Top Free things to do in cozumel
I’m gonna be honest with you, there aren’t many free things to do in the cozumel but there are a some! In this blog I layout the free, fun and inexpensive ways to explore Cozumel on a budget. These recommendations are great for cruise passengers, elderly couples or families.
Cruise vacations can get expensive when your booking any of the 21 things to do in Cozumel mexico trying to create memories at every port call and especially if Cozumel is the last stop in your itinerary. So finding free things to do near the cozumel Cruise port is essential and I have some!
Cozumel Centro during the day
Cozumels cruise ports are friendly and walkable. You will find tons of shops to pick up the common souvenirs and places to get a really good Mexican food. The truth remains the same your limited.
ONLY free ways to explore Cozumel:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Eating
I know the last one isn’t free but you will see what we have to work with soon enough. Don’t give up because right outside your port is stuff to do in addition to this list of 11 things to avoid doing in Cozumel.
As soon as you walk out of the port onto the public street turn left and walk about 2ish miles (or take a $10 taxi) to downtown. That’s where the cool stuff is.
Everything around the port will cost and that’s where they trap you into spending your hard earned money. In case your wondering yes, it is safe to walk around even with the cozumel travel advisory. The immediate area outside “port area” is often considered barely local. So you have to go further for more authentic vibes.
Let’s dive into visiting Cozumel on a budget!
Does Cozumel Have a free beach?
Yes, Cozumel has several free public beaches where you can enjoy the Caribbean Sea without an entrance fee. As of 2026 Playa Chen Rio is the best 100% free beach in Cozumel on the eastern side of the island. On the western side, visitors can swim for free at Playa Casitas Beach.
San martin
Playa Palancar has historically been the most famous free beach on the island, known for its wide stretch of white sand and proximity to the Palancar Reef but started charging a entrance fee as of late 2025.
Cozumels Free Things To Do
These are my best tips for American travelers. Skip the junk trinkets and try these no cost adventures without constantly pulling out your wallet.
Swim at a Public Beach
Cost: Free
Forget the massive, pricey beach clubs. You can experience the clear blue water for free, if you know where to look. Don’t assume all beaches are free because they are not. Take a dip, read a book or lay down a towel and relax without workers pestering you.
Beach Playa Casita
Playa Casitas is the best beach for cruise passengers because it’s about 3 miles from the Cozumel cruise ports and a simple 8 minute taxi ride. $20 will cover up to 4 people. It’s not your traditional because in the sense there isn’t soft white sand, it is pretty rocky but it’s a beach. Here you can find shade, grass and access to beautiful blue water completely free.
Cozumel has miles of coastline that’s controlled by private beach clubs but I recently updated this list of the public beaches in Cozumel that let you swim and relax without a cover charge. Grab your towel and head straight for the water.
Playa San Martin
Above is a picture of San Francisco beach. But it doesn’t beat my personal favorite which is Playa Martin.Its not ideal Me and the girlfriend rented scooters and took a trip over there to just get away from the traffic. On the scooter it took us about 15 minutes to get there but the ride was cool. We got to see other parts of the city.
San Martin Beach has a perfect, relaxed vibe, and the water is exactly that clear, turquoise color you came for. The best part is that you don’t need a day pass pass to enjoy it. It was cloudy the day we went to be sure to choose a sunny day!
San martin beach on a cloudy day
Don’t worry about eating because of you get hungry or need to use the bathroom during your beach picnic there is a place to eat just down the road. It’s where I took the picture of the group on scooters below. But if your traveling to San Martin your likely staying in Cozumel for more than a day and I have a great recommendation for you.
Walking Downtown
Cost: Free
The area around the ferry terminal is technically San Miguel de Cozumel, and it’s where all the action is. Don’t rush past it. Take some time and simply walk around down here. This is roughly 2ish miles from the cruise port and you can walk there. I recommend bringing water if it’s a hot day.
There are private tours that make this a core theme of the tour. Even the Razor tours drive down through downtown.
Cozumels Downton area
There is local food and also Americanized places to eat like Burger King and, Buffalo wild Wings. Sometimes they host concerts and events in the middle. When I was here I hung up my hammock and just watched the locals and had my fair share of ice cream from the local gelato shop.
Shopping area downtown
Stroll along El Malecón (the broad waterfront sidewalk), watch the cruise ships come and go, and check out the statues in the main square. This is where you get a real feel for local life once the day-trippers head back to the mainland on their playa del Carmen to Cozumel day trip. If you want to do a little shopping this is the place.
The view during peak time downtown
It’s can get a little annoying with all of the locals trying to pull you into their shops or sell you something. But a simple “no thank you” usually gets the job done. Downtown (Cozumel Centro) is actually a comfortable distance away from the cruise ports so you will find different kinds of souvenirs here that you won’t find in the port.
The flea market in downtown
Mega Grocery Store
Cost: Free
Cozumels only grocery store
This might sounds strange but hear me out. If the goal is to experience Cozumel you must do this. Each time I stayed in Cozumel at a Airbnb we had to shop for food and it turned into a very enlightening experience. You get to see different varieties of food you would never see. I found it fun seeing variations of food we don’t have here and also one we do!
The deli section of Mega
The way the Mexican culture hands food is pretty interesting. They don’t cover the meat up and eggs air sit on shelves unrefrigerated. As a bonus of you need something this is the cheapest place to pick stuff up. They take cash or credit and if you need to use the ATM this is a great reason to come besides you can save money buying alcohol here too!
Atms are near the exit
Whole your here take the opportunity to get cash from the ATM. As you can see there are multiple banks to choose from bit it doesn’t matter. Just make sure to always DECLINE the conversion rate. It will adopt the banks inflated conversion rate instead of Mexican countries rate.
Mercado Municipal Market
Cost: Free
One of the entrances to the market
I discovered this local market on accident by wandering further outside of downtown. Similar to the flea market in the way it’s open to the public but very different. It’s located probably 7 blocks behind the Cozumel Centro plaza. Here you can experience where the locals shop and eat.
One of the eating areas inside the market
You can’t see it from this photo but there are 8-10 places to grab local food and it’s open to the public. I didn’t see any tourist here but about 70 locals roamed about shopping for fresh fruit and fish. We had eaten before find this or I would’ve have happily bought food because it smelled great (when I didn’t smell the freshly caught fish).
The freshest fruit you will ever taste
I tried a pineapple and it’s was the most incredible flavor ever. To this day I refuse to eat pineapples out of the can. I will only buy it fresh. The guy here taught me how to smell the pineapple and know when one is ready to be eaten.
They also have shopping areas for you to pickup different kinds of souvenirs (different from the common junk trinkets near the port). Unique style stuff. I forgot what I bought but I was happy. So try shopping here and explore.
The side entrance to the market
Explore Local Street Food
Cost: Free
Okay, this one is almost free. You get the experience for free, but it will be hard not to buy something! This kinda of food you want to eat FRESH so make sure you didn’t eat anything and don’t try to save it for later. Street vendors don’t accept card so bring cash.
Wander away from the main tourist streets and find where the locals eat. The smells of fresh cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and grilling corn on the cob are incredible. Stop, watch them make the tacos, soak up the atmosphere, and if you do decide to spend a dollar or two, you’ll get the best, most authentic meal of your trip.
My favorite street taco in Cozumel (downtown)
Snorkel From Shore
Cost: Free
If your looking to peak under the water and see the bright fishes you can do that WITHOUT paying. They are everywhere, just bring your own gear. If you didn’t bring it you can always buy some at the local grocery store. Did you know some of the best coral formations are right off the public shorelines?
If you bring your own mask and fins, and you can jump right in. I recommend water shoes because most of the beaches are rocky. The water visibility in Cozumel is insane, even near the beach. I took this photo with my drone at money bar beach. i explain how to get there in my blog below covering best places to snorkel.
A drone photo of people near money bars free beach
Pro Tip: For spots that offer the best free snorkeling, you’ll want to check out the more south-facing public beaches Playa Palancar. These are the best you’ll get.
The reefs start closer to shore in certain areas. I share the details for the best beach to snorkel for free in cozumel as a good opportunity for you to see the marine life.
Fun & Cheap Things to Do in Cozumel (Under $20)
Ok that list was shorter than you expected huh… I told you, there aren’t many! Now if your looking for other inexpensive things to do in Cozumel keep reading. These are just a couple things from my full article covering the most popular things to do in cozumel. This article has the popular tours and what most tourists recommend on Reddit blogs and facebooks groups besides our Parasailing and jet skis.
It’s time to experience some of the island’s best activities without shelling out major cash. These are high-value, low-cost activities that give you a huge bang for your buck .
Visit Sunset Bar
Price: Cheap
If your looking for a experience this place is a popular spot between Puerta Maya cruise port and downtown. They are well known for the good vibes and happy hour between 1-3pm and 7-8pm. It’s a beachfront bar & Grill that also has access point you can use to jump into the ocean. There is a shaded upper and lower portion where you can enjoy good food peacefully. It doesn’t get crazy busy and the staff aren’t pushy.
Sunset beach swim area
They have a beach area you can use if you bring your own snorkel gear. It is rocky you you must bring/ buy water shoes but that’s why I suggested Megas grocery store above! Sunset is know for good vibes and food.
Sunset from the beach side
Explore The Island on a Scooter
Price: $25 $19 (w/discount)
This is my personal favorite way to explore the island. Well anywhere I go to be honest. Scooters are cheap, easy to park, give you a sense of freedom instead of being cooped up in a car. You can rent a scooter for a full day (24 hours) $25.
A group of tourist exploring east cozumel on scooters
You will see tons of Cozumel travel blogs warning you not to rent a scooter and I completely disagree. It’s probably top 3 ways to see cozumel. I have rented from a wonderful and honest guy named Carlos everytime I visit. These mopeds are well taken care of and newer. Here we are below on my last trip.
Me and Carlos the owner
As a way to continue providing value he has agreed to allow me to offer my blog visitors a small discount. For a discount all you have to do is mention Jet Ski Cozumel and you will save 15%.
Literally, that’s it. He has offered to take it off your rental cost on a scooter or jeep. It’s that easy. Parking in cozumel is free and always available (unless your renting a car)
Delfines Scooter Rental (Carlos)
- Whatsapp +52 987 112 5651
- C . 7 Sur 67, Centro, 77668 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
See The Crocodiles at Punta Sur
Price: $ 16
While the full admission to Punta Sur Ecological Park is $16, you can often find local tour operators that offer a specific stop-off to see the alligator viewing area for a very low cost, or even just view them along the main highway if you know where to look. It’s a quick, exciting glimpse into the island’s wild side.
This one is free but punta sur is much cooler
Visit the Cozumel Museum
Price: $11
If you hit a rainy patch or just need a break from the sun, the local museum is a fantastic, cheap escape. We did it, it was quite, barely anyone there. It would be cool for a family but not so much for us.
The entrance fee is minimal, and you get a great overview of the island’s history, Mayan heritage, and marine life. It’s a great way to deepen your appreciation for Cozumel.
I hope this helps you plan an amazing trip without emptying your pockets! Now go read things to do in Cozumel mexico so you get the maximum fun out of your vacation to cozumel.
