Best Things to Do in Cozumel 2024
Cozumel’s jungle surroundings allow you to do all kinds of outdoor activities, such as touring through its woodlands on foot or bicycle, exploring archaeological sites, or enjoying fine-sand beaches as you go on a romantic horseback ride. We also recommend that you take a stroll through the town of San Miguel so that you can appreciate the modern and luxurious tourist resorts full of local Caribbean flavor.
These exciting Cozumel activities are as diverse as they are entertaining! You don’t always have to get wet to have fun in Cozumel, with attractions ranging from a Mayan Maze to Mayan Ruins. There are numerous activities available in and around town, as well as on the beaches and in the water. Learn about Mexican culture and its origins, take a sightseeing tour, have fun in an intricate Maze, or have a blast at an incredible water park! We’ll be adding even more entertaining activities to this page in the near future.
Mayan Ruins
The Yucatan Peninsula’s Mayan Ruins are a sight to behold. These lost cities date back up to 2,000 years, when the Mayas were practicing mathematical geniuses like astronomy and physics long before the white man figured out the secrets. Nobody knows what really happened to the Mayas, but their legends – and cities – live on. Every visitor to Cozumel should go to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba at least once during their vacation. This is truly unique to the region, and the stories told by the ruins will move you.
Fishing
Cozumel is an excellent fishing destination, especially during the summer months, when sailfish, marlin, wahoo, mahi mahi, and tuna migrate into the warm Caribbean waters. The best part about fishing in Cozumel is that you can start fishing almost immediately after leaving the marina! There will be no long travel times to worry about, just fishing. The reefs act as natural barriers, and the shoreline falls off to two miles deep within minutes of leaving port, so large game fish naturally congregate there. Cozumel is also well-known for its bonefish, which can be found in the northern lagoons.
Cozumel is also considered an excellent place for sport fishing. You can catch sailfish, marlin, and swordfish, which is why the island has hosted international fishing tournaments such as the “Torneo de Pesca con Mosca.” Here you’ll find plenty of rental shops if you need to tackle and gear. November is the best time of year for fishing.
Kayaking
Cozumel has a select group of beaches that are ideal for kayaking. To do this activity, we recommend that you rent the necessary equipment directly from the companies offering kayaking rental services.
Archeology
Cozumel has beautiful archaeological sites that are well worth visiting, including one that was once an ancient Mayan ceremonial center.
PARADOR TURISTICO DE SAN GERVASIO
Located 10.5 mi (17 km) east of San Miguel. This Mayan archaeological zone has various groups of buildings that were built in distinct eras. The structures were used for housing, religious and political purposes. Currently, only three groups of buildings are open to the public: Manitas, Plaza Central, and Murcielagos. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
RESERVA ECOLOGICA PARQUE PUNTA SUR
Located on the island’s southern coast, 18 mi (30 km) from the town of San Miguel. Has virgin beaches and wonderful jungle landscape, such as mangroves, marshes, and dunes. Here you can visit the archaeological ruins of El Caracol, which were ancient Mayan worshipping grounds. You can also see an observatory that was probably used by the island’s villagers to predict the arrival of hurricanes and storms.
Ecotourism
In Cozumel, you’ll find various places to do ecotourism outings. You can visit nature reserves with indigenous flora and fauna, lagoons surrounded by regional plant species and coral reefs off the coast.
Scuba diving
For several decades now Cozumel has been considered an ideal place to scuba dive, thanks to its biodiversity of marine life. In its waters, you can see countless schools of angelfish and parrotfish, as well as sponges and manta rays that inhabit the Great Mayan Reef. The reef system is the second largest in the world, spanning from Isla Mujeres to Costa Rica. In Cozumel’s National Reef Marine Park you’ll find 25 reefs where you can scuba dive, some of which are excellent spots for novice divers due to the calm waters.
All of Cozumel’s reefs are considered excellent by Caribbean standards. The drift diving technique utilized on the reefs is the easiest type of diving by any standards.
Scuba diving in Cozumel is rather like living in a dream, with stunning soft coral reefs capturing light through the crystal blue Caribbean waters, bringing the underwater world to life. Cozumel, known as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, has so many coral reefs in its protected park that there will always be more waiting for you on your next holiday! We provide discounts on the greatest scuba diving trips in Cozumel with one of the island’s finest dive shops. Don’t pass up an exciting chance to scuba dive in one of the world’s most exciting destinations!
Boating
Cozumel has a port with optimal infrastructure and top-rate services for boating. Not only does it receive cruise liners coming from South America, North America, and Europe, but it also provides docking for yachts, sailboats, and other private boats that navigate off the Caribbean coast in search of adventures.
Golf
In Cozumel, you’ll find world-class professional golf courses surrounded by the island’s unique natural beauty. All of the courses offer fine services, comfort, and exclusivity. These are some of the most known golf courses:
- Cozumel Country Club: Located at Km 6.5 off the Costera Norte Highway. Designed by the Nicklaus Design Group, this country club has a 10-hole, par-72 course
- Playa Azul Golf and Beach: Located at Km 4 off the San Juan Highway in the northern part of the hotel zone. Designed by the Nicklaus Design Group, it has a 10-hole, par 72-course
- Melia Golf and Beach: Located at Km 5.8 off the Costera Norte Highway. Designed by the Nicklaus Design Group, this club has a 10-hole, par-72 course
- Minigolf Cozumel: Located at the corner of Calle 1 and Avenida 15. This is an 18-hole miniature golf course
Spas
Cozumel’s best hotels and resorts have world-famous spas that offer complete services and treatments for the care of your skin and body. Some use ancient treatment methods, such as temazcal steam baths (a pre-Hispanic tradition) or holistic treatments to ease stress. During your stay, don’t miss out on the spas’ excellent facilities and the personal attention that they provide.
Nightlife
Even though it’s an island, Cozumel has plenty of places to offer you an excellent night on the town. The fun lasts until the break of dawn, especially at bars and discos such as Neptuno, considered one of the hippest nightspots on the island thanks to its great music and party atmosphere. Another option is Carlos & Charlie’s, which serves all kinds of exotic drinks, food and spins pop music in a festive setting. You can also drop in on Guido’s, Las Palmeras or Fat Tuesday, a disco/bar that targets bar hoppers between the ages of 18 to 25 and serves excellent frappes. We also recommend that you visit some of the island’s more traditional bars such as Viva Mexico or Lounge 1.5, where you can enjoy typical national drinks as you take in the Mexican Caribbean’s azure-blue scenery under the moonlight.
Festivals & Traditions
Among Cozumel’s most important festivities is its annual Carnival in February, a tradition that began last century. Nearly all the residents participate in the event, which adds to the festive atmosphere in the streets and public squares. The Fiesta de la Catedral also called the Fiesta de la Santa Cruz, is another important festivity that takes place during the first week of March in the town of El Cedral. During the event, there is an agricultural fair that brings together many people from the Yucatan Peninsula region, and you can also see popular regional dances such as La Cabeza del Cochino and Las Cintas. Other important celebrations held in Cozumel are the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo, which takes place in June and offers various dance performances, and the Fiesta de San Miguel, which pays homage to the town’s patron saint during the month of September.