7 Must-Do Activities in Cozumel, Mexico

As summer drew near, I found myself yearning for a weekend escape to a place where I could feel the warm sand beneath my feet, gaze at the stunning blue waves, and sip on a tropical drink. So, when Dinogo suggested a cruise, my instant reaction was, “Absolutely! When can we set sail?” I chose the 7-day Western Caribbean cruise that stops in Cozumel, Mexico, Belize, and Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan. I invited my mom to join me, coinciding perfectly with Mother’s Day weekend. We departed from the Port of Galveston (roughly a -hour drive from Austin, or 4 hours with traffic) on Sunday, heading towards the beautiful shores of Mexico!

Upon stepping aboard the ship, we were welcomed by a delightful array of culinary options (Asian, Indian, Mediterranean, and beyond). The first two days at sea were a blissful blend of feasting, unwinding at the spa, enjoying live performances, and splashing around in the pool. So much for work...

Cruise, Day 3: Welcome to Cozumel, located just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula! This Caribbean gem is situated on a coral reef, making it a prime destination for stunning beaches, diving adventures, and eco-parks. Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Cozumel.

1. Explore Plaza del Sol

The Punta Langosta pier takes you directly to Cozumel’s prime souvenir shopping spot, Plaza del Sol. Here, you'll discover a mix of duty-free stores and local boutiques offering silver jewelry, leather crafts, ceramics, intricately carved wood items, embroidered Mayan blouses, and a variety of souvenirs. During my last visit, I picked up a few bottles of authentic vanilla extract.

For great deals and more handmade crafts, venture a few blocks inland (behind the plaza) from the waterfront shops. Paying with cash is the most convenient, and US dollars are widely accepted.

2. Jeep Adventure

Some of the most popular excursions in Cozumel feature dolphin swims, Mayan ruins, scuba diving, and snorkeling. My mom and I wanted a mix of activities, so we opted for the Adventure Jeep & Snorkel at Punta Sur. This 5-hour tour included a scenic drive along Cozumel’s coastline, snorkeling, a lunch buffet, a visit to a small Mayan ruin, exploration of Punta Sur eco park, and a trip to Faro Celarain lighthouse.

Just a heads up: the Jeeps had standard transmission, but automatic vehicles were available upon request. We teamed up with a friendly couple from our excursion group for the Jeep tour. Since they were more comfortable driving a manual, we took the back seat and enjoyed the journey.

We ventured onto Cozumel's dirt roads to snorkel at a secluded beach. The drive along the Caribbean Sea was absolutely stunning!

3. Snorkeling

With such crystal-clear waters (Cozumel boasts 100-foot visibility), snorkeling and scuba diving (for certified divers) are essential experiences! Our first stop was a private beach where we snorkeled right off the shore. It might sound silly, but I witnessed the most endearing moment: two squid gliding through the water together, and when they noticed me, they grasped each other's tentacles and dove deeper into the ocean.

For those who prefer not to snorkel, there's plenty of opportunity to relax on the beach or lounge by the pool next to the nearby bar. After a quick rinse, we hopped back into our Jeep and set off for lunch.

4. Make Your Way to the Beach

Cozumel is a small island, just 32 miles long and 9 miles wide, yet it boasts some of the most stunning beaches, including Passion Island Beach, Playa Uvas, Playa Corona, and Paradise Beach. Feel free to bring your own snorkeling gear and explore the waters right off the beach.

Our next destination was a secluded beach where we could unwind under a cabana and enjoy a delicious Mexican buffet lunch by the sea.

5. Punta Sur Eco Park Reserve

Our final destination was Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, the largest ecological reserve situated at the southern tip of Isla Cozumel. The park features a navigation museum, Faro Celarain lighthouse (offering breathtaking views of Cozumel, see #7), crocodiles, La Playa Mas Hermosa beach, snorkeling opportunities, and boat rides. Admission is approximately $14 (included with the shore excursion).

6. Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Cozumel is home to several ancient Mayan ruins, with the Mayan city of Tulum being one of the best-preserved coastal sites and the most popular among visitors. You can reach it by a short ferry ride to Playa del Carmen, followed by a one-hour bus trip to Tulum. El Caracol (shown above) is a small Mayan ruin located within Punta Sur Eco Beach Park that served as a weather warning system in ancient times.

7. Faro Celarain

For an incredible panoramic view of Cozumel, ascend the 134 steps of Faro Celarain, the historic lighthouse! This lighthouse is linked to the navigation museum at Punta Sur Park.