One of the largest Mexican islands, Cozumel has long been a beloved tourist destination because of its beautiful undeveloped beaches and the excellent diving and snorkeling that can be done in the surrounding Caribbean waters.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
The largest ecological reserve on the island, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including crocodiles, beautiful flowers, and exotic birds. The park boasts a beautiful beach with showers, hammocks, lounge chairs, and a lifeguard to ensure the safety of everyone in the water.
Visitors can also climb to the top of the historic Celarain Lighthouse, which offers wonderful panoramic views of the ocean and the island. Ample free parking is available, and there are several restaurants and snack bars to ensure that visitors don't go hungry.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
One of the top attractions on the island, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is located only 10 minutes away from the cruise ship terminal. There is plenty to see and do here, but highlights include snorkeling in the colorful reef, interacting with manatees and sea lions, and lounging under the umbrellas or in the hammocks on the beautiful beach. Visitors can also swim with dolphins, but this activity is quite popular, and advance reservations are recommended. It's easily possible spend an entire day in the park.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, Carretera Costera Sur Km. 9, Cozumel, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-872-9760
Chichi Charters
Family owned and operated, Chichi Charters specializes in private charters perfectly tailored to their clients' wishes. A wide variety of activities are available, including snorkeling, deep sea fishing, bottom fishing sunset tours, and SCUBA diving. The boats can accommodate a maximum of between six and 18 people, and they all have Marine Park Permits so that you can visit the beautiful protected reefs around the island. A minimum deposit is required, and credit cards can only be used when you book your trip as the company does not have a credit card machine at the marina.
Chichi Charters, Caleta Marina, Cozumel 77600, Phone: +52-987-101-3337, Facebook
Chocolates Kaokao Factory Tour
The Chocolates Kaokao Factory has been creating handcrafted Mexican chocolate products since 2007, and the Chocolates Kaokao Factory Tour allows visitors to witness this amazing process up close. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico, plus they have the opportunity to craft their own chocolate drinking mix. Visitors also get to sample the cacao during all the different stages of the chocolate-making process. Tours last approximately one hour. Reservations are required, and group discounts are available for groups of six or more people.
Chocolates Kaokao Factory Tour, 1a. Bis Sur S/Npor 80 Bis. Av. Sur, Flores Magón, 77670 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-869-4705
Cozumel Pearl Farm
Taking up part of the secluded north side of the island, Cozumel Pearl Farm is a family-run pearl farm located on a pristine white sand beach. The pearls are grown and harvested using knowledge from the South Pacific, and experts will be on-site to explain the process and answer your questions. After touring the lab, you will have the opportunity to snorkel out to see the pearl hatchery. Tours last approximately six hours. Afternoon tours are sometimes offered when there are late cruise ship arrivals.
Cozumel Pearl Farm, Cozumel Franja de Montecristo, 77601 Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-119-9216
Dolphinaris Cozumel
With its serene ocean coves and tropical atmosphere, Dolphinaris Cozumel is a great place to swim with dolphins and interact with them in a truly magical way. Conveniently located right in downtown Cozumel, the company offers 40-minute dolphin interactions as well as unlimited food and drinks after your swim. Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are available for an additional fee. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or for children under the age of three, and guests are kindly asked to refrain from using sunscreen and other skin products for the safety of the animals.
Dolphinaris Cozumel, Rafael E. Melgar Ave. Zona 2, Km.1.5 17th Street y 19 South., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-872-9060, Facebook
El Mirador
A natural lookout point where the sea has carved a natural arch into the rugged rock, El Mirador is one of the most visually stunning spots on the island. Visitors can climb up onto the rock to take photos and to get excellent views of the island and the water towards Cuba, which is located only 60 miles away. On the adjoining beach, you will find plenty of vendors selling snacks, refreshing coconuts, alcoholic beverages, and local souvenirs. El Mirador is located approximately half an hour away from downtown Cozumel, and there is no charge for admission.
Fury Catamarans
Whether you're staying on Cozumel or passing through on a cruise ship, Fury Catamarans is a great way to spend the day out on the water. The company's 65-foot catamarans will take you to two beautiful reefs where you can hop in the water to snorkel alongside the colorful marine life. There's plenty to do on the boat as well; each catamaran boasts a sundeck, an onboard bar, freshwater showers, and a lounge area with tables and chairs. After you've finished snorkeling, the boat will take you to Fury's private beach, where you can kayak, swim, or relax in a hammock.
Fury Catamarans - Tours, Carretera Sur Km. 3.5, Zona Hotelera, 77664 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-872-5145, Facebook
Playa Chen Rio
With its calm, clear waters, Playa Chen Rio is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Cozumel. The beach overlooks a picturesque bay and boasts stunning rock formations that visitors can climb up on to get excellent views of the water. The rocks also ensure that the water is usually quite calm, which makes the beach an excellent destination for anyone interested in swimming, snorkeling, or engaging in other aquatic activities. Mobile vendors, snack concessions, and beverage stands can be found here, but visitors should be aware that there are no public restrooms available.
Costera Este Highway 3.5 miles north, Cozumel 77600
Playa Palancar
Conveniently located only 20 minutes away from the cruise ship docks, Playa Palancar is one of the only beaches on the island with no admission charge. Visitors can snorkel right off the shore, where they might see fish, lobsters, and turtles, but guides are available for anyone who wants to go farther offshore and snorkel the reef. There are some lounge chairs with umbrellas on the beach that are perfect for relaxing, and other beach amenities include changing rooms, restrooms, a shower, several souvenir shops, massage services, and a restaurant that sells food and alcoholic beverages.
Carretera costera sur km. 19.5, Zona Hotelera Sur, Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-118-5154, Facebook
San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site
The ancient Mayan culture holds a special fascination, and the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site is especially interesting as it was a requirement for Mayan women to visit this site at least once during their lives. The only official archeological site on the island, it is known as a sanctuary to the ancient goddess Ixchel, who the Mayans prayed to for fertility and love. There is a small admission fee. Facilities include restrooms, a snack bar, free parking, and handicrafts and other souvenirs for sale.
San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site, Kilómetro 7.5, Carretera Transversal, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, Phone: +52-983-837-0796
ScubaTony Cozumel
Founded by a former Los Angeles police officer, ScubaTony Cozumel is consistently rated as one of the top dive companies in Cozumel. The company offers everything from one-time fun dives to full PADI certifications, and they happily invite customers to request their preferred dive locations. Morning and afternoon trips take place each day, and twilight and night trips are offered as well. Two-tank dives are the standard, but night dives are typically one-tank. A maximum of six people are permitted on each trip, and high-quality rental gear is available for anyone who needs it.
ScubaTony Cozumel, Marina Fonatur, Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-876-1711
Stingray Beach
The waters around Cozumel are full of friendly marine life, but Stingray Beach offers the only chance to see and interact with stingrays. The most popular option is the Encounter & Snorkeling tour, which allows guests to handle and feed the rays before jumping into the water to join them for a swim. A SCUBA diving tour is also available; visitors will have a chance to get comfortable in the SCUBA equipment before spending time in the water, and at the end of the tour, they will be given the chance to meet the stingrays without wearing the SCUBA gear.
Stingray Beach, Carretera Costera Sur s/n Km. 2.8, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-872-4932
The Mayan Cacao Company
Owned by Aviomar Adventours, one of the largest tour operators in Mexico, The Mayan Cacao Company is a place where you can discover the true origins of chocolate. After arriving at the beautiful center, which is conveniently located right next to the Playa Mia beach, visitors will listen to an informative lecture on the history of chocolate and how this tasty treat is made. Plenty of samples will be available as well, including pure chocolate like the ancient Mayans would have it and unique modern creations studded with chili, lime, honey, and other natural flavorings.
The Mayan Cacao Company, Carretera costera sur 15.5km, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-120-9431
