When planning a vacation, mom and dad are always keen to know everything to do in Cozumel for families seeking adventure, relaxation, and memories that will last a lifetime. This Caribbean island offers a large number and variety of activities and attractions for families and kids of all ages. We will give you the best family-friendly things to do in Cozumel, including 5 must-read listicles and 11 frequently asked questions to help plan your next family vacation to this beautiful island. This blog will help you plan your next family vacation and may even give mom some places to squeeze in a fabulous Cozumel massage while the kiddos sleep.
5 Types of activities for families
- Stunning beaches: Cozumel boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, offering crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Water activities: With the Caribbean Sea as its backdrop, Cozumel is a water lover’s paradise, offering everything from snorkeling to scuba diving to windsurfing.
- Cultural experiences: Immerse yourself in Cozumel’s rich history and culture, from visiting ancient ruins to shopping at local markets and experiencing the local cuisine.
- Adventure: Cozumel is an adventure seeker’s paradise, with activities ranging from jungle zipline tours to ATV adventures and everything in between.
- Relaxation: Whether you’re looking to relax in a hammock on the beach, get a massage at a local spa, or slow life down to spend time with your loved ones, Cozumel has everything you need to unwind and recharge and is sure to be an awesome memory forever.
Top 5 Things to do in Cozumel Activities for Families
Snorkeling Tour Cost: $30 USD (per person) Time: 1 Hour
Cozumel is renowned for its stunning coral reefs and clear waters, making it a prime destination for snorkeling and diving. Sign up for our guided snorkeling tour here for a peek at the Palancar Reef, spend a few hours at our location, pick up a beach pass, or take advantage of our snorkeling gear is included with your beach day pass. While you relax, the little ones can snorkel around the shore, where you can keep an eye on them. Snorkeling and diving tours are readily available, allowing families to witness Cozumel’s amazing underwater world.
Beach Activities Cost: FREE - $20 (per person) Time: Varies
Jet ski Cozumel offers a handful of Beach activities at a great low cost. It’s a way to explore & experience the San Miguel De Cozumel island. Pick between a Beach club or a Public beach. Choose from snorkeling, the waterpark obstacle course, kayaking, paddle boarding, and oyster/clam hunting. Picnics are always a great to way to spend some quality time. Cozumel is a great place to do beach activities with its turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches. There are many beaches to choose from. So take your time and find the perfect one for you.
Cultural Attractions Cost: $9 - $15 (per person) Time: Varies
Cozumel is historically and culturally rich, and evidence of that can be found all over the island, making it another of the best things to do in Cozumel for families. There are many fascinating cultural attractions to explore, such as the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, which are a series of ancient Mayan ruins that offer a glimpse into the island’s past. Another must-see attraction is the Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, a newly renovated museum showcasing the island’s history and culture. Additionally, there are many charming colonial buildings and historic churches to visit, as well as local markets and shops that sell traditional Mexican goods. We highly recommend seeing the ruins and making time to check out the local shops!
Wildlife Encounters Cost: $9 - $15 (per person) Time: Varies
National Parks
Cozumel is home to a variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, monkeys, and sea turtles. You can take a wildlife tour to see the Cozumel pearl farm near one of the beautiful coral reefs or see these amazing creatures up close at the Chankanaab National Park. This park is a protected wildlife preserve. You will find it’s far from the typical wildlife you see on the shores of the beach club, it is home to a variety of species.
Dolphin Experience
Lastly, we very highly suggest you look into the San Miguel Dolphin Experience if you haven’t already! It’s located inside Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. They have food, a water play area for kids, other attractions, a food buffet, lockers for your clothes, showers, and a cool sea lion show. The Dolphin Experience is one of the more unusual things to do in Cozumel for families.
Pro Tip: The Dolphin Experience has dedicated photographers who snap special moments while you interact with the dolphins. You can choose to purchase one of the photo packages to solidify an incredible experience
Delicious Cuisine Cost: $9 - $15 (per person) Time: Varies
The Cuisine in Cozumel is known widely for its freshness and the vibrant colors of food that fill the plate and flavor as deep as the history of Cozumel, Mexico. There are many great restaurants to try. From fresh seafood dishes to traditional Mexican fare, something suits every taste. Check out the next section below to find out the best places to eat on the island!
Top Cozumel Family Friendly Restaurants
Casa Mission
A wonderful place to enjoy food, the beautiful garden right near where you and the family eat. Certain nights of the week they have live music which is really cool to enjoy. They are self proclaimed to be “the most traditional Restaurant in Cozumel”. You can visit their website to get more details here.
La Candela
Located just a hop skip and a jump from the cruise ship port this small local place does away with the fancy stuff. They put all the effort and energy into the most delicious food that we have tasted. It’s no surprise they don’t have a website.. Their Facebook page has over 8k likes and 8,400 followers. The word of mouth travels quickly.
Casa Denis
Located in the heartbeat of Downtown Cozumel. Casa Denis is a small family owned place in the middle of a high traffic tourist path. Surrounded by local shops. The food is fresh, and we must highly recommend the margaritas. They were the best ones have tasted on the entire island. No need to worry about dress code. Just stroll in and enjoy!
Coconut Bar & Grill (Top pick)
Are you looking for a Restaurant your family will always remember? Coconuts Bar & Grill is just off the main road. As of right now (1/29/2024), the website needs to be updated, BUT IT IS SAFE to view it. It looks like a jungle from the outside, and that feeling remains as you walk inside. You walk up the stairs called “the stairway to heaven.” when you get 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. There is a beach nearby within walking distance.
TIP- We suggest you visit this restaurant during the day to enjoy the full experience.
11 Most Common Questions for Families Visiting Cozumel--Answered
1. Is Cozumel Safe for Families?
Cozumel is generally considered safe for families with a low crime rate and a strong tourism industry. Checkout our top reasons cozumel is safe
2. What kind of accommodations are available for families in Cozumel?
There is a variety of accommodations available for families in Cozumel, ranging from resorts and hotels to vacation rentals and all-inclusive options.
3. How easy is it to get around Cozumel with kids?
Cozumel has a well-developed transportation system, including taxis, buses, and car rentals, making it easy to get around with kids.
4. What are the best family-friendly beaches in Cozumel?
Some of the best family-friendly beaches in Cozumel are Playa Palancar, Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, and Playa Mia Nature Park.
5. Are there any water parks or theme parks in Cozumel for kids?
There are two main water parks and theme parks in Cozumel. We recommend Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, Playa Mia. However, there are plenty of activities and attractions for families such as snorkeling, diving, and exploring ancient ruins.
6. What is the currency in Cozumel and is it easy to exchange money?
The currency in Cozumel is the Mexican Peso, and it is easy to exchange money at banks, ATMs, and currency exchange offices.
7. Do children need a beach day pass?
This can vary depending on the beach and its policies. Some beaches may offer free or discounted day passes for children of certain ages, while others may require all individuals, regardless of age, to purchase a pass.
8. Are there any cultural or educational activities for families in Cozumel?
There are several cultural and educational activities for families in Cozumel, including visiting the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins, the Cozumel Museum, and learning about local marine life through snorkeling and diving tours.
9. Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel for families
Yes, there are several all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel that cater to families. Some popular options include Iberostar Cozumel, Azul Beach Resort Cozumel, and Occidental Cozumel.
10. What kind of medical facilities are available in Cozumel in case of emergency?
Cozumel has several medical facilities available, including hospitals and clinics, and most resorts have a physician on call in case of an emergency.
11. Are there any kid-friendly attractions in Cozumel?
Yes, there are several kid-friendly attractions in Cozumel, including adventure parks, museums. Only one Aquarium Dolphinaris Cozumel
Our Conclusion...
We hope you’ve found some things to do in Cozumel for families in our blog! We write for families who are looking for a fun-filled, safe vacation., so take a look at our other blogs about the island paradise of Cozumel. Though it’s a hot spot for adults and couples, don’t rule it out of your list of top places to vacation with kids. Its stunning beaches, cultural attractions, and diverse wildlife are something for everyone to enjoy.
Take a cruise to Cozumel Island or fly into the Cozumel International Airport and stay at an All-inclusive Resort; either way, you are in the perfect place for a memorable, family-friendly vacation in 2024. Cozumel has something to offer if you want to snorkel, relax on the beach, or learn about the island’s history and culture.
