Rich in gastronomy, outdoor adventure and Mayan culture. Cozumel is an unforgettable experience. The island is easy to navigate with plenty of shopping and dining options downtown. Explore beyond the well-known areas and the experience deepens. The island is largely undeveloped, with swaths of beaches that are home to some of Mexico’s best scuba diving and snorkeling. Here are someone things to do in Cozumel, whether you’re visiting for a day or a week.
The largest ecological reserve on the island. Punta Sur Eco Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, Beautiful flowers, and exotic birds. The park boasts a beautiful beach with showers. Visitors can also climb to the top of the historic CelaraÍn Lighthouse, which offers wonderful panoramic views of the ocean and the island.
The only official archeological site on the island. It is known as a sanctuary to the ancient goddess Ixchel, who the Mayans prayed to for fertility and love. The site is open every day of the week between 8 a.m. and 3:45 p.m., and there is a small admission fee. Facilities include restrooms, a snack bar, free parking, and handicrafts and other souvenirs for sale.
Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico, plus they have the opportunity to craft their own chocolate drinking mix. Also get to sample the cacao during all the different process. Tours last one approximately 1 hr and are offered every hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day except Sunday. Online reservations are required, and group discounts are available for groups of six or more.
The park’s main attraction is the dioramic garden that is home to reproductions of some of Mexico’s most iconic landmarks, but visitors can also enjoy the Papantla flyers show, the gift shop that sells local handicrafts, the restaurant, and the margarita center; José Cuervo tequila seminar, the Kaokao chocolate workshop, and the taco buffet, while the handicrafts workshop and the museum of popular arts are great for anyone interested in local culture.
El Cedral is a small village built around the oldest Mayan ruin in Cozumel. This Mayan ruin, is the oldest on the island, dating way, way back to AD 800.
The ancient structure is the size of a small house. El Cedral is thought to have been an important ceremonial site. Today a stucco church sits next to the ruin. Is a very interesting little village and every year Cozumel holds a huge fair which brings people from all around Mexico to take part and features horse racing, rooster fights, rodeo, concerts, bullfighting, lots of food and merchandise.
The Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Island Museum), a former luxury hotel, features exhibits about the island’s ecosystems and displays that teach visitors about local development and conservation issues. You can also see old Mayan and Spanish colonial artifacts on the second floor. The museum also showcases the more recent history of Cozumel, with exhibits on the area’s 20th-century cultural and economic development.
The museum is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and admission is about $4 per adult and is free for children 8 years of age and younger
El Cielo is only accessible by boat and is about a mile from Cozumel’s Shoreline, and approximately a 25 minute boat ride from the nearest cruise pier. El Cielo has shallow crystal clear water as far as the eye can see, which makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful Caribbean Sea. El Cielo Cozumel is covered with soft powdered white sand that massage your feet every step you take. There are lots of starfish located in El Cielo and you might find a stingray or two gliding by only yards from you, also enjoying the beauty of El Cielo. (Stingrays are harmless)
The Other Side of Cozumel (also known as the East side of Cozumel or the “Wild Side”) has 7 miles of secluded ocean & beach front that is absolutely breath-taking. If your looking to get the most out of Cozumel in a single day, Cozumel’s East Side is the perfect place to enjoy gorgeous deserted beaches, off-road jungle terrain, blow holes, hidden water caves, beach bars/restaurants, hatching baby sea turtles, snorkeling, rock formations and much more.
Want a wide expanse of white-sand beach, electric blue water, and no huge crowds? That’s Playa San Martin, and it’s free to visit. The beach is the east side of the island, opposite of the cruise piers. Because of that, not a ton of cruise passengers make the trip. Those that do are greeted with a postcard-like beach with hardly anyone on it. There is also a little beach bar you can go to when you want a shady place with a cold drink.
A natural lookout point where the sea has carved a natural arch into the rugged rock. Visitors can climb up onto the rock to take photos and to get excellent views of the island and the water towards Cuba, which is located only 60 miles away. On the adjoining beach, you will find plenty of vendors selling snacks, refreshing coconuts, alcoholic beverages, and local souvenirs. El Mirador is located approximately half an hour away from downtown Cozumel, and there is no charge for admission
If you are in need of some ‘retail therapy’ during your trip, there are many opportunities for shopping in Cozumel. These are some of the main shopping areas where you’ll find clothing, souvenirs, jewelry and more:
Puerta Maya, Punta Langosta Mall, Royal Village Cozumel, Plaza del Sol in San Miguel. Traditionally, stores are open from 9 to 9, although most do close on Sunday morning