Discover 718 tours and activities in Cozumel
Many Cozumel tours focus on snorkeling because surrounding the island is the world's second-largest coral reef. Home to a dazzling array of marine life, the Mesoamerica Reef System offers an underwater experience like no other.
The waters are clear and calm, making this the perfect place for both beginner and advanced snorkelers. You don't need to swim out far as the reefs here are quite shallow. As well as tropical fish and turtles, there are eerie shipwrecks to explore if you're feeling brave.
Some snorkeling excursions take place on a glass bottom boat, so you can see down below before you even jump in. This is a great option if some of your group don't want to swim. Other trips are by catamaran – these boats can sail out to some of the most coveted snorkel sites.
Other options include a power snorkel experience, using an underwater propellor to glide easily over the reef. Private snorkeling charters are also available for an exclusive experience tailored to your interests.
Cozumel boat tours are one of the most popular pastimes on the island, with everything from catamaran adventures to pirate ship dinner cruises on offer. One of the best excursions is to El Cielo – a beautiful beach with an even prettier reef.
Imagine azure waters, golden sand and tropical foliage, and you'll be able to picture El Cielo. It's a secluded sand bar that can only be reached by sea. After a short boat ride, you'll anchor in the lagoon and settle in for the day.
During these Cozumel tours, you'll enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing at El Cielo. Keep an eye out for starfish as you float above the shallow reef and see if you can spot a few stingrays too.
After exploring El Cielo, you'll head back to the boat and continue to a private white-sand beach for lunch. Tuck into burgers, beers and cocktails while lounging in a hammock. If you still have energy to spare, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding in the water park here.
Snorkeling in Cozumel is an incredible experience, but scuba diving takes things a step further. On these trips, you'll explore much deeper than non-divers, with endless discoveries waiting for you beneath the waves.
There are trips for beginners and advanced divers, so everyone can enjoy a taste of the Cozumel marine kingdom. All equipment and a professional instructor are included with the price, and certification packages are also available.
If it's your first time, you'll have a session in a swimming pool to learn the basic techniques. Then, when you're comfortable, you'll jump on a boat and head out to a local reef for your first ocean dive. Certified divers can check out shipwrecks or go on night dives for added thrills.
One of the top places to dive in Cozumel is Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Here, you can swim through ancient caves, pose by underwater sculptures and do some wildlife spotting. After your dive, chilling out on the beach is a must.
The stunning coastline may be the main attraction in Cozumel, but there's plenty to see on a land adventure too. Cozumel tours by jeep take you to places often overlooked by visitors. This means you'll have a privileged glimpse into some of the remoter parts of the island.
You'll bounce around the rugged interior in a 4X4, enjoying the scenery and stopping for photos along the way. Your guide will take you to the best viewpoints, and share secrets about the island's history.
For added adrenaline, get behind the wheel of the jeep and drive yourself around the island. Feel your heart pumping as you tackle the jungle trails and stop for a picnic at the beach. You'll need your driving license so don’t forget to bring it with you.
One of the highlights of your Cozumel jeep safari will be Punta Sur Beach Park. Here, you can explore secret jungle caves and head to El Mirador for scenic views of the famous blowhole.
For an adrenaline-fueled ride around the island's hidden trails, ATV excursions will have you in the thick of the action. As you zoom through the forests, you'll feel the ancient presence of the old Mayan civilization that once lived in Cozumel.
Stop to explore the Mayan ruins scattered around the rainforest and battle your way through the foliage for that true pioneer feeling. Your guide will teach you about the Mayan culture and show you some of the most photogenic sites.
Some quad tours take you to Jade Cavern, which is the largest sinkhole in Cozumel. Cenote swimming is a must when you're visiting the Yucatán Peninsula, and this is one of the best locations to do it. You'll explore the Coral Cove cave network while you're at it.
You can also take a day trip to El Cedral, the historic former capital of Cozumel. This atmospheric town is home to the oldest Mayan ruins on the island – you can still see part of the original temple today.
If you fancy exploring on two wheels, then these Cozumel tours by bike tick all the boxes. You can opt for a leisurely trike excursion or hop on an e-bike and pedal along the island roads. Most trips last half a day and include lunch at a local restaurant or bar.
On a trike tour, you'll be driven around some of the key sights on the island by your local guide. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride! Mayan ruins, coastal viewpoints and even tequila tastings are all part of the experience.
The e-bike adventures require a little more energy, although the flat landscape means you won't have many hills to navigate. You'll follow your guide along the coast, stopping to swim in a cenote and snorkel at a coral reef during the tour.
Other bike excursions take you along the wilder eastern side of the island, on roads that hug the shore. You can also cycle through San Miguel for a more urban expedition.
Beach clubs are all part of the island experience on Cozumel. There are plenty to choose from, with many people opting to buy a day pass to make the most of the facilities.
First up is Mr Sanchos Beach Club. This is one of the most popular coastal haunts on the island, with enough to keep you entertained for a whole day. You can lounge in a hammock, enjoy refreshments at the pool bar and indulge in delicious meals.
Meanwhile, at Playa Mia, you can try out 20 water park attractions. Take on the Twin Twister waterslides or chill out at Oasis Island, it's your choice. There's also an underwater Mayan city to explore, and kayak hire is available too.
Playa Uvas is another beach club on the western coast of Cozumel. This is the place to go for a touch of luxury, with cocktails and massages to get you nice and relaxed. Or, for an all-inclusive day at the coast, opt for Paradise Beach and escape the crowds.
When you fancy swapping island life for the Mexican mainland, a day trip to Tulum is a must. This is one of the county's top Mayan sites, and the picture-postcard location on the coast couldn't be better.
Your day begins with a scenic ferry trip to Playa del Carmen, and then a bus ride over to Tulum. On arrival at this magnificent walled city, you'll spot the temples standing proudly beside the Caribbean Sea.
Enjoy a guided tour of the archaeological site and uncover the secrets of the ancient Mayan civilization. Find out why this strategic port settlement was so important for trading and stop for photographs at all the major landmarks.
Highlights include El Castillo, which is the main pyramid at Tulum. While it looks like a Mayan temple, it was actually built as a watch tower to keep an eye on passing ships. You'll also be able to explore the House of the Columns, which is known for its photogenic appeal.
No visit to Cozumel is complete without indulging in some of the delicious local cuisine. By taking a food tour you'll discover the island's tastiest dishes at some of the top eateries in Cozumel. Your guide will give you a short food history lesson to help you fully appreciate your feast.
During these Cozumel tours, you'll visit several different venues around the island, learning about the unique Yucatán meal traditions as you go. Restaurants, bakeries and bars are all on the agenda.
The food here is Mexican with a touch of Caribbean flair to spice things up even more. Popular dishes to sample include juicy meat-stuffed empanadas, shrimp tacos and sugary pastries for after. Cold beers and freshly squeezed fruit juices help to wash it all down.
Some food tours also take you to a local market where an astonishing range of organic produce is on display. If you want to delve even deeper into the local culinary scene, then Cozumel cooking classes are also available.
Mexico is famous for its tequila, but production isn't limited to the mainland. On Cozumel, you can enjoy a tequila tasting session to get you in the vacation mood. These experiences are often paired with activities like snorkeling or a Cozumel buggy tour for a fun-packed day out.
Tequila is made from the native agave plant, using a distillation process that dates to the Aztec period. For an authentic tequila experience, you'll head to a Mayan village and discover how the flavors of this iconic liquor have developed over time.
On other trips, you can enjoy tequila tasting on the beach, with the turquoise ocean as your backdrop. It's the perfect reward after partaking in some energetic water sports. Alternatively, some excursions take you into the city for a more urban vibe – there are plenty of bars here that offer tequila-tasting experiences.
Usually, you'll enjoy up to 10 tequila tastings per person. Lunch is sometimes included on these trips, with sizzling Mexican favorites served up to accompany the revered beverage.
Cozumel is a dreamy Mexican island just off the coast of Playa del Carmen in the Caribbean Sea. It's a popular haunt for tourists looking for a relaxed beach getaway that's not far from the mainland. Famed for its diving and wildlife, Cozumel is a hit with nature enthusiasts as well as those wanting to laze around in paradise.
The island of Cozumel used to be home to a community of Mayans, and you'll see their temples still scattered about the interior today. Women would come here from across the peninsula to pray to the Moon Goddess for increased fertility. Today, visitors make pilgrimages from across the world, but they come in search of sand rather than anything sacred.
Cozumel has all the facilities you could wish for on a beach break. Part of the island is dedicated to the modern way of life while in other areas you can still find pockets of quiet seclusion.
A visit to Cozumel is usually combined with time in Playa del Carmen, Cancún or Tulum, which are all popular spots on the Yucatán Peninsula. You can enjoy a day trip to the island, or even stay a few days if you want longer to explore.
If you're visiting Cozumel on a day trip, then all your transportation will be taken care of. However, if you're already on the island, the best way to get around is by taxi or rental car. You can also hire scooters if you have your license.
If you want to stay in the heart of the action, the Centro district in San Miguel is a great choice. You'll be within walking distance to beaches, bars and restaurants, and lots of tours start from there too. This is a good place to base yourself if you don't have your own transport.
Meanwhile, the southwestern coast offers easy access to some of the top snorkeling spots on the island. It's more expensive down here and you'll need to get around by car or taxi. Yet it's quieter so you'll have more places to yourself.
The ultimate time to visit Cozumel is between January and April for the great weather. However, this is when the island is at its busiest and the peak season brings with it peak prices. Come between November and December to beat the crowds and avoid September and October as this is the height of the hurricane season.
Cozumel is home to the world's second-largest coral reef, so snorkeling and scuba diving tours are the main draw. Boat trips are popular too, and if you want to explore the lush interior, jeep rides and ATV adventures are the way forward. Whatever you choose, much of your time will be spent along the coast.
If you want to explore the island a little differently, sign up for a horse-riding excursion or even a zip-lining experience. You'll get closer to nature than ever before. No experience is required, just a thirst for adventure.
Wondering which side of the island is best? Most people stick to the west coast as this is where the best beaches and facilities are to be found. The east is more rugged, and the shores here tend to catch the seaweed as it drifts in from the ocean.
As well as plenty of fun-packed Cozumel tours to enjoy, you'll find a lot of free things to do on the island too. While some of the beaches have an admission fee, there are still several that have public access. Playa Palancar is one of the largest beaches while Playa Corona is a top spot for snorkeling.