Island Cozumel, Mexico – Short Travel Guide

Island Cozumel, Mexico – Short Travel Guide

Island Cozumel, Mexico – Short Travel Guide

By 10.6 min read1889 words
Cozumel in Mexico is a beautiful holiday destination that attracts millions of tourists from all over the world every year. The island is known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, diverse marine life and also cultural sights. If youre planning an unforgettable vacation, you should definitely consider Island Cozumel.

Content: Island Cozumel, Mexico – Short Travel Guide

What to expect

Ever since it became known as a divers paradise by Jacques Cousteau, the island of Cozumel has been very popular with travelers from all over the world. Water sports are the focus of most activities. However, many visitors only come as day tourists with cruise ships or by ferry from Playa del Carmen.

 

However, the island with its tropical ambience also has a lot to offer for a longer stay. The town of San Miguel de Cozumel has the typical charm of a small Mexican town and is well equipped for visitors. There is a lot to discover on Cozumel. And of course you will find countless great beaches.
Cozumel - What to expect

Cozumel on the map

Cozumel is an island in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico. It is the third largest island in Mexico and is located east of the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel is about 16 km from the mainland (Playa del Carmen), about 80 km south of Cancún.

How to get to Isla Cozumel?

The island of Cozumel has its own airport and a good ferry connection to the mainland, the crossing from Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes and costs around 15 dollars. Cozumel is also visited by many cruise ships.
Hot to get to Cozumel?

Getting around on Island Cozumel

The island is just over 45 km long and 16 km wide and runs roughly from north to south. The terrain of the island of Cozumel is flat and covered with dense vegetation.

 

The approximately 70,000 inhabitants of the island almost all live in the capital of the island, San Miguel de Cozumel. But there is a lot to see all over the island. The place itself can be easily explored on foot or by ebike. For a tour of the island, you can rent a car.
Cozumel, Mexico - Green Djungle

History of Isla Cozumel

The name Cozumel comes from the Mayan language and means place of swallows. Cozumel was already an economic and religious center of the region at the time of the Maya, around the year 1000 AD.

The island was sacred to the Maya and dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, who was the patron of the water, the rainbow and the pregnant women. The temples of Cozumel were often visited by women who wanted children. Legends say that the goddess sent her favorite bird, the swallow, to the island from which the name of the island derives.

Cozumel Mayan Ruins - San Gervasio

At the time of the Spanish conquest, about 40,000 Maya lived on the island. They have been almost completely eradicated by the smallpox introduced by the occupiers.

Several ruins on the island still bear witness to their presence. Unfortunately, the largest buildings were blown up and levelled during the Second World War to build a runway for aircrafts. The ruins of San Gervasio and their cenote in the center of the island are the greatest surviving witnesses of those days.

Nature on Island Cozumel

Since Jacques Cousteau made the island famous with his reports about diving in the coral reefs in the 1960s, Cozumel has become a popular travel destination. Cozumel borders the second largest coral reef in the world, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef with about 1000 km in length. The reef is largely a UNESCO World Heritage Site and strictly protected.

Marine Life at the Reef in Cozumel
Cozumel is famous for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters. And of course, on Cozumel it is all about diving and snorkeling. You will find hundreds of species of colorful tropical fish, and some of them only live here. Especially well-known dive sites can be found in the National Park Arrecifes de Cozumel. And if you want to plan your snorkeling trip on the island, we have put together a list of the most beautiful beaches of Cozumel for you.

Cozumel is also the home of the Nelson nose bear or Cozumel nose bear, a species that only exists here. This species has developed much smaller than its mainland relatives due to the isolation on the island.

A large variety of birds such as frigate birds, pelicans and cormorants are living on the island, and attentive observers will also discover tree frogs, crocodiles and iguanas in the dense vegetation.

Hotels in Cozumel, Mexico

On the island of Cozumel, there are hotels of all sizes, from sophisticated allinclusive resorts to small typical Mexican hostels. There are also a large number of vacation rentals and houses that are rented.
Hotels in Cozumel
Popular options for accomodation include:
  • Cozumel Palace All Inclusive: A fantastic resort of the upper category in a beautiful location directly on the beach. Several restaurants, great pools, private beach, spa, and much more complete the offerings.

  • Hotel B Cozumel: This stylish hotel offers a whirlpool, an infinity pool and a private beach. The hotel combines modern design with typical Mexican handicrafts, which are also available for purchase in the hotels shop.

  • Hacienda Boutique B&B and Spa Solo Adultos: Adults only and with only a few rooms, this exceptional B&B pampers its guests. Especially couples appreciate this place.

  • Caribo Cozumel: Lovingly run guesthouse in a central location with spacious, wellfurnished studios and nice tips for a really successful holiday.

Most of the hotels are located near beaches and offer stunning views of the sea. The cheaper quarters and small guesthouses are more likely to be found downtown.
Booking.com

Restaurants in Cozumel

Cozumel offers a lot of culinary delights, from traditional Mexican food to international cuisine. Popular dishes include tacos, quesadillas, and ceviche. The island is also known for its tequila tastings.
Popular restaurants on the island include:
  • Ix Kool is a great restaurant that specializes in Mayan regional cuisine but on a gourmet level.
  • Fuego by Riviera Kosher spoils you with excellent fusion style cuisine, top presentation and beautiful views over the sea.
  • Sereno Roof Top Bar & Restaurant offers Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine with ocean views. Events with good music on the weekends.
  • Guisados spoils you with very inexpensive Mexican food. The selection of taco fillings is huge and quite delicious.

  • Crazy King Burrito is also a super tasty and inexpensive Mexican. Specializing in burritos, the kitchen offers a wide range of incredibly tasty fillings.

Most restaurants on Cozumel reflect the relaxed lifestyle of the island – open locations with a very pleasant ambience and warm-hearted service, casual clothing is usually suitable and reservations are rarely necessary. The typical dishes of fish and seafood are probably unmatched in their freshness.

Some restaurants offer very creative cuisine, but many are more traditional Mexican-oriented. If you are looking for restaurants with reasonable prices, it is worth visiting the small family restaurants in the silent corners of San Miguel de Cozumel.

The taxi drivers in Cozumel are specialists in restaurant recommendations… their tips can be worth gold, but keep in mind, however, that they usually receive commission for towed guests from the restaurants. Not all restaurants accept credit cards, so don’t forget to take cash with you!

Restaurants in Cozumel: Mexican food and seafood

Nightlife on Island Cozumel

Of course, the nightlife in Cozumel is not as vibrant as in Cancun or Playa del Carmen, but it still won’t be boring. Since there are not so many locations on Cozumel, there is always something going on in the trendy bars.

However, the start of the evening is a nice walk by the sea including breathtaking sunsets. Many shops are still open and you can stroll in peace. Cozumel island is small and safe enough to take a walk even in the dark.

Since many visitors to Cozumel do sports during the day, the evening starts in the late afternoon in the cafés and restaurants with live music, good food and delicious drinks. When these locations close, you just move along to the bars in the center, where you can celebrate all night long.

Popular bars and clubs include:
  • Senor Frogs: Just as in Cancún and Playa del Carmen, it is always a guarantee for delicious margaritas, hearty food as a base for drinking and lots of fun.
  • Hooters: American bar – the Mexican way – with three eateries in Cancún and a branch on Cozumel.
  • Cervezería Punta Sur: Microbrewery and pizzeria with a reputation for selling the best beer on the whole island.
  • Woodys Bar & Grill: Very nice location with delicious food and live music in the evenings in the center of the village.
  • Ohana Cozumel: Restaurant & Bar with the motto Good food, good drinks, good music, good people and good time“.
Isla Cozumel, Mexico - Nightlife in San Miguel de Cozumel

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the world, offering an abundance of coral reefs and exotic marine life. Popular dive sites include Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, and Punta Sur. There are many diving schools on the island that offer courses and diving excursions.

The main sights of Isla Cozumel

On the island of Cozumel there are a variety of attractions that you should visit during your stay.
Here are some of the best sights Cozumel has to offer:
  • San Gervasio is one of the most important archaeological sites on the island and a mustsee for any history lover. The site was once a sacred place for the Maya and is home to some of the oldest remains of the Mayan culture on the island.
  • The Cozumel Museum offers a comprehensive look at the islands rich history and culture. It is home to an impressive variety of artifacts and exhibits, including a collection of shipwrecks found off the coast of Cozumel.
  • Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is a popular destination for families and adventure seekers. The park offers a variety of activities such as snorkeling, diving, zip lining, and more. There is also a botanical garden and a lagoon with dolphins and manatees.
  • El Cedral is a small village on the island and an important part of Cozumels history. It is the place where the first settlement on the island was founded, and it is also the site of the annual festival of Cozumel, which takes place every April.
Attractions in Cozumel

Of course, you can only spend your days on Cozumel sunbathing. But if you want to experience even a bit more of adventure, we have compiled a list of the best activities on the island for you.

Shopping in Cozumel

Cozumel offers a variety of shopping options, from souvenir shops to designer boutiques. The Port of Cozumel is a wellknown destination for cruise ships and offers a wealth of shopping, including jewelry, crafts, and clothing. Popular shopping malls on the island are Plaza Punta Langosta at the pier for cruise ships and the Joaquín Mall at the pier for the ferry.
San Miguel de Cozumel

Conclusion

Cozumel is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea and offers a wealth of activities and sights for visitors of all ages. Whether you want to relax on the beach, snorkel, dive, explore history and culture, or just enjoy the beauty of the island, your time on Cozumel will stay in your mind for a long time. Dont miss the chance to discover this unique place.

 

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FAQs

What are the best things to do on Cozumel?
Cozumel offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, beach visits, boat rides, kayaking, and more. The island is also known for its archaeological sites and nature reserves. Therefore, there are always a lot of things to do.
When is the best time to visit Cozumel?
The best time to visit Cozumel is from December to April. During this time, the weather is most pleasant and the island is less humid than during the summer months. Temperatures are usually between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (80 – 85 F).
Is Cozumel safe for tourists?
Isla Cozumel is very safe for tourists. You can also be out and about at night without worries if you know how to use your common sense. As everywhere else, you should pay attention to your valuables.
Can I swim with dolphins in Cozumel?
Yes, there are several places on Island Cozumel where you can swim with dolphins, including Dolphin Discovery and Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park.
What is the local currency in Cozumel?
The local currency in Cozumel is the Mexican peso, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted in most stores on the island. However, when paying in dollars, there is usually no change, and the rates offered are not so cheap either. Its better to get pesos.

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