Things to do in Isla Cozumel
-
El Cedral
This Mayan ruin, which functioned as a jail in the 19th century, is the oldest on the island, dating way, way back to AD 800. It's not obviously alluring, but it is the most accessible of Cozumel's ruins. The ancient structure is the size of a small house, so keep your eyes peeled. El Cedral is thought to have been an important ceremonial site. Today a small stucco church sits next to the ruin.
reviewed
-
Arrecife Palancar
The reefs are where it's at for prime scuba diving off this island. One of the best is the kilometres-long Arrecife Palancar (Palancar Reef), where stunning coral formations and a 'horseshoe' of coral heads offer some of the world's finest down-under - all at an amazing 70m (230ft) visibility. Underwater photographers should come ready to shoot like mad. The water around the reef is about 24m (80ft) deep, providing pros opportunities for fantastic deep-water diving.
The north end of the reef, called Palancar Gardens, is shallower but just as gorgeous. There are caverns and plenty of brightly coloured sea creatures.
The Palancar Reef areas are popular, so their much-lauded…
reviewed
-
El Castillo Real
Down the same intimidating road that leads to Punta Molas, are the large Mayan ruins known as El Castillo Real (The Royal Castle). The archaeological site, as well as the Aguada Grande ruins a few kilometers' hike away, are both quite far gone, their significance having blown off into the breeze some time ago. Still, half the fun is in getting there, right?
Other ruins of interest include the temple at San Gervasio, which was erected by the Maya as a tribute to Ixchel, the moon goddess of fertility. Female pilgrims came here from all over the region to pay tribute. San Gervasio sits between San Miguel and the east coast, northeast of the Carretera Transversal.
reviewed
-
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Exhibits at the fine Museo de la Isla de Cozumel in San Miguel present a clear and detailed picture of the island’s flora, fauna, geography, geology and ancient Maya history. Thoughtful and detailed signs in English and Spanish accompany the exhibits. It’s a good place to learn about coral before hitting the water, and it’s one not to miss before you leave the island. A courtyard in the back contains a na (thatched Maya hut) with someone in attendance who will explain (in Spanish) the various elements that made up Maya domestic life: the toys, utensils, foodstuffs, a raised garden bed for kitchen herbs and more.
reviewed
-
Parque Punta Sur
The southern tip of the island has been turned into a rather overpriced ‘ecotouristic’ park. Visitors board an open vehicle for the 3km ride to visit picturesque Celarain lighthouse and the small nautical museum at its base. Another vehicle carries visitors to Laguna de Colombia, part of a three-lagoon system that is the habitat of crocodiles and many resident and migratory waterfowl. Crocs can be seen (when they feel like it) from shore, via a trail through mangroves or a bridge over the lagoon.
reviewed
-
Parque Chankanaab
A popular snorkeling spot, especially when cruise ships are in port, is Parque Chankanaab. However, there’s not a lot to see in the water beyond some brightly colored fish and deliberately sunken artificial objects. The beach is a nice one, though, and 50m inland is a limestone lagoon surrounded by iguanas and inhabited by turtles. You’re not allowed to swim or snorkel here, but it’s picturesque all the same. The beach is lined with palapas and fiberglass lounge chairs, and you can rent snorkel and dive equipment.
reviewed
-
Maya Complex
This Maya complex is Cozumel’s only preserved ruins, and a prime example of the local government’s efforts to milk dollars out of cruise-ship passengers. San Gervasio is thought to have been the site of the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and thus an important pilgrimage site at which Maya women – in particular prospective mothers – worshipped. But its structures are small and crude, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards.
reviewed
-
San Gervasio
This Maya complex is Cozumel’s only preserved ruins, and a prime example of the local government’s efforts to extract dollars out of cruise-ship passengers. San Gervasio is thought to have been the site of the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and thus an important pilgrimage site at which Maya women worshipped. But its structures are small and crude, and the clay idols of Ixchel were long ago destroyed by the Spaniards.
reviewed
-
Punta Molas
Head northeast, fellow traveler, and you'll find yourself at the deserted lighthouse of Punta Molas. But take a 4WD, as this point isn't the easiest to reach. You'll want to fill up that gas tank and be prepared - there isn't much traffic around here to flag down for help. Once in the vicinity, you'll find some fairly good beaches and some minor ruins. The best camping spot along the road is at the lovely Playa Bonita
reviewed
-
Atlantis Submarine Expedition, Cozumel
2 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Dive to depths of 100 feet (30 meters) in a submarine, piloted by a professional and licensed crew. Discover why Cozumel is one of the top dive destinations in …
Not LP reviewed
from USD$98.99 Advertisement
-
Playa Palancar
Palancar is one of the island's nicest publicly accessible beaches. There's a beach club that rents hydro bikes, kayaks, snorkeling gear and sailboats, plus a restaurant and a dive operation. Nearby Arrecife Palancar (Palancar Reef) has some very good diving and snorkeling spots.
reviewed
-
Hard Rock Cafe
What more is there to say about this famous chain of cafes? You may not be the kind of homogenophile that's longing to add another identical t-shirt to their collection, but it's worth checking out this particular version, as it has live music most nights of the week.
reviewed
-
Cozumel Lobster Dinner Cruise
2 hours 30 minutes (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Experience the tranquility of Cozumel while sailing on an Old Spanish Galleon, indulging in a delicious lobster, steak or chicken dinner and plenty of margarita…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$78.99 -
Cozumel Shore Excursion: ATV Jungle and Snorkel Combo
4 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Enjoy a 4-hour land and sea adventure as you explore a jungle and snorkel on this Cozumel shore excursion. The excitement starts when you hop on your ATV in the…Not LP reviewed
-
Los Dorados de Villa
Near the edge of Main Plaza, it specializes in food from the Distrito Federal (Mexico City and surroundings), but has a wide variety of Mexican dishes including seafood and cuts of meat. The spinach crêpes are great, as are the complimentary chips.
reviewed
-
Cozumel Shore Excursion: Jeep and Snorkel Adventure
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Maximize your Cozumel shore excursion time when you jump on a Jeep-and-snorkel combination tour! You'll drive through town and around the island, visit an ancie…Not LP reviewed
-
Cozumel 4x4 Rhino and Snorkel Adventure Tour
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Embark on a mini Jeep and snorkel adventure to combine jungle and beach fun, and experience the very best that Cozumel has to offer. You’ll see saltwater crocod…Not LP reviewed
from USD$85.99 -
Playa Uvas Private Beach Pass
4 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Chankanaab National Marine Park is only a short 15 minute taxi ride from the pier or downtown and a must see when visiting Mexico! You'll experience Cozumel's m…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$99.99 -
Cozumel ATV Jungle and Snorkel Combo
4 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Enjoy a 4 hour Cozumel land and sea adventure. The excitment starts when you hop on your ATV in the local town of El Cedral, cover 8.5 miles (14km) of off road …
Not LP reviewed
from USD$70.00 -
Cozumel Shore Excursion: Playa Uvas Private Beach Pass
4 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Take a break from your cruise and take a Cozumel shore excursion to the Chankanaab National Marine Park. This protected marine refuge is only a short 15 minute …Not LP reviewed
from USD$99.99 Advertisement
-
Cozumel Segway and Snorkel Adventure Tour
3 hours 30 minutes (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Explore the scenic waterfront of Cozumel in style and comfort, while effortlessly gliding along on a Segway! This guided excursion follows a picture-perfect rou…Not LP reviewed
from USD$61.99 -
Cozumel Shore Excursion: Discover Scuba Diving Course
2 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Use your Cozumel shore excursion to learn how to scuba dive! In this introductory diving course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of scuba diving in crystal-clear…Not LP reviewed
-
Tulum and Xel-Ha from Cozumel
11 hours (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Visit the mysterious ruins of Tulum and enjoy the view as you explore this abandoned walled city that towers above the deep turquoise of the Caribbean. Then vis…
Not LP reviewed
from USD$164.99 -
Cozumel Jeep and Snorkel Adventure Tour
5 hours 30 minutes (Departs Cozumel, Mexico)
by Viator
Make the most of your time in Cozumel and jump on a Jeep-and-snorkel combination tour! You'll drive through town and around the island, visit an ancient Mayan r…Not LP reviewed
from USD$73.99 -
Pepe's Grill
This is traditionally considered Cozumel's finest restaurant and the prices reflect its reputation. It's mostly red meat (steaks and prime rib), but there's also charcoal-broiled lobster (available at market prices).
reviewed
