Top 13 Things to Do In Cozumel in 2025

Cozumel is surrounded by some of the most inviting water you can imagine, so it makes sense that you’ll want to spend time on the turquoise water. One can’t-miss-activity that every Cozumel visitor should look into is a boat trip with a local guide.

Boat trips in Cozumel can vary significantly in length, price, and activities. Some boats offer sightseeing, snorkeling, sunset booze cruises, or local cuisine. Others highlight fishing, snorkeling, or diving in secret spots.

Regardless of your interests or budget, there is a boat for you. Spend a few hours exploring the sea and the lesser-populated coves and inlets of the island to gain scope and perspective away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.

Mexico is a fantastic place to enjoy some pampering that might be out of reach in pricier destinations. Day clubs make for the perfect splurge in Cozumel, and there are a ton to choose from at very affordable rates.

Most day club prices range from $20 to $60 (quite affordable compared to many other holiday destinations), and you’ll have access to amenities, including shady lounge chairs, towels, showers, and other perks. Bonus: they often feature lovely pools overlooking the ocean.

Day clubs are particularly inviting when seaweed washes up on the beach from late spring through the summer. After all, there isn’t seaweed in the swimming pool—but the view is the same.

If you arrive in Cozumel and find yourself off-put by the tourists pouring out of giant cruise ships, consider renting a car for the day to explore off the beaten path. Believe it or not, much of Cozumel is practically deserted and barely developed. This is particularly true on the island’s east side.

There are many secluded beaches along this coast, as well as authentic bars and restaurants. Even better, the food tends to feature more authentic flavors and a lower price.

Some top areas to check out include Chen Rio and Punta Moreno, where you can enjoy stunning, secluded beaches in natural surroundings with very few people. Note, however, that the waters on this side of the island are much wilder than those on the west side, and any swimming—or even wading—should be done with extreme caution.

You can rent a Jeep or other vehicle from several auto rental companies on the island, but it is best to book in advance, especially if you are looking for a 4WD vehicle. Alternatively, you can also rent a buggy that can venture to many areas of the island as well, both rugged and the regular tourist spots.

If you are a scuba enthusiast, then odds are you know Cozumel for its outstanding diving. With the Mesoamerican reef system—the world’s second longest—running right up the west coast of the island, divers can expect abundant sea life and healthy corals washed by a persistent current running from south to north. Visibility is typically spectacular, often upwards of 150 feet (45 m).

The water is teeming with reef fish, turtles, rays, and other wildlife. Other highlights include unique drop-offs, fun swim-throughs, and drift dives in currents that range from gentle to ripping. Best of all, the prices are reasonable. Costs in Cozumel have increased in recent years, but you can still find great value on day dives, as well as two- and three-day packages.

Whether you plan to spend your entire vacation diving, are looking to get PADI certified on vacation, or just want a half-day scuba trip, Cozumel diving does not disappoint.

Cozumel may be renowned for scuba diving, but what’s above the surface at Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve is equally as impressive as what’s below. Located on the southern tip of the island, the reserve features a stunning lighthouse (faro means “lighthouse” in Spanish).

There are also Mayan ruins on the way, at El Cedral, but it is natural beauty rather than man-made structures that draws most visitors. Faro Celerian has a stunning lagoon, perfect for snorkeling, with sea turtles, tons of fish, and many species of tropical birds. Flamingos often visit to feast on the bounty in this lagoon.

You can easily visit the area by car, but if you aren’t comfortable driving, lots of private tours start from San Miguel.

While Cozumel might be famous for scuba diving, you needn’t strap on a heavy tank to have an epic adventure underwater. Cozumel has several shallow-water reefs and tons of great snorkeling opportunities. In fact, you can even have an incredible time snorkeling out from a sandy beach.

Chankanaab Nature Park is the most popular spot for families who want to safely snorkel and enjoy other nature activities. This fun and easy destination offers access to both stunning beaches and magical reefs just offshore.

Another common spot for snorkeling is Stingray Beach. This area is popular as it is right near the cruise ship and ferry terminal. Here you’ll find a unique opportunity to safely swim among stingrays. While touristy, this can be fun if you have never snorkeled with rays before.

Finally, there are lots of incredible places to snorkel from shore on Cozumel. On the island’s southern tip is Punta Sur Ecological Park, arguably the best snorkeling spot in Cozumel. Expect lots of turtles, reef fish, and a chance to spot the endemic splendid toadfish hiding under cracks and crevices.

Cozumel and Riviera Maya are popular honeymoon and wedding destinations, so there is no shortage of places to feel the romance in this region. Cozumel’s broad oceanfront offers the perfect spot to stir up romance—and Buccanos at Night is just the place.

Buccanos at Night is often ranked the most romantic restaurant in Cozumel, and for good reason. It features top-notch facilities within a pristinely manicured beach club by day before transforming into a stunning evening dining experience.

If you’re looking for a place to splurge, consider Buccanos by either day or night. For something more budget-friendly, there are many great oceanfront restaurants to choose from. Just remember to make a reservation for a sunset table before they book up.

The Yucatan Peninsula is packed with Mayan ruins, including on Cozumel, which had an important role in Mayan history. In fact, you can see some impressive and well-preserved ruins without even leaving the island.

Cozumel has two notable Mayan ruins: San Gervasio and El Cedral. San Gervasio is a popular site located on the northeast side of the island where women used to pay homage to the goddess of love and fertility.

El Cedral, near the southern tip of the island, is a good stop along the way to Faro Celerain. While neither of these ruins is as impressive as Chichen Itza or as photogenic as those in Tulum, they are definitely less crowded and worth exploring.

While it is entirely possible to spend your entire vacation on Cozumel, a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen is an easy and worthwhile day trip to the mainland of the Mayan Riviera.

Playa del Carmen has a long stretch of beach, a funky vibe, tons of shops, restaurants, bars, and lounges. It is also the starting point for many tours, including Chichen Itza excursions. There are the impressive (but expensive) Xcaret parks and also dozens of nearby cenotes worth visiting.

The ferry takes a mere 45 minutes to get to downtown Playa del Carmen from San Miguel and costs about $10 per adult one way at the time of writing. Ferries leave very frequently, which helps make a day trip to Playa del Carmen quick, stress-free, and affordable.

Nearly every corner of Mexico is known for its cuisine, and Cozumel is no exception. Island food has influences ranging from Mayan and Yucatan cuisine to several European countries, so there is no shortage of flavors in Cozumel’s restaurants. But it is seafood that takes center stage in Cozumel cuisine.

There are plentiful lobster tails, fried whole fish, delicious shellfish, and fresh catches on dozens of menus. The fish and seafood here are fresh, and if you shop around, can be reasonably priced—especially if you venture away from the ferry terminal and cruise ship a bit.

Some of the more popular spots for fantastic seafood in Cozumel include Pescaderia San Carlos for delicious Mexican and Caribbean-flavored seafood and the Lobster Shack for lobster meat. But there are lots of great options with different preparations and price points, so shop around.

Most visitors spend most of their time in Cozumel either in the water or admiring it from the land. But there comes a time on most trips when you want to do a bit of shopping. Whether you are buying holiday gifts or souvenirs for loved ones, you can find what you need while strolling the streets in San Miguel, Cozumel’s main downtown area.

San Miguel, or “Centro,” as it is often called, is a very walkable area and perfectly safe for exploring on foot during the day. There is a large central plaza and park bordered by the harbor. There are also seemingly endless restaurant options here, as well as great bakeries and take-out options if you get hungry while you’re shopping.

From cheap tourist shops to high-end art galleries, there are items for every taste and price range. Try and time your visit here for when the cruise ships haven’t arrived, or have already loaded their passengers, as this will make for more pleasant walking.

Cozumel isn’t just a great place to eat seafood; it’s also a perfect place to catch it. Sport fishing offshore can be an exciting and altogether exhilarating experience. There are many different styles of fishing in this area. You can go on a fly fishing trip, bottom fish, or even troll for some giant fish.

To reach the water, rent your own charter or join a shared boat as a more budget-friendly option. There are some bucket list-worthy fish off the shores of Cozumel. It is not uncommon for visitors to reel in mahi mahi, sailfish, and giant marlin.

Chartering your own boat is costly (at least $500 for a full day), but is cheaper than in places like the Bahamas and the Florida Keys, where you are likely fishing for the same type of fish.

While Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have long been known for their nightlife, recently, Tulum has become the hottest destination in the Riviera Maya. And while Tulum certainly has its share of chic day clubs and beachfront nightlife, it is also home to some incredible spa, wellness, yoga, and meditation locations.

As you walk around Tulum, you can’t help but notice a certain zen in the air, and it might feel like every visitor is either heading to or returning from a yoga retreat. Some hotels in Tulum cater specifically to this type of clientele, which is great if you are looking for a wellness vacation. But there are also individual classes and wellness day packages throughout this bohemian chic village.

What To Know Before You Go: Resorts on the Ocean tend to charge significantly more than those slightly inland for similar treatments and packages. Do your research to find the right place at the right price.