Cozumel, once a quiet off-the-grid beach town, is now an attractive Mexican Caribbean vacation destination that offers countless activities and experiences for guests. Its acceptance means there are more things to accomplish and see, from free or inexpensive activities to pricey excursions. Here’s our pick of the finest activities around.
Rent bikes for simple transportation
Because of Cozumel’s unique design – the shoreline is the primary attraction and is in the downtown’s scenery. It’s advisable to rent bikes for at least two days while you visit. This will allow you far more flexibility to explore the area without relying on taxis. Plus, with the air swirling through your hair as you cycle around, you’ll forget about the humidity.
Bar hop in downtown Cozumel or on the Eastern “Wild-side”
For night owls and party animals, Cozumel has plenty of options, whether you’re a fan of live music, DJ sets, or Caribbean salsa rhythms. If you head downtown, you’ll have plenty of choices between the clubs that fill up on the weekends and the smaller, more intimate venues that require more exploration. We recommend Woody’s for quirky live music. Head to the Money Bar if partying on the waterfront is more your style. Our favorite tour to the “wild side” of Cozumel is the Cozumel Bar Hop. They dedicate to showing their guests the secluded, breath-taking beaches of the “other side” away from the masses. This tour allows you to experience the unique beauty of the east side of the island where you won’t find resorts, houses, crowds, or even electricity!
Go swimming in the Caribbean
Yes, it sounds straightforward, but it’s one of the very best things to do in Cozumel. When the ocean is calm, it’s crystal clear and you can see right down to the bottom. When the sea is wavy and more active, it’s fun to jump and ride the waves. However, pay attention to the beach flags, which signal water conditions: a black flag means do not swim; a red flag shows dangerous conditions; a yellow flag means use caution while swimming; and a green flag means it is safe to swim. Be aware that most remote beaches do not have flags.
Cool off with a savory treat
There’s nothing like ice cream on a scorching tropical day. La Flor de Michoacán is another one of Cozumel’s top-quality ice-cream spots. And good news for people of all tastes. While its ice-creams are the best, it also serves some delicious frozen yogurt, shakes, and juices. So, if one of your family members is not in for ice creams, you still can visit this place and make the best out of your time in Cozumel. La Flor de Michoacán’s best-selling flavored ice-cream is the coconut one. Feel the tinge of coconut and cream on your tongue and tantalize your taste buds. With almost thirty distinct flavors of ice-creams and popsicles available, we are sure you won’t have any trouble finding the one for yourself. From dragon fruit to cookie flavored ice-cream, to a spicy Mexican flavored Popsicle, you have got it all!
Check out turtles in their natural habitat
If you’re into nature, then this is one of the must-do things to do when visiting Cozumel. Each year from May to October, most of the coastline experiences sea turtle nesting season. After the sun sets each evening, mother turtles make their way onto the beach to lay their eggs before journeying back to the surf.
Shop till you drop
Cozumel is overflowing with shops and boutiques that sell everything from luxury home goods and apparel to Mexican handcrafts and fair-trade items. Many shop owners are people who visited Cozumel, fell in love, stayed, opened a store, and sell unique merchandise that is inspired by the area.
Try Mexican craft beer
Everyone knows that Mexican beer is superb (from well-known Corona to hipster-loved Tecate or higher-end Modelo), but Mexican craft beer, or cerveza artisanal, has become very popular. There are breweries popping up and many restaurants and bars now sell craft beer. The best place in Cozumel to get craft beer is La Internacional Cerveceria. A super cozy and interesting bar for you to enjoy with your significant other. We are sure you will not regret being there even for a minute. With a wide variety of beers from all over Mexico and so many flavors to choose from, trust us, you will even find it difficult to choose your favorite beer.
Take a holiday photo at the Cozumel sign
It seems like every Mexican town that tourists visit has colorful signs for guests to be photographed alongside, and Cozumel is no different. Get creative and lie down in front of the letters, look through them, or sit on top of them. The picture you take here will make the perfect Instagram post or Facebook cover photo. One Cozumel sign is located downtown in the main square. Bring along your patience and some water because there is almost always a line.
Try out the ceviche at La Conchita del Caribe
This has long been one of Cozumel’s favorite food spots because of the ridiculously fresh and flavorsome ceviche and seafood served on the daily. While locals still stop by, this has also become somewhat of a traveler joint, but it’s still worth a visit. If that doesn’t tickle your taste buds, there is a swathe of other top-notch food vendors and restaurants that you can try out in Cozumel in both downtown and on the Eastern “wild-side”.
Go Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is an exhilarating extreme sport. Whether you’re an expert or it’s something you’ve always wanted to try, Cozumel is a great place to kiteboard. If you don’t have your own gear, there are kiteboarding schools that offer rentals and lessons. De Lille Sports in Cozumel is a good option. Kiteboarding all depends on the wind; and remember that though the windiest months are November to May, during this time there may be days with no wind, while there may be very windy days during the non-windy months.