We gave our Outoria Team one job:
Find the best and most popular All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel
Here you go, now you should be all set for your next trip to Cozumel.
The shores of Quintana Roo are packed with awesome all inclusive resorts and beautiful sites – there’s lively and cosmopolitan Cancún, the tranquil and picture-perfect Riviera Maya, and exotic natural features and beaches everywhere in between. But the Mexican Caribbean has another jewel located just offshore from all that: the island of Cozumel.
Located just 40 minutes from Playa del Carmen via ferry and connected to much of North America by a small airport, Cozumel is another natural paradise. It sits on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, creating crystal-clear and pleasantly warm seas packed with beautiful marine life. Its interior is home to archaeological and historical wonders stretching back to the time of the Mayans.
The all-inclusuve resorts that dot the rest of the Riviera Maya are found on Cozumel’s shores as well. However, guests headed here can expect a more laid-back vibe here, as a result of the island’s natural separation from it all. And while Cozumel is home to a number of white-sand beaches perfect for lounging and swimming, it’s the water sports like scuba diving and snorkeling through the underwater world that draws most people to the sea here.
It’s not easy choosing from the all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel, or understanding what you get for your money at each of them. Outoria’s got you covered – take a look below at what our team has found to be the top choices on the island, as well as what you need to know about them.
The Top 5 All-Inclusive Resorts in Cozumel in 2025
-
1
Best for Staying in Town: Cozumel Palace -
2
Best for Budget Travelers: Iberostar Cozumel -
3
Best Experiences: The Explorean All-Inclusive Cozumel -
4
Friendliest Staff: Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive -
5
Resort to Consider: Intercontinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa
All of Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts:
What’s Special About This Resort
Visitors arriving in Cozumel will find themselves in its main town, San Miguel de Cozumel, home to the ferry and cruise ports, airport, and much of the island’s shopping, dining, and land-based attractions. If you’d like to base yourself within easy distance of all that, Cozumel Palace could be your all-inclusive resort of choice. Each of its rooms and suites has an ocean view, along with a balcony and hammock from which to enjoy it. And while there’s no beach here, the resort makes up for it with pool and lounging areas, great snorkeling, and a dive center.
All stays are all-inclusive at Cozumel Palace. That includes all meals, unlimited snacking, 24-hour room service, and, of course, drinks. Top-shelf liquor and mixologist-crafted cocktails aren’t excluded, either. Non-motorized water sports, live music, and day and night performances are other benefits.
Things we like:
-
Location: Walking distance to shopping, dining, and attractions in San Miguel de Cozumel; minutes from the ferry terminal -
Every room has an ocean view, jacuzzi tub, and balcony hammock
-
Loft Suites are awesome options for families
-
All-inclusive package includes 24-hour room service and top-shelf liquor
-
Kids club, “The Dreamery”, is particularly well-done, with special food, drinks, and activities
Things we don't like:
-
No beach at the resort -
In-town location can bring some noise; plus not as spread out and vast as other resorts
-
Many guests report unpleasant hard-selling tactics for selling memberships and upgrades
What’s Special About This Resort
The southern part of Cozumel is wilder and less developed than the San Miguel area, and can also be cheaper – visitors who like the sound of all that should consider the Iberostar Cozumel. This bungalow-style resort sits on a white-sand beach with rich snorkeling and diving grounds just offshore. Adventures like water slides, ATV trails, and cultural experiences are available at a variety of theme parks just minutes away; the exotic Punta Sur (South Point), with its stunning shoreline and archaeological sites, is just a short drive down the ring road.
Iberostar Resorts are known for their all-inclusive packages around the Caribbean, which offer all à-la-carte meals, unlimited snacks, drinks, and minibar refills. Guests can also enjoy one hour per day of non-motorized water sports, day and evening live entertainment, and kid’s activities.
Things we like:
-
Secluded location on a southeastern beach
-
Great position to dive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef sites; on-site dive center
-
Reasonable rates for what you get and all-inclusive perks
-
Lots of resort-based entertainment; this team has an especially great reputation
-
Quick access to the exotic southern tip of the island
Things we don't like:
-
Beach is lovely, but not great for swimming (although excellent for snorkeling)
-
Rooms are a bit dated and bland
The Explorean All-Inclusive Cozumel is an off-the-beaten path hotel that serves up an all-inclusive package with a focus on connecting with the island’s lively nature and natural wonders.
The Explorean is a hotel, that like its name suggests, lets you explore different activities. You’ll be able to try many new things through customized experiences offered by the hotel. These excursions are included in the all-inclusive package the hotel offers.
The hotel itself is more boutique than resort, small yet stylish and modern, situated in a picturesque, tranquil area of the island. Access to its neighboring sister resort, the Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive is included. The Fiesta Americana is a larger property with more restaurants and facilities, including beach access, pools, jacuzzis, and bars.
The all-inclusive package includes a number of perks like unlimited food and drinks along with complimentary wifi, pool access, exclusive beach access, gym, nightly entertainment, and non-motorized water sports, including snorkeling gear, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You get access to the amenities at the hotel’s adjacent property, the Fiesta Americana Cozumel. This includes access to the gym, beach, spa, restaurants, and more. The Explorean also provides daily expeditions and guided walks. One of these activities is included per day.
Things we like:
-
The hotel is located in a secluded, tranquil spot surrounded by nature
-
The food is prepped with local ingredients daily, and the creative pairings are a welcome concept
-
All amenities at the nearby family-friendly Fiesta Americana Cozumel are included
-
Everyday you can enjoy new experiences and activities such as diving, snorkeling, or visiting ancient ruins
-
The rooms are spacious and quietly luxurious, with added touches like a private terrace with views of the lush surrounding greenery
Things we don't like:
-
The air conditioning doesn’t always work
-
There are no in-room TVs - plus for some
-
The location is secluded so therefore, far away from the city and anything outside of the resort
-
The pool area is worn and in need of some minor fixes
What’s Special About This Resort
Coral reefs and the calm southwestern shore make for amazing scuba diving and snorkeling adventures at the upscale, family-friendly Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive. The resort offers the perfect Caribbean vacation with delicious food all day, a full-service spa, comfortable lodgings, and many activities to keep everyone in your family occupied. Don’t forget the epic sunsets you can watch, relaxing on your lounger, with palm trees swaying in the breeze and the surf crashing into the shore while sipping a cocktail.
The all-inclusive package includes accommodation, food, and beverages, including all buffet and à la carte meals, snacks, tips, taxes, 24-hour room service, in-room minibar (all beverages included), and scheduled activities. The exceptions are premium food like lobster and wine with several years of aging, the spa, and motorized activities.
Things we like:
-
The staff cares about your experience and goes above and beyond to make your stay memorable
-
Travelers are contacted by customer service to confirm travel and negotiate upgrades before their stay
-
Close to town and the ocean for excellent scuba diving opportunities
-
The resort has a great snorkeling spot right in front of the property
-
It’s quiet at night and the perfect place to rest in an amazing paradise
-
The resort is dog-friendly, with your family's littlest member getting a special welcome package at check-in (bowls, bed, etc.)
Things we don't like:
-
The main pool can get crowded
-
The pool needs some refurbishment
-
You have to cross the street to access the water
-
The small beach is rocky and sand-free, with steps leading down to the water
-
You will be asked to hear about timeshare opportunities, part of the Hilton Grand Vacations
What’s Special About This Resort
While the Intercontinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa is not all-inclusive, we’re giving it an honorable mention, as it is definitely one of the most sought-after on the island. It’s located in a quiet spot just south of San Miguel and the ferry ports, just next to a recreation harbor where many dive and tour boats depart from. A small, sandy cove makes this a great spot for anyone who wants to lounge, swim, or snorkel, and an on-site rental car company makes it easy to get out and see the rest of Cozumel.
The Intercontinental Cozumel is not an all-inclusive resort, but breakfast packages are available. Lunch and dinner at its four restaurants, as well as drinking at its bars, will be served and billed à-la-carte. The outdoor pool, fitness center, and resort activities are for all guests to enjoy.
Things we like:
-
Great snorkeling reef directly in front of the resort
-
Awesome outdoor showers in many rooms
-
On-site rental car company
-
Resort dock allows for almost any dive excursion to do direct pick-ups and drop-offs
-
Modern and luxurious furnishings and decorations
Things we don't like:
-
No all-inclusive package offered
-
Very small beach
-
Close enough to San Miguel to be considered convenient, but not close enough to walk
Where to Book Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All...:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
What’s Special About This Resort
Situated on one of Mexico’s most popular islands, the Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All-Inclusive is located in the perfect spot to enjoy the balmy waters and pristine diving. The hotel itself is centrally located, a mile away from Cozumel’s bustling downtown, with shopping, bars, and restaurants all close by.
The hotel’s idyllic location, make this hotel a worthwhile vacation spot. Come to unwind, grab a cocktail and sunbathe. Or embark on an adventure and check out all the sights Cozumel’s crystalline waters have to offer.
The all-inclusive option includes a number of perks like all-you-can-eat food, drinks, and snacks, free parking, complimentary wifi, access to the largest pool in Cozumel, exclusive beach access, an open-air gym, nightly entertainment and non-motorized water sports including snorkeling, kayaking, and a free introductory scuba diving lesson per person.
Things we like:
-
Central location, close to the airport and center of town, make this resort a convenient place to stay
-
Very family-friendly, with extra activities and areas specifically designed for kids.
-
Easy diving access
-
The staff are friendly and attentive
Things we don't like:
-
Some of the resort is noticeably outdated and could use a refresh
-
The food, though extensive, can be bland
-
The wifi coverage can be spotty in some parts of the resort
-
Lots of bugs around
Where to Book Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All...:
Booking.com
Expedia.com
What’s Special About This Resort
For families who come to Cozumel to enjoy the tropical climate, the white-sand beach, and the warm waters, Sunscape Sabor is worth considering. While the resort sits a 20-minute drive from town, if you like the beach and don’t mind staying on resort most of the time, you’ll find plenty to do here. This all-inclusive resort offers kids’ and teens clubs (think foam parties and outdoor trampolines), plenty of kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and other watersports gear to borrow, two swimming pools, a private white-sand beach, a spa and fitness center, and a pier for easy scuba diving.
We want to make note that currently, there are 3 resorts attached at this location, Dreams Cozumel, Secrets Aura, and Sunscape Sabor. All seem to have issues at the current time with room quality, restaurant availability, and maintenance. However, these hotels are all on the largest strip of nice sand private beach on Cozumel, so we felt we needed to include them in our current guide. Dreams is the most recent refurbished area of these joined resorts, but we have reviewed Sunscape Sabor because of its better kids’ and teen clubs, and it has the fitness center and spa on site.
The all-inclusive package at Sunscape Saboor comes with unlimited dining and drinks, with a la carte restaurants and kid menus, plus both international and domestic spirits, juices, and soft drinks. With the all-inclusive plan, you will have access to kids’ and teen clubs, beach volleyball, and a wide range of non-motorized watersport equipment, including snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats.
Things we like:
-
Private, white-sand beach
-
Separate clubs for younger kids and teens
-
Wide range of rooms, some with kitchenettes
-
Easy to borrow watersports equipment
Things we don't like:
-
Poor food quality and issues getting seats at restaurants for meals
-
Timeshare sales pitches
-
Free Wi-Fi only in the lobby
-
No food service by the pool
-
Issues with kids younger than 18 being able to use adjacent properties restaurants and facilities
-
Resort showing signs of wear and in need of an update
Brief History of Cozumel
Just 11 miles west (18km) across the turquoise channel from the Yucatan peninsula, and the vibrant town of Playa del Carmen, is Mexico’s most famous island – Cozumel. Being so close to the mainland, Cozumel shares the same Mayan history as its motherland.
Cozumel was sacred to Ix Chel, the Mayan jaguar goddess of midwifery, making it a place of pilgrimage for women seeking fertility. Although some were destroyed, there are still numerous impressive Mayan ruins throughout the island.
The all too familiar tale of conquerors claiming new land saw the Spanish arriving at Cozumel and its 10,000 Mayans in the 1500s. In 1520, an infected crew brought smallpox to the island, reducing the native population by 97% to a mere 350.
Feel Like Getting Out of the Resort?
Today people still flock to the islands but for a different sort of pilgrimage. Since Cozumel is part of the much larger Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System – the second largest reef in the world- it is a mecca for water activities.
Scuba Diving & Snorkelling
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, which starts in Guatemala, comes right past Cozumel and its channel. Cozumel established the Cozumel Marine Park in 1996 with the aim of protecting and monitoring the reef. The park predominantly covers the southern half of the island’s coastline, and offers the best conditions along the entire reef system. There is something for everyone in Cozumel, whether you are just a casual snorkeller or a keen diver.
If you want to snorkel, you can choose to simply walk from the beach or book a day trip to boat or bus somewhere, which is usually combined with other activities. On the southwestern coastline, there is Palancar Reef spanning 3.5km, which has 5 different sites to explore. Here, you may see turtles and various reef fish, with colorful coral as the backdrop.
There are approximately 20 dive sites around Cozumel, all predominantly on the western side due to strong currents on the eastern. On the southern and northern tips of the island, these waters can merge, and so a few sites are reserved for divers with strong current experience.
Top dive sites include Casa Blanca for some sure turtle spots, Xicotencatl – an impressive WWII minesweeper shipwreck, and Barracuda Reef for experienced drift divers.
Take a Drive
Sometimes, the best way to get the lay of the land is simply to go for a drive. There are plenty of rental places in the capital, San Miguel, and we suggest that you book in advance and with a reputable company.
Depending on personal preference, you can choose to rent a car, a 4×4, or a scooter. There is one main road that covers the southern half of the island and cuts across the middle. Beyond that, the “roads” are quite narrow and a little questionable at times. But don’t worry, they drive on the right side of the road!
Having your own vehicle will allow you to see Cozumel on your own time and make your own itinerary. Once out of San Miguel, the roads are much quieter and a lot less touristy. Since the west side of the island is undeveloped, it’s worth the drive to enjoy the quiet beaches and cheaper local eateries. Notable stops include Cozumel’s Pearl Farm, Mi Mexico Tequila Distillery, and San Gervasion, an archeological Mayan site.
Pop to the Mainland
If you’re on Cozumel, then there’s a high chance that you came by ferry crossing from Playa del Carmen. There are two ferry companies, Ultramar or Winjet, and they each do a crossing every two hours, but at alternating hours. So you can travel to the mainland every hour, between 7am to 9pm, and the crossing itself is only 45 minutes.
The main shopping street, “5th Avenue,” is located just a few blocks from the beach. Here you can find all kinds of shops, bars, eateries, galleries, and a few museums. There are many clubs in the adjacent streets for a vibrant nightlife, which really comes alive during Spring Break. La Quinta Avenida is approximately 2.5 miles (4km) long and fully pedestrianized.
Parque Xcaret is a theme park, but not like you’re used to! In the jungle among underground rivers, cenotes, and facing the Caribbean Sea, Xcaret has locations full of exciting and ecological entertainment.
Xcaret is split into many areas, focusing on culture, adventure, watersports, and wildlife. Probably our favorite is Xplor Park, which is the most visited zip-line park in the world!
→ Cenotes
For something a little different from all the beaches, discover Mexico’s famous sinkholes, known as cenotes. A short drive outside of Playa del Carmen, there are plenty to visit, varying in depth, ease of accessibility, and popularity.
If you are scuba certified, we definitely suggest you do a cenote dive. If you’re experienced enough, we recommend Tajma Ha, nicknamed after the Taj Mahal. Underwater its a labyrinth of limestone formations, leading to beautiful chambers and caves.
Playa del Carmen is situated in the Yucatan Peninsula, a significant area for ancient Mayan culture and full of many ruins. Mexico’s most famous and a New Wonder of the World, Chichen Itza, is about 2 hours away, but a visit here is easily organized as a tour with a local agency, usually including food and/or a cenote visit.
Back
Comments