Cozumel Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Cozumel
Mexico’s Quintana Roo is home to some of the top vacation destinations in the world, including Cozumel, a small island off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. Just like Cozumel’s neighbors in the Mexican Caribbean — Cancun and Playa del Carmen — the island operates mainly on tourism. Millions of people journey to Cozumel each year to enjoy turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and perfect temperatures.
Before travelling to Cozumel, it’s helpful to gather relevant information about the area, like travel tips to save money, a list of top activities and attractions, and popular lodging options. Of equal importance are tips about the international travel process.
Planning a trip to Cozumel is actually very easy when you know what to expect. Read on to learn everything you need to know before planning a trip to Isla Cozumel!
Top Attractions in Cozumel
Don’t be ashamed to let loose and be a tourist! Cozumel is known for its beautiful beaches, but it also has some of the best tourist attractions around. Choose between museums and historical ruins, or swim with stingrays and dolphins! Below are three of the best attractions Cozumel has to offer.
Visit San Gervasio
The Mexican Caribbean is rich with ancient history, typically manifesting in archeological ruins from indigenous peoples. Isla Cozumel is no exception. The island is home to the ruins of San Gervasio, a sanctuary to the ancient Goddess Ixchel. Here, Mayan women would gather to worship and pray.
Tourists can visit these temples on their own or partake in a guided tour with knowledgeable experts. Tours are offered by many different companies including Cozumel Tours, which hosts private excursions starting at $64 per person.
Discover the Cozumel Museum
Once one of the first hotels on Isla Cozumel, this museum now offers several exhibits encompassing:
- Local geography
- Botany
- Culture
Along with the permanent exhibits, guests can wander through rotating rooms of local artists, or check out a room entirely dedicated to Carnaval. Visiting the museum is a great way for curious tourists to learn a little bit about the land they’re staying on.
General entrance to the museum costs $11 per person and can be booked online ahead of time with Cozumel Parks. Doors are open three days a week between the hours of 10 am and 8 pm.
Swim with Dolphins and Stingrays
Take your beach experience to the next level by getting up close and personal with some of the aquatic life native to Cozumel. Stingray Beach offers several different tour packages that allow visitors to interact both with docile rays and sharks.
The classic “Everybody Loves Rays and Sharks” package puts guests in an enclosure where they will be instructed to feed and pet the fish. Tourists can enjoy the experience starting at $64 per person, so long as they’re above the age of four!
If stingrays and sharks are a little too intimidating for you, Dolphinaris Cozumel offers several packages that allow guests to pet, hug, and swim with friendly dolphins. A one-hour session costs $70 per person.
The Experience Flying Into Cozumel Airport
The Cozumel Airport may be small, but it handles hundreds of thousands of passengers each year coming to and from the island. It is located approximately four miles away from the Hotel Zone, which holds the majority of resorts on the island.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect at the airport:
- Once arriving at the Cozumel Airport, passengers will be required to show documentation such as a passport or travel visa.
- Luggage will then go through customs.
- You will need to fill out a declaration form listing items that may affect the country you are visiting, such as fruits, vegetables, and other plants.
After exiting the airport, guests can take a shuttle bus to the Hotel Zone. Tickets can be purchased on-site and the shuttle company will accept both pesos and dollars.
With eight terminals, over 300 gates, and an average of 150,000 passengers per day, this building’s mammoth might be a bit overwhelming and difficult to navigate. The best plan of action would be to use the 24/7 airport rail,AirTrain, to travel between terminals.
However, before you rush out into the bustle of New York City, take a moment to appreciate some of the exceptional services JFK has to offer. Shop around in Terminal 5, grab a bite to eat at Terminal 4, or get pampered at one of the spas in Terminals 1, 4, and 7. Once you’re well-fed and refreshed, you’ll be ready to take on The Big Apple.
Top 3 Tips to Fly Cheap to Cozumel
Booking a cheap flight doesn’t have to be difficult. Knowing the best time of year to visit along with the best day and time of day to book can save you quite a bit of money- that money can then be spent enjoying yourself on the island! Here are three tips to score cheap flights to Cozumel.
1. Avoid spending Christmas in Cozumel
According to data from Cheap Flights, prices reach a whopping $660 per ticket in December. Booking in March is highly suggested for lower fares.
2. Book up to two months in advance.
Some fares will go down as the departure date gets closer, but this certainly isn’t the case for flights to Cozumel. Cheap Flights recommends booking two months in advance.
3. Purchase your hotel and plane fare together
Some booking websites will give deals for reserving a hotel and plane tickets at the same time. Look into websites such as Expedia for current deals.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
Tourists can find great places to stay pretty much anywhere on the island, but two popular areas are the northern hotel zone and downtown San Miguel.
The northern hotel zone
The northern hotel zone is located north of San Miguel along the western coast of the island. There, you’ll find a myriad of resorts and beaches perfect for tourists.
It is the main town on the island with a population of nearly 80,000 people. Downtown is a great place to stay to separate yourself from the hustle and bustle of tourism whilst still immersing yourself in the Cozumel experience.
This next section will cover some popular hotels and Airbnbs in both the northern hotel zone and San Miguel along with their price per night.
Popular Hotels in Cozumel
Below are some popular hotels located in
Cozumel’s northern hotel zone
- The Westin Cozumel: 4-star chain hotel with an outdoor pool for $124 per night.
- El Cozumeleño Beach Resort: 3-star inclusive resort with a dive center for $86 per night.
- Meliá Cozumel Golf: All-inclusive resort offering snorkeling and a swim-up bar for $118 per night.
San Miguel
For those interested in staying in San Miguel, check out some of these stays:
- Hacienda San Miguel: Affordable 3-star option on the coast for $43 per night.
- Casa Mexicana: 2-star option with a 4.5-star review and complimentary breakfast for $58 per night.
- Cozumel Palace: Luxurious all-inclusive resort offering guests on-site dining and spas for $302 per night.
Popular VRBOs in Cozumel
Oceanfront Villa Coralina
Experience the beauty of Cozumel’s coastline in this spectacular oceanfront villa, offering a private pool, direct beach access, and breathtaking sea views. Ideal for a luxurious, tropical getaway.
Charming Island Casita
Unwind in this charming island casita, featuring colorful interiors, a lush garden, and easy access to Cozumel’s pristine beaches. Perfect for couples and small groups seeking an authentic island experience.
Modern Waterfront Condo
Wake up to serene ocean views in this sleek, waterfront condo. With floor-to-ceiling windows, contemporary design, and a prime location near the island’s top attractions, this rental is perfect for exploring Cozumel.
Secluded Jungle Hideaway
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Cozumel’s lush jungle in this private, eco-friendly retreat. With solar power, an outdoor shower, and easy access to the island’s top attractions, this unique rental offers a truly immersive experience.
Top Things to Do in Cozumel
There are plenty of activities to keep you entertained when visiting Cozumel. From relaxing on the beach to hiking through ecological parks, there’s something to fit every personality. Below are five of the top things to do when visiting Cozumel.
- Visit San Miguel: The island’s main city is full of culture! Whether you’re staying in the town or not, spend some time checking out what the city has to offer.
- Indulge in the cuisine: Mexican food has never tasted better. Venture out of your resort to try some of the authentic cuisine made by locals!
- Snorkel: Cozumel’s beaches are home to coral reefs and impressive aquatic life. Rent some snorkel gear for a solo experience or check out one of the many snorkeling tours available for tourists!
- Scuba dive: If you’re looking for something even more adventurous than snorkeling, learn how to scuba dive! Choose from a myriad of tours and lessons for an experience unlike any other.
- Check out an ecological park: The Punta Sur Ecological Park is home to a plethora of wildlife ready to be explored!
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Cozumel
Airbnb doesn’t only offer places to stay! Choose from one of the many amazing experiences hosted by locals! It’s a great way to explore the city with a knowledgeable guide without breaking the bank.
Below are some of the unbeatable experiences guests can choose from when visiting Isla Cozumel:
- Snorkel through a sunken ship: This Cozumel excursion packs as much as possible into four and a half hours. Guests begin with a snorkeling trip through the ruins of sunken ships before touring Mayan villages and tasting some of the island’s authentic tequila. Anyone can enjoy this experience for $76 per person.
- Bee Tour: For an experience unlike any other, take a tour through a house of stingless bees! Hosts educate visitors on the bees’ important relationship to the Mayan people while allowing them to get up close and personal. Tea and honey are included! This is a great affordable afternoon option, costing $14 per person.
- Animals of the night: Take a three-hour guided night hike into the north side of the island to enjoy nocturnal species and beautiful starry views for only $53 per person!
- Sweat Lodge Ceremony: For those really interested in the culture of the island, this experience allows guests to partake in a 2,500 year-old ritual! Guests will spend three hours experiencing the customs of the native people before having some tea. It’s a bit on the pricier side, at $101 per person.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Cozumel is an experience unlike any other! From unbeatable views and weather to immersive activities, there’s no doubt your vacation here will be the best one yet. We hope that this guide has served as a helpful resource for planning your next trip, from knowing how to score cheap flights to figuring out exactly where you want to stay. What are you waiting for? Cozumel is calling, and it is time to go!
Read More Cozumel Travel Tips
- Best Hotels in Cozumel
- The Best Cozumel Boutique Hotels
- Best Dive Shops in Cozumel
- The Top Things to do in Cozumel
