Enjoy the island lifestyle of the Caribbean, explore the underwater world or visit Mayan ruins and old Mexican villages at the island of Cozumel. With over 2 million visitors annually, Cozumel is one of the country’s major tourist attractions. The main reason for this is the abundance of marine life. Pet sting rays and get a kiss from a dolphin, or watch sea turtles come to shore.
While being just 30 miles (48 kilometers) long and 10 miles (16 kilometers) wide, Cozumel is actually Mexico’s largest Caribbean island. It’s situated in the Yucatan region, about 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) off Playa del Carmen on the east coast. Cozumel is the gateway to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the largest reef system in the Americas, which attracts hundreds of tropical fish species and marine mammals. The island offers stunning beaches and San Miguel, a town on the western shore, is packed with restaurants and nightlife.
Book an ocean adventure, such as scuba diving, kite surfing, snorkeling, parasailing or fishing. Swim with dolphins or other marine mammals at Dolphin Discovery in Chankanaab National Park. Scuba divers should not miss the famous Palancar Caves. For some culture, visit the Mayan ruins at San Gervasio and the historic town of El Cedral.
Special events are mainly held during the busy summer months or on special Mexican religious days. Sea turtle workshops, fishing and golf tournaments and Carnaval Cozumel are just some of the yearly crowd pleasers.
The climate is warm all year-round. Come between December and March for the best weather but note that it rains a lot in September and October.
A frequent ferry service runs between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen and planes depart Cancun several times a day. Cozumel even has an international airport. Getting around is easiest by car, which you can rent at the airport and San Miguel.
With its abundance of beaches, reefs and culture, Cozumel is a dream destination. If you appreciate seeing special marine life and enjoy Caribbean nightlife, visit this Mexican island paradise.
Cozumel
Travel Guide
Visit Cozumel
Where to stay in Cozumel
Colonia Centro
While visiting Colonia Centro, you might make a stop by sights like Cozumel Maritime Terminal and Central Plaza.
Zona Hotelera Norte
If you're spending some time in Zona Hotelera Norte, Playa San Juan and Villa Maya are top sights worth seeing.
Colonia Andrés
While there might not be top attractions in Colonia Andrés, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cozumel Maritime Terminal and Museo de la Isla de Cozumel.
Colonia Adolfo López Mateos
While there might not be top attractions in Colonia Adolfo López Mateos, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Cozumel Maritime Terminal and Museo de la Isla de Cozumel.
Colonos Cuzamil
When in Colonos Cuzamil, you can plan a visit to Stingray Beach and Villa Blanca Reef, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Colonia Independencia
Colonia Independencia might not have many top sights, but Museo de la Isla de Cozumel and Central Plaza are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Cozumel Hotel & Resort - All Inclusive
Unfortunately, when you check out at noon on your last day you can use the facilities but you will pay cash for anything you concume!
Reviewed on Dec 25, 2025
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa by IHG
Cozumel is my new favorite place in Mexico. It is definitely a family oriented island and so much to do. Plenty of eateries. The water was s so clear and beautiful.
Reviewed on Dec 17, 2025
Melia Cozumel All Inclusive
The staff all over the resort was very friendly.
Reviewed on Dec 21, 2025
Kippal - Modern Oasis - ApartHotel
Andy and Mike at the front are very resourceful and such nice people. Extremely helpful all the way through my stay! VERY clean and modern place. HIGHLY recommend anyone with standards check this place out. You will be back just like I will be back. Guaranteed!
Reviewed on Nov 17, 2025
Hotel Villa Las Anclas
Everything was excellent! The staff was so kind and helpful in any way needed. We stayed for 9 days and the accommodation was perfect. Looking forward to our next stay here.
Reviewed on Nov 7, 2025
8th Street Suites
Awesome
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2025
Popular places to visit
Paradise Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Paradise Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Cozumel. Stroll along the seaside in this relaxing area, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Mr. Sancho's Beach Club
Enjoy an outing to Mr. Sancho's Beach Club during your stay in Cozumel. Wander the area's beautiful beaches or simply enjoy one of its seafood restaurants.
Cozumel Maritime Terminal
Explore the waterfront in San Miguel with a trip to Cozumel Maritime Terminal.
Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park
Bring the family to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park and enjoy the excitement of this theme park in Cozumel. Amble around this relaxing area's beautiful beaches, or seek out the snorkeling spots.
Chankanaab National Park
Mayan ruins, Caribbean beaches, ancient health therapies and spectacular dining and diving; some of the best features of the Riviera Maya are at this island park.
Palancar Beach
Superb snorkeling and a laid-back atmosphere makes this Cozumel beach the sort of place visitors stop at for an afternoon and end up staying for a week.
Things to do
Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs
Crystal-clear Boat trip & Snorkeling tour
Crystal Boat Trip and Snorkeling Tour from Cozumel
Transparent Boat Tour in Cozumel: See Marine Life Up Close
Cozumel ATVs, El Cedral Ruins, Cenote Jade, and Tequila
Off Road in Cozumel with ATVs, El Cedral Ruins and Cenote
Reviews of Cozumel
5/5 - Excellent
Make sure to visit the small local restaurants for a true experience and appreaciatio for the wonderful food and the welcoming, friendly people who live there.
4/5 - Good
People were very nice...I never got the sense that I was being hustled. Airport is fast. I plan on going back often.
5/5 - Excellent
this is our 12th time there and it is so safe and beautiful and the locals are wonderful
5/5 - Excellent
Enjoy the restaurants at the hotel and also the great restaurants that are available for dining in Cozumel. If you can dive in Cozumel you can dive anywhere in the world. 25th trip
4/5 - Good
Under the circumstances, I had a great time.
5/5 - Excellent
We will return
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