Travel Guide of Cozumel in Mexico by Influencers and Travelers

Cozumel is an island and municipality in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen. It is separated from the mainland by Cozumel Channel and is close to the Yucatán Channel. The municipality is part of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.

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How to visit Cozumel ?

To get to Cozumel, you can either fly directly into Cozumel International Airport or fly to Cancun and take a bus or taxi to Playa del Carmen, followed by a ferry ride to Cozumel. Ferries run frequently throughout the day and take about 45 minutes to reach the island.

It's a good idea to book your accommodations and any guided tours or excursions in advance to ensure availability, especially during the high season (November to April). If you plan on scuba diving or taking part in any other water activities, it's also wise to reserve your spots ahead of time.

The costs of a trip to Cozumel can vary depending on the season and your preferences. Budget travelers can find hostels and local eateries at affordable prices, while luxury seekers can indulge in high-end resorts and gourmet restaurants. Expect to pay around $50-$150 per night for mid-range accommodations and $20-$60 for daily meals and activities.

The best things to do in Cozumel include exploring the island's incredible coral reefs, either by snorkeling or scuba diving. Popular dive spots include Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef. You can also visit the Chankanaab National Park, where you can relax on the beach, swim with dolphins, or explore botanical gardens. For a taste of history, visit the San Gervasio Mayan ruins or the Cozumel Museum.

When it comes to dining, Cozumel offers a blend of authentic Mexican cuisine and international options. Guido's is a popular choice for Italian dishes, while El Moro offers traditional Mexican fare with a homey atmosphere. For seafood lovers, try La Perlita, known for its fresh fish dishes and ceviche.

For accommodations, consider staying at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel, an all-inclusive resort with a private beach, multiple pools, and several dining options. For a more intimate experience, check out the boutique hotel Casa Mexicana Cozumel, which features modern rooms and a rooftop pool. Budget travelers can opt for the Amigos Hostel Cozumel, a friendly and affordable option near the city center.

Off the beaten path:

For a truly unique experience, venture to the less-visited east side of the island, known as the "wild side" of Cozumel. This area is characterized by its rugged coastline, secluded beaches, and lack of development. Rent a car or scooter and take a scenic drive along the coastal road to discover hidden gems like El Mirador, a natural rock formation that offers stunning views of the ocean, and Chen Rio, a serene beach with calm waters perfect for swimming. This part of the island offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of Cozumel and is perfect for those seeking a more laid-back and adventurous experience.

The Best Things to Do and Visit around Cozumel

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1 - Xcaret Park

   27 km away

Xcaret Park is a privately owned and operated theme park, resort and self-described ecotourism development located in the Riviera Maya, a portion of the Caribbean coastline of Mexico's state of Quintana Roo.

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2 - Xcaret

   27 km away

Xcaret is a Maya civilization archaeological site located on the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico.

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3 - Shore Excursions in Cozumel

This private, customizable tour allows you to drive your own Jeep, following a guide so you know where to go. Discover what the island of Cozumel has to offer as you explore sites like, Maya ruins, and go snorkeling in clear Caribbean waters. Visit a white-sand beach, enjoy an included lunch, and more. The departure time is flexible to suit your schedule.

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4 - Playa del Carmen

   30 km away

Playa del Carmen is a city located along the Caribbean Sea in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is a popular tourist area in eastern Mexico. Playa del Carmen features a wide array of tourist activities due to its geographical location in the Riviera Maya. It has also been the destination of PGA Tour golf tournaments and the set location for various television shows. The town has one of the fastest-growing populations in Mexico.

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5 - Av Benito Juárez 251

   30 km away

Tlacotepec de Benito Juárez is a town and municipality in Puebla in south-eastern Mexico.

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6 - Culinary Tour in Cozumel

Meat-stuffed empanadas, shrimp tacos and sweet Mexican pastries are on the menu for this 3-hour culinary tour of Cozumel. Located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, the island is actually closer to Cuba than it is the Mexican capital, giving its cuisine some Caribbean flair. Get a taste of it with the help of a savvy guide who leads you to five local hotspots for samples of classic Yucatecan food, cerveza and agua fresca. Round-trip transportation from downtown is included on this small-group tour, limited to 12 people.

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7 - Solidaridad

   30 km away

Solidaridad is one of the eleven municipalities that make up the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. Its municipal seat is the town of Playa del Carmen. Solidaridad is home to the Maya archaeological site of Xcaret.

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8 - Riviera Maya

   33 km away

The Riviera Maya is a tourism and resort district south of Cancun, Mexico. It straddles the coastal Federal Highway 307, along the Caribbean coastline of the state of Quintana Roo, located in the eastern portion of the Yucatán Peninsula.

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9 - Scuba Diving in Cozumel

TRAVELER’S FAVORITE! Set off for a great Adventure to the Caribbean and admire the Spectacular marine life in the most amazing Snorkeling tour. Enjoy Cozumel's top attractions and most visited reefs in the Caribbean. Palancar reef, known by it's variety of abundant sea life, Columbia reef, full of brightly colored fish, turtles and coral formations and El Cielo reef, surrounded by amazing starfish all over it's white sandy bottom, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the Mexican Caribbean. This Tour Start and ends within close proximity to Main Cruise ports, making it the perfect excursion for all travelers.

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10 - Puerto Morelos

   46 km away

Puerto Morelos is a town and seaport in Quintana Roo, Mexico's easternmost state, on the Yucatán Peninsula. The town is located in the northeast of the state, about 36 km south of the resort city of Cancún, and about 30 km north of the city of Playa del Carmen.

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11 - Akumal

   46 km away

Akumal is a small beach-front tourist resort community in Mexico, 100 km south of Cancún, between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

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12 - Submarine Tours in Cozumel

Dive to depths of 100 feet (30 meters) and discover a new world inside the unique real submarine at the mexican caribbean, piloted by a professional and licensed crew. You will discover why Cozumel is one of the top dive destinations in the world on board the Atlantis Submarine! Make an underwater journey to Chankanaab, an environmentally protected marine park, home to amazing coral formations and a variety of marine animals.

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13 - Mountain Bike Tours in Cozumel

Río Secreto Wild, a gift from nature that takes us to an underground world with unique dimensions and that has been in silence for a long time to surprise the fortunate adventurers in this ecosistems willing to live a unique experience surrounded by the sounds of nature.

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Learn More about Cozumel

Cozumel, located 71 km south of Cancún, is the largest island in Mexico

It is located in the Caribbean Sea and belongs to the region of Quintana Roo.

This region of Mexico has one of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet, so beaches are at the top of the list of attractions on the peninsula. 

Cozumel came out of anonymity in 1961, when Jacques-Yves Cousteau, accompanied by local guides, filmed and showed the world its spectacular reefs. Since then, it has become one of the most famous diving and cruising destinations in Mexico. While diving and snorkeling are the main activities, the island has no shortage of beautiful beaches and many (often very expensive) stores. There are also some Mayan relics and ecological theme parks on Cozumel.
Diverse wild vegetation, beautiful rocky coasts, beautiful beaches bordering the Caribbean Sea, and beautiful lagoons are some of the natural wonders you will find when visiting Cozumel.
The island also has a great diversity of marine life, coral reefs, and animal species, which nowadays attract many tourists who want to practice diving and various ecotourism activities.

Cozumel has a great tourist offer, between its comfortable hotels, its entertainment, its high-quality restaurants offering a variety of fish and seafood dishes, its lively bars and discotheques at night, its sports (hiking, diving, golf, etc.), but its stars are clearly its white sandy beaches with turquoise waters, its coral reefs and its splendid nature!

Cozumel: What to do?

In Cozumel, there is a wide variety of recreational activities to enjoy, and you can visit many beautiful places. If you are traveling to Cozumel, we recommend you visit the Chankanaab Ecological Park, as it brings together a variety of environmental activities that will take you on a journey of discovery of its most precious natural riches. Its majestic rainforests, varied fauna and vegetation, and the Caribbean Sea that surrounds the island are natural wonders that you can't miss. Practice different sports such as diving, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing. Visit the reefs of Palancar, where you can discover exceptional natural wonders. If you also want to immerse yourself in its history and culture, you can visit the city's museum, which will introduce you to the island's history.

In Cozumel, there are many places to see, you can take a walk around the island, to visit the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, for example. Also, we recommend you to visit San Miguel de Cozumel, the main city of this tourist island. This city has a vast and important historical heritage, founded in the 19th century, and in the 20th century, it became one of the main tourist destinations in the region. Nowadays, the city is still a major point of interest.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Cozumel

Cozumel : What to bring back?

In Cozumel, you will find a wide variety of stores where you can buy souvenirs to take home; remember that Mexico, in general, is characterized by its craftsmanship, and you can acquire beautiful and colorful fabrics that showcase the country's cultural diversity.

• Bring back a hammock with the bright colors representative of their culture, buy handicrafts that often reproduce images of pre-Hispanic figures of the Mayan culture, once present in the region.

Their handmade items are among our highest recommendations, and you can take them home as a souvenir of your happy stay in Cozumel.

Cozumel : what to eat?

Being a Mexican and Caribbean destination, Cozumel offers a great gastronomic variety resulting from the mixture of indigenous and European flavors, which also characterize the cuisine of Quintana Roo. If you travel to Cozumel, you must try their culinary specialties based on fish and seafood, such as snapper, lobster, and snail, all seasoned with various spices and peppers.

We recommend you try some of Cozumel's most popular restaurants, including Kees Mi Cactus, Kareoqui, Neptuno, and Sr. Frogs.

How is Cozumel ?

Cozumel is a beautiful island

Totally recommended, spectacular for snorkeling and diving, beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, has one of the 3 largest coral reefs in the world,

we recommend it 100%.

   Where to Stay near Cozumel

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