Looking for top tourist attractions in Cozumel? Look no further! This beautiful island, located off the coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea, is renowned for its stunning beaches, clear turquoise waters, and world-class scuba diving. While it’s true that the majority of visitors come here to enjoy the sun and sea, there’s plenty more to see and do on Cozumel than just lying on the beach.
The island is home to a number of interesting archaeological sites, including the ruins of an ancient Maya temple, as well as a number of museums and parks. Nature lovers will enjoy hiking through the island’s tropical forests or taking a boat ride to see the migrating dolphins. And, of course, no visit to Cozumel would be complete without enjoying some of the delicious seafood for which the island is famous.
So whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it all here. In this post, I’ll share a list of the top 11 Top Things to Do in Cozumel to help you plan your trip.
Things to Do in Cozumel
1. San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
San Gervasio is the largest archaeological site on the island of Cozumel and one of the most important Maya sites in Mexico. The ruins are spread out over a large area, and there is a lot to see, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Cozumel.
San Gervasio was once a major ceremonial center for the Maya people, and it is thought to have been inhabited from as early as 300 BC. The site is made up of a number of different structures, including temples, pyramids, and plazas.
One of the most impressive structures at San Gervasio is the Temple of Ix-Chel, the Maya goddess of love and fertility. The temple is located at the highest point on the site and offers stunning views of the surrounding jungle. Other top attractions at San Gervasio include the Great Pyramid, the Ball Court, and the Temple of the Frescoes.
I didn’t have enough time to explore all of the San Gervasio ruins, but I did get to see the Temple of Ix-Chel and the Great Pyramid. I was really impressed by how well preserved the ruins were, and I loved learning about the history of the Maya people.
2. Cozumel’s Beaches
If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cozumel, lounging on the beach is always a good option. The island has some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico and the Caribbean, and it’s no wonder that so many tourists flock here to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
The most popular beach on the island is undoubtedly Playa San Juan, located on the north side of the island. This lovely stretch of sand is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply relaxing. The water is calm and clear, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, head to Punta Morena. This quiet beach is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and just relax in nature.
Another top beach on the island is Playa Palancar, located on the southwest side of Cozumel. This beach is well known for its turquoise waters and coral reefs. It’s also one of the best spots on the island for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Other beaches worth considering in Cozumel include Playa Mia Grand Beach & Water Park, which is great for families; Playa Uvas, which is popular with locals; Playa Santa Pilar, which is perfect for swimming; and Playa Chen Rios, which is a great spot for surfing.
I opted to spend my day in Playa San Juan, and I was not disappointed. The beach was absolutely beautiful, and the water was perfect for swimming. I even had the chance to go snorkeling, and I saw some amazing fish and coral. I definitely recommend this beach if you’re looking for fun places to visit in Cozumel.
3. Palancar Reef
Are you looking for things to do in Cozumel besides lounging on the beach? If so, you should definitely consider snorkeling or diving at Palancar Reef.
Palancar Reef is one of the most popular dive sites in Cozumel, known for its dramatic coral formations and abundance of marine life. The reef is located on the southwest side of the island, and it’s a great spot for both beginner and experienced divers.
I personally love snorkeling, and I was really excited to check out Palancar Reef. I was not disappointed. The reef was absolutely beautiful, and I saw different types of fish. I even had the chance to see a turtle!
Several dive operators on the island offer tours to Palancar Reef. I opted for a tour with Cozumel Tours as they came highly recommended. Their half-day, guided tour includes all of the gear you need for snorkeling or diving and an experienced guide who will show you around the reef. We visited Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef and El Cielo. All three sites were absolutely stunning and had amazing marine life.
4. Discover Mexico Park Cozumel
If you want to learn about the culture and history of Mexico, then you need to visit Discover Mexico Park Cozumel. This attraction is an outdoor museum that features replicas of some of Mexico’s archaeological sites and most famous landmarks, including the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
One of the most popular activities at the park is the “Mexican fiesta” show, which is a performance that showcases traditional Mexican dance and music. The show is incredibly enjoyable, and it’s a great way to learn about Mexican culture.
Discover Mexico Park Cozumel is one of the top tourist attractions in Cozumel for those who want to learn about Mexican culture and history. It’s also a great option for families as there are plenty of activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
5. Explore San Miguel de Cozumel
No visit to Cozumel would be complete without exploring the island’s capital, San Miguel de Cozumel. This charming town is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It’s also a great place to people watch and soak up the local culture.
One of the best things to do in San Miguel de Cozumel is to visit the local market. This is the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family back home. You’ll find a wide variety of items for sale, including handmade jewelry, locally made arts and crafts, and delicious Mexican food.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, head to one of the town’s art galleries. There are several galleries selling local artwork, as well as handmade jewelry and other handicrafts. And if you’re interested in learning about the history and culture of Cozumel, be sure to visit the Island Museum. This small museum is located in the town center, and it houses a collection of artifacts that date back to the island’s early history.
Another top thing to do in this town is simply strolling around the town and enjoy the atmosphere. The town is filled with colorful buildings, quaint cafes, and lively bars, so there’s always something to see and do. I spent a few hours walking around the town, and I really enjoyed it. It’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Cozumel if you want to experience the local culture.
6. Take a Jeep Tour of the Island
Are you feeling adventurous? Then a Jeep Tour of the island is definitely something you’ll want to consider. This is one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel, and it’s a great way to see the island’s top sights.
There are a number of different jeep tour companies to choose from, but I opted for Jeep Riders Cozumel Tours and Excursions. I’m so glad I did because my tour guide was fantastic. He was very knowledgeable about the island, and he made the tour a lot of fun.
During the tour, we drove around the island and stopped at a number of different places. We visited the island’s east side, where we saw a beautiful beach and some amazing views. We also stopped at a ruins site, where I learned about the history of the island.
Most tours include round-trip transportation from your hotel, so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. Overall, I had an incredible time on the jeep tour, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cozumel. It’s a great way to see the island and learn about its culture.
7. Dolphinaris Cozumel
Do you love dolphins? If so, you’ll definitely want to add Dolphinaris Cozumel to your list of top attractions in Cozumel. This is a great place to learn about these amazing creatures and even swim with them.
This marine park is home to a variety of dolphin species and other sea creatures such as stingrays, sharks, and turtles. You can take part in a variety of dolphin-related activities, such as swimming with dolphins, riding dolphins, and even getting a kiss from a dolphin. The park also offers educational programs about these amazing creatures.
Note that there are a variety of different swimming packages available, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. I opted for the “Dolphin Interactive Program Cozumel” package, which included a 40-minute swim with a dolphin. The experience was truly amazing, and the staff was very professional. It was an unforgettable experience that I will cherish forever.
I suggest booking your tickets in advance, as the park can get quite busy, especially during peak season. You can book your tickets online or at the park itself. And dont forget to bring your camera, as you’ll want to take lots of photos of your experience.
8. Eat at Local Mexican Restaurants
One of the best things to do in Cozumel is to eat at local Mexican restaurants. The island has a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to your taste.
If you want to try some authentic Mexican food, head to one of the many local restaurants on the island. These eateries typically serve up traditional dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and tamales. I suggest eating at local restaurants because it is here that you get an idea of what the locals eat on a daily basis. This is a great way to learn about the culture and get a taste of the real Cozumel.
One of my personal favorite places to eat in Cozumel was La Choza Cozumel, a local restaurant located in the heart of town. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes, and I definitely recommend trying the shrimp tacos. Other top Mexican restaurants on the island include Mister Taco, which is known for its excellent tacos and horchata; Crazy King Burrito, which serves up massive burritos that are sure to fill you up; and Lobster Shack, which offers fresh seafood dishes.
No matter where you choose to eat, you’re sure to enjoy some of the best Mexican food you’ve ever had.
9. Celarain Lighthouse
No list of top tourist attractions in Cozumel would be complete without including the Celarain Lighthouse. This iconic structure is located on the southernmost tip of the island and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
The lighthouse was built in 1901 and is one of the oldest structures on the island. The lighthouse is open to the public, and there is a small museum on site that contains artifacts from the lighthouse’s history. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb the 134 steps to the top of the lighthouse for an even better view.
Trust me, the Celarain Lighthouse is not to be missed. The views from the top are simply incredible, and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Cozumel if you want to get away from the beach for a bit.
10. Sail the Waters off Cozumel in a Catamaran
Do you love the ocean? Do you love sailing? If you answered yes to both of these questions, then you’ll definitely want to consider sailing the waters off Cozumel in a catamaran.
This is one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel, and it’s not hard to see why. Sailing in a catamaran is the perfect way to relax and enjoy the island’s stunning scenery. It’s also a great way to get some exercise.
There are many companies that offer catamaran tours in Cozumel, so you’ll have no problem finding one that meets your needs. I opted for a tour with Fury Catamarans, and I had an incredible time. Our tour started at 9:00 am, and we sailed around the island for about four hours. We stopped several times to swim and snorkel, and we even had the chance to see some dolphins.
So if you’re looking for fun things to do in Cozumel, sailing on a catamaran is definitely a top activity. Not only will you get to see some of the island’s best scenery, but you’ll also have the chance to go snorkeling and see Cozumel’s underwater world.
11. Diving the Sea with Atlantis Submarines
You don’t have to be a certified scuba diver to enjoy the underwater world of Cozumel. Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel offers tours that take you more than 100 feet below the surface of the water.
The submarine tour lasts about an hour, and you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful coral reefs, fish, turtles, and other marine life up close. You’ll also have the chance to see Felipe Xicotencatl wreck, a ship that sunk in 2000.
The tour is suitable for all ages, and no experience is necessary. This makes it a great activity for families, as it’s safe and easy to do. It’s also a great way to see the underwater world without having to get wet. I definitely recommend this tour if you’re looking for fun things to do in Cozumel with your family or friends.
In summary
As you can see, there are plenty of top tourist attractions in Cozumel that are perfect for families, couples, and even solo travelers. Whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, exciting activities, or interesting archaeological sites, you’ll find it here. So if you’re planning a trip to Mexico, be sure to add Cozumel to your list of places to visit. You won’t be disappointed.