Often described as a Mexican island with a Caribbean feel, Cozumel should be a must-visit destination on everyone’s travel bucket list. From world-class scuba diving and sporting events to tranquil beaches and protected bio reserves, Cozumel has something to offer everyone. Oh, and did we mention one of the oldest and best carnivals in all of Mexico?
Island Life
Cozumel may be located in the Mexican Caribbean just off the coast of world-famous Playa del Carmen but it is lightyears away from the hustle and bustle of the Riviera Maya. Just 29 miles long and just under 10 miles wide, the island is mostly undeveloped as much of its land is protected. The main town on the island, San Miguel, is on the west side and where most of the island’s population lives. It is also where you will find most tourism activities including the ferry terminal, cruise ship terminals, restaurants, retail shops, and dive centers. The east side of the island is known as “the wild side” as it is saved for some great beach bars, and some of the most beautiful beaches! The north and south of the island are protected areas to enjoy nature.
Tourism Activities
There are a huge variety of tourist activities on land and under the sea! From spending all day at the famous Mr. Sanchos Beach Club, visiting Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, or salsa lessons, there is something for everyone. A favorite activity is renting a VW bug and heading to the wild side with a picnic lunch on a secluded beach or hitting the beach bars and putting your toes in the sand with a drink in your hand!
If you’re looking for something in the water, there are snorkeling excursions and boat trips to places like the incredible “El Cielo” (Heaven in English) for a day of floating in turquoise waters with the white sand shimmering below you.
World-Class Scuba Diving
With the second largest coral reef system in the world just off its shores, Cozumel has some of the best scuba diving anywhere. Divers have been coming here since Jacques Cousteau explored the reefs in the 1960s and declared it the best diving in the world. The scuba diving industry is one of the most important on the island with dive companies bringing drivers to spectacular dive sites like Colombia, Palancar, and Santa Rosa Wall. Here divers will be face to face with sea turtles, moray eels, large schools of fish, eagle rays, dolphins, sharks, and even the elusive splendid toadfish – found only on Cozumel! Most of the divers you meet in Cozumel have been coming here for years!
Sporting Events
Cozumel has become an increasingly popular host for a variety of sporting events including cycling and endurance competition. In November, the island plays host to Ironman competitors who compete in a grueling triathlon totaling 70.3 kilometers! If an Ironman isn’t your speed, you might want to check out some of the major fishing tournaments that happen every year, including the Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas Wahoo open Cozumel. During this event, competitors vie to bring in the biggest blue marlin, white marlin, wahoo, dorado, tuna, barracuda, and more!
Carnival
Get ready to celebrate at one of the oldest and best carnivals in Mexico! This is truly something to be seen and experienced! The parades and parties are some of the best you will find during the week before Lent in the Catholic calendar. Carnival is the time to celebrate and indulge before the fasting and sacrifice of Lent begin. Incredible costumes, parade floats, music, and street parties are in abundance. Carnival in Cozumel cannot be missed!
Cruise Ship Port of Call
Cozumel has been a famous destination for cruise ships since the first cruise ship docked in 1968. In 2019, more than 4 million cruise ship passengers visited Cozumel, spending time shopping for jewelry, and souvenirs, and exploring the island on a variety of excursions, including scuba diving. You can expect to see up to 8 cruise ships docking at one of the three cruise terminals on the west side. The island, especially in the commercial area of San Miguel, can get crowded when passengers are exploring for the day. Cruise passengers are a vital part of the economy in Cozumel, making the retail industry the largest industry on the island. They are a welcome site for local merchants, dive operators, and restaurants.
Make sure to put Cozumel on your travel bucket list and come on down to the Mexican island with the Caribbean feel!
