What activities to do in cozumel with the family?
Cozumel, belonging to the state of Quintana Roo, is located in front of Playa del Carmen. Here you can access both by ferry and plane in a short time and spend an incredible stay. Besides being a key point for cruises due to its beautiful beaches, it is also a treasure full of reefs and a place to give free rein to adventure. In this article, we tell you what to do in Cozumel as a family, one of the most beautiful islands. Take note!
Where is Cozumel and how to get there?
The island of Cozumel is located in the state of Quintana Roo, approximately 20 kilometers east of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is the third largest island in the country and an authentic tourist jewel that captivates tourists from all over the world thanks to its beauty and culture. Most travelers arrive to Mexico through Cancun International Airport (CUN), due to the competitive fares available from various parts of the world. If this is your case, we recommend Cancun car rental to travel to Playa del Carmen, departure point for ferries crossing to Cozumel. The trip from Cancun to Playa del Carmen takes approximately one hour. Once in Playa del Carmen, you can board the ferry that will take you directly to the island.
What to visit in Cozumel?
Cozumel is a destination that combines dream beaches, rich marine biodiversity and a fascinating cultural heritage. Whether you're an adventure lover or looking for a relaxing retreat, the island offers a variety of attractions and activities not to be missed. For a more convenient way to get around the island, the best option is car rental. This way, you will be able to tour Cozumel at your own pace and enjoy a unique trip.
Cozumel Beaches
Undoubtedly, if you visit the island, you will want to enjoy and relax on its beautiful paradisiacal beaches. Cozumel offers beaches of fine sand and warm, crystalline waters that invite you to dive in.
- Palancar Beach welcomes you with its warm, turquoise waters and soft sand. Relax, explore the marine life by diving or enjoy a massage on the beach for ultimate relaxation.
- San Francisco Beach:** here you can enjoy all its attractions such as buffet, water slides, kayaking, water bikes, floating parks, whirlpool tubs and more. Visiting this beautiful Cozumel beach with the family is a great plan!
- Passion Island:** considered the most beautiful beach in Cozumel, you must see for yourself. To get there, you will need to do part of the journey by car and then cross by boat. Although it can be a little complicated to get there, it is an exclusive experience that is totally worth it.
- Punta Sur Beach:** located in the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve, it offers an unspoiled natural environment. It is a fairly extensive beach and, although you have to pay an entrance fee to access the park, you can also enjoy other attractions of this Cozumel reserve, such as lagoons and viewpoints.
- Playa Chen Río, Playa Bonita and Playa Punta Morena:** located on the other coast of the island, these beaches have more waves and are much less touristy. They offer a more rocky and quiet environment.
- Playa El Cielo:** a true paradise of crystal clear waters and white sands that offers an oasis of tranquility. This sandbank has earned its popularity thanks to its starfish, adding magic to its natural beauty. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cozumel with the family.
Local gastronomy
Another of Cozumel's attractions is its culture and this is reflected in its food. Taste the authentic flavors of Mexico at the Municipal Market, where fresh seafood stands, tacos and quesadillas invite you to a culinary feast. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the traditional guacamole, freshly prepared guacamole and aguas frescas - immerse yourself in the gastronomic experience and discover the typical dishes of Cozumel!
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
The island is home to its own Mayan legacy in the ruins of San Gervasio. Explore the temples and plazas that tell the story of this ancient civilization. Stroll along the shaded paths and admire the structures that were once a central part of Mayan life on the island.
Cozumel Island Museum
Through fascinating exhibits, explore the maritime history, Mayan heritage and unique biodiversity of the region. Learn about the culture and environment that make Cozumel unique. The museum is located in what was the island's first hotel, built in 1930.
Plaza of the two cultures
This monument to the first mass in Cozumel is a work of art created by sculptor and painter Carlos Terrés. The work not only celebrates an important religious event, but also symbolizes the fusion of cultures and the exchange of knowledge that defines the island's history.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
This is one of the most fascinating attractions to visit in Cozumel. This ecological reserve, located on the southern tip of the island, offers a mix of lagoons, beaches, mangroves, a picturesque lighthouse and the enigmatic ruins of a Mayan tomb. You can climb the Celarain Lighthouse to enjoy the views, take a boat ride on the Colombia Lagoon and access both the Cultural and Navigation Museum and the archaeological site of El Caracol.
San Miguel de Cozumel and Benito Juarez Park
If you are planning a trip to Cozumel, another must-see attraction is San Miguel de Cozumel, its main town. Here you will find a great variety of restaurants and bars, which offer many promotions in the afternoon. For a more authentic experience, we recommend getting away from the port area and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Exploring aimlessly is a great way to discover the street art murals that adorn the city. However, be sure to include in your itinerary a visit to Benito Juarez Park, San Miguel Church and the Coral Monument or Monumento a los Corales or Monumento del Buzo on the malecon.
Theme parks
If you have several days on the island or are traveling with your family, an excellent option is to visit Cozumel's theme parks. These offer you a fun way to spend the day, either enjoying nature or exploring aspects of Mexican culture. Among the most popular Cozumel theme parks to visit are Playa Mia Grand Beach Park, Pueblo del Maíz and Kun Che Park.
What to do in Cozumel?
Cozumel offers a wide range of activities for all types of travelers. Whether you're looking for water adventures, exploring the local life or just relaxing, this charming island has something for everyone. Let's see what activities to do in Cozumel!
Snorkeling and scuba diving
This island is one of the most visited destinations in Mexico, especially appreciated for the richness of its marine life. Its coral reefs are world famous for their biodiversity, and here you will find the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest in the world. If you plan a trip to Cozumel, among the best activities to do are snorkeling and scuba diving, discover an underwater kingdom full of colorful corals, tropical fish, manta rays and sea turtles!
Submarine ride
Another activity to do in Cozumel is to explore the seabed aboard a submarine. Through this experience, you will be able to observe the impressive marine wealth from a completely different perspective. It is definitely one of the best activities to do in Cozumel if you are a nature and underwater exploration lover.
Transparent boat
Without a doubt, one of the most outstanding Cozumel attractions is the transparent boat ride. There is nothing more incredible than sailing through the Caribbean Sea in a glass bottom boat, allowing you to appreciate the marine life. During the tour, you will be able to observe corals and fish. In addition, if you wish, you can dive into the water to snorkel and enjoy this activity even more. Cozumel is the third largest island in Mexico, which means that touring it completely on foot is not a viable option. With Cozumel car rental, you can explore every corner of the island and have a wonderful vacation. If you are planning a trip to this destination, do it with Hertz Mexico!