Cozumel is a popular port of call for Caribbean cruise ships. It is also an easy day trip and a short ferry ride if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen.
The port at San Miguel feels very Americanized with lots of shopping and restaurants, but I would recommend venturing out to get a better taste of the culture and to experience the beauty of the small island.
This guide will help you discover 8 unforgettable things to do in Cozumel!
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Top 8 Things to Do in Cozumel
Table of Contents
- 1. Rent a Scooter and Tour the Island
- 2. Take an ATV Tour to Jade Cavern Cenote
- 3. Take a Jet Boat Ride
- 4. Go on a Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour
- 5. Spend the day at an All-inclusive Resort
- 6. Visit Faro Celerain Eco Park
- 7. Swim with Stingrays at Stingray Beach
- 8. Visit Isla Pasion
1. Rent a Scooter and Tour the Island
Cozumel is a relatively small island and is best explored with the salty ocean breeze in your hair! One of the most popular things to do is rent a scooter for about $20/day and travel along the 45-mile paved road.
The road makes a loop as it follows along the coast around the south end of the island then cuts back through the center.
While on the beautiful scenic drive be sure to take time to stop at one of the many secluded beaches.
Grab lunch and relax in a hammock at a beachside restaurant (we recommend Playa Palancar).
There are also several shops along the way where you can rent snorkeling gear to discover the wide variety of marine life.
I would only recommend renting a scooter/moped if you have experience. If not, consider renting a jeep.
Be sure to always carry your driver’s license and it is always recommended to purchase insurance.
Just be smart, use caution (especially through town on the busy streets) and enjoy exploring this beautiful island!
2. Take an ATV Tour to Jade Cavern Cenote
Get down and dirty as you follow a knowledgeable guide through the jungles of Cozumel on a guided ATV tour to discover the Jade Cavern Cenote.
At the cenote, you can swim and cliff jump into the crystal clear waters. You’ll then follow the trail further to explore an ancient Mayan Coral Cave.
Tours are approximately 3 1/2 hours and the cost is $85 for a single rider, $150 for a driver and one passenger. Round-trip transportation from the cruise ship pier is included.
3. Take a Jet Boat Ride
Take a thrilling ride over the beautiful Caribbean water on a Jet Boat Ride. The boats reach speeds of 45 mph with hairpin turns and 360-degree spins.
This 45-minute ride is sure to get you your adrenaline fix! The boat has seating for 10 people and the cost is $50/person.
*Related post: If you are taking a Caribbean cruise, check out our guide to 8 Unique Things to Do in Jamaica and How to Spend 48 Hours in Miami!
4. Go on a Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour
Cozumel is a hot spot for snorkeling with its shallow reefs and clear warm water. In fact, Cozumel happens to be part of the second largest barrier reef in the world.
Take a private 3-hour Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour on the tranquil waters of the Caribbean to explore the beautiful reef.
Tours depart at 9:30 and 1:00 from the Turquoise Beach Club pier.
The boat is equipped with a freshwater shower, restroom, snacks, and drinks. Cost: Adults (18 +) $54.99: Children (5-17 years) $39.99, 4 and under free.
For the best snorkeling on the island, take a catamaran tour to El Cielo. It is about a mile off the coastline but the water is only about waist deep and is perfect for kids and beginner snorkelers as well.
5. Spend the day at an All-inclusive Resort
El Cozumeleno All-Inclusive Resort is located 5 minutes from the heart of Cozumel. Spend the day relaxing on the white sand beach under the shade of an umbrella. Kids will love swimming in the pools or playing in the shallow waves.
You can purchase a day pass that includes unlimited drinks, a buffet, and a snack bar. The pass also includes access to snorkel gear, bikes, and kayaks.
The cost is $55 for Adults (12 years+), $25 for kids (3-11 years), 2 years and under are free.
6. Visit Faro Celerain Eco Park
Take a taxi or rent a car/scooter and head to the southern tip of the island where you’ll find Faro Celerain Eco Park (also known as Punta Sur Eco Beach Park). This eco-park has sprawling coastal dunes, reefs, lagoons, white sand beaches, and mangroves.
Spend the day relaxing in a hammock on the shores of the beautiful Laguna Colombia beach while the kids play in the calm waters.
You’ll also discover a rich abundance of wildlife such as crocodiles, sea turtles, and exotic birds.
Faro Celerain is also home to the El Caracol Mayan ruins, and the Faro Celerain Lighthouse and maritime museum.
Be sure to stop at the visitor center for more information about the area. While at the visitor center, you can also book a catamaran or kayak tour of Laguna Colombia.
Hours are Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is 255 pesos ($14) for adults and 146 pesos ($8) for children ages 3 to 11.
*Related post: If you are planning to spend time in Playa del Carmen, check out our guide for the Best Things to do in Playa del Carmen!
7. Swim with Stingrays at Stingray Beach
Stingray Beach is conveniently located only 2 miles from the city center. You can experience an intimate encounter with stingrays within the one-acre enclosure.
You’ll have the opportunity to hold, feed, and swim with these beautiful underwater creatures. Don’t worry, for safety their barbs are clipped.
Your knowledgeable guides will introduce you to the rays in shallow water. You’ll then move a little deeper into the water where you can snorkel and swim with the stingrays, nurse sharks, and a variety of other fish.
Open Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sundays 9 – 11 a.m. All tours must be booked in advance.
Admission is 1,165 pesos ($64) for adults, and 528 pesos ($29) for children younger than 12. You can also rent paddleboards for an additional cost.
8. Visit Isla Pasion
With a name like “Passion Island”, you know it’s going to be good! Isla Pasion is a remote island and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
You’ll find soft white sand, crystal clear water, and swaying palm trees. With the sprawling 2 1/2 miles of beach, it will feel like you have the whole island to yourself!
Your tour guide will take you from San Miguel on a 40-minute drive north to Bahia Ciega where you’ll take a 20-minute boat ride to the island.
The excursion includes 3 1/2 hours on the island with a delicious beach buffet and open bar at the beach club. Beach activities are also available, along with a kids club, showers, and dressing rooms.
Other activities include the Twister Jet Boat ride or Kayaking through the mangroves. The cost is $69, the total tour time is 5 hours. Tours depart from Punta Langosta Cruise Pier.
I hope this list of 8 things to do in Cozumel helps as you plan the best way to spend your day in paradise!
And if you’re planning to stay in Cancun, I would recommend the Catalonia Costa Mujeres All-inclusive Resort. If you have kids, they will love Planet Hollywood Cancun!
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