Experience a visit to paradise while vacationing in Cozumel, Mexico.
The Mexican island of Cozumel has become a favorite tourist location for its lovely beaches and gorgeous tropical weather. Through its proximity to the Caribbean, visitors can appreciate the stunning waters, go scuba diving, or even swim alongside dolphins. Cozumel maintains lots of cultural points of interests, including historic archaeological sites and amazing food options. No matter what you hope to accomplish while in Cozumel, you’ll be sure to find an activity you enjoy. To start planning your travel to-do list, check out our recommendations of the 10 best things to do in Cozumel.
1. Relax underneath the sun at Playa Chen Rio
Credit: Shay Tressa DeSimone
If you’re choosing what to do while on vacation, relaxation might be at the top of your list. While many people like to accomplish as many things as possible, sometimes you just want to stop and unwind. A tropical location like Cozumel provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the warmth and sun. There’s nothing like releasing the stresses of everyday life by taking a nap beside the ocean.
When deciding to visit Cozumel, laying out on one of its many beaches should be a priority. With the Playa Chen Rio, tourists can spend an afternoon tanning or taking a dip in the sea. The beach offers a comfortable surface to lay down and let your feet become buried in the sands. Since the ocean here tends to remain calm, you won’t have to worry about rip tides or powerful waves. Tidal pools also allow young kids to play in the water without venturing into the deeper parts of the sea.
Once you get enough of the sun, you can head over to a nearby restaurant, El Pescador. While there, visitors may purchase refreshments, local dishes, and souvenirs. As one of the best things to do in Cozumel, visiting Playa Chen Rio remains a must-see for any tourist.
2. Ride a boat with Chichi Charters
Credit: Chichi Charters
An amazing way to see the ocean around Cozumel involves taking a boat ride along the water. Chichi Charters provides tourists with the opportunity to explore the seas and have an amazing adventure. The charter company offers a variety of activities to do while aboard their boats. Even if you just want to appreciate the ocean views, you’ll find the ocean ride to be a great activity.
Those who love to fish should try deep-sea fishing. You could potentially catch different species of the billfish, an animal with long bills that appear like spears or swords. Chichi Charters provides tourists with the best professional equipment and bait to give them the greatest chance at catching fish. Additionally, the more adventurous types can try snorkeling and check out the area’s gorgeous coral reefs.
For couples who want to have a romantic experience, Chichi’s sunset trips offer a dreamy setting for spending quality time. While gazing at the colorful sky, you can catch a glimpse of the beautiful Cozumel skyline. Enjoy guacamole and margaritas as you stare out at the ocean. The boat’s crew will also play music of your choice, so you can listen to your favorite songs.
3. Discover the ancient Mayan ruins of San Gervasio
Credit: Saúl Peláez S.
Any archaeology fanatics should definitely stop by the ruins of the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site. As the island’s sole official archaeological site, visiting San Gervasio remains one of the top things to do in Cozumel. A sanctuary to the Mayan goddess lxchel, the site celebrates fertility and love. During ancient times, Mayan women made pilgrimages to San Gervasio in order to pay their tributes to the goddess.
Surrounded by jungle, the ruins of San Gervasio appear as if they have not been touched by civilization. Since the location has remained unaltered, the ruins exemplify true pieces of history. Multiple structures make up this archaeological site, letting you imagine how the Mayans once lived. According to legend, one area inside the ruins is cursed, with photographs taken inside the space never developing fully.
Consider hiring a tour guide to hear any special details you might miss by exploring on your own. Since the ruins aren’t very large, you’ll want to know their exact purpose and meaning. That way, you can spend more time learning about the importance of the structures. Additionally, a gift shop provides tourists with cool souvenirs they wouldn’t find anywhere else.
4. Tour the Chocolate Kaokao Factory
Credit: Chocolate Kaokao Factory
Chocolate lovers will definitely want to tour this Cozumel location. When visiting the Chocolate Kaokao Factory, you’ll get the chance to learn all about the history of chocolate in Mexico. While at the factory, you can understand the importance of the cacao seed for the Mayans. Tools utilized by the ancient civilization to create their hot cocoa, or “chocolhaa,” may also be examined.
As you move along the tour, you can experience the chocolate-making process by grinding your own cacao beans. You’ll even get to create your own drinking chocolate mix to bring with you back home. The Chocolate Kaokao tour also offers visitors the opportunity to see the production of chocolate in the factory.
Maybe the most exciting part of the tour, Chocolate Kaokao lets visitors taste the chocolate during its creation process. From trying roasted cacao beans to taking a bite of the finished chocolate, you’ll experience some amazing bold flavors. The tour guides will also tell you about interesting uses for chocolate, such as in meal recipes or drinks. Those who visit consider the chocolate factory tour one of their favorite things to do in Cozumel.
5. Explore the deep with Cozumel H2O Scuba Diving
Looking to discover amazing sights underneath the water? The Cozumel H2O diving company promises tourists the best in scuba diving experiences. H2O’s amazing instructors each maintain a passion for exploring the ocean’s underwater worlds. They offer lessons for beginners and more advanced divers. Families can also go snorkeling so that everyone may participate in seeing life in the deep.
While exploring the water, you’ll be taken around the best spots for catching glimpses of amazing wildlife. Colorful reef fishes, lobsters, barracudas, sting rays, and turtles include just some of the animals you could potentially see. Anyone interested in marine life should make this activity the top on their list of things to do in Cozumel.
The Discover Scuba experience offers scuba newbies the chance to try out scuba diving with little pressure. Once you get used to breathing underwater, you’ll be able to venture further to the reefs depending on your skills. Those who have scuba dived for long periods of time may also get certified by one of the company’s professional instructors.
6. Purchase a local tapestry in Arte de Origin
Credit: Arte de Origen / Facebook
Tourists who enjoy examining the local art of their vacation spots should take a trip to the Arte de Origen. Found on the eastern coast of Cozumel, this store sells tons of unique, handmade items. Inspired by traditional Mexican designs, the art celebrates Latin American culture and aesthetics.
The process of making these items takes lots of time and care. Hand-cut paper painted with varnish is layered to produce every art piece. Some of the art for sale include tapestries, frames, decorative boxes, and animal sculptures. This manner of production makes the pieces different from other shops, which offer mass-produced items without any unique flair.
Created by artisans from Mexico and Argentina, the shop supports local producers by letting visitors buy their original pieces. You’ll be contributing to the artisan’s way of living and helping them continue to do what they love. Rather than spending money on a tourist souvenir, like a fridge magnet, why not buy something completely unique and beautiful? When purchasing one of these items, you’ll be taking home an example of true Mexican art.
7. Try delicious food with a Cozumel Chef Food Tour
Credit: cozumel.chef
When experiencing a new culture, one should always eat the foods specific to the people of the region. Don’t spend money at commercial restaurants you could visit when you’re at home. By partaking in a Cozumel Chef Food Tour, you’ll get a chance to try amazing dishes from the local area. “Foodies” should make this activity a must when deciding the best things to do in Cozumel.
The Cozumel Chef Food Tour emphasizes Mexican cuisine above all else. With such rich, spicy, flavors, Mexico’s dishes offer visitors a tasty and unique eating experiences. Blending together both indigenous and European features, the cuisine of Mexico combines various elements to create amazing dishes. Despite the island’s smaller size, you won’t find a limited amount of dining options here.
While on the tour, you’ll get to try food from street vendors as well as popular local restaurants. Mexican-favorite quesadillas and Yucatecán food include just a few of the items to be tasted. If you want to eat a true Mexican taco, this tour will give you the perfect opportunity to do so. The tours also offer an intimate and all-inclusive dining experience, so you’ll feel comfortable and well-served at all times.
8. Swim with dolphins at the Dolphinaris Cozumel
Credit: Frederik Delacourt
Getting the chance to swim with dolphins remains high on many people’s bucket lists. Why not complete a long-held dream while vacationing in Cozumel? The Dolphinaris Cozumel specializes in letting visitors spend time in the water with beautiful dolphins. An amazing experience for people of any age, this remains one of the top things to do in Cozumel.
While at the Dolphinaris, tourists may choose from different options for swimming with the dolphins. The Interactive Program lets you meet the sea creatures alongside special trainers, so you won’t feel nervous. You can also ride the dolphins, giving your trust to the animal as they carry you along the water.
Another opportunity offered by Dolphinaris, the Trainer for a Day program allows you to experience a dolphin trainer’s daily routine. By learning how to care for the animals and teach them tricks, you’ll feel like a true dolphin-whisperer. With the Swim Speed Ride, visitors get the chance to shake the dolphin’s fin and receive a kiss. Those who visit the Dolphinaris often consider the Swim Speed Ride the best value for the price.
9. Learn Cozumel history at the Island Museum
Credit; James Hinnecke
The island of Cozumel has an amazingly rich history, with Mayan roots and European settlements. Inside El Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, or the Island Museum, visitors can learn tons about the Mexican location. With four exhibition halls, the museum includes an amazing opportunity to experience Cozumel from inside one building.
Each exhibit contains a theme: the island, the ocean, the history of Cozumel, and contemporary Cozumel. A Mayan replica house as well as temporary displays may also be found in the museum. After you tour the building, you can take a break by having food and drinks at the museum bar. If you’re searching for more low-key things to do in Cozumel, visiting the Island Museum should be a priority.
10. Climb El Mirador lookout point
Credit: Fred Boehm
Outdoors adventurers will not want to miss climbing up the lookout point of El Mirador. A natural rock formation, El Mirador juts over the sea and offers amazing views of the island. You can drive over to the spot and see how the rocks form a bridge atop the ocean. Photography fans should take a photo while there, as you won’t get many perspectives like those offered by the location. As you watch the waves crash against the arch-like structure, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of nature.
Those who have visited El Mirador recommend wearing tennis shoes, as the rocks can be very sharp. Once you’ve taken enough photos, stop by the site’s gift shop and pick up a cool souvenir. El Mirador’s stunning structure and ocean views make visiting it one of the top things to do in Cozumel.
Discover the best of Mexico by partaking in the top things to do in Cozumel.
The island of Cozumel in Mexico offers tourists the chance to experience a variety of fun activities. Whether you want to suntan or scuba dive, the location provides everyone the opportunity to find something they love. Before booking your next trip, make sure you look at our list of the best things to do in Cozumel.
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