21 Things to do in Cozumel mexico

Consider this your cheat sheet to all the top things to do in Cozumel Mexico. I’ve broken down the things to do by category for easy reading. Below you will find the list covering things to do near cozumel’s cruise port, budget travelers and even activities perfect for families.

The excursions are listed in no particular order and many of them I have been authorized to offer a 10% blog reader discount. Find your perfect excursion and enjoy Cozumel. If you haven’t booked your vacation yet, be sure to confirm the best time to visit Cozumel. Now let’s dive i to all the top things to do do in Cozumel.

Table of contents

• Cruise port
• Without a excursion
• Families with kids
• Adults & Couples

 

 

What is the number one thing to do in Cozumel?

The number one thing to do in Cozumel is snorkeling and scuba diving at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. With underwater visibility reaching up to 100 feet (30 meters), visitors flock to the island for world-class water activities, specifically exploring the protected coral reefs of Palancar, Columbia, and the famous starfish sanctuary at El Cielo.

 

WHATS INCLUDED

• Guided tour,
• coral reefs
• El Cielo beach
• food, water & beer.

 

View Cozumel snorkel tours & availability

 

 

Things to do in Cozumel cruise port

For tourists who decide you want to stay within the cruise port area for budget or safety reasons or you just don’t want to venture far these are for you. Below you will find the limited but still fun options for stuff to do in any of cozumels cruise port areas.

 

Visit Senor Frogs

I recommend checking out senor Frogs for food and entertainment within the cruise port area. It’s only a 4 minute walk outside the terminal and downstairs. It’s not the authentic food I highly recommend but it’s a fun place to try without venturing far. You can find this at the Punta Langosta cruise port.

 

 

Experience a underwater Oxygen Bar

Looking for a truly “breathtaking” experience in Cozumel? Try this new cool experience right near  the Puerta Maya cruise terminal, this high-tech aquarium-style lounge offers a social experience like no other on Earth.

Once you submerge, you’ll breathe in refreshing, scented oxygen while enjoying a cocktail of quirky activities:

• Play: Challenge your friends to a game of underwater Jenga.
• Communicate: Use specialized underwater tablets to write messages to your friends or the curious onlookers outside.
• Pose: Hit our underwater photo booth, featuring a customizable digital wall and fun props for the ultimate vacation selfie.

 

 

Swim in the ocean

Within the cruise port they have a small beach area and restaurant that tourists have rated well. It’s called Tequila Go GO. Here you can swim and snorkel. It’s nothing compared to the most popular Cozumel beach clubs on the island but it’s a nice amenity for tourists wanting to stay close.

 

 

 

 

Walk around downtown

Just about a 12 minute walk from punta Langosta is downtown Cozumel. Here you can feel the island vibes. Cozumel centro and Parquet Bonito Juarez are the middle of downtown. Grab some gelato, shop or just sight see it’s all totally worth it.

Downtown Cozumel is safe for tourists so don’t worry about that. Exploring and shopping are pretty much all you can do, but just walking along the ocean front road is a cool experience.

 

⚠️ Read Cozumel Travel Warning ⚠️

 

Things to do in cozumel on a cruise

Cozumels tourism is made of 90% cruise ship passengers. This means if you’re coming on a cruise ship you will have a ton of things to choose from without booking excursions directly through your cruise ship.

The biggest perk is that you won’t have to pay the crazy upcharge and get heated around with 30 other strangers. These popular activities and excursions will give you the freedom to plan your day how you want.

 

 

Jungle & Cenote ATV Tour

Cost: $75 /person

An ATV tour is an exciting way to see the hidden jungle of Cozumel with a bonus of seeing the Cenotes on Cozumel. Cruise the streets of Cozumel, abandoned rock quarry before stopping for a swim at the famous Jade cavern Cenote!

Four wheeler tours are perfect for travelers who want something exciting other than a calm beach. It includes a complimentary meal for each rider. Cruise at your own speed or get wild and muddy as you splash through rugged trails to discover hidden Mayan caves that most tourists completely miss.

View Cozumel ATV tour Availability

 

 

Take a Tequila Tour

Tequila tours are a immersive, fun informational experience. Besides the free tequila tasting and chocolate at the end, learning about the history of it is fun. By the time you’re done you will be a true connoisseur.

You’ll gain the confidence to pick out a premium bottle like a local, match the types of tequila with their purpose while savoring the rich, smoky flavors. Enjoy the relaxed, happy glow that only the best tequila provides.

 

 

Downtown Guided Razor Tour

Cost: $95

I see these things cruising around daily and I gotta be honest they look fun! I usually see 5-10 of them cruising at safe speeds on the roads like cars. This is a guided UTV tour through downtown and around the island. The Polaris RZRs look newer.

 

BOOK RAZOR TOUR AVAILABILITY

 

 

Parasailing Adventure

Cost: $75 Per Person

There is nothing that compares to floating 500 ft above the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel, Mexico, is an incredibly beautiful sight to see from the air. As the #3 most popular activity Parasailing cozumel tours are the most memorable because of the view.

 

 

Enjoy 12-15 minutes of flying like a bird. We provide the highest and best rated tandem Parasailing for ages as young as 5! Parasailing Rides only happen at Cozumel Beach clubs because of wind and boat access. It’s the perfect activity for tourists staying at beach clubs because when you are done you can just got back to lounging and sipping your favorite beverage. Checkout what to expect with this 60 second video.

 

 

View Cozumel Parasailing Times

 

 

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

Cost: $6 /person

They ruins are all over mexico and a big tourists attraction. It’s a great activity for when it rains but not the best for young kids. You’ll feel the powerful energy of the ancient world as you walk these paths, giving you a deep sense of connection to the island’s history that makes your vacation feel truly meaningful.

 

 

Things to do in Cozumel without a excursion

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Visit Coconuts Bar & Grill

Coconuts Bar & Grill is one of those places you seen all over social media with tourists saying “you must go”. Its mostly hidden from the road but inside, they have a bunch of animals just casually walking around. Yes! literally birds & iguanas hanging out! It’s also on a cliff side with the most spectacular view of the ocean. The food is ok, staff expect you to tip. There is a beach nearby within walking distance.

 

Pro Tip: Go during the day for the full experience.

 

Rent a Jeep or Dune Buggy

Rent a jeep, buggy, or scooter using your 15% discount and have the ultimate freedom to drive anywhere, and see the Cozumel public beaches for yourself. Be spontaneous and free as you. take in all the beauty Cozumel has to offer. Try restaurants, visit downtown and even try the highest flying 15 minute Parasailing Cozumel has to offer.

 

Jeep rentals or perfect for couples and adults who hate the feeling of being herded around like cattle on cookie cutter cruise ship EXCURSIONS.

 

Relax at a Beach Club

Cost: $20 Per Person

Hop into your suit and chill out on the beach with a cool island cocktail or swim and play it’s all up to you! Beach Club in cozumel offer a real deal for tourists because they’re a one-stop shop for island activities.

When looking for things to do in Cozumel on a cruise many of your options will be excursions offered at the top beach clubs in Cozumel. It’s fun for kids, couples and older adults. Different locations have different amenities that I go over in my ultimate guide to Cozumel beach clubs. Skip reading the article at your own risk.

 

 

Things to do in Cozumel with kids

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Dolphin experience in Cozumel

Cost: $65 Per Person

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

Where the underwater world visits the surface… The experience of being able to touch a real, live Dolphin that you’ve only seen on TV is a once-in-a-lifetime memory for most people. Make it a memory with someone you love. It’s very popular for all vacationer types. As a 30 year old I loved this when I went with my fiance.

 

I suggest booking in advance. The dolphin discovery is inside chankanaab amusement park. Everyone gets to swim with dolphins and you can pay additional for a photo which they are taking without you knowing. You have the option to stay all day if you want but the dolphins experience will take approx two hours.

 

 

Mayan Experience

Best for: ❌ Resort ❌ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

I want you to taste the soul of Mexico. You won’t just watch; you’ll smell the roasting cacao and feel the warmth of a traditional ceremony, leaving you with a genuine understanding of our culture that stays with you long after you leave.

 

Punta Sur Eco Park

Explore the lighthouse and snorkeling opportunities at this park. “Punta sur for the lighthouse and snorkeling at the end (advanced snorkeling but so beautiful).”

 

El Cielo Snorkel Tour (all-inclusive)

Manta Rays & Starfish

Cost: $75 person

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

The must try activity in cozumel is snorkeling. Tour lengths range from 1- 3 hours and include multiple reefs, and the famous El Cielo beach. Swim in water so clear you won’t believe your eyes! You can be sure you’re not dreaming because you can touch the starfish and feel the manta rays swimming at your feet to remind you. English speaking your guides prepare food fresh pico de gallo and beer.

 

 

The water is waist deep, making this snorkeling excursion a perfect activity for kids and families. You can snorkel almost anywhere on the island but for the best snorkeling experience like you see above and below you will need to book a Cozumel snorkeling tour.

 

El Cielo Reef is only accessible by boat which is why the water is so clear. Shore snorkeling is really cool but nothing, I mean NOTHING compares to the experience El cielo. Book the 10am tour and opt for the 3 hour excursion. This gives you enough time to spend on the beach relaxing before returning to the ship.

 

 

 

Things to do in Cozumel for adults

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As a couple in cozumel, what’s important is seeing the person you care about smiling and happy. My suggestions below will guarantee you both enjoy each other without the distractions and annoyances common to travelers. These Cozumel activities for couples will take your mind off work and help you build memories to drown out your past (and future) mistakes.

The first time I visited Cozumel I proposed to my fiance at Secrets Aurora. Since then we have been back every year and tried almost all of the recommended “top” things in Cozumel for adults. Not all were as good as they sounded, so here are my personal suggestions for the top things to do in cozumel for couples.

 

Remember: More does NOT equal better. The point of vacation is to relax so don’t feel pressured to do everything.

 

 

Beach Club Day Pass

Cost: $75 person

Best for: ❌ Resort ❌ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

A beach club for the day seems like nothing special at first, but I promise you it’s heavily underrated. Like the saying goes “time flies when you’re having fun!”. A day spent at a PREMIUM beach club is exactly what every couple needs.

Delicious drinks, awesome music to remind you that your on vacation. Water toys, a refreshing pool and the sights and sounds of the ocean make for a combination to make any spouse happy. If you want to spice it up excursions are a easily added amenity usually just a few feet away.

The trick is choosing the RIGHT beach club that matches your tastes. We spent the day at Paradise Beach (pictured above) which is the undeniable best all-inclusive Beach Club experience you can get in cozumel. We got a cabana, did some Parasailing and ate (what I would call top tasting beach club food), swam and drank literally all day. She had zero complaints and for 7 hours we were the definition of happy tourists.

Beach clubs are not created equal and there are other great options for adults. You can’t just throw a dart and get a memorable experience. There are only a few I recommend for couples and I cover these in my Beach clubs in cozumel article.

 

 

Explore Cozumel In Buggy

Cost: $25-145 USD

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

Jeep tours are near the top of the list. The good ones will pick you up at your location (port or hotel). On the island, the tours can be either guided or unguided. I prefer the freedom to explore without limits. We rented a dune buggy (5-spd manual), scooter and a jeep to cruise the island. My favorite was the dune buggy because we got music 😉. Parking is easy and free.

Sharing the experience of finding your way through the culture and around the island of San Miguel using my tourist map of Cozumel as a great way to maximize your rental time. On the map I marked my favorite Authentic hidden food spots and best places for incredible drinks. With the tips and tools I offer you will be seen as a rockstar who took your time and planned a thoughtful day in Cozumel.

 

 

Take Private Taxi Tour

Cost: $199 person

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ❌ Cruise

Experience the luxury of ZERO of planning. Literally, just lean back while a local friend (taxi driver) handles the driving, whisking you away to secret beaches and local eats so you can focus entirely on him/her and the view without a single worry about directions, traffic, etc.

We did it for 6 hours. They picked us up at our Airbnb, he asked us what we enjoyed, made suggestions and we said yes/no. Everything was included in the price except food. These tours are geared towards seeing things in Cozumel like culture and history. Not so much touristy “activities”. No jet skiing, ATV, Zipline.

Possible activities: punta sur, snorkeling, tequila tastin, Mayan ruins.

We stopped at the world famous Mojito. Swam at Chen Rio, punta sur and stopped to see the alligators. This took up 3 hours. He just hung out chatting with locals while we relaxed and drank. From time to time he would pop back up and check when we wanted to leave or if we needed anything. Overall a awesome experience.

Next we got our PRIVATE tequila experience. I personally loved it, nobody but us attended. Very intimate, delicious, fun activity. From there went to a cave that used to be a cenote.

 

Go Parasailing

Cost: $75 person

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

This is a bonus, 30 minutes of your day will lead to an unmatched photo opportunity with that person you care about. The best part is you won’t get wet. It’s a simple addition to your day. Consider it the cherry on top of an already epic vacation.

 

 

Jet Skiing Tour + Snorkel ⭐popular

Cost: $199 person

Best for: ✅ Resort ✅ Airbnb ✅ Cruise

For couples wanting multiple activities like the exploration of underwater life this guided 90-min jet ski + snorkel tour is for you. It combines high octane excitement, jet skiing outside the typical limits with an opportunity to swim with tropical fish. Wrapping up the day with a complimentary meal and a relaxing time with the water at your feet with staff bringing the margaritas non stop.

Considered the perfect budget friendly activity for couples, this tour gets booked more than any of our activities. Usually couples have to choose between snorkeling or jet skiing. This tour combines both top activities with food and drinks + beach club access. One taxi ride, one tour, everything you need.

 

 

Free Things to Do in Cozumel

I wrote a article dedicated to exploring cozumel on a budget because there is more to Cozumel then the high price excursions. You don’t have to spend a fortune to experience the magic of the island! If you’re looking to explore on your own without spending a dime

Read Free things to do in Cozumel Mexico

 

 

Get More Cozumel, Mexico Tips!

• Is it safe to drink the water in cozumel – The guide to eating and drinking in cozumel
• Taxis in Cozumel Guide – Everything you need to know about catching a taxi.
• Legal Drinking Age in cozumel – Can 18 year old drink in Cozumel? Pro Tips
• Beach clubs In Cozumel – Find your match ong the 30+ options
• Public beaches in cozumel – Find the 100% free beaches on the island.
• Crime In Cozumel – A guide on what tourists should be concerned about.