Win Your Wishlist ❤️ 🤑 Enter to winWin Your Wishlist ❤️ 🤑 Win $7,000 towards Viator experiences. Enter to win
Recent Searches
Clear
Things to do in Cozumel

Things to do in  Cozumel

Welcome to Cozumel

With its inimitable mix of Mayan ruins, sophisticated beach clubs, and world-class snorkeling opportunities, it's easy to see why Cozumel is one of Mexico’s top destinations. Immensely popular with cruise ships, Cozumel Island (Isla Cozumel) caters to short-stay visitors with a variety of shore excursions. Chichen Itza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the archaeological ruins at Tulum are doable on day trips, while shorter cruise excursions invite you to drive an ATV to the cenotes of Jade Caverns; explore Chankanaab Park (Parque Chankanaab) in a submarine; or sail at sunset near Playa Palancar, home to the biologically rich Palancar Reef. Outdoor adventurers can choose from horseback riding, scuba diving, dune buggy driving (which is a big hit with families), and more. All-inclusive day passes to Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club and Playa Mia Grand Beach offer access to luxurious facilities and the sublime beaches of the Caribbean. A private Jeep excursion lets you design your own itinerary, which can include anything from archaeological sites and national parks to shopping, snorkeling, and tequila tasting. What’s more, with Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen just a short boat ride away, the island of Cozumel is an ideal base for exploring the rest of the Yucatan and the Riviera Maya.

Top 15 attractions in Cozumel

Mr. Sancho's Beach Club Cozumel

star-4.54,889
Set on a private stretch of white sand, Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club Cozumel allows you to avoid the island’s beachfront crowds and offers amenities for a relaxing seaside experience. Here you can swim in the Caribbean ocean, sample all you can eat from the restaurant and bar, float in the infinity pool, and relax in shaded cabanas.More

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

star-4.52,777
With its unspoiled beaches, lush nature trails, and abundance of marine life, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is among the highlights of Cozumel, set along the island’s west coast in the area’s National Marine Park. The Chankanaab name comes from the Mayan language and means "little sea," referring to the park’s natural lagoon. The access to the warm, turquoise sea is a top draw, as are the provided lounge chairs and hammocks prime for relaxing on the beautiful beach.More

Akumal

star-52,028
Akumal is a small beach town located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Meaning “land of the turtles” in the Mayan language, Akumal is famous for its plentiful sea turtle population. Its secluded white-sand beaches and peaceful bays are also ideal for those seeking a more private experience.More

Paradise Reef (Paraíso Reef)

star-4.51,627
One of Cozumel’s most popular dive sites, Paradise Reef (Paraíso Reef) is famous for its clear water, diverse coral structures, and teeming schools of colorful fish. Here you can spot large sea species such as eels, rays, and nurse sharks in addition to smaller creatures such as seahorses, boxfish, and delicate pipefish.More

Palancar Reef

star-4.51,708
The star attraction of Cozumel Reefs National Park (Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel), Palancar Reef is a rich underwater landscape ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Aquatic species thrive amidst these colorful corals, including sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, barracudas, moray eels, and a kaleidoscope of colorful fish.More

Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park

star-4.51,273
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park encompasses the island’s best-known diving and snorkeling spots, including the Palancar, Columbia, and Paradise reefs, as well as the Devil’s Throat at Punta Sur and the shipwreck ofFelipe Xicoténcatl—a minesweeper ship used in WWII. The park houses up to 26 species of coral and 300 species of fish.More

Columbia Reef

star-4.51,572
Columbia Reef is famous for its complex architecture of caves, arches, and coral spires. Here, you can find schools of snapper, barracudas, sea turtles, scorpion fish, and even the rare passing nurse shark. With both shallow coral gardens and deep ocean-floor caverns, the reef is accessible to snorkelers and scuba divers alike.More

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve)

star-4.51,678
Located on Cozumel’s southernmost tip, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve) spans 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares) of coastal wilderness, coral reefs, and Caribbean ocean. Here you can find ancient Maya ruins, a picturesque lighthouse, and sandy beaches—plus exotic birds, crocodiles, and sea turtles.More

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

star-4537
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park offers myriad options for enjoying the Caribbean Sea, whether you want to swim in the warm ocean, enjoy a massage, zip down water slides, or float in one of the park’s many pools. Here you can find beachfront lounge chairs and hammocks, a buffet and full bar, and even an underwater Maya city to explore.More

El Mirador Lookout

star-51,098
Located on Cozumel’s rugged eastern coast, El Mirador lookout is a rocky seascape dotted with natural bridges, tide pools, and stone spires. This wild, undeveloped area looks out onto the open Caribbean Sea and offers a breezy escape from Cozumel’s more touristy areas.More

El Cedral

star-4.51,278
El Cedral is a village on the southwest side of Cozumel. It is also the site of the island’s oldest Mayan ruins, which date to AD 800. Spanish explorers first discovered El Cedral in 1518, and it became the island’s first official city in 1847. Today it’s home to a small community of quaint houses and farms, as well as an annual festival.More

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

star-51,239
Centuries ago, Maya women visited this sacred site to pay tribute to Ixchel, their goddess of love and fertility. Today, the San Gervasio Mayan ruins are one of Cozumel’s largest archaeological sites, with low stone structures, a central plaza, and a main temple scattered throughout the jungle.More

Playa Palancar

star-5543
Playa Palancar is a laid-back beach where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax in a hammock under the coconut-palm trees. It’s one of Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches, with fine white sand and access to an outstanding coral reef just offshore. For a relaxing beach day away from the crowded tourist spots, there’s no better place.More

Playa Uvas Beach Club

star-4.5261
Facing Cozumel’s white sands and turquoise waters, Playa Uvas Beach Club sits directly on the coast and offers a variety of activities and amenities. Active visitors will enjoy snorkel tours, parasailing, and kayaking, and there are lounge chairs, beachside massages, and pool facilities for those who simply want to relax in the sun.More

El Caracol (Zona Arqueológica El Caracol)

star-5316
Because El Caracol means “snail” in Spanish, there persists a myth that a giant conch shell once sat on top of these Mayan ruins, which are located in Cozumel’s Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. However, the name and snail sculptures that adorned the dome of the tiny temple actually refer to the rows of real snails that were embedded in the stucco.More
Win Your Wishlist!Want to win $7,000 towards your dream getaway? We thought you might. Just make a Viator Wishlist to enter.

Trip ideas

How to Spend 3 Days in Cozumel

How to Spend 3 Days in Cozumel

Jeep Adventures in Cozumel

Jeep Adventures in Cozumel

Top activities in Cozumel

Cozumel Submarine Experience
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Cozumel Submarine Experience

star-4.5
432
From
HK$842.90
ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer

ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with transfer

star-4.5
289
From
HK$642.21
per group
Playa Mia Beach Breaks®

Playa Mia Beach Breaks®

star-4
424
From
HK$321.10
El Cielo Snorkel by Private Boat

El Cielo Snorkel by Private Boat

star-5
140
From
HK$3,371.51
per group
Discover Scuba Diving

Discover Scuba Diving

star-5
88
From
HK$682.35
Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour

Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding Tour

star-4.5
162
From
HK$321.10
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

What people are saying about Cozumel

Underwater tranquility
star-5
Robert_A
, May 2023
Underwater tranquility
An absolutely awesome experience, would highly recommend it to all who plan to visit Cozumel.
We renewed our weddings...
star-5
Carla_B
, Apr 2023
We renewed our weddings...
Our family will definitely return and encourage anyone in Cozumel to visit this beautiful place!!!
Great experience
star-4
Teresa_G
, Apr 2023
Great experience
Just not a good look to see duct tape.
A great informative experience
star-5
Breone_H
, Apr 2023
A great informative experience
We got to see some of the islands popular sightseeing locations and learned a lot about Cozumel culture and TEQUILA!
Fun  and relaxing Cozumel
star-5
Quantishay_P
, Apr 2023
Fun and relaxing Cozumel
Food, drinks, beach, sun , and activities.
Mr. Sanchos is a...
star-5
lepantoauction
, Mar 2023
Mr. Sanchos is a...
Sanchos is a beautiful place lots of activities to do.
Colorful coral and plentiful fish!
star-5
Laura_K
, Feb 2023
Colorful coral and plentiful fish!
They knew where to go to see the most fish and colors in the reef.
Best Excursion we have been on.
star-5
Richard_C
, Feb 2023
Best Excursion we have been on.
Got to see most of the Island of Cozumel.
Do this tour! You will not regret it!
star-5
Laura_D
, Jan 2023
Do this tour! You will not regret it!
Highly recommend to anyone wanting to see El Cielo.
The crew was extremely...
star-5
Shea_C
, Jan 2023
The crew was extremely...
We got to see a ton of colorful fish, coral, and even a stingray!
Amazing
star-5
Syed_A
, Jan 2023
Amazing
It was amazing to see the world under water.
Fabulous and Accessible!
star-5
Laura_A
, Dec 2022
Fabulous and Accessible!
We wanted to see a Mayan ruin, and Jorge had the rest of the day planned.
Cozumel at your own phase by Van
star-5
Serafin_B
, Dec 2022
Cozumel at your own phase by Van
Our driver and guide, Geraldo is exceptionally knowledgeable that we are able to visit the entire island significant places and landmarks using a 7 seater van.
It's definitely worth it!
star-5
Amy_B
, Dec 2022
It's definitely worth it!
Milton, our tour guide, was great; very personable, spoke English well, knew the island very well.
Amazing day in Cozumel
star-5
Heather_M
, Nov 2022
Amazing day in Cozumel
He listened to what we were interested in and tailored our entire trip to make sure we got to see and do everything we wanted.
Great tour!
star-5
lindsey_h
, May 2023
Great tour!
Paco was curteous and professional - spoke English and Spanish and gave us some of his local insights about the island.
Best Time
star-5
Stefani_W
, May 2023
Best Time
I didn’t see this beach club when looking for things to do so be sure to research “San Francisco beach club!
THE BEST ONE DAY COZUMEL EXPERIENCE!
star-5
Abbey_V
, Apr 2023
THE BEST ONE DAY COZUMEL EXPERIENCE!
He allowed us to spend more time in places we wanted to, but kept us moving along to see everything included in this tour.
The best excursion ever in cozumel!
star-5
Northshore_P
, Apr 2023
The best excursion ever in cozumel!
Dont miss a chance to see El Cielo while your in Cozumel!
Book now! Best day ever!
star-5
Lauren_S
, Apr 2023
Book now! Best day ever!
Of all the activities we booked on a 7 day Disney cruise, this was hands down the best day!

People Also Ask

What is Cozumel known for?

Cozumel is an island famed for coral reefs, with world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. At the shallow El Cielo snorkeling site, visitors can swim alongside stingrays and colorful schools of fish. Beach clubs and boat trips are top draws, but the island’s also home to a handful of Maya ruins.

...More
How do I spend a day in Cozumel?

With one day in Cozumel, spend your time exploring coral reefs. The coral is spectacular, and boat trips to sites on the Mesoamerican Reef often encounter stingrays, sea turtles, and other marine wildlife. If you prefer lounging seaside, consider booking one of the private beach clubs on Cozumel’s northwest coast.

...More
What is there to do in Cozumel for families?

Cozumel is a family-friendly destination with plenty of all-ages activities. Many snorkeling trips welcome children ages eight and older, but younger kids are often welcome to ride along. Booking an all-ages private beach club gets you access to water toys and shaded cabanas; some even have shows or other kid-friendly activities.

...More
What is there to do in Cozumel besides diving?

Non-divers will find plenty to do in Cozumel—snorkeling is an excellent way to see wildlife and coral in the island’s shallower reef sites. In addition, many private beach clubs offer all-inclusive day packages ideal for seaside lounging. The island is also home to a handful of small Maya ruins.

...More
What can you do in Cozumel for a day trip?

Cozumel is a popular day trip from nearby destinations, including Playa del Carmen and Cancun. With one day, consider diving or snorkeling nearby reef sites to see bright coral, stingrays, and sea turtles. Private beach clubs are another convenient option, as passes include access to changing and showering facilities.

...More
Is Cozumel nicer than Cancun?

Cozumel or Cancun? The resorts offer very different experiences. Cozumel, an island with coral reefs and world-class diving and snorkeling, is smaller and quieter. With white-sand beaches, towering hotels, and a mainland location, Cancun draws crowds for year-round parties. And, it makes a good home base for exploring farther afield.

...More

Cozumel information

Number of Attractions

24

Number of Tours

334

Number of Reviews

17,305

Currency

MXN
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Cozumel?
Q:
What are the top activities in Cozumel?
Q:
What are the top things to do near Cozumel?
Q:
What do I need to know before visiting Cozumel?