14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island. It's one of its most beautiful, as well. Just a 12-mile ferry ride across from Playa del Carmen, off the northeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel provides a Caribbean-style getaway not far from the popular resorts of the Riviera Maya.

Thick with lush, green vegetation; home to some of the best diving in the world; and ringed in powder-soft beaches with fine, coral sand and crystal-clear, blue-green water, the island has become one of the country's hottest vacation spots - just as popular for sunbathers as it is for adventure enthusiasts.

Known to the Maya as "Ah-cuzamil" ("land of the swallows"), Cozumel was an important place of pilgrimage for worshippers of the sun gods. During the 17th to 19th centuries, it served as a refuge for pirates and smugglers, including infamous characters like Henry Morgan and Long John Silver.

These days, the pirates and pilgrims have been replaced by a new type of sun worshipper: the many tourists drawn here for the best all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel and a multitude of things to do by the sea.

To ensure you get the very best from your visit to this beautiful tropical island, refer to our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Cozumel.

Dive Palancar Reef

Thanks to conservation efforts, marine life in the waters around Cozumel has bounced back after decades of overfishing. Nowadays, the onus is on observing fish in their natural habitat rather than catching them. The island is now extremely popular as a destination for snorkelers and scuba divers, who are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which lovely reef to explore.

One of the best spots to dive is the Palancar Reef, rising from depths of up to 80 meters to shallows just beneath the surface of the sea at the southwest end of the island. A popular dive includes a large bronze figure of Christ placed some 17 meters underwater.

Other good diving spots are on the San Francisco, Paraíso, Columbia, and Maracaibo reefs, as well as the Santa Rosa Wall. And pretty much wherever you dive, you're certain to see such exotic species as angelfish, nurse sharks, sunfish, and sea turtles.

Bask on Cozumel's Beaches

Cozumel has some very lovely beaches, fluffy with magnificent powdery white sand, a by-product of the numerous coral reefs surrounding the island. Among the most popular and attractive of Cozumel's beaches are Playa San Juan and Playa Santa Pilar in the northwest corner of the island, and Playa San Francisco, Playa Santa Rosa, and Playa Palancar to the southwest.

Of note on the east side, which opens to the Caribbean Sea, are Playa Encantada, Playa Hanan, Punta Morena, Playa Chen Río, and Playa Chiqueros.

Also worth a visit is Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, a popular spot for snorkeling due to its easy access to the coral reefs at El Cielo.

Explore San Miguel de Cozumel

On the northwest side of Cozumel, San Miguel de Cozumel is the island's capital and offers many interesting distractions.

In addition to being a tourist hub, it's also a busy port. Many ferries depart regularly to the mainland-particularly to Cancún and Playa del Carmen, and the port also hosts cruise ships as they ply the sparkling waters of the Caribbean Sea (be sure to check out the interesting Coral Reefs Monument located near here). The town also boasts a major international airport.

Another highlight is the interesting Island Museum (Museo de la Isla) with its many exhibits dealing with local geography, history, and the abundant marine life. It's also a fun city to simply stroll around, boasting great dining, as well as a chance to get in some shopping, whether for souvenirs, local crafts, or luxury items such as jewelry.

Get Lost in Laguna Chankanaab & the National Marine Park

One of the most interesting natural attractions on Cozumel is Laguna Chankanaab, a small freshwater lake just six kilometers south of San Miguel de Cozumel in the National Marine Park.

Cut off from the sea (apart from a number of underground channels), it's a popular place to visit thanks to its crystal-clear water and numerous colorful tropical fish, and is an enchanting place to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive.

The lagoon is now part of an adventure park surrounding it, called Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, where guests can enjoy activities including a sea lion show, a dolphin swim experience, and a crocodile exhibition. Other fun things to do include ziplining and treetop climbing, as well as a visit to an authentic Mayan home to sample traditional foods.

Immerse Yourself in Cozumel's Mayan Heritage at San Gervasio

More than 30 Mayan sites have been found on Cozumel, some of them in beautiful locations such as dense jungle or perched above pristine beaches. By far the most important is that of San Gervasio, built in 800 CE and located 16 kilometers from San Miguel de Cozumel.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the Temple of Ix-chel — the focal point of the island's religious life for centuries and a place of pilgrimage from across the Mayan empire.

Also of interest are the nearby ruins at Santa Rita, while a little farther away are the ruins of Santa Pilar and Castillo Real. The latter boasts Cozumel's largest Mayan structure. There are also Mayan remains in the southeast corner of the island at Buenavista and in the south at El Caracol.

Address: Carretera Transversal Kilómetro 7.5, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, QROO

Check Out the Museum of the Island of Cozumel

In the heart of San Miguel de Cozumel, the excellent Museum of the Island of Cozumel (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) makes for a fun break from the beach. The museum offers a great deal of information related to the history of the island and its people, from its formation millions of years ago to its current status as one of the Caribbean's most visited tourist destinations.

In addition to its multi-media displays and permanent collections of ancient artifacts, the museum also hosts numerous temporary exhibits, including artwork from both international and local artists. Of particular interest is the exhibit dealing with marine life, as well as a mock-up of the traditional Mayan homes that were once common across the island (there's also an on-site restaurant).

Address: Avenida Rafael Melgar at Calle 4, Cozumel 77600

Explore Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

A fun place to visit to explore the diversity of Cozumel's coastline and experience its flora and fauna, the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is the largest eco park on the island. Located at the southern tip of the island, Punta Sur provides plenty of great swimming and beach fun, as well as a chance to enjoy some snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking.

Part of the 240-plus-acre Parque Punta Sur, it's home to a diversity of beaches, reefs, and lagoons, as well as a forested area with plenty of walking trails.

Other highlights include an old lighthouse, the Celarain (Faro de Celarain), with its adjoining nautical museum, and an old Mayan temple called the Caracol (Tumba del Caracol). For wildlife lovers, a number of observation platforms are available for bird-watching.

Address: Cozumel, QRoo

Discover Mexico Park Cozumel

Particularly popular among cruise ship passengers during their Cozumel stopover, Discover Mexico Park Cozumel is one of the newest attractions on the island. In addition to providing an interesting overview of Mexico's many diverse cultures, highlights include miniature reconstructions of many of the country's most important archaeological sites and historic attractions.

Also of interest are the exhibits and multi-media shows showcasing traditional music, art, and food — including a chance to sample locally made chocolate — along with displays of traditional dances.

A fascinating sight is the daring Danza de los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers) involving participants throwing themselves off a 30-meter-tall pole as they spin and twirl to the ground via ropes attached to their feet.

Address: Carretera Costera Sur Km 5.5, Zona Hotelera Nte., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo

Stop at Stingray Beach

Thanks to its coral reefs and crystal clear waters, there's no shortage of fun wildlife encounters on Cozumel. One of the best is Stingray Beach, an attraction offering some up-close time with one of the most mysterious of marine creatures.

Highlights include a guided swim with stingrays in the facility's enclosed bays, where you'll learn many fascinating facts about these passive beasts, including a chance to feed and touch them. Afterward, you can swim with them as they glide around you (admission includes all equipment and use of the beach).

Hot Tip: As with many of Cozumel's top tourist sites, the island's animal attractions get extremely busy when the cruise ships are in port-be sure to enquire about the less busy times when booking.

Address: Km 2.807 Carretera Costera Sur S/N, Centro, 77660 Cozumel, QROO

Climb Celarain: Cozumel's Lighthouse

The best known of Cozumel's lighthouses is Celarain (Faro de Celarain), 18 miles south of the capital of San Miguel.

Built in 1901 and recently fully restored with the addition of an interesting maritime museum in the old lighthouse keeper's home, the lighthouse is perched at the southernmost tip of the island in the nature reserve known as Parque Punta Sur and is worth the visit and the climb of its 134 steps for its wonderful views over the Caribbean Sea.

It's a fun little excursion and perfect for those looking for something that is typically not swamped with the cruise crowds.

Address: Costera Sur Highway, Km 27, Cozumel, QR 77600

Enjoy the Dolphin Experiences

If you're looking for a fun water-based activity, Cozumel has a number of popular dolphin experiences worth considering.

One of the best on the island can be enjoyed at Dolphinaris Cozumel, which offers an exciting program of dolphin swims. Packages should be booked in advance (remember, these places are popular with cruise ship vacationers, too) and are suitable for families traveling with kids, as the waters are shallow. The experience includes up-close encounters with these remarkable creatures, as well as the use of on-site facilities including restaurants, change rooms, and souvenir shops. ,

Another top attraction on the island is Dolphin Discovery Cozumel. Situated in Chankanaab National Park, the location itself is stunningly beautiful and, with its reefs, makes for an excellent place to linger and try your hand at some snorkeling or diving. A variety of dolphin experiences are offered, including some with swimming fun as they tow you through the water. Other creatures you'll meet here include manatees and sea lions. As with the Dolpinaris experience, be sure to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Dive the Depths on a Submarine Tour

Take a trip deep under the surface of the translucent waters. With this Cozumel Submarine Experience, travelers climb aboard a real-life, state-of-the-art submarine.

The vessel plunges to depths of 30 meters, where a world of marine life is waiting within the protected park, Chankanaab. This is a great tour for travelers who aren't PADI-certified, but still want to see the miraculous creatures that live on the ocean floor. It's also great for divers who want to stay dry that day.

Feast your eyes on swirls of tropical fish and coral as your onboard guide tells you about what you see. The dive lasts about 45 minutes.

Address: Chankanab Km 4, Sur, Zona Hotelera Nte., 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico

Escape to Isla de Pasion

Flecked off the coast of Cozumel is an even more beautiful and rustic island experience that will bring that private island vibe a little closer to home. Isla Pasion Cozumel is a private island, and all-inclusive beach getaway experience, where visitors can go for a day to experience remote, undeveloped beaches and beautiful scenery.

The island is a great opportunity for families or couples, with lots of food, beach activities, games, hammocks, showers, and more. Water activities, beach sports, a children's castle, and much more are waiting for visitors who are coming over to the island on a day excursion. This is one of the top activities in Cozumel for cruise passengers, too.

Take a Dive with Sea Trek

One of the more unique ways to experience the underwater treasures surrounding Cozumel is to strap on a waterproof helmet and head below the waves with Sea Trek. The helmet is fully enclosed and provides a steady stream of oxygen to help you breathe while underwater. It's perfect for people who are not PADI-certified and still want to experience a little bit more than snorkeling.

No prior experience is required, which is what makes it such a popular activity. Choose from the traditional Sea Trek, a 35-minute underwater walk, or the Sea Trek night dive, which is a completely different landscape from the daytime tour.

Address: Av. Rafael E. Melgar 790, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R

Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Cozumel

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Close to Cozumel: From Cozumel, it's possible to catch a ferry to the mainland destination of Cancún, popular for its magnificent beaches and luxury all-inclusive hotels. You can also visit the historic Mayan coastal fortress of Tulum, which boasts a lovely beach, and if you're feeling really adventurous, take the epic coastal day trip from Cancun to Tulum, which also takes in lovely Playa del Carmen.

Big City Mexico: Mexico City offers no end of fun things to do, from museum hopping to shopping, as well as a variety of scenic day trips into the surrounding countryside. Also worth visiting is Guadalajara, the country's second biggest city and famous for its colonial architecture and fine, old churches. Monterrey is not without its charms, especially if you choose to explore the city's huge public square, the Macroplaza, and the Santa Lucia Riverwalk.