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Things to do and Places to Visit in Cozumel

Many divers like to take one day of their trip to off-gas and tour our beautiful island.

 

The island is 32 miles long and 12 miles wide. Only the town (west) side of the island is settled.

 

To the north and south of town are the hotel zones. If you’ve never been around the island you can rent a car or a jeep and circle the island in half a day.

 

There are many activities around the island such as:

  • Beaches and restaurants along the way,

  • Some parks which charge an entry fee such as Chankanaab.

  • Mini-golf

  • Jungle tours

  • Horseback riding

  • Sailing

  • Catamaran trips

  • Shopping

Museum of Cozumel Island

A wonderful place to spend some time if you want to learn more about the island’s history. There is a topographic map of the reef system, exhibits on the formation and natural history of the island, a photo gallery and a traditonal Mayan dwelling with demonstrations of daily life. There is a restaurant on the 2nd floor terrace for breakfast or lunch with a spectacular ocean view.

San Gervasio

Located near the middle of the island, You may choose to tour the ruins yourself or hire a guide for a personalized tour. A self-guided tour brochure is available at the entrance. As you walk through the ruins you will find a tile plate at each point of interest that gives you an explanation of its significance in English, Spanish & Mayan. Trails follow the old Mayan road through the jungle which is alice with local wildlife. Mornings is the best time to visit, bring a hat and water.

Chichen Itza

Chichen-Itza (off-island)The ruins of Chichen-Itza are only an hour from Cozumel by air or about 4 hours ferry / land . It can be done as a day trip or you can find accommodations nearby. Refreshments, souvenirs and guidebooks are available on-site. Chichen-Itza is the most famous of the ancient Mayan cities in Mexico and is very impressive. The earliest buildings Date to A.D. 600.

Tulum Ruins

Tulum (off-island) About one hour south of Playa del Carmen is the popular archealogical site called Tulum. The main structure is perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean sea. There is a picturesque sandy beach for swimming. There are about 60 stone structures at Tulum. It was part of a series of coastal forts established between A.D. 700 and A.D. 1000. and probably functioned as a trade center for the Maya. The site is well restored and as has visitor facilities.

Cozumel Beaches

There are 2 different kinds of beaches on Cozumel. One type, on the west coast (the town / hotel side) offer stretches of white sand, usually calm waters, beach clubs and snorkeling. On the windward east coast (the “other side”), beautiful secluded beaches alternate with rocky ironshore along vast expanses of solitary coastline. The often roaring surf creates large breakers and sometimes treacherous undertows. There are Palapa beachside restaurants with cold drinks and fresh seafood.

Shopping

San Miguel’s waterfront boulevard and the main plaza are the center of Cozumel’s shopping. The town market located at Rosado Salas and 25th Ave. is an interesting and non-touristy place to shop with everything from meat, fish & produce to sandals and native clothing. Try the fresh-squeezed juices

Restaurants

Dining options in Cozumel range from simple to elegant fine dining. Seafood can be found everywhere. You will find traditional Mexican, Mayan, Italian, French, Lebanese, Chinese and American. For fast food junkies there are pizza shops, burger joints and even a McDonald’s. If you have cooking facilities in your room or condo there are grocery stores with produce, meat, seafood, bakery and liquors.

Carnival

Evening entertainment begins and ends early in Cozumel, compared to the rest of Mexico. Discos, clubs and bars can be found downtown and in the hotel zones. A local fiesta takes place in the town square most every Sunday with a live Cuban or jazz band in the gazebo and dancing.

Cenotes

Just a short ferry ride away, the cenotes of Yucatan offer an interesting diving option for advanced divers. Cenotes are underwater caves and caverns that have been carved out of the limestone by the underground rivers that have navigated their way through over many years. The area if full of them and many have been charted and cleared for divers. Cave certification is not required to dive the caverns, but advanced diving skills are recommended. We can help to arrange your trip to visit them

NightLife in Cozumel

Evening entertainment begins and ends early in Cozumel, compared to the rest of Mexico. Discos, clubs and bars can be found downtown and in the hotel zones. A local fiesta takes place in the town square most every Sunday with a live Cuban or jazz band in the gazebo and dancing.

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