Cozumel, Mexico Cruises (2024)

Water Activities
Cozumel is world-known for being home to more than 40 scuba diving areas. Water temperature is ideal for divers and the crystal-clear water makes it easier for them to witness the beauty that lives under the ocean. Scuba diving options range between 3 to 30 meters deep, all year long. Some scuba divers visit Cozumel during March to December for a chance to see the famous Eagle Ray species.

Golf
The Cozumel Country Club is a par-72 golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. This beautiful course is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, which means it takes care of the environment. This 18-hole golf course welcomes golfers from all levels.

Places You Can’t Miss
While in Cozumel, you can’t miss the “Isla de la Pasión” (Pasion Island). This island is home to some of the most beautiful and tranquil waters, and has multiple activities for all kinds of travelers. Guests enjoy a peaceful walk around the island, or find themselves doing some adventure kayaking and paddle boarding. Another great spot to visit is the “Granja de Perlas” (Pearl Farm), which opened its doors in 2012. The Pearl Farm is world-known due to its production of “Pinctada Radiata,” its size and color make this a very coveted kind of pearl.

Natural Parks and Museums
Discover the Cozumel Island Museum, where you’ll find four exhibitions that feature historical, religious, and cultural objects that will help you understand Cozumel’s foundation. The Navigation Museum is also a local favorite. Guests get to witness the Mayan culture history, and the pirates that navigated the Mexican Caribbean. Immerse yourself in Cozumel’s nature, and visit the Mexico Park Cozumel, the Dolphin Discovery Cozumel, and the Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. These are all tourist-favorites.

Fishing
Cozumel is home to some of the most popular fishing species in the world. Fishers visit the island in search of Swordfish, Barracuda, and some seasonal species such as Marlin and Sailfish. Guests can choose their fishing modality: fly fishing, sports fishing, and deep-sea fishing.

Beaches
​There are plenty of beaches in Cozumel for guests to pick from! Here’s a list of the most popular ones:

Archaeological Sites
San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site was founded around 300 A.C. This historical site takes you on a journey to understanding the Mayan lifestyle. San Gervasio is made up of six architectural elements joined together by white pathways. Another archaeological site in the area is “El Caracol” (The Snail). This site was built around 1200-1500 A.C. and was given this name due to the snail-shaped ornaments in the inside of the temple.

Night Life
Cozumel’s night life lives on San Miguel street. Here you’ll be able to find several restaurant-bars that feature live music, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. Explore everything this island has to offer.

Wellness
Cozumel is perfect for disconnecting from your routine and taking some time for yourself. Find the perfect balance between mind, body, and spirit in one of Cozumel’s beach spas. Guests love experiencing the relaxation of a beachfront spa that allows them to connect with nature. For an alternative experience, enjoy a “temazcal,” which is a prehispanic curative herb-steam bath. Tourists also love relaxing beachfront yoga sessions.

Location and Etymology
Cozumel is an island municipality from the State of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is located across the Cozumel Channel, on the eastern coast of what’s known as the Yucatan Peninsula - Mexico’s Southern Peninsula that’s made up of 3 popular states: Campeche, Yucatan, and Quintana Roo. The island of Cozumel lies on the Caribbean Sea so it’s well known for its tranquil, turquoise waters and its white sand beaches. The word “Cozumel” stands for “Isla de Golondrinas,” which translates to “Island of Swallows.” Cozumel is a very touristic destination due to its wide variety of activities it has to offer, it’s rich Mexican cultural heritage, and it's amazing gastronomy.

Historical and Cultural References
Prior to the Spaniard’s arrival, Cozumel was inhabited by the Escab province. Cozumel Island was known to be a sanctuary for Ix Chel, goddess of fertility and flooding. The Mayas also worshipped Kukulkán in this area, one of the Mayan’s most worshipped gods. On May 3rd, 1518, the Spanish explorer, Juan de Grijalva, disembarked on this famous island and named it “Santa Cruz.” A year later, Hernan Cortés and Pedro de Alvarado arrived on the island during the course of their expedition. Some very important Mayan icons were destroyed and replaced by Spanish icons upon Cortés and Alvarado’s arrival. Regardless of their invasiveness, the Mayas helped these sailors continue their expedition by restocking their ships with food and water. Two other Spanish explorers, Jerónimo Aguilar and Gonzalo Guerrero, who were left on a previous expedition were rescued during this visit. In 1520, another Spanish explorer, Francisco de Montejo, disembarked on Cozumel Island during the conquest. Cozumel remained inhabited during and after the Spanish conquest until the “Castas” War. The Castas War caused people to search for shelter, resulting in Cozumel’s repopulation. Over the years, Cozumel kept developing, and its economy kept growing due to fishing and tourism. Today, it is one Mexican Caribbean’s top destinations, featuring hundreds of activities, hotels, and restaurants to discover. Some of Cozumel’s most traditional celebrations include the Santa Cruz Festival and El Cedral Fair, and the Cozumel Carnival which fill up the streets with music, food, and a lot of fun.

Flora and Fauna
Cozumel is world-known for its long stretch of coral reefs, which are home to over a thousand marine species. Scuba divers absolutely love this place. Cozumel is also home to several coastal lagoons and sand banks, which attract thousands of tourists each year. The fauna in Cozumel is mostly made up of endemic fish and bird species. Some bird species include the Cozumel Emerald, the Vireo, and the Wren. Another popular endemic species of the area is the Splendid Toadfish, also known as “Coral Toadfish,” which is often found laying under the coral reefs. Other wildlife species include the American Crocodile, and the Black Spiny-tailed Iguana.

​Gastronomy
Cozumel is influenced by the regional Mexican cuisine with a touch of Caribbean seafood. This combination of flavors are a tourist-favorite. Enjoy a “Pez León,” which is a unique species of Cozumel. This fish is grilled or enjoyed in “ceviche.” Cozumel is also home to multiple international fusion cuisines. Some of the island’s most popular restaurants include the Azul Madera, Alfredo Di Roma, and the Le Cap Restaurant.​

• Atlantis Submarine, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Cozumel Chef Tours, Cozumel, Q.R.
• Cozumel Island Museum, Cozumel, Quintana Roo .
• Cozumel Pearl Farm, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Jean Laffitte Pirate Dinner Cruise, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Mayan Cacao Company, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Mayan Bee Sanctuary, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Punta Sur Ecological Park, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• San Gervasio Archaeological Zone, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• ​Scuba Life, Cozumel, Quintana Roo
• Señor Frog’s, Cozumel, Quintana Roo

If your cruise begins or ends in Cozumel, you may want to consider extending your trip by saying at a Cozumel resort. We've put together a list of the best-in-Cozumel accommodations for you to relax and enjoy your stay.

1. ​Sunscape Sabor Cozumel Resort and Spa:​This adults-only hotel features an all-inclusive experience where you will have a memorable vacation in a place where hospitality, service and comfort meet.
2. Park Royal Cozumel Hotel & Resort: Park Royal Cozumel is an excellent option for those who visit the Cozumel island since it is located right in front of the second larger coral reef in the world.
3. InterContinental Presidente Resort Cozumel: Located on the most idyllic island off the Mexican Caribbean Coast and within the Cozumel National Marine Park, is the Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa. Surrounded by pristine, turquoise waters.
4. Secrets Aura Cozumel Grand Resort: Welcome to the Aura Cozumel Grand Resort, an all-inclusive adults only resort in Cozumel. Aura is more than a place to unwind, it’s a unique concept created to deliver the very best experiences in the Caribbean.
5. El Cid La Ceiba Beach Resort Cozumel: This stunning property is located on one of the most populated islands in the Caribbean, Cozumel. Offering excellent service, ocean view rooms, fridges and kitchenettes, it is the perfect choice.
6. Coral Princess Hotel and Resort Cozumel: Coral Princess Hotel and Resort is a 136-room resort situated by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, just minutes away from Cozumel’s best reefs for diving and snorkeling.
7. El Cozumeleno Beach Resort Cozumel: A Caribbean style design and a tropical atmosphere; there are no better elements to describe El Cozumeleno Beach Resort, which offers 252 comfortable rooms. One of the most charming resorts in the island.
8. Iberostar Cozumel Resort: Iberostar Cozumel Resort is a unique hotel at this island. Like all the properties that belong to this prestigious hotel chain, it preserves the most important cultural aspects of the.
9. Melia Cozumel Golf and Beach Resort:The Melia Cozumel Golf and Beach Resort is an ideal golf getaway. Enjoy some of the most beautiful golf courses in the Caribbean.
10. Cozumel Palace Resort:The Cozumel Palace Resort is located just 15 minutes from the downtown area. It has the perfect location for guests who like walking around to really get to know the area and get an authentic local experience.

Cozumel is home to multiple hotel options you could chose from. We've put together this list for you to browse and get the best deal for your stay.

1. Casa Mexicana Hotel Cozumel: Located in the heart of Cozumel Island, Casa Mexicana Cozumel offers modern, spacious and colorful surroundings. You can relax on the terrace overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, or enjoy the various hotel amenities.
2. Hotel Playa Azul Cozumel: Playa Azul Golf Scuba and Spa is an exclusive hotel, well known for its warm service. The suites and guest rooms feature spectacular ocean views and fine decor.
3. Allegro Hotel Cozumel:This Cozumel accommodation is situated just a short distance from the world famous Palancar.​ Allegro Hotel offers great scuba, snorkeling, ant tour packages for all guests.
4. Occidental Grand Hotel Cozumel: Occidental Grand Hotel Cozumel is located right on San Francisco Beach. Guests call this place heaven on earth! The magical atmosphere created bythe picturesque Mexico-themeddecor, plus the vivid greenery and pristine beaches make the perfect Mexican Caribbean experience.

Stay in one of Cozumel's authentic villas. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere with the comfort of the spacious amenities, and great locations close to the beach.

1. ​Casa Quetzal – Cozumel Vacation Rental: This beautifully landscaped Cozumel vacation property is in thebusy little town of San Miguel making it close to everything yet far enough away to be peaceful.
2. Casa Phoenix Cozumel:Enjoy the beachfront and beautiful amenitiesthis villa has to offer. Casa Phoenix is the #1 Rated Vacation Rental Condo Beachfront El Cantil Mexico!
   
3. Villas Topaz: Your home away from home! Located at just a short-walking distance from the beach, VillasTopaz is located close to the San Miguel de Cozumel center.