The Ideal 7-Day Cozumel Itinerary (Plus Travel Tips)

The problem with Cozumel (if you can call it a problem) is that there is almost too much to do. Cozumel is a popular cruise port, so there are about a million tours.

I lived in Cozumel for nearly two years, and I’ve gathered the best of the best so you can just focus on the fun.

Let’s take a look at the perfect one-week Cozumel itinerary so you can get the most out of your stay without feeling overwhelmed.

7-Day Cozumel Itinerary

This ideal 7-day Cozumel, Mexico itinerary has all the best things to do. This is very similar to the itinerary I planned for my family when they came to visit me. You know it’s going to be good because I’ve done these things myself!

You can get a downloadable copy of the itinerary here.

Day 1: Arrive in Cozumel

My favorite part about landing in Cozumel is the smell. It’s a combination of sea air and humidity that I never get tired of.

After arriving, you’ll go through customs and immigration. Cozumel’s airport is small, so this is pretty easy to do.

Next, you’ll need to get to your hotel. Taxis aren’t allowed to pick up at the airpor,t so you’ll need to take a shuttle.

You can easily get a shuttle once you arrive. You’ll see three booths with the different shuttle companies. They’re pretty much the same, so just pick the one with the shortest line.

For the most convenience, you can pre-book a private transfer. There’s just something about seeing a driver holding a sign with your name on it!

Pro tip: If you ask nicely, your driver may be willing to make a quick stop at a grocery store for some essentials (like margarita fixings and bottled water). Just be sure to tip well!

Explore the Hotel and Go Swimming

Of course, you’ll want to check out all that your hotel has to offer on your first day.

After you’re familiar with the area, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the Caribbean’s waters. No matter what time of year you come, the water will be warm and wonderful.

Enjoy Some Delicious Mexican Cuisine

When the sun goes down, getting some Mexican food is a must-do. And Cozumel has no shortage of great restaurants!

You’ll find many restaurants along Melgar Avenue and in the main square, which is across from the ferry terminal. For a more authentic experience and the best prices, wander a bit further inland.

One of my favorite restaurants is La Choza. I love their fajitas and fish dishes. Mostly, I go for their salsa.

For the best tacos, go to Los Sera’s. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but worth the walk. I love their tacos al pastor. I’m told they also have amazing pizza.

Honestly, Cozumel has so many great restaurants that you can’t go wrong. I never had a bad meal while living in Cozumel.

Get a good night’s sleep, because there’s a lot to do starting tomorrow.

Day 2: Island Tour & Shopping

There is so much to see on Cozumel, and the best way to see it all is on a private tour. Your tour will be tailored to exactly what you want to do.

I like doing the island tour on the first day because you’ll discover things you want to add to your week. You’ll also probably learn about some good places to eat.

Here’s what I consider the best things to include on your tour:

Stop 1: San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

San Gervasio is the largest archaeological site on the island. This ancient sanctuary, dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and medicine, is a must-visit for its unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty.

What makes San Gervasio special is not just the ruins themselves, but also their setting. The site is surrounded by natural beauty, offering a quiet and green space that’s a welcome change of pace from busier tourist spots. It’s a perfect mix of history and nature.

San Gervasio isn’t very big, so you’ll only need a couple of hours here.

Stop 2: The Wild Side

The east coast of Cozumel is often called “The Wild Side” because no one lives there and there isn’t any electricity or internet. The ocean is rougher and the waves are bigger.

There are several beach clubs and bars where you can stop for a drink and for lunch. You can even get a massage on the beach.

Prices are higher at most of the east coast restaurants, but the views are amazing. Take cash, because most don’t take credit cards.

If you like ceviche, try the conch ceviche at Coconut’s. It’s the best I’ve ever had. Just be warned that Coconut’s is a PG-13 type of place, so maybe not the best place for kids.

I also had the coconut shrimp at El Pescador and it was so, so good. And you must stop at Rasta’s for some peanut butter tequila. Trust me, it tastes better than it sounds.

Stop 3: Punta Sur Eco Park

Punta Sur is one of the most beautiful spots in Cozumel, and one of the most photographed. There’s a lot to do within the park. Here are my top choices for a quick visit:

On your way in, you’ll see a wooden tower in a lagoon. There are crocodiles here in the lagoon. They’re just hanging out minding their own business. You can climb to the top of the tower.

The views are pretty good, but not breathtaking. Honestly, the lagoon is not pretty. The cool thing is seeing the crocodiles. You will get some Caribbean views from the top, so it is worth the climb.

The best thing to do is to go to the top of the lighthouse, which is a bit further down the road. The views from the lighthouse are spectacular. It’s a steep, narrow climb, but not too difficult.

Your entry to the park gets you a free boat ride. I didn’t do this when I visited because we didn’t have time, but it’s definitely something I’ll do next time.

There are several different beaches you can visit inside the park. It’s a good spot to jump in the water to cool off before you continue your tour.

Stop 4: Your Choice

The beauty of the private tour is you get to see exactly what you want. Depending on how much time you have left, here are some of the other things to do:

El Cedral: This small village is steeped in history, being the oldest Mayan settlement on the island. When you visit El Cedral, you’ll see a blend of ancient and modern culture.

El Cedral is famous for its small Mayan ruins, a church, and the Festival of El Cedral in May, which blends religious and cultural traditions.

Cozumel Museum: Located in a charming two-story building in San Miguel, the Cozumel Museum offers insights into the island’s natural and cultural history. It’s perfect for a quick educational stop.

The museum showcases exhibits on Cozumel’s ecology, archaeology, and history, and even features a traditional Mayan house.

Tequila Factory: A visit to the Tequila Factory is a journey into the world of Mexico’s most famous liquor. You’ll learn about the tequila-making process, from agave harvesting to fermentation.

Plus, there’s an opportunity to taste different types of tequila, making it both an educational and enjoyable experience.

If you want more tequila in your life, you can even take a full tequila tour!

Chocolate Factory: The Chocolate Factory in Cozumel is a delicious experience where you can learn about the chocolate-making process, from bean to bar. It’s interactive, allowing you to see, smell, and taste the chocolate at various stages of production.

Bee Sanctuary: The Bee Sanctuary is a unique and eco-friendly attraction. Here, you’ll learn about the importance of bees to the environment and the local Melipona bee, which is native to the region.

The sanctuary offers a chance to see beekeeping practices and understand the role these bees play in local ecosystems. Plus, you can sample and purchase honey products.

Stop 5: Downtown San Miguel

After your tour, have your guide drop you off in the main square, also called Benito Juarez Park.

The square is surrounded by colorful shops and restaurants. You can find everything from traditional Mexican crafts to modern apparel. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs, like handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and unique art pieces.

Strolling through the streets of San Miguel, you’ll discover a mix of quaint boutiques and larger stores. The area is known for its silver jewelry and high-quality leather goods, so keep an eye out for these specialties.

My favorite spot in Cozumel is the local market, called the Mercado Municipal. It’s where the locals buy fresh fish, meat, and produce. You can also find shops selling handcrafted goods, clothing, and pretty much anything you can imagine.

The Mercado also has several restaurants that are simple but very good. Most of them close after lunchtime, but a few are open until around 6:00 p.m. Most of the shops in the Mercado are closed on Sundays.

Day 3: Day Trip to Tulum & Cenotes

One great thing about Cozumel is its proximity to so many amazing things to do. Today is about exploring Tulum and some cenotes.

Cenotes are natural sinkholes full of cool water. There’s a freshwater underground river flowing through the Yucatan Peninsula that connects the cenotes. They’re great for swimming, snorkeling, and even scuba diving.

There’s one cenote on Cozumel called Jade Cenote. Honestly, it’s not terribly impressive, so I recommend visiting the ones on the mainland instead.

Stop 1: Mayan Ruins of Tulum

Exploring the Tulum ruins is an excursion that adds a touch of ancient mystery and stunning natural beauty to your Cozumel adventure. While it involves a bit of travel from Cozumel, the journey is well worth it.

To start your trip to Tulum, you’ll take a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen. The ferry ride itself is a pleasant experience, with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. I have an entire article that goes into detail about getting over to the mainland.

Once you reach Playa del Carmen, you’ll meet up with your tour guide, who will take you to Tulum, about an hour away.

The Tulum ruins are perched atop a cliff overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, offering breathtaking views.

This ancient Mayan city was once a major port and trading center. Walking through the ruins, you’ll see various structures, including temples, houses, and ceremonial buildings, each with its own story.

You’ll learn about the Mayan civilization, their daily life, religious practices, and their understanding of astronomy.

It will be hot and there’s not a lot of shade, so take plenty of water and wear a hat and sunscreen.

Stop 2: Casa Tortuga Cenotes

Before you head back to Cozumel, discover the breathtaking beauty of the Casa Tortuga cenotes. These are some of the most beautiful cenotes I’ve seen. You can swim and snorkel in four different cenotes.

Two of the cenotes are open (kind of like a lake) and the other two are caverns. You’ll have time to explore them all.

You can’t visit the Yucatan without jumping into a cenote or two and this is a great place to do it. It’s also perfect for cooling off after being out in the sun at the ruins.

Day 4: Beach Day

The best way to experience Cozumel’s beaches is to spend the day at one of the many beach clubs.

You have many choices. You can go to a big, all-inclusive club like Playa Mia or Mr. Sancho’s. You’ll pay one price and most everything is included.

All-inclusive clubs are on the pricy side so this only makes sense if you plan to eat and drink a lot and take advantage of the facilities.

If you prefer more of an a la carte option, Cozumel has those too. You’ll usually pay an entry fee of around $20 USD, which is credited toward your food and drinks.

Then you can add on things like renting kayaks or jet skis. This is the best option if you just want to lie on a beach and take an occasional swim.

Buccano’s is one of the best beach clubs. You can snorkel right from shore and see quite a lot of fish. The food at Buccano’s is better than at most of the beach clubs I’ve been to.

Buccano’s fills up so it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance.

Another good option is Paradise Beach. It’s big and there’s a lot to do if you want to. You can also pre-book your spot at Paradise Beach to ensure there’s room for you.

I also really like Chankaanab. It’s perfect for families where everyone wants to do something different. This is where I took my family. Some of us went scuba diving, some went snorkeling, and some just stayed in the shade. Again, be sure to book in advance.

For an even more low-key beach day, visit one of the beach bars like Money Bar, Jeanie’s, or La Monina. You can use their beach loungers as long as you buy something. There’s no set minimum.

They all have great snorkeling and really good food, but fewer options for things to do. Basically, you can eat, drink, swim, and snorkel.

Jeanie’s and La Monina are both dog-friendly, which makes them my favorites!

Cozumel also has some free beaches where you can just do your thing. You won’t find any amenities, though, and they get crowded with locals on the weekends.

Day 5: Submarine Tour & Pirate Cruise

I booked these two activities for my family to do while they visited me and we all loved them.

Stop 1: Atlantis Submarine

The Atlantis Submarine tour is way more cool than I expected. I was thinking it was one of those semi-subs where you don’t go all the way underwater but you can see out the windows just under the surface.

No, Atlantis is a real submarine that goes down 100 feet. You get to see so many fish and coral. But the best part is the shipwreck.

Even as a scuba diver, I enjoyed seeing the ocean from inside the sub. It was a unique experience that I highly recommend. I wrote an entire article about it if you want to learn more.

Stop 2: Pirate Ship Dinner Cruise

I know this sounds cheesy and very touristy, but trust me, the pirate dinner cruise is a great time.

You meet up at La Pirata Grill in the main square, and everyone walks over to the pirate ship. You get a fun pirate show plus an amazing dinner. You can choose chicken, steak, steak and lobster, lobster, or vegetarian.

The food is really good. At least the lobster and steak that we had was good. As long as you have a good sense of humor and don’t get offended easily, you’ll love it.

Day 6: Snorkeling

Sure, you can snorkel from shore in a lot of places in Cozumel. But to see the really good stuff, you need to get away from land.

The El Cielo, Palancar Snorkel & Beach Party Experience is a great snorkel tour because you see the best spots and get a fun beach party afterward.

Your adventure begins aboard a spacious 65-foot catamaran. As you head to the first stop, you’re treated to stunning views of Cozumel’s coastline.

The snorkeling segment of the tour is a highlight, taking you to a flourishing coral reef.

You’ll see all kinds of tropical fish, coral formations, and with a bit of luck, sea turtles and stingrays.

Following the snorkeling adventure, the tour shifts to a more relaxed pace with a beach party on the island.

This part of the experience includes a mix of leisure and fun, with options ranging from eating lunch and sipping on a beer or margarita to engaging in water sports or a friendly game of beach volleyball.

Throughout the day, you’re looked after with an unlimited supply of beers, margaritas, soda, and water.

The ease of round-trip transport from downtown Cozumel adds to the comfort of the experience, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable day.

In the evening, have dinner at Buccanos at Night. The beach club transforms into a wonderful spot for a memorable last meal in Cozumel. They have some of the best food you’ll find.

Buccanos at Night is by reservation only and very popular, so be sure to book in advance.

Day 7: Say Goodbye

Sadly, it’s time to leave this island paradise.

Cozumel’s airport is pretty small, so you don’t need to arrive too far in advance of your flight. In fact, the airline desks don’t usually open until two hours before the flights, so if you get there too early you’ll just have to wait anyway.

What I like to do is check in my bag and scope out security. If the line is short (so far it’s always been short), I head across the street to Diego’s Tacos.

To get there, turn right outside the terminal and follow the sidewalk. It will dead-end, and you’ll turn left. Just go straight, across the street, and about a 1/2 block, and you’ll see it on your right.

Diego’s has some of the best tacos on the island. Service has been pretty speedy every time I’ve been there, so I had plenty of time to get back to the airport and get through security.

Note that Diego’s is closed on Sundays.

Best Time to Visit Cozumel

The best time to visit Cozumel is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny with minimal rainfall and lower humidity.

The temperatures are also pleasant, ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius). It’s considered the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices for accommodations and flights.

Mornings can be cool, so you might want to bring a light jacket. I like this one because it’s lightweight and folds up into its own pouch. I’ve never needed anything heavier.

If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons of late spring (May and June) and early fall (September and October) can be good options.

However, it’s important to note that these months are part of the rainy season, so there’s a higher chance of encountering brief showers or thunderstorms. Despite the rain, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine and outdoor activities during these periods.

Be sure to pack a small umbrella and maybe some rain ponchos.

The summer months, particularly July and August, are popular among tourists, especially families on vacation. The weather is hot and humid, and there’s a higher chance of rainstorms.

However, if you can tolerate the heat and don’t mind occasional showers, it can still be an enjoyable time to visit Cozumel.

Cozumel is a popular destination year-round. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences and priorities. Consider factors such as weather, crowds, and budget to determine the timing that suits you best.

Where to Stay in Cozumel

When planning your trip to Cozumel, choosing the right accommodation is key to a memorable stay. Cozumel offers a range of options, from luxury resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Luxury Resorts: If you want a lavish experience, Cozumel’s luxury resorts offer world-class amenities. These resorts typically feature private beaches, full-service spas, gourmet restaurants, and spacious rooms with stunning views. They’re perfect if you’re looking to indulge in comfort and relaxation.

The Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa is one of the nicest resorts in Cozumel.

All-Inclusive Hotels: Ideal for families and couples, all-inclusive hotels in Cozumel provide a hassle-free vacation experience. With meals, drinks, and various activities included in the price, these hotels offer convenience and value. Many also have kids’ clubs and entertainment options, ensuring something for every family member.

My top choice for all-inclusive in Cozumel is The Westin. It’s especially great for families.

Boutique Hotels: If you prefer a more personalized and intimate setting, boutique hotels are a great choice. These often reflect the local culture and charm, offering unique rooms and attentive service. They’re typically located in quieter areas, providing a peaceful retreat.

The Kinta Kan Hotel is a great choice for a boutique hotel. It is very charming and in a great location.

Vacation Rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments or villas, are ideal for larger groups or travelers seeking more privacy and space. They offer the comforts of home, with facilities like kitchens and living areas, and provide flexibility for those who prefer to self-cater.

My sister and her family stayed at El Cantil Condominiums and it was wonderful. I highly recommend it. It’s close to downtown, so you can walk to any restaurants and shops.

Budget-Friendly Options: If you’re watching your expenses, Cozumel has several budget-friendly hotels and hostels. These accommodations offer basic amenities and a comfortable stay, without the hefty price tag.

I have friends who stayed at Casa Samay and really liked it. It’s not fancy but has everything you need.

Getting Around Cozumel

Getting around Cozumel is very easy. Cozumel does not have Uber, but there are plenty of other options.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available throughout Cozumel. They can be found at designated taxi stands, hotels, or hailed on the street. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

Buses: You can take a bus in Cozumel, but they don’t cater to tourists. They stay in the residential neighborhoods and downtown, so you can’t get to many hotels on a bus. Still, they’re a great way to see the different neighborhoods.

Rental Cars: Renting a car is a popular option for exploring the wider region around Cozumel at your own pace. Several rental car agencies are available at the airport and throughout the city.

I always use Discover Cars because they have the best prices on insurance (which you’re required to buy in Mexico).

You’ll see hundreds of people riding scooters on the island, but I don’t recommend it. There are so many bad scooter accidents every week, often involving tourists. If you want that wind-in-your-hair feeling, get a convertible instead.

Walking: If you’re staying close to downtown, walking can be a pleasant and convenient way to get around. Just be careful. Cozumel drivers aren’t the most courteous. Don’t expect them to stop for you, even if they have a stop sign.

Wrap-Up: 7-Day Cozumel Itinerary

All in all, Cozumel is an unforgettable destination and with this 7-day itinerary, you won’t miss out on all it has to offer.

Just make sure to come prepared and book your reservations in advance as some of the activities are very popular.

Don’t forget to download this itinerary so you can keep all your plans organized.

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