Why Visit Cozumel? 15 reasons you’ll love Mexico’s tropical paradise
Why Visit Cozumel ? Lazy days poolside at Buccino’s beach club
Why Visit Cozumel?
Cozumel is Mexico's top tourist destination. The powdery white sand of beaches like Punta Sur attracts travelers worldwide.
According to the Quintana Roo destination promotion agency, 2018 was a record year for the region, with 1.4 million visitors and an economic contribution of 1.1 billion pesos ($68 million).
And despite ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Cozumel's tourism sector continued its incredible growth, with 1.3 million visitors in 2019.
Cozumel offers an island with genuine Caribbean flair, crystal-clear blue beaches, and year-round sunshine. In this article, we'll cover our top 15 reasons to visit Cozumel.
Crystal clear beaches of Cozumel
Travelling To Cozumel
Cozumel is located in Mexico's Caribbean sea, a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen in the Riviera Maya. Cozumel has its own international airport on the island, with over 70 flights a week.
Cozumel is easily accessible from many of America's biggest cities. Direct flights from Houston, Miami, Dallas, and Austin take less than three hours, making Cozumel an ideal destination for a quick getaway. The convenient location and ease of travel is one of the many reasons why tourist travel to Cozumel.
Cruise ships also regularly stop at the port in Cozumel, with up to 35 cruise ships arriving in Cozumel each week.
Cozumel beach club
1. Beach Clubs & Beautiful Beaches
Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From secluded coves to world-famous shores, there's a perfect beach for every visitor. And what's a beach without a beach club? Cozumel's beach clubs offer everything from VIP services to relaxing massages. Most beach clubs line the South side of the island near Punta Sur, but our top picks are the sophisticated beach bars on the North Side. Buccano's is a stand-out for its chilled vibe and delicious food. Or try a day at Be Unique for glamourous cliffside infinity pools and beautiful pontoons.
Welcome To Miami Bar on the wild side of Cozumel Island
2. The Untamed Wild Side Of The Island
Cozumel is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty. One side of the island is covered by lush jungle terrain. Home to an abundance of wildlife, including iguanas, peregrine falcons, and armadillos. Take a bike ride alongside the jungle or go swimming in the crystal-clear waters off the coast to experience Cozumel's wild side. Get off the beaten path and head to Welcome To Miami, a side-of-the-road make-shift cocktail bar. Watch the waves crash against the ragged cliffside from your brightly colored hammocks, while enjoying one of the best mojitos on the island.
Wild side of Cozumel Island
3. First Class Scuba Diving
When it comes to scuba diving, Cozumel is widely considered to be one of the best destinations in the world. The clear turquoise waters offer visibility of up to 100 feet, making it easy to explore the vibrant underwater world. There are over 25 dive sites around the island, so you're sure to find a spot that suits your level of experience.
As the island forms part of the world’s 2nd largest reef, there is an astounding array of different coral formations, and colors. From giant elkhorn coral to soft coral you’ll have endless expanses of the reef to explore.
The Cozumel is full of all-inclusive resorts that provide dive enthusiasts with reasonably priced and convenient accommodation options. Many of these resorts offer dive packages that include daily dive trips and scuba equipment rental.
If you’d like to read more about scuba diving in Cozumel we love this guide.
4. Historical Mayan Ruins
If you find yourself in Mexico's Caribbean paradise of Cozumel, be sure to explore the Maya ruins of San Gervasio. Although not as well-known or grandiose as some of the other Maya sites located on the Yucatan Peninsula, San Gervasio is significant as the only ruins on the island of Cozumel. The site is made up of a series of temples and shrines, many of which are still being excavated.
San Gervasio was once a thriving center of Maya culture and pilgrimage, and it is thought that the ruins were used for both ceremonial and religious purposes. The site is believed to have been dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, the Maya goddess of love, fertility, and medicine.
5. World Famous Biking Destination
This Caribbean paradise is home to some of the best biking in the world, making it the ideal place for biking enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cyclist, you'll find trails to suit your skill level. And if you're looking for a challenge, Cozumel regularly hosts Iron Man events to test your mettle. Bike up to Punta Molas Lighthouse and see why it's one of the best places in the world to go for a cycle.
El Cielo and Jungle
6. Preserved Jungle & Abundant Wildlife
The island's verdant jungle and the incredible array of local wildlife are just a few of the reasons to add this destination to your travel list. You'll be amazed by the variety of creatures that call Cozumel home, from the splendid toadfish to the Emerald hummingbird. And don't forget the coati, vireo, thrasher, fox, pygmy raccoon, and harvest mouse - you're sure to spot at least one of these during your stay. Mornings on the island are particularly beautiful when many of the local hummingbirds come out and dance among the palm trees.
7. Isla De La Pasion
Isla De La Pasion is a stunningly picturesque strip of island, perfect for a remote getaway. The island is surrounded by turquoise waters and has a long strip of white sandy beach. The ancient Mayans made pilgrimages to Mukyaj Peten, otherwise known as Passion Island, to venerate Ixchel, the goddess of love. Mayan couples would visit Passion Island to ask Ixchel for a good marriage and many healthy children. Ixchel was also the goddess of gestation and the moon and was greatly respected by the Mayans. Many Mexican couples still maintain this tradition today, and the island is a sought-after wedding destination.
8. Relaxed & Friendly Culture
Cozumel has a relaxed island vibe, you’ll notice it as soon as you arrive. The local culture is very warm and friendly. It feels like a small town with a strong sense of community. The locals regularly wave, smile, and spark up a conversation. Latin dancing at the beach bars on Sundays is a great way to meet locals and enjoy a festive atmosphere. The conversation is always flowing and you're sure to make some new friends while enjoying the incredible scenery. The people I met during my time in Cozumel made me feel incredibly welcome, it was definitely one of the main reasons I loved my time there.
Novena Ola restaurant above the Cozumel Museum
9. Delicious Local Food Scene
With local classics like tacos, sopas, and chilaquiles on offer everywhere, you'll be spoiled for choice. And for some barefoot luxury dine at one of the island's exquisite waterside seafood restaurants. You're in for a treat with fresh, local seafood on the menu. Dine at renowned local stalwart La Mission, or try Novena Ola to take in the eclectic vibe of the downtown area while enjoying the view of the beach below and shipwreck below.
Boutique Hotel Downtown Cozumel
10. Vibrant Downtown
You'll find a variety of locally made arts and crafts, as well as markets selling a range of different goods. The atmosphere is truly unique and it's a great place to spend a few days exploring. The downtown area plays host to the island's annual festivals such as the festival for Día de la Independencia. If you're lucky enough to be in town for one of Cozumel's annual festival celebrations you'll see the streets come to life with parades, fireworks, dancing, and live music.
Sunset at Money Bar Beach Club
11. Spectacular Sunsets
Cozumel seems to have a never-ending supply of beautiful sunsets. The sunsets every evening, light up the sky in a spectrum of oranges, pinks, and reds. From jaw-dropping cloud patterns to a kaleidoscope of colors, each sunset puts on a show that is uniquely spectacular. Couples and families gather at beach bars to watch the sun go down and enjoy the view.
Snorkeling with turtles off shore
12. Renowned Off Shore Snorkeling
On Cozumel, the sand is soft and the water is warm. It's the ideal climate for snorkeling, and you'll be able to head out to the coral reef straight off the shore. The water is crystal clear, which makes visibility great. As part of the Mesoamerican reef system, there is an abundance of colorful coral, including forests of purple fan coral. Fish aren't the only friendly creatures, off shore you'll find sea turtles, small reef sharks, eagle rays, and tropical eels. There are many sheltered bays that are safe and calm throughout the island, you are rarely more than 20 minutes walk from a good snorkeling spot.
We’ve written a more detailed article about snorkeling El Cielo if you’d like to read more.
Secluded seaside villas on the South end of Cozumel
13. Secluded Paradise
If you're looking for a breathtakingly beautiful place to relax and recharge, look no further than Cozumel. Spend your days watching the turquoise tides roll in, you can always find a secluded spot to enjoy some peace and quiet. Yes, there are lots of cruise ships that make the port busy, but the island somehow manages to retain its quiet charm. Traffic is not really an issue as many people get around by walking, biking, and scootering. The local population is still relatively small compared to the number of tourists, so Cozumel doesn’t seem to be suffering from the intensive development you see in Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, and Cabo.
14. Natural Underground Cenotes
Explore the island's natural underground swimming holes, known as cenotes. Cenotes were of historical importance to the ancient Mayans and were believed to be a portal to the underworld. Often used for religious offerings, with many believing the caves were connected to rain and lightning. Cenotes can be found throughout the Yucatan peninsula, each naturally unique. Up to 20 cenotes have been mapped in Cozumel. Cenote Aerolito de Paraiso is a local diving spot for experienced cave divers. This amazing natural wonder is connected to a giant underwater cave system filled with unique stalactites and stalagmites. Be warned this system is for experienced cave divers only and has a few crocodiles at the entrance. Check out a video of the dive here.
15. Months of Great Weather
There are many, reasons to fall in love with the island of Cozumel, but one of the most compelling for me is the weather. The climate of Cozumel is tropical, with an average temperature of 28 degrees. This makes it the perfect place to escape the colder winters of more northern climates. There's a muggy, rainy season from May to October and a cooler, relatively dry season from November to April. However, even when the rain comes, warm humid downfalls cover the island in a blanket of tropical beauty, providing water for the lush rainforest. Rain tends to quickly pass, and you can usually find a side of the island that’s dry and sheltered.
Thanks for reading If you’ve never been to Cozumel, we hope this list inspires you to see our favorite Mexican island. If you have any questions on planning your trip to Cozumel let us know in the comments below.
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