Welcome to Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean. A charming island with a Mexican heart and a Mayan soul, Cozumel is home to some of the country’s most lavish beaches and most beautiful tourist destinations.
Cozumel Basics
Getting there – Travelers can arrive by plane at the Cozumel International Airport or arrive at the Cancun International Airport and get to the island via ferry, cab, van or bus. After getting to Cozumel it’s easy for visitors to explore the island with taxis, bicycles and mopeds. Cruise ships are also a popular way to visit, on any given week an average of 18-20 different cruise ships dock at one of Cozumel’s three cruise docks, the Punta Langosta terminal, the International Dock or the Puerta Maya Dock.
Location – Cozumel is a small island east of the Yucatan peninsula just outside of Playa del Carmen.
Climate - Climate is a big appeal for many Cozumel visitors. The city’s annual average temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a rainy season from late summer to early fall.
Currency - When it comes to dinero, travelers have a variety of options. The peso is the official currency of Mexico, however, a majority of tourist establishments are happy to accept U.S. dollars and most major credit cards.
Language – Nosotros hablamos español, Spanish is the official language of Mexico and Cozumel. Forgot to brush up on your speaking skills? No worries, English is used in all tourist locations.
Lodging
Most lodging options are located downtown or along the island beachfront. Popular choices include: all-inclusive-resorts, hotels, rental homes and beachfront condos.
Cozumel offers many family-friendly lodging options for those traveling with little ones. Travelers looking for a kids-free experience can opt for an adults-only option instead.
Food
With more than 90 restaurants and cafes, this island is a foodie’s paradise. Cozumel’s laid-back vibe extends to its eateries, so expect casual, friendly service, and more often than not, meals are served with a side of ocean views. Menus on Cozumel are surprisingly varied. Standouts include: Yucatecan cuisine, with its unique blend of influences from Europe and Mexico, particularly that of the ancient Maya. A unique item on some menus is lion fish, an invasive species with no known predators in this part of the world. Visitors can also enjoy everything from Japanese and Lebanese delicacies to Italian and French dishes. Familiar fast-food outlets and chains, including Hard Rock Café, Señor Frogs, Hooters and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville will take care of any quick cravings.
Fun
Unique attractions – Cozumel has some experiences unique to the island.
Cozumel Pearl Farm - This family-owned and operated pearl farm is on the north shore of the island and the only active pear farm in the Caribbean. Only accessible by boat, this sustainable eco-attraction welcomes just a few guests per day. They also offer overnight experiences.
Chankanaab Beach and Adventure Park – Just five miles from San Miguel, Chankanaab Beach and Adventure Park has a bevy of attractions for visitors, including dolphin, manatee and sea lion encounter programs; a beautiful saltwater lagoon, unique in the world for its coral formations; scuba and snorkeling; an archaeological park; and more.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park - Located on the island’s southern tip, this 247-acre park is perfect for adventures of the eco-variety. Visitors will marvel at stunning landscapes (mangrove jungle, dunes, lagoons, beaches) and local wildlife like birds, turtles, marine life, the ever-present iguanas and even crocodiles.
Faro Celarain (Celarain Lighthouse) – Located inside the Punta Sur Eco park, this is a state-protected refuge for the local flora and fauna of Cozumel’s southern coast. There are several observation decks on the lagoon and plenty of wildlife to watch. We recommend a guided boat tour.
Kaokao Chocolate Factory – This tour is perfect for the chocolate lover in your life. The Kaokao Chocolate Factory walks visitors through the bean-to-bar process by looking at the importance of the cacao seed to Mayan Civilization.
Entertainment and nightlife– After the sun goes down there are several hotspots for fun including the Thirsty Cougar, Fat Tuesday’s, Tiki Tok, El Muellecito and La Casa del Habano, to name a few. Some, like Mezcalitos and Coconuts Bar, are all about rustic cool right by the water’s edge. Wanna dance? Check out Viva Mexico, Upside Dance Club or Señor Frogs.
Adventure and fun – Whether on land or at sea, Cozumel has plenty of fun to offer visitors of all ages. Sporty travelers can head to the putting green at one of the island’s fabulous golf courses, explore the ocean with snorkeling and windsurfing or train for the annual Iron Man competition that takes place on Cozumel each November. Looking to get that adrenaline pumping? Send travelers to Wild-Tours, an off-roading jungle excursion company where tourists can rent Jeeps, ATVs, Hummers and Polaris Razor 4x4 off-road vehicles for a unique way to get around. Travelers can also embark on two-wheeled adventures at Eagle Rider, Cozumel’s waterfront guided Harley-Davidson motorcycle tour. Not into traditional methods of transportation? Island visitors can explore Cozumel and the surrounding ocean ecosystem via submarine for an adventure like none other. Atlantis Subs brings travelers up to 100 feet below the surface for an unforgettable look at life in the crystalline waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
Shopping – Cozumel has plenty of places for your clients to give their credit card a workout. San Miguel’s bustling Malecón and Waterfront Boulevard are two of the most popular duty-free zones among tourists. Mexico is famous for its jewelry, precious and semi-precious stones and brand-name watches. Shoppers can also find quality Mexican and imported items for sale at the Royal Village Shopping Center.
Events – Take the vacation up a notch by visiting Cozumel during a festival.
Carnival: Each year in either February or March the island goes all out to celebrate the Mardi Gras carnival, a vibrant fiesta with 144 years of history.
Dia De Los Muertos: From October 31 through November 2, the town celebrates the Dia de lost Muertos, a festival deeply rooted in the Mexican soul.
El Cedral Festival: From April to the start of May island residents celebrate the Festival of El Cedral and the Holy Cross with handicraft exhibitions, traditional dances, food and much more.
History and Culture
Cozumel’s rich history is rooted deep in the Mayan culture, which is still alive and well in the 21st century in its residents, gastronomy and colorful traditions. The island is said to have been settled as early as 300 A.D., flourishing as a commercial port for the sea trade and as a ceremonial center. Cozumel also became a top exporter of chicle, the main ingredient in U.S. chewing gum, in the 19th century.
So when you are ready to plan your next trip to Cozumel, contact us. We would love to help!
Thanks for reading!!