Cozumel Travelers Recommend

Powdery white beaches, glassy water, and coral reefs are spectacular reasons to visit Cozumel, a laid-back island in Cancun’s backyard. Snorkeling and scuba diving in Cozumel is among the best in the Yucatan, and private beach clubs offer a luxurious place to soak up some Caribbean sun. Here’s how to spend one day in Cozumel.

Morning: Go Cruising for Coral

Coral formations pop with color in the morning sunshine, so start the day with a trip to the reefs that surround Cozumel. Most snorkeling tours and dive trips visit more than one site on every outing, so you can get a taste of the underwater landscape with just half a day on the water. Experienced divers should bring proof of certification to join dive trips, but there are scuba options even if you’re not certified—check out beginner-friendly outings that feature guided dives at shallow, sheltered reef locations. If you’d rather avoid the water altogether, consider a glass-bottom boat cruise; you’ll stay dry on deck as the reef drifts by.

Afternoon: Head to the Beach

It’s not an island day without beach time, so block out the afternoon to relax on the sand. Some of Cozumel’s best beaches are managed by beach clubs that offer guest perks such as loungers, showers, lockers, bars, and cafés, making them a convenient place to enjoy the sun and shade without lugging your bag around. Cozumel beach clubs range from tropical party spots to outdoor adventure destinations with trails, kayaks, and other activities, and it’s worth booking in advance for the convenience of showing up with ticket in hand.

Night: Seaside Sunset

Westerly views stretch back towards the Mexican mainland, so it’s no surprise that Cozumel enjoys gorgeous sunsets. The local fleet of sightseeing boats makes the most of each one, organizing trips that leave before dusk and catch the first few stars when they appear over the Caribbean, with island-inspired tunes to serenade guests as they lounge on deck. Choose among luxurious dinner cruises featuring gourmet dinners, fully customizable private boat trips, and outings that offer free-flowing beers and margaritas to start your evening in style.

With three days to discover Cozumel, go beyond the basics to see a side of the island many visitors overlook. After you take in perfect beaches, candy-colored reefs, and the party scene, ditch the crowds to ride jungle trails, fly through the treetops, and discover ancient Maya ruins. Here’s how to make the most of three days in Cozumel.

Day 1: Hit the Beach

Get into the rhythm of your tropical island escape with a full day on the sand—Cozumel has powdery white beaches that are among Mexico’s best. Many of the island’s most appealing stretches of coast are managed by private beach clubs, which offer convenient perks such as on-site showers, changing rooms, bars, and restaurants. 

While a lazy day by the shore sounds like a perfect start to any vacation, not all Cozumel beach days are quite so relaxed. Local beach clubs range from party spots lined with loungers to active adventure parks stocked with water sports equipment, rides, and even nature trails. Whether laid-back or active, clubs are a popular option for enjoying Cozumel beaches; to secure a spot at the beach club of your choice it’s worth booking ahead.

Day 2: Leave Dry Land Behind

For many visitors, Cozumel’s real treasures start at the waterline, and the protected area of Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park features both snorkel-friendly coral gardens and undersea cliffs that plummet into darkness.

Since many snorkeling tours visit a series of reef locations, you can get a taste of Cozumel’s wild diversity in just half a day on the water. Scuba diving in Cozumel can range from outings for certified divers to beginner-friendly excursions that don’t require a lengthy class.

If you’re a first-time diver, consider a “discover” scuba diving trip that gets you in the water after minimal classroom time, or try out an individual “mini sub” with fully enclosed helmets designed for breathing without a mask. And if wet hair and flippers just aren’t your thing, you can still peek beneath the surface on a coral reef tour by glass-bottom boat or submarine.

Day 3: Explore the Island

Venture beyond the beaches and you’ll discover dense jungle, hidden caverns, and ancient Maya ruins. The experience can be as adventurous or relaxed as you want, with options that include horseback riding, ATV tours, and zipline courses that fly through the lush treetops. Keep an eye on the forest as you explore, since the Cozumel jungle is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including iguanas, coatis, crocodile, and a jewel box of tropical birds.

Since this is your last night in Cozumel, go all out to celebrate the sunset in Caribbean style. Many sunset cruises in Cozumel offer festive perks such as free-flowing drinks and snacks that can kick off a festive evening on shore, or you can make a night of it on board with an all-inclusive dinner cruise.

An island just off Mexico’s Caribbean coast and about 45 minutes by ferry from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is known for its snorkeling and scuba diving, as well as its typically safe and laid-back atmosphere. Here are some kid-friendly ways to enjoy it.  

• Explore the island in an adventurous way on a buggy, ATV, or Jeep tour.

• Enjoy water sports and thrills such as a jet boat ride.

• Go snorkeling for a chance to swim with tropical fish and other marine life.

• Learn about Mexican culture, past or present, at the Mayan ruins of Tulum or Discover Mexico Park.

• Head below the surface of the sea on an Atlantis submarine tour, or try out your own mini-sub for an underwater scooter experience.

• Visit Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, home to a beach, lagoon, botanical garden, sea lion show, snorkeling opportunities, and more.

Two days in Cozumel can take you from perfect beaches to the brilliant coral landscape that’s just offshore. Dive into the Caribbean to find tropical fishes, shallow reefs, and ocean cliffs, then return to the surface to enjoy some sunshine from a comfortable spot on the sand. Here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay in Cozumel.

Day 1: Coral Reefs, Cuisine, and a Caribbean Sunset

**Morning:**Grab a suit and hit the water for a morning of snorkeling in the protected waters that surround Cozumel. Even if you’re planning a scuba dive on the island, snorkeling offers a totally different perspective on the coral, with plenty of sunlight to illuminate the shallow-water sites.

**Afternoon:**After working up an appetite on the water, head back to dry land to check out Cozumel’s colorful food scene. There’s a lot to take in, but food tours offer a delicious introduction to some of the island’s best flavors, whether you’re sampling fresh-caught seafood or sipping Mexican chocolate.

**Night:**Sunset in Cozumel brings out the crowds for a reason—it’s a spectacular show when the sun disappears behind the mainland. Hop a sunset cruise for maximum views paired with free-flowing drinks or an all-inclusive dinner.

Day 2: Head to the Beach

**Morning:**Cozumel beach clubs turn a day on the sand into a curated experience; snag a lounger for a day by the shore with access to showers, changing rooms, and other facilities. If you’re more interested in active exploring, opt for a beach club that offers water-sports equipment, trails, and other adventurous options.

**Afternoon:**With one last afternoon to enjoy Cozumel, choose between another trip to the reef or an inland adventure. Scuba diving possibilities include beginner-friendly trips, while Cozumel’s jungle trails lead to ancient Maya ruins and caverns where you can channel your inner explorer.

**Night:**A cluster of energetic bars lines the Cozumel waterfront, making it easy to stroll from spot to spot if you’re spending a night on the town. Since sunset’s a show-stopper here, the scene starts early with happy hours, drink specials, and a celebratory mood at dusk.

Get off the beaten track in Cozumel during a fun-filled Jeep tour. You’ll hop aboard a rugged off-road vehicle to explore the island’s Maya ruins, dense jungles, and top-notch snorkel spots like Punta Sur. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Highlights

• Head out to explore Cozumel’s El Caracol, a Maya ruin that dates to the 13th century.

• Marvel at the ocean views from the hilltop setting of the Punta Celarain Lighthouse.

• Ride to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park to explore the colorful coral reefs as you snorkel.

• Enjoy a seaside meal of authentic Mexican cuisine during an included lunch.

• Toast your adventure during a tequila tasting stop at Cozumel’s Tequila Museum.

Things to Know

Jeep trips depart from both Cancun and Cozumel. Visitors can pick between both half-day and full-day excursion options, though trip availability depends on the time of year. Most Jeep excursions include a lunch stop at a local Mexican eatery.