10 Great things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

10 Great things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

10 Great things to do in Cozumel, Mexico

By 9.5 min read1806 words
Cozumel, a small island off the coast of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula, is a popular destination for tourists looking for sun, sand and sea. With its crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and stunning beaches, Cozumel offers plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports.

 

But there is so much more to explore on the island than just its wonderful nature. From ancient Mayan ruins to tequila tastings, Cozumel has something for everyone. In this article, we‘ll take a closer look at the best things to do in Cozumel so you can make the most of your trip to this tropical paradise.

Our ideas for a wonderful day in Cozumel

If you don’t want to sunbathe on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches, Cozumel in Mexico is the perfect place to explore a tropical island. In fact, for a rather small island there are lots of things to do in Cozumel. You can take interesting excursions, explore the island and learn about culture and tradition in a breathtaking environment. We have researches the best excursions in Cozumel for you.

1. Explore the stunning beaches of Cozumel

Cozumel is known for its picturesque beaches, and its not hard to see why. With soft white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters, Cozumels beaches are the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.
 

Some of the best beaches on the island are:

  • Playa Palancar: Located on the south coast of the island, this secluded beach offers calm waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Playa Mia: Located on the west coast of the island, this popular beach club offers a variety of water sports, including kayaking and paddle boarding.
  • San Francisco Beach: Located on the east coast of the island, this beach offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and is a popular spot for snorkeling.
Whether youre looking for a quiet place to relax or an actionpacked day of water sports, you wont get bored on Cozumel‘s gorgeous beaches.

 

Interested? We have prepared a small guide to the most beautiful beaches of Cozumel for you.
Cozumel Island, Mexico - The best beaches

2. Snorkel or dive in Cozumel

The most famous attractions of Cozumel are probably under water, as you can imagine. Home to the second largest barrier reef system in the world, Cozumel is a mecca for snorkelers and divers. The beautiful coral reefs at Cozumel have been worldfamous since the time of Jacques Cousteau. For beginners, good courses and the acquisition of the diving certificate are offered. Therefore, it is just a small step to start your big underwater adventure.

 

The islands warm waters and excellent visibility make it the perfect place to explore its colorful coral reefs and rich marine life.
 

Some of the best snorkeling and diving spots on the island include:

  • Palancar Reef: This reef system is one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spots on the island and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles and barracudas.

  • Paradise Reef: Located just off the coast of San Francisco Beach, this reef system is known for its stunning coral formations and colorful fish.

  • Punta Sur Reef: This reef system is located on the southern tip of the island and is home to a variety of marine life, including nurse sharks and giant groupers.

Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a first-time snorkeler, Cozumel’s underwater world is not to be missed.

Cozumel, Mexico - Underwater World

3. Enjoy the lagoon of Chankanaab

Also, a visit to the Chankanaab Eco-Park is definitely worthwhile. The park is located on a lagoon with underwater caves where dolphins, manatees and sea turtles live. Chankanaab National Park is one of Cozumel’s most popular attractions and offers a wide variety of activities for visitors of all ages. From swimming with dolphins to exploring underwater caves, Chankanaab has something for everyone.

Some of the highlights of the park include:

  • Dolphin Discovery: This interactive experience allows visitors to swim and interact with the intelligent and friendly dolphins or with the gentle cozy manatees.
  • Snorkeling: Chankanaab’s crystal-clear waters offer some of the best snorkeling on the island, with an abundance of marine life and colorful coral formations.

  • Eco-Archaeological Tour: This guided tour takes visitors through the park’s botanical gardens and ancient Mayan structures, providing a fascinating look into Cozumel’s natural and cultural history.

But there is much more to experience in the park of Chankanaab. Three restaurants, a spa, a temazcal and many other exciting surprises promise a truly unforgettable day.

4. Discover the Mayan ruins of Cozumel

A visit to the ruins on the island should also be on your program. Cozumel was an important center of worship for the ancient Maya, and there are several important archaeological sites on the island that offer a glimpse into this fascinating civilization.
 

Some of the most notable Mayan ruins on the island include:

  • San Gervasio: This ancient Mayan site is located in the center of the island. In this place, in Mayan times, there was the sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, who gave her blessing to the women and gave the name to the island of Cozumel with her swallows.
    The old name of this Mayan sanctuary is not known. However, the settlement dates back to the 4th century. In addition to many religious pilgrims, who often came from very distant parts of Mexico, the place was also visited by many merchants. The ruins of the old buildings as well as a cenote still bear witness to this time.
    You can explore the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio on the island of Cozumel on your own. There is also a combined jeep tour, which takes you not only to San Gervasio but also to the beach and lighthouse of Punta Sur and to the Chankanaab Eco-Park and a tequila tasting is available for you.
  • El Cedral: This small Mayan site is located on the island’s west coast and is home to the oldest church on the island.

  • Punta Sur Eco Beach Park: This nature reserve is home to several ancient Maya structures, including a lighthouse that was once used as a lookout by the Maya.

Visiting these ancient ruins is a great way to immerse yourself in Cozumel’s rich history and culture and gain a better understanding of the island’s past.

Cozumel Mayan Ruins - San Gervasio

5. Get in touch with chocolate at the Mayan Cacao Company

You should not miss a visit to the Mayan Cacao Company. In this traditional house, surrounded by cocoa plants, you will learn all about the production of chocolate and its significance for the Maya.

You can expect incredible taste experiences while trying different varieties of chocolate, and discover a museum of cocoa and chocolate.

If you would like to combine your chocolate experience with a visit to an theme park, you can also opt for a trip to Discover Mexico Park. There is an exciting event about chocolate, tequila and tacos. Enjoy!

6. Discover nature in Punta Sur

Punta Sur Nature Reserve is the largest protected area on the island of Cozumel. Lots of birds and crocodiles are living there, and from the lighthouse you have a wonderful view and can take unforgettable photos.

You can snorkel on the beach, and you can take excursions with a catamaran that will take you to Laguna Colombia to observe the large reptiles in their natural environment.

You can easily explore the Punta Sur of Cozumel on your own. But you can also have yourself pampered with snorkeling and delicious food on the beach during a guided jeep tour. This can be done either with a group, or as a very private tour.

Cozumel Things to do - Excursion to Punta Sur

7. Enjoy the city of San Miguel de Cozumel

A stroll through the city of San Miguel de Cozumel is always worthwhile. You can enjoy the typical ambience of the island, and shop souvenirs for your loved ones at home. If you wait until the cruise ships have left, you will also find quite cheap prices.

When visiting the Mercado Municpal de Cozumel market, you will not only find many traditional souvenirs, you can also taste traditional dishes from the region and discover life in Mexico on your own.

The people of Cozumel are very proud of their beautiful island and like to tell visitors about the history and life on the island. There are guided excursions, where you can discover all sights in a walking tour or on a tour by eBike. For those who like it exciting, a fun tour with scavenger hunt is also offered.

Cozumel, Mexico - San Miguel de Cozumel Downtown

8. Take a Tequila Tasting Tour

No trip to Mexico is complete without sampling some tequila, and Cozumel is no exception. The island is home to several tequila distilleries, and taking a tequila tasting tour is a great way to learn about the history and production process of this iconic Mexican spirit.

Some of the most popular tequila tours on the island include:

  • Hacienda Antigua: This tequila distillery offers guided tours of its facilities, including a museum that showcases the history of tequila production in Mexico.

  • Los Cinco Soles: This gift shop and tequila tasting room offers a wide selection of tequilas and other Mexican spirits, as well as souvenirs and handmade crafts.

  • Cozumel Country Club: This golf course and resort also offers tequila tasting tours that include a visit to its on-site distillery.

Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or just looking to try something new, a tequila tasting tour is a must-do activity in Cozumel.

9. Discover the underwater world in a submarine

Would you like to go sightseeing beneath the water without getting wet? This is quite easy in Cozumel. With the submarine Atlantis you can dive up to 30 meters deep into the Caribbean Sea during a trip. The incredible underwater world will leave unforgettable memories.

Cozumel Things to do - Scuba Diving or Snorkeling

10. Witness mexican traditions of Cozumel

In the Mayan ruins of El Cedral you can witness Mexican tradition. At the festival of the Día de la Santa Cruz from 29.From April to May 5, Mexican families gather here every year to celebrate their culture and traditions.

The festival is reminiscent of the 21 founding families who fled to the island during the Caste Wars of 1848. At this festival you can enjoy delicious food and admire traditional games and dances.

If you don’t make it to Cozumel for the Founder’s Festival, you can still get to know the culture of the Maya on the island. You can watch the famous Mayan ball game and ritual dances on a trip to a Maya and Mexican Fiesta and enjoy the delicious delicacies of the region.

Mayan Traditions

Conclusion

Cozumel is a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and world-class snorkeling to ancient Mayan ruins and tequila tastings. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Cozumel has it all. So, pack your bags and head to this beautiful island for a vacation you’ll never forget.

#magicblueplanet #cozumel #mexico #mexicotravel #visitmexico

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