Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Cozumel

If you are looking to add unforgettable adventures to your Cozumel beach vacation, then you’re in the right place! This popular island along Mexico’s Riviera Maya is world-famous for fun-in-the-sun. But there are also a bunch of epic things to do in Cozumel beyond lazing under a palm tree.

Cozumel, Mexico was our first stop on a 70 day trip around the Yucatan Peninsula. We spent 17 days in Cozumel and basically explored every corner of the tropical island. We’ll show you how to dig a little deeper to uncover incredible activities like night snorkeling with octopuses, exploring Mayan ruins, and finding the world’s best mojitos! And don’t worry, there are recommendations for our favorite Cozumel Beaches here, too.

This post highlights everything you need to know before visiting Cozumel. Discover Cozumel’s lesser-known sites and unforgettable adventures. Get ready to make lifelong memories, snorkel with sea life you never knew existed, learn about ancient history, and bask in tropical sunsets. So make yourself a margarita and come explore 13 epic things to do in Cozumel!

Estimated reading time: 26 minutes

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Ready To Discover 13 Amazing Things To Do In Cozumel?

Everything You Need To Know About Cozumel Before You Visit

Where Is Cozumel, Mexico?

Cozumel is an island off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is situated south of Cancun, and only a few miles offshore from Playa del Carmen.

Map Of Cozumel, Mexico

What To Expect When Visiting Cozumel?

As one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports, it’s easy compare Cozumel with popular destinations like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. And while an influx of cruise passengers do descend on this tiny island on a daily basis, it is still possible to experience a side of Cozumel far away from the crowds.

We found Cozumel to be a paradise of turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and swinging hammocks. Don’t expect a huge party vibe. Most people visit Cozumel to chill out, enjoy the beautiful coast and explore the world-class underwater life.

How To Get To Cozumel?

Being an island, options for getting to Cozumel are limited. That being the case, there are basically two ways to get there, by plane or by ferry from Playa del Carmen.

Let’s explain more:

Getting To Cozumel from Playa del Carmen:

Many people fly into Cancun International Airport before making the trip to Playa del Carmen. From Playa del Carmen there are regular ferries Cozumel.

The ferry between the mainland and Cozumel is fantastic. There are many time slots to choose from, and our ferry even had live music and people selling tequila shots. WOOHOO Mexico!!!

• Price: $14 – $16 USD for a one-way ticket on the passenger ferry.
• Where to book: click here to check ferry schedules and purchase tickets. Booking your ferry tickets ahead of time can be helpful, especially in the busy winter months (November – April). Note there is no major difference between the operators, just choose whichever fits your schedule better 😎
• Time needed: 45-60 minutes depending on the weather.

You can also cross the channel with the car ferry. This is obviously a great option if you happen to be driving around the Yucatán Peninsula.

• Car ferry schedule from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

WOTW Tip #1: taxi drivers will be happy to overcharge you for the trip from Cancún Airport to Playa del Carmen’s ferry dock. But you can also take a reliable and affordable bus from the ADO bus station in Cancun’s airport. Just make sure to take the bus to Playa del Carmen’s ‘Zona Turistica.‘

WOTW Tip #2: although rare, the ferry port can shut down if there is excessively rough weather. Keep this in mind if you have a tight schedule.

Getting To Cozumel By Plane:

The easiest way to start experiencing all the best things to do in Cozumel is by flying directly into the tiny Cozumel International Airport. Direct flights from the US depart daily from Houston, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Other select US airports fly direct to Cozumel seasonally.

There are no direct flights from any European country to Cozumel.

Do You Need A Visa To Enter Mexico?

Most travelers entering Mexico from the US, EU, UK, Canada do not require a Visa. Visitors from these countries receive a tourist card on arrival. There is no fee for the tourist card, and it can be given for up to 180 days. Find the complete list of Visa-exempt countries here.

Green Card holders or those with a valid travel Visa for many of the exempt countries listed above, also do not require a Visa to enter Mexico.

WOTW Tip: the agent stamping you into Mexico decides how long you can stay in the country. Don’t be vague about your intentions if you plan to stay for a while. The agent gave us 100 days because we told him we would be touring around the Yucatan Peninsula.

How Many Days Do You Need In Cozumel?

How many days do you need in paradise? You can easily spend a week to ten days in Cozumel if you love the ocean and don’t get tired of idyllic snorkeling, epic diving, and sunset happy hours.

If you need more action to keep you entertained, then 4 – 5 days will be enough to experience the most popular things to do in Cozumel.

When Is the Best Time To Visit Cozumel?

Cozumel has warm tropical weather year-round. But defining the best time to visit depends on your objective. We break it down like this:

• Spring (April – June): great for exploring above and below the water. Days are warm, generally dry, and pleasant. Spring is the high season for visitors, so expect larger crowds and higher lodging prices. Also, note that June is the start of Cozumel’s rainy season.
• Summer (July – September): hot, muggy, and hurricane season. Even though that sounds terrible, summer is also low season, and the water is warm and great for snorkeling and diving.
• Fall (October – December): great weather and less busy. Though crowds do increase around the holidays. The heat and humidity is less intense compared with the summer season.
• Winter (January – March): pleasantly warm and breezy, though evenings can feel chilly if you’ve been in the water all day. Winter can also bring more rain, and showers last longer than the summertime tropical downpours . Water temps are as cold as they get in March. You will most likely need a wetsuit if you are diving in Cozumel during the winter months.

WOTW Tip: We visited Cozumel towards the end of February, and the water temp was just below 80 Fahrenheit. So basically ice water. We are wimps when it comes to cold water (:

Where To Stay In Cozumel, Mexico?

As far as islands go, Cozumel is pretty large. That said, most of Cozumel isn’t developed, so the answer of where to stay in Cozumel is pretty straightforward. You basically have three lodging options:

1. The most developed resort area is north of Cozumel’s main town. Lodging options usually have beach access.
2. Within the main town of San Miguel de Cozumel. Central location, but no direct beach access.
3. Along the southwestern coast for luxury lodging. Direct beach access and often all-inclusive.

Map Of Main Lodging Options In Cozumel, Mexico

We researched the highest-rated lodging options on Booking so you don’t have to!

Because we travel full-time, we like having our own kitchen and workspace. And we like places that are good for our budget! You can check out our lovely budget-friendly Airbnb here.

How To Get Around Cozumel?

This island paradise is super easy to navigate. There are plenty of different options to get around that make experiencing all the epic things to do in Cozumel a breeze.

Getting Around Cozumel By Taxi:

Taxis can be found around the town center and in front of large hotels. They are also generally easy to hail from the street while walking around on island’s west side.

The taxis have set prices that are based on zones, not distance. Not all drivers will charge you the set price, and they will often try to charge a higher amount. Your best bet is to ask a local how much it should be so that you have some negotiating power.

Note: Uber or other ride-share services are unavailable on Cozumel.

Getting Around Cozumel By Scooter:

Scooter is by far the most fun way to get around Cozumel. The island only has a few main roads, so navigating is easy. And a scooter is easier to park along the street or in front of restaurants than a car.

WOTW Tip #1: a full gas tank will be enough to drive around the entire island. But don’t risk taking any big trips if you aren’t fully topped off. There are no gas stations on the eastern or southern parts of the island!

WOTW Tip #2: be careful driving in the city! Always wear your helmet. For your own safety and because the police will stop you. And you don’t want to be put in an awkward position with Mexican police. And don’t drink and scoot!

Getting Around Cozumel With A Car:

Renting a car is a great way to explore Cozumel! If driving a scooter around the island under the baking Caribbean sun sounds like too much, a car is a convenient secondary option.

There are plenty of car rental agencies, including international and local companies. You’ll be able to find everything from rugged Jeep Wranglers to affordable buggy-style vehicles.

WOTW Tip: we like to rent cars from reputable agencies whenever possible. You can find prices for car rental in Cozumel here. Small companies are more likely to try and scam you by charging for damages that you weren’t responsible for.

Is Cozumel Safe To Visit?

You won’t hear the same horror stories about Cozumel’s safety as you do with Cancun, Tulum, and some other popular tourist destinations in Mexico. Cozumel is less of a party destination than other famous places, so drug-related conflicts are thankfully unheard of on the island.

The main dangers in Cozumel are scooter accidents, sunburns, and rip currents on the east-side beaches. My advice is to pay attention to the direction of traffic if you rent a scooter. And be careful going too far out in the ocean on Cozumel’s eastern shores. There are no lifeguards to help you out on these remote beaches!

WOTW Tip: Cozumel’s main town is humble and can look rough around the edges. But we never feared for our safety when walking around. That said, we wouldn’t recommend getting lost late at night after a few too many drinks. But that is just common sense travel advice.

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Don’t forget to read about the Yucatan Peninsula’s other amazing destinations:

• Cozumel Beaches: 15 Best Beaches In Cozumel – And Not To Visit (With Video)
• Valladolid: 23 Awesome Things To Do in Valladolid (And What Not To Do)
• Bacalar: Guide To Visiting Bacalar: 21 Things To Do & More! (With Videos)
• Punta Allen: Discover Punta Allen: The Yucatan Peninsula’s Hidden Paradise (With Video)

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13 Incredible Things to Do In Cozumel

Note that most places in Cozumel accept dollars. Pesos are also accepted, but the prices don’t really vary much whether you are paying in dollars or pesos. In other words, there’s usually only a slight advantage for paying in pesos for activities in Cozumel.

Map Of The Most Unforgettable Things To Do In Cozumel

1. Rent A Scooter & Explore Cozumel At Your Own Pace

• Price: 300 – 500 MXP ($15 – $25 USD).
• Hours: scooter rental agencies have regular office hours, but often communicate after hours via whatsapp.
• Time needed: rental periods are usually for 24 hours.
• WOTW rating: 5/5

Renting a scooter in Cozumel is a great way to get out and explore the island. After you leave Cozumel’s busy downtown, the scooting becomes easy. There are very few cars on the road outside of the town, and you can cruise happily at your own pace while enjoying the warm breeze and views of the turquoise water.

Cozumel was the very first place that I ever drove a scooter (click here to see how that went). It was a great experience once I got the hang of making turns. Thankfully for me, most of Cozumel’s main road requires minimal maneuvering. Looking back, touring around the island with our little scooter was one of the most memorable Cozumel activities.

A few words of caution: be very careful driving in the main town. Pay attention to whether you are heading in the direction of stop signs or continuous traffic. Scooter accidents do happen!

• Location: we rented our scooter from D&S Cozumel Rentals near the center of town. They get great reviews, and the guys we worked with were honest. (The map says GM rentals, but it’s the right place. You can reach them on Whatsapp at +52 987 116 2163.)

WOTW Tip #1: it is easiest to communicate with local scooter, buggy, and car rental agencies over Whatsapp. You can find their contact information on their websites and/or Facebook pages.

WOTW Tip #2: you do not need a special license to drive a scooter. All you need is you regular driver’s license. Some agencies may also require that you have previous automatic scooter experience.

2. Go Snorkeling At One Of Cozumel’s Best Beaches

• Price: $0 – $10 per person (some snorkeling beaches are semi-private).
• Hours: 9 am – 6 pm
• Time needed: as much as you like.
• WOTW rating: 5/5

Cozumel is blessed to have some incredible snorkeling accessible directly from the shore. A mind-blowing amount of marine life can be found in only 5 – 10 feet of water. You can expect tons of tropical fish and soft coral galore! You basically had to drag us out of the water in Cozumel.

Floating over the island’s underwater paradise is one of the essential things to do in Cozumel. It really is an unmissable activity for those that love to snorkel. Note that many great snorkeling spots are found at semi-private beaches or on snorkeling tours. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy to hop in the water from a public beach and experience great snorkeling.

Most snorkeling along Cozumel’s west coast is pretty relaxed. But be careful if you sense strong currents. You don’t want to end up in Cuba!

• Location of semi-private beaches with fantastic snorkeling: Playa Corona, Cozumel & Sunset Bar Cozumel (don’t get distracted by the bar. Head into the water!).
• Location of public beach with great snorkeling: Cruising Beach on the north side of town is a good entry point for a great little drift snorkel. Bring water shoes, and don’t leave your belongings onshore.

WOTW Tip #1: ‘beach’ is used liberally when it comes to the best places to snorkel in Cozumel. Many spots are rocky and aren’t suited for relaxing out of the water. Consider visiting the semi-private beaches if you want to compliment your snorkeling with lounging around. They do offer tables and some sunbeds.

WOTW Tip #2: please be careful with the coral while snorkeling. Never touch or stand on any coral as it can easily break and die. And always wear ocean-safe sunscreen. Help preserve Cozumel’s protected marine park!

3. Go On An Epic Night Snorkeling Adventure

• Price: $60 – $65 US, per person.
• Hours: snorkeling starts around 7:30 pm.
• Time needed: 2 – 3 hours
• WOTW rating: 5/5

And the award for the most unique thing to do in Cozumel goes to… the octopus adventure night snorkel! Ready to walk from the beach directly into the black water to watch the ocean’s nocturnal animals come to life? Of course you are!

We saw two different species of octopuses within 15 minutes of entering the water. These incredible creatures let us observe them as they changed colors and danced over the rocky bottom. The show ended when one octopus squirted a little bit of ink in our direction to let us know that it was time to move on. It was an epic night!

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Book this epic night snorkeling in Cozumel experience here.

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We also saw curious squid, yellow stingrays, and one giant southern stingray (in addition to a ton of fish). The guides for this activity are super experienced and make sure you are always comfortable in the water. They also bring color-changing lights and take plenty of photos and videos to share with you after the snorkel.

• Location: you will meet your guide just south of town at The Money Bar Beach Club.

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Check out our Mayan-ruin & night-snorkeling adventures in this video!

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4. Explore Cozumel’s Off-The-Beaten-Path Eastern Coast

• Price: N/A
• Hours: restaurants on the east side close between 5 – 7 pm.
• Time needed: about 30 minutes to reach from town.
• WOTW rating: 4/5

Cozumel is a tale of two islands. The west coast is where the main town of San Miguel is located. It is also the most accessible area of the island for cruise passengers and day-trippers coming from Playa del Carmen. You could say that many of the all-inclusive beach clubs on the west side are similar to what you’ll find in Cancun.

Cozumel’s rugged eastern shores are a world away from the crowds. The beaches experience more wind and waves, and you will find local surfers shredding through the swells. You can even take some surf lessons yourself!

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Check out our favorite beaches in Cozumel!

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Exploring the east coast’s remote beaches is a must on any list of best things to do in Cozumel. These beaches simply have a different vibe from the more commercial beaches on Cozumel’s west side. You have officially been filled in with one of Cozumel’s best-kept secrets!

• Location: our favorite beach on Cozumel’s east coast is Playa Chen Rio. Areas of the beach are sheltered from the surf, and there are restaurants where you can grab a quick bite and a cold drink.

5. Try The World’s Best Mojitos

• Price: $7 US per mojito (cash only).
• Hours: officially 8 am – 9 pm, but it seems like they stop serving closer to sunset time.
• Time needed: up to you.
• WOTW rating: 5/5

Now that you are already on Cozumel’s east coast, why not head to our favorite bar in Cozumel?! Miami Bar is rustic and super chilled-out. You’ll only find a few tables in the sand and a handful of hammocks. Everything is set to just enjoy the views while rocking away with your handmade cocktail.

Aimara loves a great mojito, and she claims that the mojitos at Bar Miami are the best she has ever tried! Their secret is to crush the mint in a Mexican molcajete, which extracts more of that delicious minty flavor. It’s like a 5 minute process to make a single mojito. I can also confirm that their margaritas are exquisite.

Bar Miami is the perfect place to relax and watch the waves roll in after a day exploring Cozumel’s east coast. Yes, cocktails here are not cheap. In their defense, the east coast is remote and does not get direct electricity. So it’s probably more challenging to keep ingredients fresh and drinks cold.

• Location: Bar Miami, Cozumel, Mexico.

WOTW Tip #1: it is hard to get a taxi from here. Don’t drink and drive!

WOTW Tip #2: being from South Florida, I can say that this bar is nothing like Miami. And I mean that in a good way. Expect plastic tables and no frills at Cozumel’s Bar Miami.

5. Search For Crocodiles At Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

• Price: $18 US per person for entrance to the park.
• Hours: 9 am – 4 pm (closed Sundays). Boat tours occur at 1 pm & 2 pm.
• Time needed: you can spend the entire day exploring the park’s attractions and relaxing on the beach. The boat tour is about 30 minutes.
• WOTW rating: 3/5 for the boat tour; 4/5 for everything including the beach and other attractions.

On Cozumel’s southernmost point lies Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, the island’s largest eco-reserve. Visiting the beautiful park is one of the coolest things to do in Cozumel because it’s the best place to spot saltwater crocodiles in the lagoon!

A small pontoon boat takes visitors out into the lagoon in search of the island’s famous reptiles. The tours happen only twice daily, and the boat can fill up quickly!

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You can watch our Punta Sur Eco Park adventures here.

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Punta Sur Eco Park also has one of our favorite beaches in Cozumel. Your entrance fee gives you access to lounge chairs and an umbrella. And decent snorkeling is also possible if you are up for swimming out 200 yards from shore. The park even has a lighthouse that you can climb to get stunning views of the coast and lagoon. Visiting Punta Sur Eco Park is a great activity to add to your list of things to do in Cozumel!

• Location: Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel.

WOTW Tip: unlike other Cozumel beaches that require you to consume food or drink at the restaurant, the fee at Punta Sur Eco Park does not include food or drinks. There are two restaurants at the beach to grab lunch and a drink.

7. Go Scuba Diving Along The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

• Price: $90 US for a two-tank dive is a good price. This price excludes tip and equipment rental.
• Hours: morning, afternoon and night dives are available.
• Time needed: 3 – 4 hours per dive trip.
• WOTW rating: 5/5

If you are a certified diver, there is no excuse not to go scuba diving while visiting the island. It is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Cozumel. And if you are not certified, then there is no better place to get hooked to this life-changing activity than in Cozumel!

Cozumel and the Riviera Maya are home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. This beautiful reef system is so full of life! We saw turtles, sharks, eagle rays, octopuses, and all the tropical fish. And it was such a wonderful experience to see such healthy coral! We were like two kids in a candy store exploring this incredible underwater world.

We were lucky to go diving with Scuba Tony on three different days, including a night dive! And beyond the 5-star service, the diving itself was spectacular! If you don’t believe us, check out their perfect 5-star rating on Google! We honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.

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Check out our epic scuba diving experience in Cozumel!

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Check out this detailed blog post to find a detailed description of dive sites in Cozumel and what to expect.

Book your dive with Scuba Tony here!

• Location: Scuba Tony, Fonatur Marina, Cozumel.

8. Learn About Mayan History At San Gervasio Ruins

• Price: 193 MXP per person ($9.50 US).
• Hours: 9 am – 2:45 pm (the entrance closes at 2:45, but you can stay until 5 pm if you are already inside).
• Time needed: 1-2 hours
• WOTW rating: 4/5

So you’ve been in Cozumel for a few days. Now it’s time to put the margarita down and learn something about the island’s Mayan history. The ancient Mayan ruins located at San Gervasio are a terrific place to explore if you have had enough of Cozumel’s beaches for a day.

While most people wouldn’t associate Cozumel with cultural attractions, San Gervasio has a fascinating history worth discovering. Dedicated to the Mayan goddess of fertility, the ancient city was an important pilgrimage site for Mayan women. Women and couples would come from the mainland to give offerings, get married and give birth at this site. Babies born here were considered to be supremely blessed.

True, the structures at San Gervasio don’t compare the amazing Mayan Ruins on the mainland. But we still think visiting the ancient ruins is a great thing to do while exploring Cozumel. Especially for those who have more than just a few days on the island and are interested in the area’s ancient history.

• Location: San Gervasio Archeological Zone, Cozumel.

WOTW Tip #1: there are two entrance fees for San Gervasio. One each for the local and national governments. The first payment can be made using credit card, the second is cash only.

WOTW Tip #2: for an extra $20 US you can have a private guide take you throughout the site. Considering the ruins themselves aren’t super impressive, a guide is essential if you want to fully appreciate the site’s Mayan history. Payment for the guide is also cash only. In other words, bring cash (:

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9. Visit A Secluded Paradise Island

• Price: $150 mxp per person for a round trip ‘ferry’ seems to be the going rate ($7.50 US).
• Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
• Time needed: 2 – 4 hours
• WOTW rating: N/A

If the east coast beaches are a bit too wild for your idea of a secluded paradise, then the postcard-worthy Passion Island is probably more up your alley. This remote beach on Cozumel’s northern tip is not exactly easy to reach. This is why it has remained a somewhat secluded paradise with calm, shallow waters perfect for floating around.

To get there, you can take a scooter or Jeep along a terrible road to an old fishing pier where locals will be waiting with a boat to ferry you across. The road is exceptionally bad from what we heard, so use your best judgement before heading out that way.

Consider taking a catamaran tour to Passion Island for a more scenic and peaceful route to this less-explored beach.

• Location: Passion Island, Cozumel, Mexico.

WOTW Tip #1: some cruise excursions do bring passengers here, but their time is limited due to the relatively large distance from Passion Island to the cruise port.

WOTW Tip #2: food, drinks, lounger chairs and umbrellas are only available for people arriving on a tour. If you are visiting Passion Island on your own you’ll need to bring your own food and drinks.

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Mexico’s Isla Holbox also brands itself as a secluded paradise. But our visit showed an ugly side to the island. Find out 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Isla Holbox.

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10. Try The Best Cozumel Foods

• Price: food prices vary. But most dishes cost between $2 – $5 US.
• Hours: many popular dishes are served early around breakfast and lunch time.
• Time needed: 3 – 5 hours
• WOTW rating: 4/5

We took advantage of one of our days with the scooter to zip around town trying Cozumel’s best street foods. The Yucatán is home to many unique dishes with Mayan origins. Thankfully many of the Yucatán Peninsula’s iconic dishes can be found in Cozumel!

Coming from the US, we thought we knew a thing or two about Mexican food. But Mexican cuisine is so diverse! We found many unfamiliar and incredible foods to try in Cozumel. Quesadillas with cactus or corn fungus, anyone?

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We tried amazing regional foods during our DIY Cozumel food tour!

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The best place to discover a destination’s local foods is always the local market. Don’t be afraid to eat street foods or at the market. We did not have any issues following our food tour whatsoever.

• Location: cochinita pibil and relleno negro are the stars of Cozumel’s food scene. Ask locals for their favorite places to go for these delicious Yucatan dishes. Alternatively, you can head to Don Benja on the outskirts of town, where we had delicious versions of both foods! This place doesn’t appear on Google, but you can find it on Avenida 75 Norte, between Calle 14 Norte & Calle 16 Norte. Be there before 10 am to make sure the cochinita pibil and relleno negro aren’t sold out. We promise it’s worth the effort!

WOTW Tip: cochinita pibil and relleno negro are typically only available on Sundays. And while the central market is also open on Sundays, many other restaurants can be closed. Keep that in mind if you want to sample a bunch of Cozumel’s famous foods in a single day.

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11. Take A Dip In A Cozumel Cenote

Click here for pictures of Jade Cenote.

• Price: $80 US for an ATV tour.
• Hours: Start times for tours vary.
• Time needed: 3.5 hours for an ATV tour
• WOTW rating: N/A

Let me start by saying that Cozumel’s cenotes aren’t in the same league as the ones you’ll find on the mainland in the Yucatán Peninsula. But for visitors exclusively visiting Cozumel, a trip to Jade Cenote is an action-packed activity to add to your itinerary.

Visiting this cenote requires taking a trip on a muddy road, and tours are with ATV, buggy, or Jeeps. Jade cenote is home to many bats who relieve themselves in the water. You can still cliff jump into the stinky water for a swim. But I am not sure why that would be appealing.

But if you are looking for adventurous things to do in Cozumel, you could do worse than slogging through muddy roads on an ATV to explore the island’s most famous cenote. Cenote tours are also informative and teach visitors about Cozumel’s unique landscape.

• Location: Jade Cavern, Cozumel.

12. Explore The Town Of San Miguel De Cozumel

• Price: free to wander around.
• Hours: N/A
• Time needed: 1 – 3 hours
• WOTW rating: 4/5

While San Miguel doesn’t have the colonial charm of Campeche, Valladolid or Merida, it’s still a fun place to explore for a few hours. Start in the town square and wander around the nearby streets with shops and bars. And don’t forget to stop by the churro or marquesitas stand to sample some scrumptious Cozumel street foods.

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Want to visit Yucatan Peninsula’s beautiful colonial cities? Read these next:

• The Yucatan’s Colonial Cities: Which destination is right for: Campeche, Merida or Valladolid (With Videos)
• Valladolid: 23 Best Things To Do In Valladolid (With Videos)
• Merida: Guide To Visiting Merida: Things To Do & More (With Videos)
• Campeche: Discovering Campeche Mexico: The Yucatan’s Most Underrated City (With Videos)

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The best time to explore San Miguel de Cozumel is around 5 pm. The intense Caribbean heat starts to cool down, and cruise passengers head back to their ships. And conveniently, it’s a perfect time to transition seamlessly in the next activity on this list of best things to do in Cozumel.

• Location: San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

13. Enjoy Sunset Drinks Along The Malecon

• Price: about $3 for beer and $6 for cocktails in bars/restaurants along the water.
• Hours: 6 – 7:30 pm
• Time needed: order another round, you’re on vacation!
• WOTW rating: 5/5

What better way to end a day of adventures around a tropical island than with sunset drinks. The best things to do in Cozumel don’t always have to be adventurous. It’s okay to kick back and enjoy the good life as you watch an epic sunset. And let’s be real, having sunset drinks is one of those things to do in Cozumel that should be done as often as you want during your vacation.

Cozumel’s entire west coast gives you beautiful views of the island’s spectacular sunsets. But many of the semi-private beaches close-up shop around 6 pm, which is too early for sunset. So head back into town and jump into one of the many bars, or grab a couple beers and sit on the seawall and watch the sun melt away!

• Location: our favorite spot for sunset drinks was La Monina. And right next door is the Hemingway Lounge & Bar, which is a slightly more upscale version of the same thing. For something in the center of town, there are also stunning views and good margaritas at Capitán Mantaraya.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Cozumel

We had an absolute blast during our 2.5 week adventure in Cozumel. We arrived on the island unsure of what our experience would be like in this popular cruise destination. But thankfully, we discovered that Cozumel’s activities are diverse enough to make every type of traveler happy.

This piece of Mexican paradise is a great vacation spot for those who don’t want to lift a finger except for ordering another round of frozen drinks. But there are enough unique things to do in Cozumel for visitors looking for culture and adventure. And with its inviting turquoise waters and incredible marine life, we added Cozumel to the list of places in Mexico that we will definitely revisit!

Thanks for reading!

G

Have any questions about visiting Cozumel? Which of these activities are you most excited to experience? Reach out in the comments or DM us on Instagram!

Ready to explore more of the Yucatan Peninsula? Read these posts next:

• Campeche: 22 Unforgettable Things To Do In Campeche – The Rainbow City (With Videos)
• Punta Allen: Guide To Visiting Punta Allen: The Yucatan Peninsula’s Hidden Gem (With Video)
• Bacalar: 21 Amazing Things To Do In Bacalar: Guide To The Costa Maya’s Magic City (With Videos)
• Merida: Discover What To Expect & What To Do In Merida, Mexico (With Videos)

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