Cozumel is 50 kilometers north of Cancun, often called “Mexico’s high get-together vacation place.” This Mexico’s Caribbean paradise, is packed with exciting activities. When we tell people we’re going to Cozumel, they usually picture white sand beaches, waving palm trees, and a clear blue ocean. The island of Cozumel has all of that and more. When visiting Mexico, you may find that all you want to do is kick back and relax on the beautiful Caribbean island; I can relate. If you want to use the most of your time in Cozumel, however, it is recommended that once you check out what this beach has to offer, you skip the beach and head to one of the other attractions the island has to offer instead.
How do you spend your time at Mayan archaeological site, go on a submarine tour, snorkel the world’s second-largest coral reef, and make a classic Mayan chocolate recipe? Almost certainly not! Consider spending some time here, as it is among the best tourist destinations in Mexico. To see everything there is to do in Cozumel, you need to allot at least a week, and possibly even two. Cozumel should be one of your top Mexico destinations. For your convenience, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do in Cozumel.
1. The Mayan Ruins
On the island of Cozumel, the archeological site known as San Gervasio is considered the most important Mayan site. The religious center was constructed as a place of worship dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. It was considered somewhat of a religious obligation for many Mayans to make at least one trip there during their lives. Even though the ruins are not as extensive or impressive as those on the mainland at Chichen Itza or Tulum, the park is a fascinating cultural and historical experience. During the post-classic period (1200-1530), it expanded to become the largest and most significant archaeological site on the island of Cozumel.
The most significant temples are located in the area that is designated as the central square. Nine buildings form an enclosed patio; from this point, three roads lead to neighboring squares. There are many cenotes and some of the most significant aquifers on the island in this particular region. It is situated in the central-northern part of the island, just off the road that traverses the entire island.
2. Punta Sur Ecological Park
The Punta Sur Ecological Park is a natural state reserve that spans over a thousand hundred hectares and is home to a rich diversity of flora, wildlife, and lagoon systems. For those who enjoy outdoor activities, this is the perfect destination. Because of its beaches covered in white sand, its turquoise waters, and its many sea fan gardens that are spread out across the reef.
When you arrive at Punta Sur, you will find that you have been transported to a natural paradise home to a wide variety of birds and animals, many of which are unique to the island. In addition, there is a museum lighthouse with the most fantastic view and a scenic tower from which visitors may see crocodiles in their natural environment.
A more modern lighthouse, with panoramic views of the park and an exciting museum, can be found nearby. Schedule some downtime to unwind on the beach in a hammock or under a thatched palapa. It costs money to enter Punta Sur Ecological Park. However, the park is open every day. Some areas of the park have a nominal entry fee. Transport is often included in diving trips.
3. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
If you’re looking for the largest and most well-liked beach club on Cozumel, look no further than Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. Cozumel’s largest water park, it’s perfect for families because of its many family-friendly rides and slides. With a kids club, playground, dedicated entertainment staff, water slides, water trampolines, and entire floating amusement parks, this is the most fantastic beach getaway for families in Cozumel.
Enjoy a day at Playa Mia Cozumel’s stunning beaches while swimming in the resort’s glistening pools and participating in a variety of water activities (while enjoying complimentary beverages from the resort’s open bar). In addition to unlimited access to the water park, restaurants, bars, non-motorized watersports, hammocks, lounge chairs, umbrellas, and more, the all-inclusive plan also includes a complimentary meal.
If you like activities such as the Island Tour or Ultimate Snorkeling but don’t want your entire group to participate, this day pass is a must-have supplement. After your tour, you may spend the day together in Playa Mia because you both booked day passes. Even though it was designed for cruise ship passengers, many hotel guests enjoy the park as a standalone beach getaway.
4. San Miguel, the Capital of Cozumel
San Miguel, Cozumel’s lone town, is in the island’s western half and is gorgeous thanks to its many well-preserved wooden buildings and a lovely park in the town’s center, where children can play in a dancing fountain. It’s a great place to visit because of the peace and the pleasant locals you’ll meet there. You may find cafes, restaurants, boutiques, the Museum of the Island, and the world’s second-largest reef along the seaside avenue.
The island’s capital, San Miguel, is an unassuming city that exudes tranquil Mexican Caribbean charm. Large, high-end hotels sit alongside small, budget-friendly inns. Gastronomically, it is well-known throughout the region for its high-quality seafood. Clubbers and barflies will like the nightlife scene here. Genuine silver and gold jewelry set with precious and semiprecious stones, name-brand apparel, perfume, Mexican handicrafts, spirits, and souvenirs may all be found in San Miguel’s tax-free free zone.
5. Scuba Diving in The Mesoamerican Reef
The Mesoamerican Reef is the best place to go scuba diving. Cozumel is home to several diving sites that cater to more experienced divers, including Maracaibo, Devil’s Throat, Cathedral, and Barracuda. Make the most of your time in Cozumel by taking advantage of the island’s excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Someone who has never gone scuba diving might enroll in a PADI course to learn the basics. Cozumel is home to many diving shops; before signing up with one, conduct your research to ensure it is reliable. The dive boat and its equipment were in excellent condition, and the crew and guides were kind and knowledgeable.
How wonderful is it that you don’t even have to leave your hotel to go on a dive if you’re staying in the southern part of the island, and the dive boat will pick you up right from the pier of your hotel? It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced diver or just starting; the underwater world will blow your mind. Discovering turtles, rays, eels, lobsters, fish, and vibrant coral is a treat for divers of all levels.
6. The Cozumel Pearl Farm
Since Cozumel Pearl Farm was designated as a natural protected area in 2012, the Farm has been preserved in its natural state, providing tourists with crystal-clear turquoise seas, a white sand beach, coral reefs, and a pleasant wind of clean, fresh air. In this remote island area, you will feel like Robinson Cruse. Beautiful greens and turquoise, unique to the island’s northern shore, can be viewed here. About six hours will pass on this tour, and once you book, you’ll be told exactly where to meet on Cozumel.
It is a well-kept secret that Cozumel is home to the only operational pearl farm in the Caribbean, the Cozumel Pearl Farm. Walking through the farm’s facilities, you’ll learn about the pearl-growing process and the years of patience required, all while looking at some of the world’s first farmed pearls. After a brief lesson on pearl farming, you can take snorkeling among the nursery oysters, where you can witness a life-size statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe beneath the waves and some of the most stunning natural reef formations.
7. Mayan Cacao Company
Among the newest places to visit in Cozumel is the Mayan Cacao Company. In front of Cozumel’s busiest and most famous beach, “Playa Mia,” you’ll find this hotel. It’s well-funded, and the staff has been taught to share the fascinating tales of Mexican chocolate’s history. Your party will be gathered together and given a well-rehearsed presentation on the process of creating this delectable dessert. After that, you may tour their stunning museum and buy the chocolate while interacting with workers in full Mayan garb.
Mayan Chocolate Company is a well-known artisanal chocolate factory in George on the Garden Route. Its specialty is making bonbons by hand to your exact specifications. To ensure quality, they only make what we need, and they only make it by hand. Every phase of the process has a significant impact on the final result.
Find out how the Maya made the sacred drink called “chocolate,” learn about the history of cacao, which dates back over 5,000 years (hot cocoa). Learn the art of chocolate making firsthand by grinding your cacao beans in a traditional chocolate mill and creating your custom-sipping chocolate blend to take home. You’ll get to sample roasted cacao beans, cacao paste, and our whole line of cacao-based products, as well as a traditional Mayan libation produced from raw materials, as you make your way through the tour.
8. Cozumel Chef Food Tour
Take your taste buds on a memorable tour of the local cuisine at Cozumel Chef Food Tour. Cozumel and the Yucatan region are no exception to Mexico’s reputation for an abundance of delicious cuisine. Your culinary guide on this Cozumel excursion will lead you to some of the island’s best-kept secrets, where you can sample various authentic island dishes. Indigenous Mayan and Aztec ingredients are combined with Spanish and other European influences to create a unique gastronomic experience. On these food excursions of Cozumel, you may sample dishes from various cuisines, including those from the local street vendors and the Yucatán.
At 11 a.m., your guide will pick you up and take you on a late breakfast, brunch, or lunch (depending on your preferences) around town. Authentic Mexican goods and cuisine can be found in the island’s typical Mexican market. Snack on some delicious empanadas, a regional specialty throughout Latin America; Go to a local favorite for authentic Yucatecan cuisine; And have something sweet from an original Mexican bakery. The taste of Mexican food will never be the same after this.
9. Deep-Sea Fishing
Whether you’ve been deep sea fishing before or not, you’re in for a lifetime fishing adventure if you go deep sea fishing in Cozumel, Mexico. This is the kind of fishing trip that you will never forget. On the island of Cozumel, there are a lot of fishing tournaments because there are so many types of fish and so many of them. You want to go fishing in Cozumel with the most skilled anglers.
Fans of deep-sea fishing will find that Cozumel is the ideal place; even if you’re not much of a fisherman, going deep-sea fishing in Cozumel is still one of the best things you can do there. The waters of Cozumel are home to a wide variety of native fish, including barracuda, mahi mahi, and triggerfish. Tuna can be caught at any time of the year, and sailfish, white and blue marlin, and even sailfish can be found between March and July.
10. Chankanaab Reef
Chankanaab Reef is one of the best locations to go if you want to swim among shimmering shoals of fish and brilliant corals, and it is among the best places to go in the world. Its waters are relatively shallow, making it suitable for swimming activities, and it is located right next to an action-packed adventure beach park with the same name.
The reef only goes down to a depth of seventy feet, making it perfect for novice scuba divers and snorkelers. Stingrays, barracudas, and nurse sharks are just some marine life that can be seen at the location. Even though the visibility is not nearly as good as other reefs, this one is still a great option because it has gentle currents and many fish. If you ever get the opportunity, you should take advantage of Chankanaab’s beautiful waters because they are a part of the second-largest barrier reef in the entire world.