10 Things to Do in Cozumel, México (In Addition to Scuba Diving)

-What things to do in Cozumel?

-Scuba: Cozumel is the Mecca of Mexican diving.

– Okay, but… what do I do when I’m not diving?

– Well, let me tell you.

1. Diving

Going to Cozumel and not diving is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Cozumel is famous for its stunning coral reefs and crystal-clear water, a dream come true for diving enthusiasts!

Don’t know how to dive? No problem, at Dressel Divers, we’ll teach you. Our professionals know the island’s diving spots better than anyone else and will take you to dive at 15 of the most amazing points all over Cozumel, just a 15-minute boat ride from our dock. Get to know them in this article: “The Best Diving Spots in Cozumel, the Reefs You Can’t Miss”

With us, you can do two dives in the morning and two in the afternoon, to make the most of your day! And if that’s not enough for you, take advantage of the 3 night dives per week that we organize.

Oh, and don’t forget to take advantage of our FREE NITROX offer!

Tips to make the most of your diving experience in Cozumel:

• Plan your trip: Book your dives and excursions with Dressel Divers in advance and save 20% on the bill.
• Check your travel insurance: Make sure it covers diving activities.
• Follow your diving guide’s instructions: Diving guides are trained to ensure your safety and that of others.
• Respect the marine environment: Do not touch or take anything from the coral reef.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after diving.
• Get enough rest: Diving can be tiring, so rest enough between dives.

2. Snorkeling

If you don’t know how to scuba dive and don’t want to learn, snorkeling is the thing to do in Cozumel. Get ready to be amazed because I’m about to spill the beans on the ultimate snorkeling plan that will leave you speechless. Who with? With Dressel Divers, of course.

Our guides are super professional, we’ve got tons of experience, and we’ll take you to the most stunning reefs on the island, like Palancar Gardens and Colombia Shallows. In just 15 minutes by boat, you’ll be in an awesome underwater paradise.

We hook you up with all the gear: mask with snorkel, fins, and a floatation vest. All you need is to know how to swim and get ready to have a blast swimming alongside sea turtles, fish of a thousand colors, and corals straight out of a fairy tale.

You can sign up for:

• Local snorkeling trips at 4:30 in the afternoon on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Our full-day excursions to the reefs of Akumal.
• Night snorkeling so you can see how the party goes down beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea once the sun goes down.
• And lastly, only from mid-June to September, you can sign up for snorkeling with whale sharks.

Here are some tips to maximize your enjoyment:

• Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the trip back.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen to avoid harming the corals.

3. Hit the Eco Parks

Here’s the thing you have to do in Cozumel to get your dose of wild nature during your surface intervals: check out the eco-parks.

Punta Sur Eco Park: This park sits at the southernmost tip of Cozumel and it’s massive (over 1,000 hectares!). There’s a bunch of cool stuff to see: lagoons teeming with wildlife, a lighthouse with jaw-dropping views, ancient Mayan ruins, and a heavenly beach.

Chankanaab Park: nestled within the Cozumel Marine National Park. It boasts dreamy beaches, crystal-clear cenotes for a refreshing dip, and a cool museum to delve into the island’s history and customs.

Some tips for maximizing your enjoyment:

• Wear comfy clothes, swimsuits, and water shoes, and check if the park provides towels.
• Slather on some biodegradable sunscreen to keep paradise pristine.

4. Stay At the Beach

Grab your most colorful swimsuit and get ready for a dreamy beach experience in Cozumel. Forget about stress and worries. Settle into a hammock under the palm trees, feel the cool sea breeze on your skin, and let the sound of the waves carry you away. Cozumel is packed with beach clubs offering everything you need to have a blast. Enjoy chill-out music, dance barefoot under the sun, sip on tropical cocktails, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere right on the sand.

Feeling adventurous? You can make plans with Dressel Divers and go sailing on a Hobby Cat. Feel the breeze on your face as you glide the waves.

Extra tip.

Just make sure to pack your swimsuit, and some comfy sandals, and load up on sunscreen. I’d also suggest bringing some cash just in case.

5. Explore the Ruins of San Gervasio

What else can you do in Cozumel? Swap out your regulator for an Indiana Jones hat and get ready for a journey back in time at the San Gervasio Archaeological Site. Explore the 17 structures of this ancient Mayan settlement and uncover how the ancient inhabitants of Cozumel lived, worshipped, and celebrated. Picture shamans chanting, warriors training, and children playing on these stone streets.

As a diver, you’ll love learning about the Maya’s relationship with the sea. Discover how they utilized marine resources for their daily life and how the sea was a vital part of their worldview. You’ll feel more connected to the island and its history!

Tips for making the most of your visit:

• Plan your visit: San Gervasio is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes: You’ll be walking on dirt and stone trails, so opt for breathable clothes and shoes that protect your feet.
• Protect yourself from the sun: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as the sun can be intense in Cozumel.
• Respect the site: San Gervasio is an archaeological site, so refrain from touching the structures or taking anything home. Help preserve this historical treasure for future generations!

6.Visit the “Museo de la Isla de Cozumel”

The Cozumel Island Museum is waiting for you with its historical and cultural treasures, so you can uncover a different side of the island.

Here’s what to do in Cozumel if you want to step back in time while exploring the 11 interactive rooms of the museum. Learn about the island’s early inhabitants, the Maya, and their fascinating culture. Discover what life was like in Cozumel before the arrival of the Spaniards and how the island has evolved into the tourist paradise it is today.

The Cozumel Island Museum isn’t just a museum, it’s an experience. Here, you can see temporary exhibitions, take part in workshops and cultural events, and even enjoy a concert or play in its auditorium.

If you’re a passionate diver, don’t miss the room dedicated to marine life. You’ll learn the names and characteristics of what you see when you dive.

Tips for making the most of your visit:

• Plan your visit: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. and you can purchase your tickets online.
• Take advantage of guided tours: Join a free guided tour to delve deeper into the history and culture of Cozumel. Expert guides will tell you fascinating stories and help you better understand the exhibits.

7. Go Shopping

Shopping is the thing to do in Cozumel at the port (the main shopping hub in Cozumel is right across from the dock), the airport, and downtown San Miguel. Why? Because Cozumel boasts of being a duty-free island for perfumes and jewelry, meaning you can save a good chunk of change.

Take a piece of Cozumel home in the form of crafts. You’ll find a wide variety of souvenirs: Mayan hammocks, colorful sarapes, silver jewelry, carved masks… You won’t know what to choose! Plus, you can haggle a bit and score the best price.

Dive in (but this time without a regulator!) at the Municipal Market. This local market, just outside the central square, is a hidden gem for savvy shoppers. Here you’ll find all kinds of products, including the famous Mayan hammocks. Plus, you can find unique items handmade by locals at a good price.

Don’t miss Plaza del Sol, an open-air shopping center in downtown San Miguel. Here you’ll find the perfect mix of high-quality stores with authentic Mexican products like tequila and delicious food. The ideal spot to find the perfect souvenir or indulge in a gastronomic treat!

Tips for epic shopping:

• Plan your route: Explore local shops, that’s where the treasures are.
• Bring cash: While many stores accept cards, some don’t. Plus, it’s always good to have cash on hand for bargaining.
• Bargain: Don’t be afraid to haggle! It’s part of Mexican culture, and you can score better prices.
• Watch out for imitations: Make sure to buy Mexican crafts and not “made in China” trinkets.

8. Try Cozumel’s Cuisine

Hungry after diving? To fix that, there’s nothing better you can do in Cozumel than embarking on a culinary adventure. Get dressed, grab your hat (the sun shines year-round in Cozumel), and get ready for a feast of flavors.

Champion’s Breakfast at a Local Market:

Start your day like a king with a typical breakfast at Cozumel’s Municipal Market. Dive into the hustle and bustle of this market and treat yourself to fresh tropical fruits, scrambled eggs with chorizo and beans, and a steaming cup of Mexican coffee.

Gourmet Taco Tasting:

Cozumel not only boasts paradise beaches but also delicious and spicy tacos! Dare to try octopus tacos, coconut shrimp tacos, or lobster tacos. A taco crawl around the island will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey. Don’t miss out on the tasty cochinita pibil tacos, a delicacy of marinated pork cooked slowly over fire.

Seafood Flavors at a Beachfront Restaurant:

Enjoy the freshness of the Caribbean Sea with a dinner by the seaside. La Perlita will captivate you with its ceviches and aguachiles, while La Cabaña del Pescador  will enchant you with its grilled lobster dishes. And if you’re looking for something more traditional, Casa Mission awaits you with its Maya cuisine recipes.

Tips for Maximizing Enjoyment:

• Chocolate: If there’s one thing you have to do in Cozumel, it’s taste their gourmet chocolates.
• Book in Advance: During peak season, the best restaurants fill up fast.
• Ask About Specialties: Each restaurant has its star dish. Dare to try something new!
• Don’t Fear the Spice: Mexican food is known for its seasoning. If you don’t like spicy food, ask for it to be prepared mild.
• Enjoy the Atmosphere: Mexican food is a social experience. Enjoy the company, music, and joy that surround the table.

9. Hop Over to the Mainland

Do you know the coral reefs of Cozumel like the back of your hand? Well, one of the best things you can do is hop on the ferry and come to the mainland.

Are you into adrenaline rushes? Sign up for a cenote tour, those magical underground rivers where you can swim, snorkel, or even dive among stalactites and stalagmites.

Prefer the big pelagics? How about swimming with whale sharks?

If you’re passionate about history, you’ll be blown away by the ruins of Tulum, Cobá, or Chichén Itzá, ancient Mayan cities with views that will leave you breathless.

Get lost among pyramids, temples, and stone jaguars. A journey through time awaits you!

If you’re an aspiring Indiana Jones, zip lines, ATVs, … await you in parks like Xplor or Xcaret, where the adrenaline flows abundantly.

Tips for a better adventure:

• Choose: In the Riviera Maya, there’s never a dull moment; in fact, you could live two lifetimes and still not get bored. Whether you’re into nature, history, adrenaline, or all of the above, pick the activities that excite you the most and mix it up to make the most of your trip.
• Plan ahead: Book your tours and activities in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

10. Enjoy Cozumel’s Nightlife

You’ve already soaked up all the underwater life Cozumel has to offer, so now it’s time to dive into the island’s vibrant nightlife. While there aren’t as many clubs as in some other spots, Cozumel still serves up a unique experience with bars where the “bubbles” flow even more than on your last dive. Just remember not to overdo it with the booze – you’ve got diving on the agenda tomorrow!

Kick off your adventure by bidding farewell to the sun with a drink at a seaside bar. How about The Money Bar, with its perfect terraces for toasting to an amazing day? Enjoy a delicious dinner as you watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea.

As night falls, get ready to dance till dawn. Paradise Bar is waiting for you with two dance floors – one for electronic beats and another for Latin hits. And if you’re into the Latin vibe, don’t miss La Internacional Cervecería, where you can shake your hips to salsa, merengue, or bachata. Heads up – the dancing here is serious business.

Tips for maximizing the fun:

• Do bar hopping: Hit up multiple bars in one night and soak in different vibes. Explore the variety of bars Cozumel has to offer, from spots with live music to laid-back hangouts.
• Haggle the prices: Some bars and clubs are open to negotiating drink prices, so take advantage! Don’t hesitate to ask about deals or special promotions.
• Bring cash: Not all places accept credit cards, so make sure to have enough cash on hand to cover your expenses.
• Dress the part: Some clubs have a dress code, so check it out before you go! Look up the venue’s website or social media to find out about the dress code.
• Move around safely: If you’re hitting the bars in the hotel zone, you can use public transportation or grab a taxi. Cozumel is safe, but like any tourist spot, keep an eye on your belongings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Now that you know the things to do in Cozumel, come on down! Cozumel is waiting for you to have an unforgettable vacation!