Cozumel Guide – Trekbot AI

Welcome to Cozumel Mexico

What was once a secluded island hideaway, has now become one of the most recognized tropical locales in Mexico’s majestic Caribbean region. This is Isla Cozumel. Boasting white sand beaches, coral reefs, modern amenities and an enormous swath of wild areas, it is an island paradise in every sense of the term. With countless activities both below and above the waves, your Cozumel visit is sure to be one you brag about for years to come.

Overview

A Bit Of History

A glistening tropical paradise off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel was once a bustling Mayan community with as many as 10,000 local residents. Sacred to the Mayan Moon Goddess, Ix Chel, the island and its temples were an important place of pilgrimage for women seeking fertility. The remnants of that once thriving civilization can still be seen today in the small ruins of San Gervasio in the island’s forested interior.

Cozumel Today

Flash forward 2,000 years, and today Cozumel is an exciting tourist destination that holds a special place in our hearts.

With two very different sides to the beautiful island, one can access all the modern amenities around its main town of San Miguel, and yet still find numerous places on the far side of the island to get away from it all.

Is Cozumel Safe?

Cozumel has a very low crime rate and is considered a very safe area to travel to, especially compared to other parts of Mexico.

Within the highly touristic regions of the island, the crime rate is close to 0%, making the island non-threatening to travelers. There is a strong police presence on the island, as well as friendly locals who keep the island safe for tourists and residents, night and day.

Where is Cozumel?

The island of Cozumel is located just off the east coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula and is directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport. Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world), Cozumel is an incredible spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the Island Life!

The Best Time to Visit Cozumel

Looking for the best time to go to Cozumel? The tropical climate in Cozumel is reasonably predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83° F) it’s the rainy season that travelers should pay attention to.

January – April Wonderfully warm and clear weather-wise, this is also “peak” tourist season. If you are not a people person, consider this. The ocean and swimming pools (that aren’t heated) can still be a little chilly for some. May – October The hottest and “raniest” months of the year, May to October still has plenty of sunshine. The water in the summer is warm and perfect for swimming, snorkeling & diving. The hurricane season peaks in September and October so keep an eye on the forecasts and definitely get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time. November – December The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time, the humidity is low and the Caribbean Sea is still warm. It can be a little “cool” in the evenings so bring a jacket or a light sweater.

When Is Cozumel Hurricane Season?

Cozumel hurricane season begins in late May and lasts until early November, with the peak occurring between September and October. The odds of a hurricane hitting Cozumel are fairly low (only six hurricanes have hit the island in the past 30 years), but hurricanes traveling near Cozumel can still cause inclement and severe weather. Be sure to check weather reports ahead of time and we always suggest getting travel insurance during these months just in case.

Discover South Florida with Great Locations

There are a few ways to get to Cozumel and around the island. Note that some larger resorts in Cozumel may provide free airport transportation, so check ahead.

Arrival By Air

Numerous airlines fly directly into Cozumel including American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Sun Country. The Cozumel International Airport (CZM) is very small (only 5 gates) and passengers must depart the airplanes down roll up stairs onto the runway. No skywalks here!

Be warned that American Airlines and United have been known to sometimes switch passengers headed to Cozumel onto Cancun flights last minute. This is a massive hassle as Cancun airport is huge and passengers would need to arrange overland travel 45 minutes south to Playa Del Carmen, walk a significant distance to the ferry and then take a 40-minute ferry ride to Cozumel. This can add a few hours of travel and plenty of extra money.

Arrival By Ferry

A 40-minute ferry ride is the only way to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. Two ferry companies, Ultramar and Winjet, offer passenger-only services to and from the island for $17 – $20 one way and $34 – $40 round trip for adults. You can catch the ferry from the Playa Del Carmen ferry terminal located three blocks away from Juarez and 5th Avenue’s ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive.

Arrival By Cruise Ship

Cruise ships traditionally stop at Cozumel daily, though passengers don’t have nearly as much time to explore the island. There is just too much to do in Cozumel!

Cruise ships dock at one of three cruise ship ports in Cozumel. Punta Langosta is conveniently right in town and close to shops and restaurants. Puerto Maya and the International Cruise Terminal are about 10 minutes drive south of town.

Airport Shuttles In Cozumel

Unless you know somebody in Cozumel that can pick you up, you will need to take a shuttle to your hotel from the airport. Taxis are no longer allowed to pick up at the airport. Private and Group shuttles are available. The kiosks are right outside the baggage claim past the timeshare hawkers. Prices are standardized and regulated so there is no point in haggling.

By Car

Renting a vehicle may be the most convenient choice for getting around the island depending on how much exploring you plan on doing. It is an easy and affordable option as rental cars can be as cheap as $30/day. The roads around the island are fairly straightforward and safe. We do not recommend renting a scooter unless you are a well seasoned motorcycle/scooter rider with significant riding experience.

By Taxi

Taxis can no longer pick up at the airport but they are a very convenient way to get around the island. They can easily be flagged down around town or can be called by your hotel.

Prices are standardized and regulated but can add up if you’re traveling from the resort areas to town or going to the wild east side of the island. Be sure to discuss the prices in advance of taking the ride so you know what you’ll pay.

Things to Do in Cozumel

There is so much to do in Cozumel! From diving and snorkeling to jeep tours and beach lounging, it’s really easy to make each day in Cozumel a special experience. Here are just some of the activities you can enjoy on the island!

1. Visit The Wild East Side

The “wild” east side of the island is absolutely worth a visit. While the west side is primarily hotels and beach clubs, the east side of Cozumel is a paradise of remote beaches interspersed with fantastic local beach bars. There are also a few great places to grab a lounger, eat some fresh fish tacos and take a dip in the water such as Chen Rio and Punta Morena, but the real highlight of the east side is the wonderful natural emptiness of it all. Be sure to stop for a fresh handmade beach cocktail at Rastas, Welcome to Miami or Mezcalitos (or all three!) and let the sea breeze wash over you. Hammocks included. Note: Since 2008, Sargassum (seaweed) has regularly arrived on the east coast beaches from May to August. It can pile up on the sand and be a little smelly. If the east coast has too much seaweed when you arrive, we recommend visiting Punta Sur (see below) or one of the excellent west coast Beach Clubs instead.

2. Go Diving

Cozumel is world-renowned for its scuba diving and proximity to numerous top dive sites. The Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility. From beginner’s discovery dives to advanced drift dives, there’s something for everyone around Cozumel.

3. Spend the Day at a Beach Club

The west side of Cozumel has incredible sparkling, turquoise waters and numerous beautiful beaches. When visiting the island, there are several fantastic beach clubs where visitors have access to sandy beaches, swimming pools, oceanfront restaurants, beach bars, sun loungers, water activities and more. They typically range in cost from $20 USD to $65 USD per person with the pricier options being all inclusive with drinks and food.

4. Take A Tour With A Local

Take your vacation in Cozumel to the next level by taking a tour with a local! There is nothing quite like getting an insider experience with people who live here and love all that the island has to offer. Curious about Cozumel’s green interior? Take a jeep tour to Cozumel’s original capital town, Cedral, a quaint community surrounded by forest on all sides. While there, take a jungle off-road visit to caves, trails and even a cenote where you can take a swim. If you are more interested in a water experience, head out from the local’s marina (not the tour boat marina) for some fishing, snorkeling and exploring on the way up to Passion Island. Once there, swim in the clear waters and enjoy a bbq on the beach, local family style! It doesn’t get much better than that. For arranging tours with a local, we recommend contacting Arturo at Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge, and start planning your unique private experience. Smiggie’s Excursion Concierge is now offering an exclusive tour that has you visiting a private hacienda with caves to explore, a plunge pool and a delicious asadero (open fire bbq). By the end of the day, you will have enjoyed an authentic piece of Cozumel, just like a local.

5. Go Snorkeling

The water off the coasts of Cozumel is world famous, so jump in! There are numerous snorkeling locations where you can simply enter from the shore, or you could take a boat tour out to the incredible reefs. If time is short, a shallow reef snorkel tour may be the perfect way for you to experience the underwater world. Feel like a full day snorkel excursion? Check out some of the many longer tours to the deeper sections of the reefs to try and spot some of the larger species that call this water home. Whatever you choose, you will be smiling the whole time.

6. Take a Bike or E-Bike Tour

Cozumel is the perfect location for tourists seeking adventure, relaxation and natural beauty. With its flat roads, breathtaking scenery and warm weather, riding a bicycle or an e-bike in Cozumel is a fun way to explore the island. Whether you are a casual bike rider or an experienced cyclist, taking a bicycle tour in Cozumel is an excellent way to experience the island’s stunning landscapes, tranquil coastlines, and vibrant culture. If you aren’t feeling up to pedaling, consider using an e-bike.

Note: Riding from town all the way to the wild east side of the island is a LONG ride with no cover from the sun. For this reason, we only recommend it for experienced cyclists.

7. Try Sport Fishing

Deep sea and bottom fishing are fast becoming very popular activities here in Cozumel. Stunningly clear water and excellent weather create an enticing environment for this thrilling sport. If you are one of the many visitors to the island who are passionate about fishing, we recommend booking a private boat for the adventure of a lifetime. The waters around Cozumel are famous for a reason, they are teeming with gorgeous fish. Sailfish, Mackerel, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Barracuda and so many more swim through these waters daily. Whether you are an experienced mariner or have never been sea fishing before, don’t worry, the award-winning team at Aquadventures will guide you through every troll and reel. Bring some friends, bring your family, come enjoy a day on either the beautiful Grand Slam or Why Not boat stocked with everything you need to have a fun and exciting day on the water.

8. Go Shopping

No vacation to Mexico would be complete without at least a little shopping, and Cozumel is the perfect place to do just that. With dozens of shops ranging from high end silver jewelry to beach bag vendors, whatever your heart desires can be easily found. Although most people naturally flock to the town center or the Royal Village Mall by the cruise ship port, we recommend taking the time to explore a little further afield to find some true treasures. You may just end up buying your hammock from a local who has just finished stitching it on his front porch!

9. Take a Mexican Cooking Class

Mexican food is definitely one of the main things to love about this region. Be it traditional Yucatecan cuisine or home-cooked Mexican classics like enchiladas or street tacos, there is something for everyone in Cozumel. Why not have some fun learning how it’s done and take home some great memories and new skills with you? There are a number of very popular cooking classes available in Cozumel.

10. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park

The entire southern point of Cozumel island is a sprawling nature preserve known as Punta Sur. It one of the best places to see the island’s vast natural habitat. With some of the most beautiful beaches on the island (bring your swimsuit!) and incredible mangrove marshlands (a free boat ride to see wild crocodiles and birds is included), Punta Sur is a nature lovers dream. Be sure to stop at the lighthouse and climb to the top for epic 360 degree views. There is so much to explore at Punta Sur, be sure to get there early and bring some extra money for food and drinks at the beachside restaurants.

11. Go on a Jeep Tour

While there are a number of paved roads around the island, many parts of Cozumel still only have dirt road access. Jeep tours are a popular way to see much more of the island. With trips through the woods and stops at beaches, a Jeep Tour can be an excellent (and at times, bumpy) way to get the lay of the land on the island.

Discover Cozumel’s top spots—handpicked and backed by us!

Explore the best places to eat, stay, and play with our trusted partners on board.

BLUE ANGEL RESORT

They are catering fresh made to order meals at fantastic prices, located on the second floor for a FABULOUS ocean-view for every meal. They feature live musicians performing acoustic tunes for dinner, each night of the week starting at 7:30pm. You’re going to love it!

Smiling staff, fresh ingredients, excellent bar service

Cozumel Swordfish

They are the first and only team in Cozumel to catch a swordfish during daytime and thier technique has given them a great advantage over other experienced crews. So if you have the opportunity of visiting Cozumel beautiful island, don’t miss the chance to catch a big sword.

DO IT WITH SOME ONE WHO KNOWS!