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 Punta Langosta Pier.
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 Punta Langosta Pier and Cozumel Maritime Terminal.
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 Punta Langosta Pier.
Colonos Cuzamil
When in Colonos Cuzamil, you can plan a visit to Punta Langosta Pier and Stingray Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Colonia 10 De Abril
Colonia 10 De Abril might not have many top sights, but Cozumel Maritime Terminal and San Miguel Church are two attractions nearby that you can check out.
Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025
Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025
Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025
Reviewed on Apr 14, 2025
Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025
Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025
Popular places to visit
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 top-notch restaurants.
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.
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.
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