Cozumel Attractions and Things to Do

Cozumel attractions include a nice balance of shopping destinations, Mayan ruins, undersea adventure and beautiful beaches.

Visitors who aren't interested in the island's well-known snorkeling and diving can go more into the center of the island to experience the jungle and lagoons, including Chankanaab National Park. Punta Sur Ecological Reserve includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, along with the Colombia Lagoon, which has endangered species such as marine turtles.

Cozumel also has Mayan ruins including San Gervasio, known as a sacred Mayan center and also for the commercial and political development. Other Mayan sites are available for touring as well.


The largest and possibly most popular Cozumel attraction isn't located on the island but on the mainland. The city of Playa del Carmen, which is easily available from Cozumel by ferry, is a popular place to visit for both cruise visitors and anyone staying along the Mayan Riviera.

Fifth Avenue, one of the best Caribbean attractions for shoppers, is a thoroughly enjoyable miles-long street dedicated to shopping and dining. It is mostly closed to anything but pedestrian traffic. The tourist areas are easily accesible by foot. Anyone with a car rental will find it easy to explore the city and nearby attractions including Cancun, which is about 40 minutes away on a well-maintained highway.


Of course, anyone who doesn't have the time or interest in taking a ferry to Playa del Carmen can do plenty of shopping, dining, nightlife and sightseeing in San Miguel, Cozumel's largest town and main cruise port. The boardwalk and El Zócalo plaza are two of the more popular attractions.


The island's extensive reef system -- part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world -- makes it a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. An afternoon snorkeling or diving trip may include a lunch on the beach with exceptional and authentic local food. Some of the best spots are located on the southern coast of the island.


The largest Mayan archaeological site on the island was both a sacred and commercial center from 200 A.D. until the Spanish conquest. The city attracted pilgrims from around the Mayan empire to come there to worship the fertility goddess X'chel. Entrance fee is $5.50 per adult.


This village was formerly the largest Mayan site on Cozumel.The small temple still shows signs of the original Mayan artist. Additional ruins can be found with help in nearby undergrowth.


A Maya site on the eastern coast, near the northern tip of the island. The castillo (castle), located near the northern tip of the island, has a lookout tower, the base of a pyramid, and a temple with two chambers capped by a false arch.


This cultural theme park offers an exterior walk of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites and colonial buildings, a museum with various exhibits, and video and documentary displays. Location: Km 5.5 Carretera Costera Sur.


The 247-acre park ecological park has crocodiles, 220 species of birds, iguanas, and giant turtles, which come to shore between June and August to lay their eggs. Aa Nearby, visitors can see El Caracol, which was used by the Mayans to warn about approaching hurricanes.


The park has the only inland coral reef formation in the world. It also has the Chankanaab Lagoon with more than 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans and corals. Other features include Dolphin Discovery, where visitors can swim with the dolphins; the Sea Lion Show; the Maya Zone, a reproduction of a Maya village; and Botanical Gardens, a forest with trails, 350 plant species and exotic birds.


Anyone with a rental car or other means of transportation may want to explore the rugged and less-developed east coast of the island. El Mirador Lookout has natural bridges, blowholes and tide pools, along with rough waters and amazing views.