Cozumel, island of reefs
Gin-clear water, gentle currents made for drift diving and an island town whose whole rhythm revolves around the Caribbean.
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Cozumel must-sees
From the island's most famous reef to the lighthouse at its southern tip, these are the places to put on your list.
- Dec–AprBest time to go
- 79–84 °FWater temperature
- ≈ 45 minFerry from Playa del Carmen
- ≈ 30 miLength of the island
Cozumel in pictures
White-sand beaches, swaying palms and the deep Caribbean blue the island is known for.
- Palm-lined beach in Cozumel · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- Clear water on Cozumel's coast · Johnk996 (CC BY 3.0)
- Afternoon on a Cozumel beach · Johnk996 (CC BY 3.0)
- Palancar Reef · Johnnie Flashlite (CC BY-SA 4.0)
- Palancar Beach · dronepicr (CC BY 2.0)
- San Gervasio Maya sanctuary · Saúl Peláez S. (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Cozumel FAQ
What to know before you go: weather, getting there, diving and more.
When is the best time to visit Cozumel?
December through April brings the least rain, calm seas and the best underwater visibility. Caribbean hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, with the highest risk from August to October. Sargassum seaweed can reach some beaches in spring and summer, mostly on the exposed east coast; the west coast facing the mainland is usually more sheltered.
Should I fly into Cozumel or take the ferry?
Cozumel has its own international airport (CZM), minutes from San Miguel, with flights from Mexico City and some US cities. Alternatively, fly into Cancún (CUN), drive about 50 minutes to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry, a crossing of roughly 35 to 45 minutes.
Do I need to be certified to dive in Cozumel?
Scuba diving in Cozumel Reefs National Park requires certification, and many dive shops on the island offer intro dives and full certification courses. The currents make drift diving the local style, perfect for walls like Palancar and Columbia. Non-divers can snorkel at several west coast sites.
How many days should I spend in Cozumel?
Four or five days gives you time for two or three dive or snorkel trips, a drive around the island, visits to Punta Sur and San Gervasio, and evenings on the San Miguel waterfront. If you plan to get certified, allow a full week.
Where should I stay in Cozumel?
San Miguel, the main town, is best if you want to walk to restaurants, the waterfront and the ferry pier. The north hotel zone is quieter, with sunset views over the water. The south hotel zone has most of the all-inclusive resorts and sits closest to the famous reefs, which suits divers.
How do I get around the island?
Renting a car, jeep or scooter is the easiest way to explore the coastal road that loops around the island. Taxis in San Miguel charge set zone fares. The east coast is wild with few services, so head out with a full tank and plenty of water.
Can I swim at every beach in Cozumel?
Not everywhere. The west coast has calm water and beach clubs with easy sea access. The east coast faces the open ocean, with strong surf and currents; it is stunning for walks and seafood lunches, but only swim where an area is marked as safe.
What should I eat in Cozumel?
Fresh grilled fish, ceviche, tikin xic (fish marinated in achiote and grilled), cochinita pibil and salbutes. San Miguel has everything from market stalls serving Yucatecan home cooking to seafood restaurants along the waterfront.
What documents do I need to visit Cozumel?
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico. Travelers flying from elsewhere in Mexico only need a valid official photo ID. If you arrive by cruise ship, the immigration rules for your itinerary apply.
How do I receive my booking confirmation?
Once you complete your purchase, your confirmation arrives by email. Change and cancellation conditions depend on each airfare and hotel, and they are shown before you pay so you can review them.
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