The Best of Cozumel! Located near Cancun, just off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is a small Mexican island in the Caribbean. Cozumel travel is possible for a number of Southeastern American airports. It’s an easy, warm haven for Americans wanting to get away from the harsh winter climates or spring breakers eager for ample beaches for relaxing. Cozumel’s clear turquoise waters and powdery sands bring travelers to this 185-square-mile island off the Yucatán Peninsula. Cruise ships are a constant feature of Cozumel’s coastal views, and the atmosphere on this charming island is often interrupted by tourist chatter. In fact, Cozumel’s charms are so effective that the shopping plazas along the waterfront stay congested much of the year.
But crowds shouldn’t deter you from discovering what this tiny Yucatán island has to offer, especially as Cozumel’s real allure is far away from the downtown area. You can hire a fishing or diving charter boat to discover the shallow reefs along the coast (this is one of the best diving destinations in the world), take a glass-bottom boat on a tour around the island or simply find a quiet beach where you can relax and do nothing. Once the cruise ships clear out, you should head down to the plaza for some live music and the real skinny on this little island. To learn more about the Yucatan Peninsula go here, or visit the beautiful beaches of the Yucatan peninsula. Enjoy reading everything you need for a Cozumel Travel beach vacation. Visit all of the best Maya Riviera Beaches on our Pinterest site here.
Cozumel Weather – When to Visit
The best time to visit Cozumel is from March to June, when the island enjoys daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70’s. Winters are slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging between the upper 60’s and the lower 80’s, so it is best to pack layers. Late summer and early fall mark the rainy season, and hurricanes have been known to wreak havoc on the island
Best Cozumel Beaches
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Punta Sur Eco Beach ParkIf you’re a wildlife lover, then this is a must. This ecological park sprawls across the southern tip of Cozumel. Its 2,500 acres shelter a variety of indigenous species, including exotic birds, crocodiles and sea turtles. But don’t let the animals distract you from everything else the park has to offer. Take some time to explore the El Caracol Mayan ruins and the Faro Celerain Lighthouse, where you’ll find a small maritime museum. Also, make sure to pack a swimsuit to enjoy the calmer waters of the Laguna Colombia. Get Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Tickets here.
Palancar Beach
Palancar BeachPalancar Beach, one of the best all-around beach spots on Cozumel, is especially acclaimed for its water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and diving. You can rent a dive charter and also grab some grub at the nearby restaurants.
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Paradise Beach
Paradise BeachParadise Beach is a popular beach on the western side of the island. Families, couples, locals and tourists – plus plenty of cruise ship passengers – flock to this beach, so prepare for crowds. This pristine shoreline boasts soft sand, turquoise waters, a pool, a restaurant and shopping. For $3, you’re granted access to all the facilities, as well as a chair by the beach or the pool, and for about $18, you can purchase a Fun Pass to use all of the inflatable water toys, water trampolines, a coconut tree climb, kayaks, snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards.
Stingray Beach
Stingray BeachA visit to Stingray Beach will provide the same interactive experience as scuba diving, just without the heavy gear (or price tags). Located in San Miguel, this facility allows you to get up close and personal with these undersea creatures, providing ample opportunities to swim among them. And don’t worry about getting stung: The rays’ barbs are clipped, so the animals can’t hurt you.
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Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia Grand Beach ParkBest Cozumel Restaurants
Burritos Gorditos Under $10
If you’ve got a hankering for a hole-in-the-wall place that serves cheap, delicious meals, Burritos Gorditos fits the bill. The made-to-order shrimp burritos are excellent and big enough to split; a solid assortment of tacos and salads is also available, but no alcohol is served. Seating is limited (which is why locals call ahead for takeout). If the tables are full, place your order and wait for one to open up or eat outside on the wall. Telephone: 52-987-120-0237 Web: Burritos Gorditos.
El Moro $11 – 30
You’ll have to work hard to find El Moro, but your perseverance will be rewarded with one the better meals in Cozumel. This family-owned, open-air restaurant has been feeding hungry locals and tourists for years. The service is excellent—and the portions are large. A wide range of seafood and beef dishes offers something for everyone. After dinner, try a taste of Xtabentun, a traditional Yucatecan liqueur made of fermented honey and anise seeds. Telephone: 52-987-872-3029 Web: El Moro.
Kinta $11 – 30
Enjoy the blissfully air-conditioned dining room, romantic outdoor garden, and impressive menu. The owner, Chef Kris Wallenta, whips up sophisticated interpretations of classic Mexican fare in his open kitchen. The menu is updated often, but favorites dishes include savory black bean soup, pork in a smoky pasilla chile sauce, and filet mignon with huitlaoche (a corn truffle) and cheese. Hand-crushed mojitos and fruity sangria add a refreshing lilt, and the budín de la abuelita (bread pudding with Mexican chocolate and caramel sauce) is a fitting end to a stellar meal. Telephone: 52-987-869-0544 Web: Kinta.
La Cocay $11 – 30
This casually sophisticated dining room and garden is a local favorite. Although the menu changes frequently, you can expect to find salads laced with fruits, pastas dishes, steaks, and seafood entrées like seared sashimi-grade tuna. Consider sharing several small plates from the tapas menu (the blue-cheese phyllo rolls with black-cherry sauce, salmon meatballs, and octopus with garlic are top picks). Also on offer are reasonably priced wines by the glass from Argentina, Chile, and Mexico. As everything is made fresh, popular menu items tend to run out, but everyone seems to leave happy. Telephone: 52-987-872-5533 Web: La Cocay.
Le Chef Cozumel $11 – 30
If you’re looking for a quiet, more intimate setting to share a meal with good company, then Le Chef Cozumel is the perfect choice. With its unassuming facade, it is easy to think otherwise, but the food will have customers coming back time and again. With a quaint, corner location, this is the perfect setting for an outdoor meal and some quiet people watching. Telephone: 52-987-878-4391 Web: Le Chef Cozumel
Best Cozumel Nightlife
Margaritaville Cozumel
Margaritaville is not just for another Restaurant but a State of Mind. We are famous for Cheeseburgers in Paradise but our menu also features the best of Local Caribbean Cuisine and Surprising Drinks in a Fun and Familiar Atmosphere. Telephone: 52-998-885-2375 Web: Margaritaville Cozumel.
Señor Frog’s
Señor Frog´s Restaurant, Bar and Souvenir store is the place to visit if you feel adventurous and want to experience “the real thing”. Full of colors, light, sounds, textures and fun, Señor Frog´s features humor, outrageousness and a casual atmosphere. Telephone: 52-987-869-1648 Web: Señor Frog´s.
Thirsty Cougar
Great spot to grab some food and drinks while touristing it up in Cozumel. Telephone: 52-987-869-0214 Web: Thirsty Cougar.
Wet Wendys
Visit Wet Wendy’s when in Cozumel – known for the Margaritas and great food. I recommend “The Elvis” which is some Loco Tequila, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Banana. Telephone: 52-987-872-4970 Web: Wet Wendys.
Best Cozumel Hotels
All of these look amazing. I’m curious, which one is your personal favorite?
Definitely Palancar Beach. When you go to Cozumel, you need to visit Palancar Beach 🙂 Thanks for visiting Cozumel Travel!
This was very informative about Cozumel. It’s great to know when to go and to avoid rainy season or other times that may have unfavourable weather. I loved the selection of eateries as well, and that you listed price ranges.
For the travel visa info, is this for US citizens only, or is it also valid for Canadians as well?
Hi Lnovy, yes it is good to have this information before you travel anywhere. I like to have “my ducks in a row” when I travel. Nothing ruins a vacation more for me than weather as I typically head to a warm sunny beach! Yes, the travel info is also good for Canadians. Thanks for visiting Cozumel Travel!
Hi there,
I have promised to my son to go diving in the Caribbean for its birthday, but I didn’t know where to go exactly and where to stay. After reading your article, I know how to plan my trip. The beaches look beautiful. I am sure we will enjoy it very much there. Do you think 7 days will be enough to see all the places?
Thank you for this useful article!
Boy, take of 2 days for travel to and from Mexico, going thru customs, taking a taxi (can take a while depending where you are going/staying), so now you are down to 5. If you are just going to relax and do a little diving, than that is enough. If you want to venture out and see some of the sights, then 2 weeks is a better choice. Thanks for reading about Cozumel Travel Daniella.
Wow, the beaches look so beautiful and inviting. We’ve never ventured to this part of the world. You mentioned some great activities that would really suit my kids (they are aged 9). For a family, what do you think a recommended length of stay would be? And are there are other family friendly activities? Thanks so much.
I would recommend to stay one week. Gives you time to enjoy, relax and see some amazing sites. There is so much to see for children. Of course, they will love the beaches to play in the sand and in the water. I think they would also enjoy the Atlantic submarines, Blue H2o Cozumel Watersports, dune buggy tours, dolphin encounters, Faro Celarain Eco Park, and the Kaokao Chocolate Factory Tour. Please let me know if you have any other questions and thank you for visiting Cozumel Travel!
Wow, Palancar Beach in Conzumel looks gorgeous! I would love to visit sometime.
I like you idea by going in a Taxi as well. I love burriots, Burritos Gorditos sounds great and I know I will have to give them a try when I go visit.
Thanks for the information, this makes me feel a lot more confident in planning a trip!
Great, and I only travel by Taxi when visiting Mexico. The very first time I rented a car, and never again. It was a hassle, expensive, and stressful to say the least. Let me know if you need help in planning your Cozumel Travel vacation. Thanks for reading!
I did a Carnival cruise to Key West/Cozumel last August. I certainly wish I would have had this info when I did that trip. Many of the restaurants, attractions and beaches you mentioned here were part of shore excursion packages offered by the cruise ship that were ridiculously overpriced. I am certainly going to bookmark your blog and reference it when booking my next vacation. A ton of great information!!!
Yes James, the cruise ship charge a fortune for the shore excursion. Anyway for them to make money. The best way is to plan the excursions yourself before leaving on the cruise. I would be glad to help with your next vacation! Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
My wife and I are in the process of planning a trip for this summer and I really hope it is not too late. We have always wanted to go to Mexico and Cozumel seems to be right up our alley. Thank you for putting together this awesome review, there is so much great information packed in here. I am really interested in visiting the ruins and the beautiful beaches. Zip lining and snorkeling are also tops on our list. Thanks again, this is awesome!
You are welcome Steve! Thank you for visiting Cozumel travel and if I can help with the planning, please feel free to contact me. You and your wife will truly enjoy 🙂
Wow this place looks wonderful and so beautiful. Once I get the extra money I will definitely love to visit this place one day. I didn’t the bit of strictness to get into Mexico, but now I know how and best places to go.
I cant wait till I can go here and see all the wonderful sites. I really appreciate all the information you put on here.
Yes, it is not that hard traveling to Mexico. All you need is a good passport (for most countries) to travel there. It is definitely beautiful with some of the most gorgeous beaches. If you have any questions, please let me know and thank you for visiting Cozumel Travel 🙂
It looks beautiful and cozy… Looks like a great place to escape European winter or spring. The post contains all necessary information for potential travelers. The images are very attractive, and I hope to make to Cozumel – feels like a dream. Thank you for posting such an interesting information.
You are welcome Nadja! Great description…beautiful and cozy. I like that! Thanks for reading about Cozumel Travel.
Wow LeahRae!
Cozumel looks like just the place for me. I have an intense yearning to swim in warm waters and Cozumel sounds like just the right place.
Currently I’m in Madeira, so the weather is nice and warm but waters are very chilly.
It is a great place Goran. The average water temperature is 82 degrees, which is perfect. Our water here in Florida is still a bit chilly, but the weather is getting hot and 82 is about our average as well. Glad you enjoyed reading about Cozumel. Come back and visit BeachTravelDestinations.com again!
Wonderful information!! My husband and I have been looking into areas of Mexico to travel to so this has been very helpful! I have been to Cozumel once, but it was a cruise destination so we didn’t get to explore much. I’d love to go back!
Thanks for all the tips 🙂
Sarae
You are very welcome Sarae! I love cruises, but it is true that you really only get a small taste of the port stops. Cozumel is one of those places to spend at least a week in. Thanks for visiting Cozumel Travel.
These beaches look absolutely amazing. It really looks like they came straight from the post card. I love that theirs different tiers too, from affordable to high end. That just means there’s something for everybody. I’d love to be able to check these out one day! 🙂
Well Jasmere, you will have to do this one day! Cozumel Travel is really fairly affordable. Hitting the different beaches is a must! Thanks you for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com
wow! As a freelancer and frequent traveler, this is extremely helpful! As soon as I get back to South America I will be looking this up 🙂
I am glad I can help Halle! Thanks for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com and reading about Cozumel Travel!
This all looks amazing. I went to Cancun a few years ago whilst on a touring holiday. You have mentioned some great looking beaches which would be great for my children (aged 10 and 11). Are there other attractions nearby though that might be suitable for this age group of children? I look forward to hearing from you.
There are so many activities for the kids. Here are a few: All Ritmo Water Park, Dolphin Discovery, Captain Hook Pirate Cruise, Interactive Aquarium, Ventura Park, and Crococun. All great things to do with the kids! Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thanks for visiting Cozumel Travel!
I have often wanted to go too Cozumel but haven’t done so yet. You have given me a lot of great ideas. I really appreciate the travel tips and the tips on drinking water.
Thank you for some great advice. I will be saving your site for when I do get ready to go.
Great Rick, hopefully soon 🙂 You will absolutely love it there. Thank you so much for your comments and for visiting Cozumel Travel.