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The Island of Cozumel or “Isla Cozumel” as it’s known in Spanish is located 12 miles off the coast opposite Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel is the quieter alternative to Cancun and Playa del Carmen.
If you’ve ever stopped at Cozumel (Mexico’s largest Caribbean island) during a cruise, you probably wished you had more time to explore the ins and outs of the “Island of Swallows.”
After all, there’s only so much snorkeling, scuba and ceviche you can cram into an hours-long port call.there’s no shortage of places to stay. When we mention Cozumel to other travelers, their eye’s glaze over and they imagine silvery white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees and an azure blue ocean. Cozumel certainly offers all of that and much more.
When is The Best Time to Visit Cozumel?
Mexico travel can be enjoyed year-round, but the best time to visit Cozumel is during the months from March to June, before the hurricane season commences. The hottest months are July and August which coincides with the hurricane season that lasts until November. Winter is Cozumel’s busiest period and it runs from December through to March.
Now that you know when to visit , here’s my list of the top things to do in Cozumel that you don’t want to miss!
1. Visit Punta Sur Ecological Park
Punta Sur Eco Beach is the best beach on the Island, and a visit to this Eco park is definitely one of the top things to do in Cozumel. This area is located on the south of the island and covers an area of 2,500 acres. Here you’ll find exotic birds, crocodiles, sea turtles, beautiful flowers and beautiful beaches – the perfect place for nature lovers.
Within the Punta Sur Eco Park is the Celarain Lighthouse, which was constructed to warn sailors at night of the dangers of running aground off the southern coast of Cozumel. The Lighthouse is now part of a maritime museum. For 360 degree views of the Island, you can climb the 127 steps to the top. On a clear day you can even see the coast of Cuba, but unfortunately for us, that was not the case.
Entrance fees to the Punta Sur Eco Park include the Celerain Lighthouse.
A 40 minute tour of the Marshlands of Punta Sur Ecological Park is also available. They can’t guarantee that you will see any crocodiles on the day of the tour, but you will see many species of birds especially the roseate spoonbill.
The Punta Sur Ecological Park has so much to see and do, there’s even a Mayan Ruin here. El Caracol ruin – also called Tumba del Caracol because of its small size – dates back to 1200-1500 AD.
Caracol means snail in Spanish and the ruins were named this because of the snails that decorate the small dome on the top of the temple. The structure was built as an early hurricane warning system for the Mayan people. The roof was constructed in a way that the strong breeze gave a humming noise alerting the Mayans of the impending danger.
2. Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Just 10 minutes away from the Cruise Port is Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. The name Chankanaab in Mayan means ‘small sea’. The beach is perfect for snorkeling where you can see schools of colorful fish, the vibrant Reef (the 2nd largest coral reef in the world), plus an array of underwater statues that create a unique museum
It’s important to note that the park is closed on Sundays, but from Monday to Saturday it’s open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
3. Cozumel Private Jeep Tour With Lunch and Snorkeling
One of the best activities to do in Cozumel is a private Jeep Tour with lunch and the opportunity to go snorkeling. The tour comes with your own private guide which means that he knows the best secluded beaches to go snorkeling and swimming without the crowds.
Included in the tour is tequila tasting, a Mexican lunch of tacos and of course a margarita or two!
Secrets Aura Cozumel
Ditch the kids and escape with your sweetie to this sleek adults-only oasis, where some suites have private rooftop pools and all 238 come with complimentary WI-FI, a stocked mini-bar and 24-hour room service.
Cozumel Palace
Walking distance from the ferry port and close to San Miguel’s shops and restaurants, this resort gets raves for its spacious rooms and superb service, particularly in Concierge Level rooms, where perks include complimentary massages.
Meliá Cozumel All-Inclusive Beach & Golf Resort
A solid choice for families, this 147-room resort sits on dreamy Santa Pilar Beach. The nearby Jack Nicklaus-designed course pleases golfers; parents can chill in the adults-only pool; and kids will be delighted by impromptu appearances by The Flintstones.
Iberostar Cozumel
If you’re a diver or snorkeler you’ll love this intimate southwest coast hotel, which is a stone’s throw from the world’s second-largest coral reef. And when you’re not exploring the deep, three restaurants, and lush grounds complete with strolling flamingos are entertaining diversions.
Occidental Cozumel
Set on a nature preserve near Cozumel’s southern tip, this Hacienda-style haven has pretty much everything you could want in a beach resort: six restaurants; four bars; three pools; and, of course, one spectacular stretch of sand, which help make for one of the ultimate Cozumel all inclusive resorts.