Where Is Cozumel?
The island of Cozumel is located just off the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport. The Latitude and the Longitude of the Island of Cozumel is 20.422984 latitude and -86.922343 longitude.
- Since the Yucatan Peninsula is part of Mexico, traveling to Cozumel is simple and economical.
- Cozumel is the closest Caribbean island to the mainland United States and accordingly has much more direct tourist traffic from the U.S. than any other island in the Caribbean.
- In fact, many individuals who visit Cozumel decide to remain a few days or a week instead of just a day or two because it is so simple to fly back and forth between Cozumel and the U.S. Also, since everything you require is so close by, many visitors to Cozumel decide to extend their trip to other parts of Mexico or even to Central America.
- Quintana Roo was known as a part of the Yucatán state until October 8th, 1974. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It also has a wonderful historical past. The Maya inhabited it and later, Quintana Roo became part of the Spanish empire.
- Cozumel is 34 miles long by 11 miles wide just off of Mexico’s Riviera Maya
- Cozumel is quite unlike its neighbor. It’s largely undeveloped, with expanses of jungle and untouched shoreline that are a rarity on the mainland. Travelers don’t come for partying, boisterous beach bikini volleyball games, or designer shopping. Instead, it’s about unplugging and enjoying the sun.
- There’s also plenty to see and do in Cozumel aside from the beach. The city of San Miguel has a laid-back vibe, and there are stunning stretches of untouched nature to be found along the eastern and southern shores.
Getting to Cozumel
The best way to get from Cancun to Cozumel is with the ADO bus from the Airport to Playa del Carmen and then take the Cozumel Ferry. This is because the bus ride is only about 1 hour long and it is a much nicer way to travel. The ferry for Cozumel runs every 60 minutes, and it is very inexpensive. You can buy your ticket at the ferry terminal.
Some notes about the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen:
- You can take your bike on the ferry no problem for no extra charge, they will direct you to a different entrance on the ground floor so you don’t have to get up the escalator with your bike!
- It’s the same if you have a lot of luggage or are in a wheelchair. You just go under the escalator and enter from there.
- I always sit indoors in the a/c rather than outside, but that’s because I’m not a tourist and it’s not so exciting for me anymore.
Whatever your travel plans, you should also know that airlines fly directly into Cozumel, which we recommend that you look at first. Airlines flying into Cozumel include; American Airlines, United, Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country, Air Canada, Rouge, WestJet, Volaris, and VivaAerobús.
When To Visit Cozumel
The tropical climate in Cozumel is quite predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83 degrees F) it’s the rainy hurricane season that most travelers need to pay attention to.
January – April
Peak season. Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists. If you are not a people person this is something to consider.
May–October
The hottest and most rainy months of the year, but still plenty of sunshine and fantastic warm water for snorkeling & diving. Also, the hurricane season peaks in September and October, so monitor the forecasts and get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can expect lower rates at hotels, resorts, and tour companies during this time.
November–December
Many consider the autumn-winter months to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time and the humidity is low. Can be a little “chilly” in the evenings sometimes though.
What Is There to Do in Cozumel?
Cozumel is Mexico’s premier diving destination, so if you would like to explore the marine life of the Mesoamerican Reef, this is the ideal place to do it. There are great options for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Cozumel’s beaches are great for a relaxing afternoon. You can also visit San Gervasio archaeological site, wander through the botanical gardens at Chankanaab Park, or go shopping in the island’s principal town of San Miguel.
Written by Stingray Villa Cozumel