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Heading to Cozumel, Mexico? You’re in for a treat – there are tons of things to do here!
While people often flock to Playa del Carmen or Cancun, Cozumel is full of natural beauty and adventure. We actually prefer it to the other popular destinations on the Yucatan! So if you’re looking for somewhere new to explore with pristine beaches, local culture, and plenty of chances to get on the water, Cozumel is the place to be.
We’ve put together this list of the best activities to fill your Cozumel itinerary. They are all easy to book and take care of the details so you can sit back and relax!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing to do is relax at Paradise Beach Club with this all-inclusive pass. Whether you want to be a beach bum or play in the water, this is a perfect activity for vacation. Check out the 1,500+ 5-star reviews and book this experience here.
Tip: This activity is very popular – reserve your spot now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
Best Things to do in Cozumel
1. Spend the day at Paradise Beach Club
Paradise Beach Club is a beautiful beachfront resort located on the northeastern shore of Cozumel, about a 20-minute drive from downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. This spot is perfect for families or groups of friends looking for a relaxing day by the water with a private beach, the largest heated pool in Cozumel, and unlimited food and drinks. It takes all the planning out of a beach day, so you can just show up and enjoy!
The beach club has its own private stretch of white sand beach where you can sunbathe, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear water. There are also plenty of beach umbrellas and loungers for relaxing in the shade.
For those looking for a little more excitement, the resort has its own floating waterpark with waterslides, trampolines, and climbing structures that are a blast to play on. You can also try out stand-up paddle boarding or kayaking! It’s open daily from 8 am to 6 pm.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious beach experience, this all-inclusive pass to Paradise Beach provides exclusive access to the club, with delicious food and an unlimited drink menu. Tickets are $72 USD and include an 8-hour stay. Sometimes it’s super nice to have everything included, it takes the relaxation to the next level in my opinion!
This all-inclusive pass has over 1,500 5-star reviews, so join the fun and book your’s here!
2. Snorkel at Playa El Cielo
If you think the views around Cozumel are beautiful, imagine what lies beneath the surface! The island is home to some of the most pristine reefs in the world and is a mecca for scuba diving and snorkeling. One of the best places to snorkel is at Playa El Cielo, a secluded beach on the island’s northern coast. This amazing spot can only be reached by boat!
The sparkling, blue waters here are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and a wide variety of marine life. This is the perfect place to get up close and personal with sea turtles, tropical fish, eels, whales, dolphins, and more!
The water is crystal clear and very shallow, so it’s ideal for swimming and wading. There are also plenty of beach umbrellas and loungers where you can soak up the sun or relax in the shade and enjoy some well-deserved relaxation after your underwater adventures.
There is no access to this beach from the mainland, so you’re going to need a boat! This El Cielo private snorkel tour will take you to explore two different reef spots in this beautiful piece of paradise before you relax on a secluded beach away from the crowds.
I love a private tour, especially when you can have a chill day surrounded by goregous water, like this experience!
This private tour also includes traditional Mexican ceviche and a tasty margarita for lunch – sign me up! If you have a few friends to join, this experience is a great deal as it’s $500 USD per group of up to six people – that’s just $83 USD per person if you have a full group.
This snorkel tour has over 200 5-star reviews – check for yourself and book your spot here.
Or, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, this small group snorkeling tour stops at three snorkeling locations to maximize your time!
You’ll board the boat at Marina Cozumel and set sail towards your first snorkel destination. This tour is great for beginners or expert snorkelers, and the crew provides all equipment. Explore Palancar Reef and see tons of tropical fish, Columbia Reef to find colorful coral, and lastly, Playa el Cielo which is known for all the starfish!
This tour is 4 hours long and includes drinks, but no food, so eat before or bring some snacks. You’ll also want to bring cash for the $6 USD marina fee before you take off. This experience is $130 USD per person and has over 750 5-star reviews – so you know it’s a worthwhile tour!
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
3. Enjoy a private catamaran cruise
My favorite way to see Cozumel is from the water, and there’s no better way to do this than on a catamaran tour! Goregous water on a luxury boat, sign me up! While onboard, you’ll get the chance to sail around the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Catamaran boats already feel super fancy, but this private catamaran tour takes it to the next level! This is a great tour if you’re traveling with a group because it splits up the cost and gives you and your friends the VIP experience.
You’ll have 5 hours to sail around Cozumel’s gorgeous waters on a 39-foot catamaran. The itinerary is up to you, so simply tell the captain what you want out of the day and they will make it happen. This tour is seriously inclusive, taking care of snacks, lunch, and a top-shelf bar. You can also use the snorkel equipment and paddle board to enjoy the water too!
Travelers who take this tour love this experience – check out the 450+ 5-star reviews here!
The boat can accommodate up to 15 people and is $2,100 USD. If you split it between everyone, that’s just $140 USD per person – not bad when you break it down.
Reserve this tour now and pay later to ensure your spot!
4. Go scuba diving
For certified scuba divers, Cozumel offers some of the best diving in the world. With crystal clear water and visibility up to 30 meters (100 feet), it’s easy to see why Cozumel is one of the top destinations for scuba diving in Mexico.
There are tons of different dive sites to choose from, so you can find one that suits your level of experience. For beginners, we recommend the Columbia shallow reef, which has a depth of 9-15 meters (30-50 feet). For those who are more experienced, the Palancar Caves dive site is a must-see – just be sure to bring a flashlight so you can see all the way into the caves!
If you’ve never been scuba diving before, Cozumel is also a great place to learn! The calm, clear waters of the island make it a top destination for scuba diving lessons. I remember how nerve-wracking it was to learn how to dive, so a beginner course is a great way to ease into it. This private 3-hour introductory scuba course costs just $95 USD per person and is perfect for beginners to the scuba scene.
It will teach you everything you need to know about scuba diving in a safe and fun environment. You’ll receive personalized attention in a private lesson with a PADI-certified scuba instructor and have a chance to test your skills on a shore dive. The lesson takes place at the reef close to Tikila Beach, not far from San Miguel de Cozumel.
This tour only has positive reviews, so book your introduction to diving here.
Experienced divers can enjoy a more advanced day of diving on this 4-Hour two-tank scuba tour. You’ll get to explore two different Cozumel dive sites and see tons of amazing marine life. We did this same tour and found it to be perfect for those who are already comfortable divers and want to get the most out of their scuba diving experience in Cozumel!
The cost for this 4-hour tour is $110 USD per person, however, it’s important to note that there is an additional $6 USD marine park fee per person, which goes towards protecting and safeguarding the local reefs.
All in all, scuba diving is a must-do in Cozumel, we definitely recommend trying it out.
Experienced divers – book your spot here before it fills up!
5. Go on a food tour
Calling all the foodies in Cozumel! If you’re looking for a delicious way to explore the island, then we recommend going on a food tour. Cozumel offers walking tours that take you to some of the best places to eat in Cozumel, all while learning about the culture and history of the island.
We love this 3-hour food tour because honestly, there are too many amazing eateries in Cozumel to know where to begin!
You’ll start at a local market, where you can see and sample some traditional Mexican foods like tamales, elotes, chicharrones, and more. They also give you some delicious tropical fruits that are unique to Cozumel and taste delicious homemade tortillas. I love eating my way through the market, it has some of the yummiest food I’ve ever had in Mexico. Then, you’ll head off on your tour of the island’s best restaurants.
You’ll get to sample traditional Mexican dishes, like enchiladas and tacos al pastor (my favorite!), along with some unique dishes that you can only find on Cozumel, like Caribbean seafood and fried yucca. Tickets for this tour are $110 USD per person and include all food, drinks (alcoholic and non), and round-trip transportation from San Miguel de Cozumel.
Get your taste buds ready and book this 3-hour food tour in advance here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Submarine Expedition
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of Cozumel’s turquoise waters? Well, now you can find out with a submarine expedition! This is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Cozumel, and it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.
During this submarine expedition, you’ll get to see firsthand all of the amazing marine life that Cozumel has to offer. You’ll submerge to depths of 30 meters (100 feet) and have the chance to see what lies at the bottom of the sea (including a shipwreck!), gaze at tropical fish, and get an up-close look at Chakanaab, a protected marine park in Cozumel. The submarine expedition lasts for 45 minutes, and it’s something that both kids and adults will enjoy.
The price for this submarine expedition is $120 USD per person, and you’ll need to book in advance as these tours often sell out. The tour itself leaves from this central location where you’ll take a short ferry to the dive site. All in all, this experience will take about 2 hours.
When else will you ever have the chance to go in a submarine!?
This tour is popular and likely to sell out – book your submarine expedition here!
7. Go snorkeling with turtles
El Cielo is one of the most famous spots in all of Cozumel – no trip to the island would be complete without visiting (at least) once! You’ve probably heard of it as many of the tours we’ve mentioned stop there, but we think it deserves its own spot on the list.
The beach has crystal-clear shallow water that’s ideal for taking photos, snorkeling, and generally just having a great time. There’s also abundant marine life here, from sting rays to colorful tropical fish and so much more.
Easily one of my favorite snorkel spots in Cozumel, this gorgeous beach is so worth a visit, although it’s important to know that you can only access it by taking a boat ride! There are a couple of ways you can do this, either by paying for a boat directly from the nearby beach, or by going as part of an organized tour.
If I’m totally honest, I really prefer going here as part of a tour, as you know for sure that you’re not going to get overcharged by the local boats, plus you won’t be waiting around for the next boat to leave.
My personal favorite tour to El Cielo is this 4-hour turtle sanctuary snorkeling experience, where you’ll have the chance to visit 3 to 4 unique snorkeling spots, including El Cielo of course! Along the way, you’ll have the best chances of spotting the turtles who call this area home, plus you’ll get to enjoy plenty of Mexican drinks and snacks too.
With a maximum of 14 people per tour, this experience isn’t crowded at all, so you’ll have plenty of space out there in the water to stretch out, explore, and most importantly, have fun! Tickets for this tour cost $56 USD per person, however, there is also another small marine conservation fee of $6 USD per person.
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go.
8. ATV tour of Cozumel
Looking for an adventurous way to explore the island of Cozumel? Why not try a thrilling ATV tour!?
I love speeding along on an ATV to explore the island’s rugged terrain and off-road trails. You’ll get to zip around on your own ATV, making stops along the way to take in the incredible views. This is a great activity for those who want to see Cozumel from a different perspective!
This ATV Cozumel Adventure tour will take you on a thrilling ride through the jungle and across the island. You’ll make stops at some of Cozumel’s most popular sites, including El Cedral and Tortugas Beach Club. The price for this tour starts at $100 USD per person and is 5.5 hours of adventure!
If you’ve never been on an ATV tour, or this is your 10th time, you will absolutely have a blast – we certainly did!
Check the dates available and book your ATV adventure tour here.
9. Book a private tour of the island
Want to get a more intimate look at Cozumel? We did too, so we booked a private tour of the island and explored all the best spots with our friends. This is one of the most popular activities here, as it’s the perfect way to make sure that you see everything that you want on the island with the assistance of an expert guide.
A private tour of Cozumel gave us the chance to explore some of the most popular sites on our own schedule and pace. From ancient Mayan ruins to stunning natural landscapes, there’s so much to see in this beautiful tropical paradise! Some of the best private tours include stops at El Caracol, Chankanaab Park, the Mayan Museum, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, and more.
I love that this Private Cozumel Jeep Tour is completely customizable, so you can pick and choose which sites you want to see. It really gives you freedom for the day! My favorite part, though, is that it’s a self-operated Jeep tour. You’ll follow your guide in a separate vehicle and drive around the island at your own pace, making stops along the way to explore everything that Cozumel has to offer.
Build your own itinerary and choose from activities like horseback riding, sightseeing, shopping, snorkeling, and more!
Now, I thought this experience would have been the most expensive on the list, but it’s actually quite affordable for how exclusive it is! It’s only $69 USD for 5-6 hours and includes the Jeep, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a customizable schedule. What a unique way to experience Cozumel!
Check out the 450+ 5-star reviews and reserve this popular tour here.
10. Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio
Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio is an archaeological site on Cozumel that includes the ruins of several temples, plazas, and pyramids. It’s believed that this site was built to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.
While having the freedom to explore on your own is nice, I honestly prefer a guided tour, as there’s much to learn. We joined this private Cozumel Mayan Ruins tour and it certainly was a deep dive into Mayan heritage. We explored the San Gervasio ruins, saw historical monuments on Casitas Beach, and finished the day with a tequila tasting.
The price for this tour starts at $113 USD per person and includes transportation from your hotel and can also be done in your choice of the morning or afternoon. We thought it was super valuable to join this tour, and if you want to learn more about these fascinating ruins – you’ll enjoy it too!
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go.
Getting to Cozumel
When it comes to getting to this island paradise, you have a few different options depending on where you are visiting from.
Taking a Ferry to Cozumel
This is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to get to Cozumel! The island is only a short ferry ride away from the mainland city of Playa del Carmen. Many people start their vacation here before booking a shorter trip to this little island.
If you’re starting your trip in Cancun, you’ll need to take a bus, shuttle, or taxi to Playa del Carmen and then take the ferry to the island. There’s no direct ferry from Cancun to Cozumel, but there are plenty of tours that make this trek.
Ferries operate 365 days a year and are offered basically every hour from morning until evening. The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, and there are several different companies that operate ferries to Cozumel. One of these ferry companies is WinJet which offers one-way tickets for $17 USD for adults and $11 USD for kids. Booking your ticket online in advance avoids any commission charges that are added to in-person purchases.
Flying to Cozumel
Cozumel also has its own international airport if you’re hoping to fly here. The Cozumel International Airport is located close to downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. If you’re lucky, you can even snag a direct flight from many different cities across Mexico and the U.S.A.
Tours to Cozumel
If you prefer to keep things easy, you can always join a guided tour to Cozumel from either Playa del Carmen or Cancun.
From Playa del Carmen, I recommend this particular tour. It costs $189 USD and includes your roundtrip ferry transfer to Cozumel, then a 2-hour catamaran tour and snorkeling. You’ll visit some of the most popular attractions in Cozumel including Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Playa El Cielo, and downtown Cozumel. It’s a full day of fun!
Book this tour here with FREE cancellation options!
Where to Stay in Cozumel, Mexico
When it comes to where to stay in Cozumel, there is no shortage of hotels to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a more budget-friendly option, there’s something for everyone.
El Cozumeleno Beach Resort – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxurious resort experience, look no further than El Cozumeleno Beach Resort! This all-inclusive resort is located on one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Cozumel, with stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and sparkling blue waters.
The resort offers a variety of on-site restaurants and bars, as well as water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, boogie boarding, and scuba diving. There is also a spa, fitness center, and kids club.
The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, with private balconies or patios that offer stunning views of the ocean. The prices start at around $300 USD per night, which includes all meals, drinks, and activities. You should book El Cozumelo Beach Resort online in advance to avoid fully booking out.
Playa Azul Hotel – $$
This hotel is located only a minute from the beach, so you can enjoy stunning ocean views from the comfort of your room. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and come with a private balcony or patio. Playa Azul also features an outdoor pool and on-site golf course that guests can use for free throughout their stay.
The hotel has an on-site restaurant and bar, as well as a sun deck, spa, and complimentary breakfast buffet every morning. All rooms at Playa Azul include a private balcony with views of the Caribbean Sea, satellite TV, and free wifi.
The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the service is excellent. The prices start at around $170 USD per night, which is very reasonable considering the location and amenities! Book Playa Azul Hotel online on Booking.com.
Caribo Cozumel – $
Located in the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel, this hostel is just a short walk from the main square and the ferry terminal. The rooms are simple but clean, and the staff is very friendly.
Caribo Cozumel is a great option for budget travelers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay in a central location. The hostel has a fully-equipped kitchen with free coffee for guests, free wifi, a small pool with a terrace and patio, and is within walking distance from the supermarket, many restaurants, and diving shops.
Rooms begin at $30 USD. You can check availability on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Mexico
Undoubtedly, one of the best ways to get around Mexico is in a rental car.
I struggled to get around by bus and taxi for the longest time. But after renting a car in Cancun in 2023, I never looked back. It allowed me to explore the country without worrying about tours or taxis. It was why I fell in love with Mexico and eventually decided to live here periodically.
I refuse to use local services whenever I rent a car in Mexico. The truth is they sometimes can’t be trusted or come with hidden fees (or costly insurance that doesn’t make sense.) There are even rental car scams! So instead, I use Discover Cars, the company most experienced travelers or ex-pats in Mexico recommend. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
The rates on Discover Cars are cheap, too, with the average rental costing around $25 USD per day. Full coverage insurance can be added for an extra $10 USD a day too.
Driving in Mexico also only requires a driver’s license using the Roman alphabet. If yours uses another like Japan and China, you simply need an international driving permit.
Insurance is required, but if you book with Discover Cars and get the full coverage, that’s all you need! Oh, and being over 18 is required, and if you’re over 25, your rental will be much cheaper!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
As you can see, there is so much to do in Cozumel! We hope that you have a great trip and enjoy all that the island has to offer. Whether you decide to spend your time here lounging on the beach, exploring the island, or scuba diving in the crystal clear waters, you’re sure to have an incredible time. From adventure to relaxation, or something in between, there’s something for everyone here.
If you’re planning a trip to Cozumel or another city on the Yucatan Penninsula, be sure to check out our other blogs on Mexico for ideas and some travel aspirations:
Our 40 Favorite Things to do in Cancun, Mexico
Guide To Bacalar, Mexico & 21 Best Things To Do
12 Things to KNOW Before Going Snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico