise ship piers.
Despite the building momentum and "Americanization" reflected in the abundance of fast-food restaurants or well-known American chains such as "Hard Rock Cafe," there are many wild and charming spots on the island. While its western part is touristy and commercialized, the eastern part of the island remains wild and pristine. Only a third of the island has undergone development, and in other parts, you can find jungles and stretches of beaches untouched by human hands.
Cozumel has beautiful beaches with soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters.
The island is known as a paradise for divers thanks to the abundance of coral reefs surrounding it, especially Palancar Reef, considered the second largest reef in the world, which attracts divers from all over the world. The government has preserved 30 km of coral reef as an underwater national park. Cozumel is a particular favorite for shopping enthusiasts. The prices there are cheaper than in neighboring Cancun and the selection is vast.
Location and Climate:
Cozumel is a flat island located near the eastern, Caribbean coast of Mexico, just 19 km from the mainland in the Yucatan region.
Right across from Playa del Carmen, about 60 km south of Cancun.
The island is 48 km long and 16 km wide. The weather on the island is subtropical with an average temperature of about 27 degrees Celsius and humidity of over 90 percent most of the year. There is usually a pleasant breeze that slightly eases the heat load.
Most of the year, days are sunny and the sea water is warm and pleasant. Rain falls mainly during the rainy season from August until early November. The hottest month is August, when the temperature in the middle of the day can reach 35 degrees Celsius.
Google Map of Cozumel Island:
Language:
Spanish. Although English is common among most of the island's residents.
Currency:
The Mexican Peso (MX), but there is no need to exchange money because dollars are accepted everywhere. Note that the symbol for the Mexican Peso is $, which is identical to the US Dollar, but its value is much lower: one US Dollar is worth almost 14 pesos! Therefore, when purchasing something and the symbol is $, you must carefully verify which currency is intended.
♦ Main Attractions on the Island and its Vicinity:
Booking tours in Cozumel for cruise passengers from Viator:
Recommended Hotels in Cozumel
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
A five-star resort on a successful private beach. The hotel features two pools, a diving club, gym, spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars. The resort has tennis courts, ping pong, and a kids' club. Free internet and parking.
A five-star hotel on the beachfront. It can be booked without meals, on a bed and breakfast basis, or all-inclusive. The hotel has two pools, a spa, two restaurants, a kids' club, playground, and water sports. Free internet and parking.
A 4-star all-inclusive hotel. 2 pools. Facing the beach. Spa services, babysitting, water sports, car rental, 3 restaurants, 5 bars, free internet in the lobby.
Chankanaab Park
This is the number 1 attraction in Cozumel. Chankanaab (meaning: "Small Sea") is a national park with lagoons and seawater pools (containing sixty different types of marine animals). Adjacent to the lagoons is an archaeological park, a reconstruction of an ancient Maya village, and botanical gardens. The park is located fifteen minutes south of San Miguel and the cruise piers, at kilometer 9.5 on the southern coastal road.
The water at the beach in Chankanaab is crystal clear; because the shore is rocky, access to the water is via stairs. However, there is also a large sandy stretch of beach with umbrellas and various beach services:
♦ Purchase a daily entrance ticket to the park including snorkeling equipment:
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park Day pass with Snorkeling
Swimming with Dolphins
Adjacent to the aforementioned park is another special attraction called Dolphin Discovery: swimming with dolphins in the sea in a complex of several pools.
You can hold onto the dolphin's fins and glide with it, or the dolphin pushes you by your feet while you hold a small board.
You can also just take a photo with it in the water (cheaper and suitable for the less daring).
Archaeological Sites of Maya Ruins
The Yucatan region on the mainland is known for its abundance of archaeological sites featuring ancient Maya structures. In Cozumel itself, there are several sites, but they are relatively small and much less impressive than the sites located on the mainland. Those who are not enthusiastic archaeology fans or particularly interested in Maya culture can skip them.
The largest site on the island is "San Gervasio" in eastern Cozumel. San Gervasio was the ancient capital of Cozumel and its ritual center, inhabited from 200 AD until the arrival of the Spaniards.
The second site is "El Cedral," which has historical importance as it was the oldest settlement on the island. Not many exhibits remain except for traces of Maya murals, an arch, and few ruins. It is located about three km east of San Francisco Beach.
Those interested in visiting the large and impressive Maya sites will have to sail to the mainland for about 45 minutes by ferry to Playa del Carmen and from there travel to one of the largest and most impressive sites in the Yucatan region.
Chichen Itza
The largest and most famous site of all is Chichen Itza (meaning: at the mouth of the well of the Itza). At its peak, about fifty thousand residents lived there, who mysteriously abandoned the place after about two hundred years. The site has many well-preserved pyramids and structures. The site is about a two and a half hour drive (270 km) from Playa del Carmen.
Did you know? Chichen Itza is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, while Tulum is considered the most visited Maya ruin site in the world.
Tulum
It is located much closer to Playa del Carmen, only about a 30-40 minute drive, making it the most successful preserved archaeological site to visit for those coming to Cozumel. Tulum is a small walled city. It is considered the only Maya city built on the coast and the only one still inhabited when the Spaniards arrived in 1500. Since the city was built on dramatic cliffs 15 meters above sea level, it offers a spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea. The most impressive structure there is a temple to the god Kukulkan, the main god of the Maya. Additionally, there are temples to other gods, several buildings, and even a small beach where you can take a refreshing dip.
Short video about Tulum:
Hacienda Antigua Tequila Tour
A guided tour of about 25 minutes at a local tequila factory where you will learn the entire production process of Mexico's national drink, accompanied by generous tastings.
"Discover Mexico"
The most suitable name for the site is "Mini Mexico." This is the newest park in Cozumel and it includes 65 miniature structures of the most important and famous attractions throughout Mexico, including many Maya sites. You can take a guided tour of the park or explore it independently. The park also has a museum of popular art with artworks from all over Mexico and a video about the wonders of Mexico. The park is located about 800 meters south of the southern pier, Puerta Maya.
Atlantis submarine
In Cozumel, as in many destinations in the Caribbean, there is a submarine named Atlantis that sails at a depth of 30 meters underwater in Chankanaab Park. For 40 minutes you can watch corals and an abundance of marine life in clear water without needing to exert yourself or get wet. To reach the park itself, you arrive on a ship named "Ana" which sails along the western coast of Cozumel.
♦ Atlantis Submarine Voyage : Cozumel Atlantis Submarine Adventure Self-arrival at the site located a few hundred meters north of the cruise pier. The dive lasts about 40 minutes. The trip departs several times a day.
"Xcaret"
An ecological park spanning over 1,000 dunams located on the mainland about 6.5 km south of Playa del Carmen, on the coast. Considered a "natural theme park." The main attraction in the park is swimming (with life jackets) in an underground river that passes through several caves and natural lagoons. It is also recommended to snorkel in the caves and lagoons. In this park, you can also swim with dolphins, play with manatees, and walk on the seabed with Sea Trek. The daring can participate in the Trepachanga, walking on a flexible rope over the lagoons.
The Beaches of Cozumel:
The island is famous for its successful beaches, with clear water, white sand, and nearby coral reefs. The most successful beaches for swimming, snorkeling, and vacationing are located on the western side of the island, where the water is usually calm.
The successful beaches start south of Chankanaab Park, from San Francisco Beach southward. Along the entire southwestern part of the island are "Beach Clubs" full of facilities, restaurants, and bars. All have lounge chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment for rent, and most also have a wealth of additional facilities, such as inflatable water play equipment, sea mattresses, boat rentals of various types, jet skis, paragliders, bananas, and more. At most beaches, you can get a massage or have beads braided into your hair. At most beaches, entry is free but renting lounge chairs or using the various facilities and of course food and drinks involve a fee. At some beach clubs, entry costs money and includes free use of facilities, a first drink, etc.
On the eastern side of the island, the beaches are wilder, stormier, and much less crowded.
A successful and beautiful beach in eastern Cozumel is Playa Bonita, located at Rancho Ixpalbarco.
♦ Book an all-inclusive day pass for Paradise Beach Club:
Cozumel: Paradise Beach Club All-Inclusive Day Pass
Active Recreation and Sports
Diving and Snorkeling
The most popular sport on the island is diving. Cozumel has impressive coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. You can dive among sea turtles, eels, and a vast variety of colorful fish. Visibility in the water is excellent (it is possible to see to a depth of about thirty meters). Near the island, you can dive in deep caves, channels, and underwater canyons. No wonder the island is considered one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean and perhaps the whole world. Many companies organize diving tours.
The best place for snorkeling on the island is at San Francisco Beach and Chankanaab Park.
♦ Book snorkeling tours in Cozumel from Viator:
ATVs
Another attraction is an experiential ATV tour. Sometimes these tours combine swimming, snorkeling, and more.
♦ Book ATV and Jeep tours in Cozumel from Viator:
