Watch The Famous Cozumel Sunset On The Malecn
Every day. If the weather is fine , the Cozumel sunset is just beautiful.
Unlike Cancun and Tulum on the Mexican mainland, Cozumel islands main drag and most of her hotels face West. So everyone in town can enjoy the most incredible daily sunsets over the water. And many people do each and every day.
If you walk or sit along the waterfront Malecón the Spanish equivalent of waterfront promenade youll see lots of locals out there, too. People just getting off work, couples meeting up for a date, and families that might watch the sunset while taking a quick dip in the water.
Its just really nice and charming and cool. And completely free.
Enjoy A Massage On A Private Beach
Theres nothing that says vacation like treating yourself to a massage. A massage works out the kinks in your body and loosens your muscles so that you can truly relax and unwind.
With this VIP beach access package, you get to enjoy an open bar on one of Cozumels beautiful beaches. And, as part of the deal, you can treat yourself to a 30-minute massage.
Your beach pass also includes exclusive access to several unique amenities. Enjoy showers, cabanas, lounge chairs, and more.
With a VIP package, you dont need to worry about bringing anything. Instead, you can simply rest and relax the way that you deserve on your amazing Cozumel Mexico vacation.
Where To Stay In Cozumel
There are all types of accommodations in Cozumel. From all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels to hostels and more. Location and amenities are the two top things to look for. For great hotel info and recommendations, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide or our Cozumel All-Inclusive Resort Guide.
For hotel recommendations for every budget, check out our Cozumel Hotel Guide
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Scuba Diving: The #1 Thing To Do In Cozumel Port Of Call
Cozumel is famous for its scuba diving adventures and is often considered to be one of the best dive spots in the world. What makes it so great? Extremely clear visibility that extends far into the depths and a variety of sea life both large and small.
But the real star of the show in Cozumels underwater world is the coral namely, the coral reefs and the coral heads. The reefs are vibrant and lush, with coral forests providing plenty of places for sea creatures to inhabit just waiting for you to discover them. The coral heads are massive coral formations that jut up from the reef and are mesmerizing to scuba dive alongside.
Ocean Floor Walk: Innovative Way To Go Under The Sea In Cozumel
You can also get below the sea even if youre not scuba certified by doing a helmet walk in Cozumel, a cool and innovative way to walk along the ocean floor. Youll don a breathing apparatus that looks and feels like a helmet and then descend up to 20 feet to the ocean floor where a trail has been made for you to follow. Hold onto the rope to keep yourself steady and make your way along the ocean floor step by step as you take in the sights and sea life around you.
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Visit The Nearby Mayan Ruins
One of the main reasons why people visit Mexico, whether its Cancun or Cozumel, is to check out amazing Mayan ruins. With so much incredible ancient history in the area, this country is home to some incredible ancient temples, homes, and other artifacts.
The city of Cozumel itself doesnt have any ruins but that doesnt mean that you cant see any while youre in the area! With an express tour to Tulum, you can check out Mayan ruins and satisfy your craving for this piece of history.
Youll be able to see incredible frescoes and beautiful statues carved into stone that rise above the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. And, youll have a dedicated guide explaining the ruins to you and walking you through the unique history of this site.
At the end of the day, your tour guide will take you back to Cozumel via a ferry and a bus. With this magical experience, youre sure to have one of the best days ever while visiting Cozumel!
Best Uncrowded Beaches On The Other Side
Most people gravitate towards the west side of Cozumel because of San Miguel, the many beach clubs, and all the three cruise ports along the coast.
However, the other side of Cozumel is beautiful, more rugged looking, and much more private if youre looking to get away from the crowds.
On the east side of the island, tourists come for the bars and restaurants, narrow beaches, and gorgeous views of the rugged eastern coastline.
If youre looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy a good book without interruption, try visiting one of these options on the other side of the island.
Punta Sur Ecological Beach Park
At the southern tip of Cozumel Island, this eco-reserve is a protected lagoon teeming with wild birds and crocodiles. Climb to the top of the lighthouse for beautiful views of the island.
Here on the east side of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea, youll feel like youre on your private beach. You can rent 4x4s and head out on your own. Some rentals also include a stop for lunch and a beverage and time to relax on the beach.
This could be one of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise. Especially if you want to get away from the hub-bub of downtown and usually thousands of cruise passengers.
Playa Punta Morena
Talk about private! This beach is tucked away on the less popular east side of the island. Here, you can rent a hammock or lounger or use your belongings for sitting privately and spending time alone in paradise.
Playa Chen Rio and Chen Rio Restaurant
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Taste Some Honey At The Mayan Bee Sanctuary
Its not just Pooh Bear that loves a drop of honey. Sometimes people do, too! And, theres no honey quite like the honey fresh out of Cozumels Mayan Bee sanctuary.
When you visit this spot, youll be guided down beautiful paths through the jungle. Lining the walkways are special limestone sculptures crafted by hand by a local artist.
At the end of the pathway, youll arrive at the bee sanctuary. There, youll learn all about how the honey is made and how the bees live and make their homes. Youll get the opportunity to peek inside beehives to see them at work.
Not only that, but youll get to learn about the unique history and relationship that the Mayan people share with bees. And, youll get a deeper understanding of stingless bees and how they differ from other types of honey bees.
At the end of your tour, youll get to treat yourself to samples of honey fresh from the hive. Enjoy the unique blends of honey created from local, indigenous flowers and feel the warm honey slide down your throat. Plus, if you love it, you can take a jar of honey back to your boat with you!
Mexican Cooking Class At Playa Mia Beach Resort
For those of you who still look for fun, but want to have time to relax at the beach and drink margaritas as well, this might be the right place to go!
Playa Mia is a large beach resort offering all the amenities you need for a perfect beach day: an open-air buffet-style restaurant , several bars, a long stretch of beach with cabanas, sunbeds, and umbrellas, watersports activities, pools, shops, etc.
They offer several tours and excursions, as well as some workshops, and I highly recommend signing up for a Mexican cooking classexclusively with a chef who will teach you how to make typical Mexican dishes! It is an incredibly fun activity where you get to learn about Mexican cuisine and savor the meal you make!
Both cruise ships and independent tour operators offer Playa Mia excursions, day passes, and packages.
One thing is sure Whatever you choose to do in this wonderful resort, ultimate fun and a full belly are guaranteed!
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Thats What To Do In Cozumel Mexico
We hope this list will help have the best time during your visit to the island. With all these amazing activities available to you, its time to book a trip to Cozumel Mexico! Dont miss out on these top things to do in Cozumel and make sure to plan your trip with plenty of time to enjoy all the activities on your list.
Cozumel Chef Food Tour
If you enjoy food tours Cozumel Chef Food Tour is the one for you. The tour takes you to several different Cozumel restaurants where you enjoy a Mexican dish and a local drink.
The places you will visit are off the usual tourist path, meaning youll be eating like a local. Even vegetarians are well catered for during this tour.
This is one of the top Cozumel excursions if you enjoy authentic Mexican food. For more information and booking, .
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising To Cozumel
Yes, the Port of Cozumel is open to cruise ships.
Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea. It lies about 10 miles off the eastern coast of Mexicos Yucatan Peninsula.
The best way to get to Cozumel is by plane or cruise ship. There are many direct flights from major airports in the US and Canada. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Playa del Carmen.
The best time to visit Cozumel is between December and April when there is no risk of hurricanes and average temperatures range in the 70s and 80s .
Climbing the ancient Mayan structures in the Yucatan and Quintana Roo is not allowed, in order to prevent injury and preserve the sites. There are 3 Mayan pyramids that tourists can climb: Coba, Izamal, and Uxmal.
Chichen Itza is not recommended for cruise ship passengers stopping in Cozumel. You can visit the ruins if your cruise stops in Progreso, though. Otherwise, we recommend visiting either Tulum or Coba instead.
The Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. However, US dollars are widely accepted in Cozumel.
Spanish is the primary language spoken in Cozumel. However, English is also widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas.
Cozumel is in the Central Time Zone .
Tipping is common in Cozumel, especially for service workers such as waiters, bartenders, and tour guides. A general rule of thumb is to tip 10-15% of the bill.
Yes, you can walk to a beach from the Cozumel port. The beaches of San Francisco and Playa Azul are both within walking distance.
Best Places For Lunch In San Miguel Cozumel
If you love food, youll be happy to learn that Cozumel has some fabulous places to eat. If youre like me, when I travel, I want to make sure to sample the best authentic food I can find. Cozumel has several restaurants wont disappoint.
When you only have one day to spare, its helpful to know exactly where to eat in Cozumel. Here are some fantastic suggestions! And yes, Ive been to all of them.
Panchos Backyard
Panchos Backyard, in the heart of downtown San Miguel, is adjacent to Los Cinco Solas. The decor is traditional Mexican style with woven leather seats and bright colors. Just keeping walking north along the waterfront and youll find Panchos Backyard.
Local musicians play the sounds of Mexico for a fantastic ambiance. Not to worry, its not a noisy mariachi band. Instead, there are usually three people quietly playing guitar and accompanying instruments.
Theres also the newer Panchos Backyard down by Carnivals pier, Puerto Maya. But I prefer the Panchos to the north at Los Cinco Solas small shopping mall.
If youre looking for dessert, its a short taxi ride to the nearby Kakao Chocolate Factory
Pescaderia
Pescaderia is considered a hidden gem a bit outside of Centro San Miguel. This restaurant features fresh seafood dishes, including their famous ceviche, which is a must-try! Or try the local catch, prepared whole and served family-style.
Panaderia la Cozumelena
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Incredibly Fun Things To Do In Cozumel Mexico
Bienvenidos a Cozumel!
I came to Cozumel for the first time when I worked as shore excursion staff onboard a cruise ship, and instantly fell in love with it! This gorgeous Caribbean island seduced me, and it wasnt because of its beauty it was because of its cheerful people, positive vibes, and friendly atmosphere you feel the moment you put your feet on the islands soil. In Cozumel, everything is about rhythms and music in every corner, movement, adventurous activities, and Caribbean vibes!
In this article, I share with you some vacation ideas of how to spend a fun-filled, memorable day in Cozumel.
If you want to read a detailed guide to Cozumel cruise port, I suggest you take a look at my article: Cozumel Cruise Port Info, Tours & Best Things to Do on a Cruise
Let me quickly tell you a few words on Cozumel before I share 8 incredibly fun things you can do on the island!
WHERE IS COZUMEL?
The island of Cozumel is part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo and is located along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula. The island is the third-largest island in Mexico with the largest town ofSan Miguel of Cozumel, lying along the western coast of the island. Cozumels economy mainly relies on tourism mostly on cruise ships coming to Cozumel as part of their cruise itinerary, and the cruise ship terminals are located within a walking or a short driving distance from the downtown.
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Mayan Ruins: Historic Things To Do In Cozumel Port Of Call
Though Cozumel is an island, it isnt too far to enjoy some of the mainland Mexico attractions of the Yucatan peninsula. An especially popular thing to do is to see the Mayan ruins that this region of Mexico is famous for. While in Cozumel, there are excursions that will escort you from the island to mainland Mexico and onto some of the most impressive Mayan ruins.
The most famous one is Chichen Itza, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The massive pyramid at this location the biggest draw, but the entire site is interesting to walk around due to the many ruins that are still intact enough to give you an idea of what it was like to live there during Mayan times. We even offer a Cozumel shore excursion to see it by air for a truly one-of-a-kind adventure.
You dont have to leave the island of Cozumel to still learn about Mayan culture. Weve arranged a shore excursion option that will take you on a coastal drive along the shores of Cozumel while your knowledgeable guide provides narration about the Mayan civilization. During the tour youll visit a traditional Mayan village for an immersive look at what it was like to live in one thousands of years ago and how locals are still keeping certain Mayans customs alive today.
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Visit Mayan Bee Sanctuary
Bees are one of the most famous insects on the planet and according to Mayan folklore, their honey is a gift from the gods.
Learn about bees and the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey, as well and how ancient Mayans valued honey for its healing powers when you visit the Mayan Bee Sanctuary in Cozumel.
Your guide will explain how bee hives are intricately structured, how colonies organizational structures work, and the role of the queen bee and her drones, the guardian, and the princesses.
And at the end of the tour youll also get to sample some different honey varieties and learn about what other products bees can help us to make.
Hit A Beach Bar For Free*
Youll find that many of the beaches on Cozumel near the port are part of hotels or restaurants. So if youre a patron of those spots, then you can enjoy the facilities provided for free or a small fee.
There are several beach bars on the Western side of the island that cater to day guests like cruise passengers. Admission is free, but youre expected to order lunch/drinks from the restaurant. You might also have to pay a small fee for things like loungers. A few examples to check out are Money Bar Beach Club, Albertos, and Playa Palancar.
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Cozumel Port Excursions Featuring Mayan Ruins
The Mayan Empire is one of the most fascinating ancient cultures that can be easily visited in North America. And, you have several options for visiting Mayan ruins during your day at the Cozumel cruise port.
Best Age To Visit The Ruins?
If you are traveling with young children , these popular excursions may not be quite right for you. Obviously, all kids arent the same. But, most small kids probably dont have the attention spans to appreciate Mayan ruins. Or, the long travel times associated with venturing to the mainland.
Excursions centered around visiting Mayan ruins are typically recommended as best for kids age 8 and older. Something to keep in mind is that these may involve quite a bit of walking and climbing.
Where Are The Ruins?
You have two basic options for visiting Mayan ruins during a Cozumel port day. You can visit the ruins found on the actual island of Cozumel. Or, you can journey to the Mexican mainland. On the mainland, the closest ruins accessible from Cozumel are at Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Visiting local ruins can be an easy excursion. You will find the excavated ruins in Cozumel at San Gervasio. This site has several small temples connected by long white roads. It is part of a larger nature reserve that is home to many birds and butterflies.
What About Visiting The Mainland From Cozumel Cruise Port?
Additional Reading
- Cancun, Cozumel & the Yucatan 9th edition
A one-of-a-kind guide to the travel riches found in this dazzling corner of Mexico.
