Unique Things To Do On Cozumel
An Overview of Cozumel
Cozumel is a largely undeveloped Mexican island floating in the Caribbean which is often used as a major stopping point for cruise ships and scuba diving enthusiasts. The island has relatively few crowds and a quiet atmosphere, and it’s easily reachable by ferry, which leaves from the shoreside town of Playa del Carmen. The beaches of the island are smaller and rockier than Cancun’s, but with nearby access to Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, the Mesoamerican Reef and the Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures, there are many unique things to do on Cozumel. Much of the island is easy to explore with scooter or golf cart rentals.
Unique Things To Do On Cozumel
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Found off the coast of Cozumel, this protected area accesses portions of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second large coral reef system on Earth. There are vibrant fish, towers of coral, unique aquatic lifeforms and beautiful sea flora within this area. It can be accessed through various boating tours and equipment rentals, where visitors can choose between scuba diving and snorkeling.
Museo Subacuático de Arte
Officially located closer to Cancun and the nearby island of Isla Mujeres, this ambitious underwater project can be accessed through various tours from Cozumel. This undersea project has over 500 sunken sculptures which are designed to promote the growth of coral life.
San Gervasio
This is an archaeological site on the island which contains the ruins of pre-Columbian Maya civilization. Visitors can explore the crumbling ruins and see the various iguanas lounging on the sun-warmed stones.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
This is Cozumel’s largest beach, known for it’s resorts, family-friendly activities, water activities and local restaurants. It’s one of the most well-developed portions of the island.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
This is a large water park with shops, bars and a shallow lagoon for snorkeling, diving and dolphin-watching. The adventure park is built around La Laguna Chankanaab, a small, freshwater lake close to the sea where visitors can swim without the salty feel.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Found on the southern edge of Cozumel, this ecological park contains wide reefs, beaches, lagoons, low forests and rocky shorelines. The reef system found here is connected to Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park.
Beach El Cielo
This is a serene, white-sand beach popular for it’s exceptionally clear waters, snorkeling oppertunities and beautiful photography.
Palancar Reef
This section of reef is roughly 3.5 miles long and displays a unique blend of several different coral formations. The area has high-visibility, clear waters, allowing scuba divers to explore various depths with sea turtles, eagle rays and schools of tropical fish.
San Miguel de Cozumel
This brightly colored city is the largest in Cozumel, known for it’s various amenities, small airport, ferry station, the local Cozumel Museum, numerous tour agencies and the rather pretty seaside monuments of the town, including the Coral Reefs Monument.
Zona Arqueológica El Caracol
This site on the southern part of the island hosts a small Mayan temple near a bay. There are shells embedded into the structure.
Cozumel’s Lighthouse Project
Located on the isolated northern portion of the island, the Cozumel Lighthouse Project is a large white-and-red landmark with the Punta Molas Lighthouse and quiet beaches facing into the Gulf.
Cozumel Pearl Farm
This is the only active pearl farm in the Caribbean, located in a natural, protected area. With beautiful white sands and mangrove lagoons, the area is dedicated to the research of Pinctada radiata, commonly known as the Atlantic pearl-oyster. This is a popular ecotourism visit by boat.
Atlantis Submarines Cozumel
This is an expensive through novel tour option which allows visitors to explore the seas around Cozumel inside a submarine.
Faro Celarain
A white lighthouse viewing point which overlooks a rocky shore and lagoon.
Castillo Real
A small Mayan ruin accessible only by boat leading to several beaches and snorkeling areas.
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