Curator’s statement
Our family of six loved spending a week in Cozumel so much so that we repeated the vacation four years later -- and we weren't disappointed. Did you know that Cozumel has some of the best snorkeling spots on Earth? Sadly, most people only visit Cozumel for a day, either from a cruise ship or via ferry from Playa del Carmen. Pack your snorkel gear and plan to stay for seven days on Cozumel. Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. We know the best beaches and the best spots for snorkeling in Mexico.
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Where to stay on Cozumel
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Things to do on Cozumel
The Money Bar
Best snorkeling spot on the entire island, right from the beach.
Delicious food and drinks are served here all day long, with optional outdoor seating and sun loungers.
Right across the street from The Landmark of Cozumel, our family's favorite place to stay. So nice, you’ll want to come here more than once.
Buccano’s Beach Club
Private Beach Club* on the north end of Cozumel on San Juan Beach.
Swim in the fresh-water pool.
Snorkeling right from the shore.
Opt for a beach massage, parasailing, jet skiing, diving.
Order the nachos when the waiter comes to you on the beach or enjoy the full restaurant with bar.
Apply your $20 entrance fee towards food, drink or activities.
Playa Palancar Beach Club
Head out into the turquoise waters in a kayak or on a paddle board, or ride a banana boat.
Slip into the warm water for snorkeling along this long beach.
Go parasailing over the Caribbean.
Dine on fresh seafood and cold drinks in their palapa restaurant or order from your lounge chair or bali bed by the sea.
Playa Chen Rio
This popular beach club on the southeastern shore of Cozumel is a wonderful way to enjoy soft white sand, shallow snorkeling and swimming in a cove protected by a rock barrier.
Eat fresh seafood and if you order a meal, you can enjoy the shade at the table for as long as you like.
Rent scooters and ride them out to Chen Rio. Be sure to stop at El Mirador on the way. You can watch the surf hit the rock formations and blow through the keyhole.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Another excellent place to snorkel from shore.
Found at the southern point of Cozumel, this is part of a large ecological park including reefs, beaches, lagoons and more.
Half-day private boat tour to 4 breathtaking spots
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary: Observe turtles in their natural habitat and snorkel in the clear, shallow waters.
Palancar Reef: Famous reef for diving and snorkeling in Cozumel. Here is where we saw a school of Yellowfin Tuna, plus eels and Eagle Rays and lots of beautiful tropical fish.
Colombia Reef: Drift with the current along this popular reef. We saw a sea turtle right off the bat.
El Cielo: a crystal-clear swimming spot known for starfish and gliding Stingrays. Enjoy drinks, fresh guacamole and ceviche made for you on the boat. We have done this twice and I can tell you who to hire!
Places to eat & drink on Cozumel
Guido’s: Swiss Italian fare loved by locals and tourists alike. Try the Sangria and you won’t forget it! Enjoy a shaded courtyard.
Cielito Grill: Local cuisine featuring an extensive list of entrees of Mexican, Latin, and international variety. Outdoor seating and fabulous cocktails, with vegetarian dishes too.
Money Bar: Serving breakfast, appetizers, drinks, and dinner. You could hang out here on the beach and snorkel the reef all day. We loved the beef tacos, chicken tacos, shrimp ceviche, grilled shrimp, beef nachos, and more.
Taqueria El Pique: Here’s where the locals eat tacos. El Pique is a gem in the heart of downtown Cozumel. Try the al pastor tacos with a Coke.
Buccanos: Reserve a table and dress up a bit. This family run restaurant offers multi-ethnic, contemporary seafood and fresh fish dishes that change with the season.
La Conchita del Caribe: Another recommendation by a local. We dined on sensational fresh grilled lobster, mahi mahi, and shrimp. Our kids loved it and so will you.
Need to know
This island in the sun is fabulous for special birthday, anniversary, or wedding celebrations. Cozumel is also great for families with adventurous older kids.
All of our favorite beaches and places to stay are away from the busy cruise port. We never dealt with crowds because we simply waited until evening to head downtown once all of the cruisers were back on their ships.
Once you are in Cozumel, you don't need to rent a car. Just call a taxi, rent scooters, or a VW Bug for the day.
I know all of the planning logistics of traveling to Cozumel and I would love to help you plan a week long stay for you and your crew.
Travel Advisor
Tanya Raedeke
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