Ferry Terminal in Playa

Day Trip to Cozumel

With Ferries departing hourly from Playa del Carmen, It’s easy to hop on over for a full day of snorkeling magic. I signed up for a guided tour that dropped us of at the most pristine snorkeling sites and probably one of the most magical beaches I have ever seen in my life.

The Island of Cozumel

Cozumel, is a charming Caribbean island with a perfect blend of beauty and history. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise with an array of colorful marine life. While relaxation is at its core, Cozumel also offers a journey back in time with its intriguing Mayan ruins to explore.

I recommend visiting Cozumel if you like…

  • Snorkeling or diving
  • Nature
  • Beaches
  • Walking
  • Dining

Dining and Cuisine

All of the classic Mexican fare to choose from. The island is small but you can find almost anything you want. You can go cheap or expensive if you please.

Regional Dishes

Cozumel is famous for…

  • Tikin Xic: A traditional Mayan dish, featuring fish marinated in achiote paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and cooked until tender, served with rice and fried plantains.
  • Cazuela de Mariscos: A seafood stew, typically made with a variety of shellfish, fish, and vegetables cooked in a rich and flavorful broth.

Popular Local Tacos

  • Tacos de Pescado: Fresh fish, often snapper or grouper, grilled or fried and served in tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and spicy mayo.
  • Tacos de Cochinita Pibil: Slow-roasted and seasoned pork, marinated in achiote paste and served with pickled onions and habanero salsa.
  • Tacos al Pastor: Marinated and grilled pork cooked on a vertical spit, served with pineapple, onion, and cilantro.

Unique Foodie Experiences I Recommend in Cozumel


The Best Things to Do in Cozumel

Many things you can do on your own but there are some activities, I suggest a tour. I haven’t been disappointed yet. And they really know how to do it here in Mexico. They take all the stress of planning out of it so you can focus right on what you want to see.

Take a Snorkeling tour

Visit a few of the world’s most accessible coral reefs, Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo Reefs. If it’s your first time in Cozumel snorkeling, I would recommend taking one of the guided tours. You’ll be dropped right off in the best places.

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: guacamole and beer floatie after the tour.
Cozumel Snorkeling Tour:
We saw Sea Turtles amongst other wildlife

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs. This tour ends at probably the most beautiful beach you have ever seen. El Cielo beach is where you can stand waist-high in crystal blue water.

Tortugas Cozumel Tour – Ceviche an a paddle board after snorkeling 3 reefs – Tortugas Cozumel Tour
Sting Rays swim all around you. They are gentle and passive. – Tortugas Cozumel Tour

Tortugas Cozumel


All inclusive tour that brings you back to a beach Club where you can enjoy the club restaurant, bar, lounge chairs, and more.

Me swimming to check out a starfish
The water is so blue
Open Bar on the catamaran on the way home.

Go to one of the Many All Inclusive Beach Clubs

Claim a Palapa, and enjoy the most beautiful beaches you’ve ever seen. Order munchies and cocktails to complement the scenery.


Staying More than One Day?

click on your favorite booking site and go directly to Cozumel.

From dorms to private rooms. Digital Nomads use this site because of the community building.

I have booked hundreds of stays and experiences using Airbnb. Iconic Mexican Cities do not have to cost an arm and a leg.

One price level above the other one for homestays. Has some more luxury choices.

Hotels, transfers, tours, attractions, flights, and car rentals. Everything is in one place and account.


Other Ideas for Cozumel

A very popular thing to do in Cozumel is to rent a scooter for a whole day. There will be lots of scooter rentals right when you get off the ferry which are probably fine. I found this one to have good reviews.
HTL rentals.com

Another very popular and fun way to get around is to rent a jeep. This company looked dependable as I read through different ratings. SolyMarRentals.com

More Photos