Wow, this is quite the pickle you’ve found yourself in! You have to decide between Cancun vs Cozumel? We feel bad for you! That’s about the reaction we got from friends and family when telling them we had to choose between these two heavenly beach destinations along Mexico’s Riviera Maya.
But it’s not an easy decision, right? We totally understand your dilemma! No need to worry, though. Because we are here to help you figure out whether Cancun or Cozumel is more worthy of your precious vacation time. We ended up visiting both spots while visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. After all, we take the job we have to do very seriously! So Cancun vs Cozumel? We got you covered!
In this blog, we break down the pros and cons of both Cancun and Cozumel so that you can quickly decide which Caribbean destination is best for you! We compare everything you could possibly consider during your decision-making process: from the best beaches and lodging, to the overall vibe. Keep reading this Cancun vs Cozumel post to discover which one is for you! And yes, we definitely have a favorite. But we won’t reveal that until the end of this post 🙂
- What Are Cancun And Cozumel Known For?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which has The Better Overall Vibe?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Destination Is Easier To Get To?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Best Lodging Options?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Is Better For Food And Drinks?
- Is Cozumel More Expensive Than Cancun?
- Which Has Better Beaches Cancun or Cozumel?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Better Activities & Attractions?
- Cozumel vs Cancun: Which Has The Better Day-Trip Options?
- Is Snorkeling Better In Cozumel Or Cancun?
- Is Diving Better In Cozumel Or Cancun?
- Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Better Downtown?
- Is Cozumel Safer Than Cancun?
- Final Thoughts About Cancun Vs Cozumel: Which Is Better To Visit?
Estimated reading time: 23 minutes
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Where Are Cancun And Cozumel Located?
Cancun and Cozumel are both located in southeast Mexico in the state of Quintana Roo. Cancun sits on the northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel is an island found off the eastern shores of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Map Of Cancun And Cozumel
What Are Cancun And Cozumel Known For?
What Is Cancun Known For?
Cancun is one of the most renowned vacation destinations in the world due to its famous stretch of soft sandy beaches. The economy is primarily based on tourism, so you’ll find many waterfront resorts and plenty of access to your typical water-based activities. The resorts in Cancun’s famous hotel zone stretch along the beautiful beach as far as the eye can see.
Cancun is also known for being a top party destination that fills up during the spring-break season. It has an abundance of bars and nightclubs to ensure the party never stops. But despite its rambunctious reputation, there are plenty of private resorts for people seeking relaxing vacations away from the madness.
What Is Cozumel Known For?
Cozumel is known for being one of the most visited cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. And while it has plenty of resorts and all-inclusive beach clubs, Cozumel has a unique balance that also attracts visitors eager to enjoy epic underwater life, adventurous activities, and lazy days at their favorite beach.
In Cozumel, it is still possible to escape the crowds and find rustic beaches beyond your resort. There is also more diverse natural beauty accessible at arm’s length. And there’s always a sunset drink awaiting you at the end of the day’s adventure.
Think of Cozumel as Mexico’s version of Key West and Cancun as Las Vegas. Both are super popular, but they are just different.
Curious to know what Cozumel is like? Check out our Yucatan Peninsula travel series on YouTube!
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which has The Better Overall Vibe?
What Is Cancun’s Vibe Like?
Comparing Cancun’s overall vibe versus Cozumel’s is like comparing tacos versus tequila. They both serve an important need, but at the end of the day, they are nothing alike. Cancun is a hotspot for all-inclusive vacations and a thumping nightlife.
However, Cancun also offers the complete opposite experience from the all-night party. In the city’s private and isolated resorts, visitors can enjoy all the comforts you could ever want without any exposure to the world beyond the hotel entrance. Don’t expect much traditional Mayan culture just because you are in the Riviera Maya. The vibe here is 100% relaxation.
What Is Cozumel’s Vibe Like?
The tropical Caribbean island is a much more laid-back destination than Cancun. Because it is a cruise-ship destination, Cozumel crowds and energy pick up every day between 10 am – 4 pm. Once the passengers are called back to the ship, the traffic dies down, and it becomes a sleepy place to visit.
Cozumel is also a mecca for snorkeling, scuba diving, and doing nothing. If you have spent much time around the scuba scene, it’s often an early-to-bed crowd so that they can be ready for the next morning’s dive. For those looking for more peace and quiet, the smaller town is undoubtedly the place to go.
- The Winner: Cozumel (based on our personal preference).
Interested in a destination ever more laid back than Cozumel? Read our guide to visiting Bacalar Mexico – the Yucatan Peninsula’s hidden gem!
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Destination Is Easier To Get To?
How To Get To Cancun?
Cancun is the largest and most visited city in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Most people traveling to anywhere in Yucatan will enter through the modern Cancun International Airport (CUN). Cancun’s airport is the largest in Mexico, and many North American and European cities offer direct flights into Cancun.
It is about a 20 minute ride from the airport to Cancun’s hotel and resort area. There are plenty of taxis and private transfer options available into Cancun’s downtown area or to the main hotel district. In summary, getting to Cancun is a breeze.
You can check out this link to see if there are direct flights to Cancun from your city.
How To Get To Cozumel?
Cozumel is an island, so the only way to arrive is by air or sea. Only several US cities have year-round flights directly to Cozumel International Airport (CZM). A few other major airports operate direct flights to Cozumel on a seasonal basis. If you are coming from the US, there is a good chance that getting to Cozumel will require a layover in Dallas, Houston, or Miami.
Instead of flying to Cozumel, it’s possible to take a ferry from Playa del Carmen. Most visitors choosing this option still fly into Cancun’s airport before taking a bus or taxi to Playa del Carmen’s tourist zone. The ferries frequently depart to make the 45 minute journey to Cozumel.
Whether you arrive in Cozumel’s airport or ferry port, your lodging will only be a maximum of 10 minutes away.
Click here to see if there are direct flights to Cozumel from your area.
- The winner: Cancun.
Do you like this type of post? Check out our review of the Yucatan’s best colonial cities and find out if Valladolid, Campeche or Merida is right for you!
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Best Lodging Options?
Lodging Options In Cancun
Being the larger and more developed tourist destination, you’ll find an abundance of options when deciding where to stay in Cancun. But while you can find everything from affordable hostels to all-inclusive resorts, Cancun’s most notable lodging options are the large ‘don’t lift a finger’ beachfront properties.
The famous ‘hotel zone‘ is a strip of resorts right along Cancun’s famous beaches. This particular area is far away from Cancun’s city center and perfect for those visiting Cancun who want easy access to their own private beach. The situation is perfect for vacations where you just need to recharge or get pampered, don’t expect too many signals that you are in a foreign country.
Here you can find highest-rated lodging options in Cancun.
Lodging Options In Cozumel
Unlike Cancun, Cozumel’s lodging options are not centered around resorts. Though the island certainly has its fair share of waterfront hotels, visitors to Cozumel should expect more quaint villas, guesthouses, and bed & breakfasts full of Mexican flair. The focus here is definitely not on the full resort experience.
Most lodging options on the island are located in the town of Cozumel. There’s a lot of variety in terms of experiences, but they have one thing in common; they allow visitors to step outside and be in the middle of the charming little city ready to explore local neighborhoods and plenty of cozy bars and restaurants.
Link to Cozumel’s highest rated lodging options.
- The winner: Cancun for luxury travel. Cozumel for places to stay with a more unique ambiance.
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Is Better For Food And Drinks?
Food In Cancun
Cancun is an international destination recognized for high-class dining and all-night parties. But considering that it is the Yucatan’s largest city, your food options range from expensive chef-inspired restaurants to street-side taco stands. The only caveat to Cancun’s food scene is that many local restaurants are far from the popular resort area.
Drinks In Cancun
Cancun definitely has a more high-energy and rambunctious nightlife. After all, many young people come here to party all night while throwing back cheap shots of tequila. And while the main strip of bars and restaurants is chock-full of options, the overall ambiance is closer to what you’d find in Orlando than other places in Mexico.
Food In Cozumel
Again the victim of its considerably smaller size, Cozumel does not have the sheer number of restaurants and bars as Cancun. But Cozumel does punch above its weight class when it comes to having great places to eat wonderful Yucatecan food. You will have fine-dining options, cozy waterfront spots, and delicious street food all easily accessible from where you are staying.
Drinks In Cozumel
As far as nightlife goes, don’t expect to stumble out of any bars at sunrise while visiting the island. Much of the bar scene revolves around the water. So think sunset happy hours and fresh margaritas in your favorite hammock instead of neon lights and electro beats.
There are tons of small local bars, cafés, and restaurants throughout the town of Cozumel. Just don’t expect them to be pumped full of energy past 10 pm.
We can’t forget to mention that the world’s best mojito can be found at Bar Miami on Cozumel’s eastern shores.
- The winner: Cozumel for relaxed and traditional establishments. Cancun for international fine dining and an all-night party scene.
Is Cozumel More Expensive Than Cancun?
Cancun Travel Budget
Lodging is often the most significant contributor to a travel budget. That being the case, you might feel a little hesitant when booking a place to stay in Cancun. That’s because Cancun’s hotel zone can be super expensive! On average, the cost of resort-style hotels is higher here than in Cozumel (prices vary widely between $90 and $500 a night, but it’s depending on season & type of hotel).
On the flip side, getting to Cancun is generally cheaper due to the higher volume of flights arriving in Cancun vs Cozumel. And when it comes to food and drinks, venturing out of the touristy will let you discover plenty of affordable local bars and restaurants. (it’s hard to set a price, because it varies a lot depending on where you eat, but an entreé can cost between $10-$50, national beers between $2-$5 and cocktails between $6-$12)
So, where does that leave you? Think about it this way: if you stay in Cancun’s hotel zone, you will be limited to the hotel restaurant or a couple of upscale dining options in the general area. In this situation, Cancun will be more expensive than Cozumel. But you can easily find ways to cut down on your travel budget if you stay in Cancun’s city center.
Cozumel Travel Budget
While you can get into infinite iterations comparing Cozumel vs Cancun travel budgets, Cozumel will almost always be the more affordable option. The exception might be for short stays when the higher cost of getting to Cozumel outweighs Cancun’s higher lodging and entertainment costs.
Cozumel’s affordable bed & breakfasts and guesthouse hotels allow you to significantly cut down on our spending. And rent a cheap scooter ($17/day) to head to Cozumel’s eastern shores for the beautiful public beaches to limit the number of times you pull out your wallet every day. That is until it’s time for a refreshing cocktail! ($6)
The main reason why Cozumel will likely be cheaper is the accessibility to different food options. Even if you stay in a waterfront resort, affordable to cheap bites are only a walk or short taxi ride away. (prices vary, but you can have a dinner for 2 for less than $30 or even $8 if you go to a local taco shop!)
- Winner: Cozumel.
WOTW Tip: it’s hard to compare travel budgets for places in the same country. You can find ways to splurge or budget travel in both Cancun and Cozumel. However, if you are visiting these places with the typical vacation approach of a comfortable hotel and a few nice dinners, then Cancun is likely to put a bigger dent in your wallet.
Which Has Better Beaches Cancun or Cozumel?
Cancun’s Beaches
Cancun and Cozumel are two of Mexico’s most recognized destinations for beautiful white sandy beaches and turquoise water. Cancun’s iconic stretch of beach seemingly goes on forever along the coastline, interrupted only by occasional rocky crags. If your dream beach is a vast stretch of sand with turquoise water, then Cancun might just be your little slice of heaven.
Of these two, Cancun’s beaches have more of a resort feel with its high-rise hotels, featuring luxury, private, and full-service options. Keep in mind that Cancun does have public access to certain resort beaches, so double check with your hotel if you are looking for a more private option.
Cozumel’s Beaches
When comparing Cozumel vs Cancun beaches, don’t get mixed up in thinking that Cancun is the only place for all-inclusive experiences! Cozumel has a host of famous beach clubs that mainly attract the cruise-ship crowds in search of no-hassle relaxation during their day on the island.
But what makes Cozumel’s beaches so great is their diversity. Does the all-inclusive experience sound like fun? Head to Mr. Sancho’s famous beach club. More interested in your own private piece of paradise? Check out Cozumel’s rugged beaches around Playa Punta Morena. Or are you looking for epic snorkeling right from shore? Look no further than the rocky beaches on Cozumel’s east coast (our personal favorite was Playa Corona).
We’re telling you, Cozumel’s beaches have something for everyone!
- The Winner: Cozumel for its diversity and accessibility.
Any chance you are considering Isla Holbox for your Mexican beach vacation? Well maybe you should reconsider. Discover 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Isla Holbox, Mexico.
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Better Activities & Attractions?
Attractions & Activities In Cancun
Excluding the party crowd, travelers visiting Cancun usually search for a mix of hassle-free vacations with a few water activities sprinkled in. All your beloved water-based attractions are available in Cancun, including jet skis, snorkeling, parasailing, and sailboat adventures.
In terms of notable attractions in Cancun, there isn’t much around the tourist center beyond the main strip of popular bars. The main attraction located within the hotel zone is the Cancun Mayan Museum. For those few individuals that actually venture into downtown Cancun, you can discover a lively central park and a great outdoor market.
The majority of Cancun activities are tried and true favorites. However there are an incredible number of day trip options for visitors to Cancun seeking for some more adventurous options. But more on the day trips below.
Attractions & Activities In Cozumel
There are plenty of unforgettable activities to experience while visiting Cozumel. While scuba diving and snorkeling are the first to come to mind, Cozumel has many activities for you to choose from, but let’s face it, part of why you are thinking about visiting Cozumel is to do nothing.
However, if you are looking for an adventure, Cozumel’s unique activities and attractions include night snorkeling with octopuses, submarine expeditions, and ancient Mayan ruins. And we can’t forget to add Punta Sur Eco Park to our list of Cozumel attractions. Punta Sur is Cozumel’s largest protected nature reserve. Visitors can climb a decommissioned lighthouse to witness incredible views, right before hopping on a boat tour to come face to face with the island’s famous saltwater crocodiles!
The diverse and adventurous things to do in Cozumel are easily accessible during any visit to Cozumel. Cozumel gets the nod in this round of Cancun vs Cozumel.
- The winner: Cozumel.
Save This Cozumel vs Cancun Post For Later!
Cozumel vs Cancun: Which Has The Better Day-Trip Options?
Cancun Day Trips
Cancun has a bevy of day trips available for eager travelers looking to escape their all-inclusive resorts for a bit of adventure. Being on the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula means that popular attractions like Chichen Itza, Cenote Azul, and the more chilled out Isla Mujeres are just a short distance away.
Experiencing ancient Mayan ruins, pristine cenotes and beautiful snorkeling is all possible on day trips from Cancun.
Cozumel Day Trips
It’s difficult for the island to compete in this matchup of Cozumel vs Cancun. The only traditional ‘day trip’ option from Cozumel is taking the ferry across the channel to visit Playa del Carmen. That said, there is no major reason to make that trip unless you are super curious to visit Cozumel’s wilder neighbor.
Not much of a contest with this one, folks.
- The Winner: Cancun.
Is Snorkeling Better In Cozumel Or Cancun?
Snorkeling In Cancun
In general, the Caribbean Sea around the beautiful Riviera Maya is full of marine life. That said, when comparing Cancun vs Cozumel, it has to be mentioned that Cancun’s water is less clear due to its sandy seabed. While the color is stunning, the powdery sand mixes with the water to make visibility below the surface a bit murky.
Even though snorkeling from shore will not get any 5-star reviews, there is still great snorkeling in Cancun if you head out on a boat tour. But because this is such a popular activity, snorkeling in Cancun can get crowded, with many groups sharing the same patch of coral reef.
Snorkeling In Cozumel
Cozumel has long been ranked as one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world! With its clear blue water and easy access, Cozumel is the perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. We were amazed by the amount of life directly offshore. We saw tons of healthy soft coral and an incredible amount of tropical fish while snorkeling in Cozumel.
Want a better chance of spotting turtles, sharks and even eagle rays? Head out on a boat for a snorkeling tour along Cozumel’s incredible coral reefs.
- The winner: Cozumel in a unanimous decision.
WOTW Tip: note that Cozumel’s best snorkeling beaches are semi-private. They are attached to restaurants that either require a minimum consumption (around $10 US per person), or just a general understanding that you will also order something after your snorkel. It is worth it either way.
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Is Diving Better In Cozumel Or Cancun?
Cancun Diving
Both Cancun and Cozumel have access to the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. The Mesoamerican barrier reef stretches along the coast of the Riviera Maya’s tropical waters. But getting to the epic portions of the reef from Cancun is a little more complicated.
Nearby Isla Mujeres is better known for being a diver’s paradise than it’s mainland neighbor. Regardless of whether your dive boat leaves from Cancun or Isla Mujeres, it is likely that your dive experience will be nice and relaxed. Cancun’s diving is generally better suited for beginners due to having more shallow dive sites with limited current.
Cozumel Diving
Cozumel has some of the best diving in the world. This is a fact. The island offers a wide variety of dive sites with something for everyone. But even the easy dives are absolutely epic! We were lucky to see turtles, eagle rays, octopuses, crabs, lobsters, and a billion tropical fish!
Cozumel’s reef system is all part of a protected national marine park. Because of the greater oversight, the coral is better preserved in Cozumel. The amount of divers allowed at each site is also monitored. This creates a low-stress environment that makes for happy and more abundant marine life! Minor tangent – Cozumel even has its own endemic toadfish!
Last but not least, the service provided by dive shops in Cozumel is top-notch. We dove with Scuba Tony and didn’t even need to put the gear together ourselves! It was a 5-star experience all around.
- The winner: Cozumel.
Cancun vs Cozumel: Which Has The Better Downtown?
The City Of Cancun
The city of Cancun is a large and hectic urban area. And while this does create a chaotic environment, Cancun also offers the complete opposite experience of the all-inclusive resort life. Visitors to these private and isolated resorts can enjoy all the comforts they could ever want without having any exposure to the crazy world beyond the hotel entrance.
The Town Of San Miguel De Cozumel
San Miguel de Cozumel is usually a relaxed town with a unique vibe. Step away from the first few blocks that run along the waterfront promenade and you’ll find authentic taco shops, local neighborhoods, and a slow pace of life. If you want to explore a destination with a little more traditional Mexican flavor, then Cozumel over Cancun is the right move.
While San Miguel can mostly be described as a relaxed little city, the core of the town fills up between 10 am and 5 pm. Taxis, pedestrians, and tourists on scooters (like us) criss-cross the lively center when the cruise ship passengers are on the island.
- The winner: Cozumel.
Is Cozumel Safer Than Cancun?
Safety In Cancun
Despite terrifying incidents that show up in news headlines, Cancun is actually a relatively safe place to visit. The importance of the tourism industry to local and national governments means that agencies do their best to provide visitors a safe experience in Cancun.
That said, drug violence is encroaching into Cancun. Being a party destination naturally attracts drugs and organized crime. Unfortunately, tourists have been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time in Cancun. Though there isn’t much to worry about if you stay away from this scene.
Safety In Cozumel
Cozumel is one of Mexico’s safest areas to travel. Visitors can walk around outside at night and there is virtually zero risk of experiencing any issues. We walked around with our camera and equipment through the local neighborhoods and never felt any reason to worry.
The main safety issues in Cozumel that you should be aware of, are scooter accidents and rip currents. Many visitors (including us) rent scooters to tour around the island. And while it is generally an overwhelmingly simple place to navigate, the town center has some traffic nuances that are easy to forget about.
Additionally, many of the beaches of Cozumel’s rugged east coast don’t have lifeguards. The currents and waves can be intense in this area of the island. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way!
- The winner: Cozumel.
COVID-19 In Cancun and Cozumel
It’s 2022, and unfortunately we still have to address Covid. Both destinations had similar guidelines in place during our visit in March of 2022. All major shops and venues take your temperature and give hand sanitizer upon entering. Masks are also worn at very high rates by the local population. Also, considering that most activities and venues are outdoors, we did not feel at risk visiting Cozumel or Cancun.
WOTW Tip: you can monitor current levels of Covid infections across Mexico on this government Covid tracker. Cozumel and Cancun are in the state of Quintana Roo in the eastern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Final Thoughts About Cancun Vs Cozumel: Which Is Better To Visit?
Ultimately a decision about whether to visit Cancun vs Cozumel is based on personal travel styles. The two destinations are different in many ways. Therefore it will come down to what you want to do during your hard-earned vacation!
If you want a party scene or resort vibes, then Cancun is the best option. If you’re looking to be amazed by unbelievable underwater life followed by relaxed sunset happy hours, then Cozumel is for you. For us, our hobbies and personalities aligned much better with Cozumel. So much so that we can not wait to go back. We would file Cancun under ‘been there, done that.’
We hope this post gave you a better sense of what to expect from each destination on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Have fun on your tropical vacation!
Thanks for reading!
G
Have any questions about this post about Cancun vs Cozumel? Which of these Caribbean destinations if for you? Reach out in the comments or DM us on Instagram!
Ready to discover more of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula? Read these posts next:
- Cozumel: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Cozumel (With Video)
- Punta Allen: Exploring Punta Allen, Mexico: The Riviera Maya’s Hidden Gem (With Video)
- Bacalar: A Guide To Bacalar Mexico: 21 Great Things To Do & More!
- The Yucatan’s Colonial Cities: Discover If Campeche, Merida Or Valladolid Is The City For You!
Tired of reading? We have an entire travel series about Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula on YouTube! Don’t forget to subscribe to follow along with the adventures 🙂
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