Cozumel
Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean · Mexico
Did you know?
- San Gervasio adds Maya archaeology to an island known for reefs.
- Punta Sur combines a lighthouse with wildlife habitat.
- Offshore reefs make scuba diving the island's signature activity.
See also
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Playa del Carmen
Mexico20.63°N 87.08°W · 10 m
Tulum
Mexico20.42°N 87.30°W · 12 m
Puerto Morelos
Mexico20.84°N 86.89°W · 6 m
Coba
Mexico20.49°N 87.74°W
Cancún
Mexico21.17°N 86.85°W · 5 m
Overview
Cozumel is a Caribbean island where offshore reefs make diving a central attraction. Snorkeling, Maya archaeology and coastal wildlife parks offer other ways to explore.
Languages: Spanish
Why go?
Cozumel is a Caribbean island off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, known for world-class diving, safe streets, and prices similar to other Mexican tourist destinations. It's a popular cruise ship port from December through April. If you prefer white sandy beaches, consider Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or Isla Mujeres instead.
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Getting in
Cozumel International Airport receives direct flights from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Halifax. Ferries from Playa del Carmen run frequently, and a car ferry connects from Calica. Airlines and ferry operators are listed in the guide.
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Getting around
Walk, rent a car, or take a taxi; there is no public transit out of town. Car rentals around US$55 per day, scooters about US$25. Taxis cost M$30-60 within town and US$20+ to west-shore beaches. Bargaining can secure better rates, especially if you speak Spanish. US dollars are accepted at a disadvantageous exchange rate.
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Where to stay
Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hotels like Hotel Flamingo (package deals) to all-inclusive resorts such as Cozumel Palace and Occidental Allegro. Many hotels near dive shops offer packages. Villas El Encanto and Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel are good options for divers. Prices vary from US$50 to over US$150 per night.
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Food and drink
Local restaurants near the main square offer similar Mexican fare. Casa Denis is the oldest restaurant, with Mayan specialties and strong margaritas. La Choza serves excellent homestyle food. For cheap eats, try El Morrito III for tacos around US$1.25 each. Bars like Reef Bar have US$1.50 beers, and Tony Rome's offers Kansas City beef. Downtown liquor prices are standard, but local groceries sell Don Julio Tequila at half the tourist shop price.
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Things to do
Diving is the main attraction, with numerous operators offering trips to offshore reefs. Snorkeling is popular at beach clubs like Playa Palancar. The Mayan site San Gervasio costs M$193. Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park (US$21) offers snorkeling, sea lions, and dolphin encounters. East side beaches are undeveloped but dangerous for swimming due to undertows; they offer beautiful views and blowholes. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (US$19.95) has a lighthouse and wildlife.
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Safety
Cozumel is generally safe with low crime. However, the east side beaches have treacherous undertows; swimming is dangerous. Bars seldom monitor intoxication, so take care when driving or walking at night. Watch for timeshare touts near the docks.
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Budget
Daily backpacker budget: dorm or budget hotel from US$50, meals from US$5-15, dive trips around US$60-70 for two tanks, taxi M$30-60 within town, car rental US$55 per day. ATMs like Banco Azteca and Banamex offer low withdrawal fees. US dollars accepted but at poor exchange rates.
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When to go
December through April is peak cruise ship season, with many ships in port daily. Diving is good year-round. The east side can be windy at times.
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Day trips
Take a ferry to Playa del Carmen on the mainland. From there, you can reach Tulum and Isla Mujeres. A car ferry also runs to Calica.
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Go next
Nearby destinations include Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and mainland Yucatán. Hostels and private rooms are available on the mainland.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
Alberto's Beach Bar
This isolated beach-side bar and restaurant distinguishes itself by catching its own seafood daily. The grilled Mahi-mahi filet is a definitely a worthy experience. Tables are literally setup on the beach, so it's also a great place to watch the sunset. Atmosphere is very informal, with a live DJ most nights. (Although not officially recommended, it's possible to walk the 1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 miles) up the beach from Playa Palancar if you're not afraid of a small hike.).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Casa Cuzamil
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Casa Denis
This self-declared "oldest restaurant in Cozumel" has very good, reasonably priced entrees featuring some Mayan and Yucatan specialties, along with more conventional Mexican fare like tacos and enchiladas. The Mayan Pork is an interesting take on conventional barbecue - tender with a slightly sweet marinade, and no sauce needed - and margaritas are freshly made and strong. Dinner comes with a free Tequila shot at the end.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Casa Mission
Corner of Avenidas Benito Juarez and 55. Casa Mission offers superb food, however the real attraction here is not the food, but the setting. Located off the beaten path, the restaurant is the veranda area of a large hacienda style Mexican home. It is surrounded on all sides by an extensive garden that combines perfectly with the colonial hacienda ambiance. There are no longer any lions or monkeys, but there still are a number of beautiful caged birds. One of the most romantic spots on the island for cocktails or dinner. One margarita is sufficient.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Coconuts Bar & Grill
Carretera Costera Oriental, KM 43.5. Pretty decent Mexican food. Guacamole and chips are excellent, as are the Margaritas. The highlight of this place though is the view. It sits perched up on a cliff overlooking the ocean and pristine white beaches on the east side of the island.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Colores y Sabores
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Crazy King Burrito
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
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Doña Quela
Quite near to the municipal market, an excellent, inexpensive place for breakfast or lunch. It's run by a Mexican couple who lived in the US (and worked at Denny's) for quite some time, so in addition to fresh Mexican food, they also know how to prepare a Grand Slam, if that's what you're after.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Food
Local restaurants near main square serve Mexican and Mayan specialties. Try Casa Denis or La Choza.
Money
US dollars widely accepted but at poor exchange rates; better to use pesos. ATMs with low fees at Banco Azteca, Banamex, Santander, Banorte.
Safety
Generally safe; avoid swimming on east side due to strong undertow. Beware of timeshare touts near docks.
Transport
No public transit; taxis, car/scooter rental. Bargain for better rates, especially if you speak Spanish.
Water
Tap water not potable; drink bottled water.
Weather
December-April is peak cruise season; diving good year-round.