Looking for things to do in Cozumel?
Measuring about 29 miles long and averaging 9 miles in width, Cozumel is the largest of Mexico’s inhabited islands. Located just opposite Playa del Carmen on the mainland, in the state of Quintana Roo, Cozumel means “Island of the Swallows” in Mayan. Who knew? We didn’t, until our Jeep tour guide shared that little tidbit on our last visit.
The friendly people, delicious food, and stunning Caribbean-aqua waters make this one of our favorite places to visit.
Whether you’re visiting for a day by cruise ship, or for a week on a resort or dive vacation, Cozumel has so much to offer. Here are just 5 awesome things to do in Cozumel (in no particular order!).
A note about taxi’s in Cozumel: Before you dive into the list, we do want to mention that it’s VERY easy to take a cab from the cruise port area, or downtown area to all of the beach clubs listed. This is one of the biggest concerns our readers have – “how far is it from the cruise port, and is it safe”?, so we wanted to address this up front! Once you disembark the ship, follow the signs to the taxi area, and ask what the price will be. Cab prices to EVERY beach club mentioned should be listed on a sign near the cab loading area, and there should be no surprises about the cost!
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#1 – An Island Tour by Jeep
If you’re looking for an overview of Cozumel, this tour offers a little “taste” of some of the highlights! From a tequila factory tour & tasting (generous tasting!), to a visit to the rugged East side of the island, to swimming and snorkeling, choose this tour if you can’t make up your mind about things to do in Cozumel!
One of our favorite stops on this tour was the Mojito shack, called “Welcome to Miami”. Our guide said this was MANDATORY (but it costs a little extra), and the handmade mojitos were NEXT level amazing! We agree, this spot should not be missed, and if you don’t drink alcohol, no worries. They’ll mix up a “NoJito” for you!
What to expect: A totally customizable day that runs at YOUR pace. Delicious food, a friendly guide, and a great overview of the island of Cozumel. You can drive the jeep, OR allow your guide to drive. We did a little of both.
Why we love it: for a private tour, the price just can’t be beat! This is a GREAT starter tour if you’re visiting Cozumel for the first time.
#2 – Paradise Beach
Aside from having the largest heated pool in Cozumel, Paradise Beach sit on a gorgeous stretch of white sand coastline and is open 8am-5pm 365 days a year! GREAT for families with kids, couples, and friend groups alike, you have several options for visiting.
You can go all inclusive (food, drinks, property access), or start off with a-la-carte entry and add things like the fun pass (inflatable water park for $20.00 person), or fun pass all access (water park, snorkel gear, kayaks & stand up paddle boards). All inclusive prices at the time of publication are: $64.00 (adults) $45.00 (teens), $39.00 (kids 5-11), little ones are FREE (0-4).
If you the a-la-carte route, Paradise Beach charges an entry fee of $5.00 usd per person with a minimum “consumption” of $10.00 usd per person to use the facilities, this includes lounge chairs, umbrellas, pool, free wifi, restrooms and showers. That means they expect you to purchase some food & drinks while on property. With delicious food and famous mojitos onsite, this likely won’t be an issue! Menu items at the restaurant include basics like chips & guacamole, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and even burgers. They also serve Mexican Specialities, pizzas, salads, wraps and seafood options.
What to expect: Plenty of beach & pool time! Taxis from the dock run $16-32.00 depending on your party size approx and are easy to find.
Why we love it: The a-la-carte pricing makes this spot accessible, and there’s truly something for everyone! Just 5 miles from the pier, cruise passengers typically feel comfortable coming here for the day, and not worrying about getting back to the ship in time. This is true of all the beach clubs mentioned in this article! And the pool is FABULOUS!
#3 – Nachi Cocom
“Nachi” as we like to call it, was our first love in the Beach Club scene on the island, and always on our list of things to do in Cozumel! We visited by cruise ship ONCE, and were forever hooked. Here’s why: Nachi Cocom is capacity controlled and only allows a max of 130 guests daily. There are NO crowds, no aggressive vendors, and and NO expectations to do…anything. You can spend your day at the swim up bar in the resort’s lovely pool, lounge on the beach, float in the water, get a beach massage, or sign up for watersports.
Note: Kids ARE welcome here, but may find more to to at Paradise Beach or Mr. Sanchos. To visit Nachi Cocom, you’ll want to book a package in advance. At time of publication, all inclusive packages were running $59.00 (adults), $45.00 (kids 12-14), $19.00 (kids 4-11), and under 3 years old, free. Taxi rides are 15-20 minutes from the cruise ship pier, and prices vary.
Here’s what’s included at Nachi Cocom:
- All you can Drink, unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks (Open Bar including: beer, liquors, cocktails, water, wine, sodas, juices and bottled water).
- A 4 courses lunch. À la carté menu for lunch includes Mexican Specialties as well as Caribbean treats.
- Lounge Chairs.
- All Beach Club Amenities (hammocks, WiFi, showers, lockers, parking, pool, jacuzzi, beach, bars)
What to expect: A relaxed, quiet day, quality food & drinks, and a strong desire NOT to leave at the end of the day! You can’t book this spot through your cruise ship, so book online and book early. They do sell out.
Why we love it: The chill, spa like vibe can’t be beat, and the water is oh-so-calm and swimmable!
#4 – Mr. Sanchos
If you’re looking things to do in Cozumel and prefer a lively, party vibe, Mr. Sanchos is a fun, affordable spot. Mr. Sanchos Beach Club has lots of packages to choose from, as well as add-on’s like horseback riding, but the base all inclusive prices is $60.00 for adults, $40.00 for teens, and $35.00 for 4-11 year olds.
Here’s what’s included at Mr. Sanchos:
- All you can eat from buffet and menu.
- All you can drink from pool bar – frozen drinks, margaritas, piñas coladas, daiquiris, non-alcoholic drinks and domestic beer (Sol and XX Lager).
- Two pool bars and a beach section exclusively for All Inclusive guests.
- Beach chairs & lounges.
- Use of ocean kayak.
- Hammock area.
- Beach umbrella on your table.
- Locker.
- Restrooms.
For an extra charge, you can visit the water park ($12.00 per person), rent towels, buy Starbucks coffee, and upgrade shots of liquor/tequila. You can also get a massage, rent a wave runner, go parasailing, and even take an ATV tour.
What to expect: A lively “poolside on a cruise ship” atmosphere. Sweet drinks, decent food, and plenty of options. The pool and beach here can get a little crowded, so plan accordingly.
Why we love it: Mr. Sanchos is the type of place where you can let your hair down and party. It is always a crowd favorite on the list of things to do in Cozumel. The inflatable water park will keep your kids busy all day, and you may even make some new friends!
#5 – Fury Catamaran
Fury Catamaran is a fun-filled, unique experience in Cozumel, and must not be overlooked when considering things to do in Cozumel. If you’re visiting by cruise ship, you’ll be treated to Pick up & drop off right at your cruise ship terminal. The tour is adjusted to your cruise ship’s schedule and times, so you’ll never miss your ship’s departure. Check out Fury’s Website for the cruise version of this tour but remember, you MUST book this one through your cruise line’s shore excursions website or desk onboard if you’re visiting by ship.
This tour includes sailing, snorkeling, open bar, a private beach party and a water park. For safety, the bar opens after snorkeling and includes: Beer, margaritas, soda & purified water. Also included: Certified guides, professional safety instructions and full snorkeling equipment. Once you get to the private beach, you’ll enjoy: Floating water park (trampolines, slides, climbing structures), Hammocks & lounge chairs, Salad bar & Angus cheese burgers (for an extra cost).
What to expect: Music, dancing, gorgeous snorkeling and beach fun!
Why we love it: Ultra-convenient cruise dock pickup makes this tour stress free for cruise passengers and the open bar & gorgeous scenery guarantee a fun day in Cozumel!
More resources for finding things to do in Cozumel
Listen to our latest podcast review of our Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas cruise.
Love beach clubs and want to see what it’s like to visit a few of them? Take a look at our experiences visiting Nachi Cocom and Mr. Sanchos.
We’d LOVE to hear from you – shoot us a direct message on social media and let us know – what are your favorite things to do in Cozumel?
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