Bienvenidos a la Isla de Cozumel (Welcome to the Island of Cozumel!)! If you’ve ever been to Quintana Roo, Mexico before, you may think immediately of Cancun, Tulum, the pyramids at Chichen Itza, and fiesta-focused culture… which isn’t all wrong! Though today, I’d like to present some interesting facts about the delightful island of Cozumel, just southeast of metropolitan Cancun which is approximately an hour’s commute from central Playa del Carmen or one and a half to two hours from southern Cancun.
Cozumel is quite the popular port for cruise ships, giving way to some excellent opportunities for a day to explore the island or even surrounding areas in Riviera Maya situated on Mexico’s mainland, just a ferry ride away from downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. The intent of this post is to provide a handful of options for those who wish to spend a few hours to a day on the island, specifically arriving in/around San Miguel de Cozumel. Though, there’s plenty to do that can keep you busy for quite a bit more time than just an afternoon, we’ll cover in a future post which I’ll ultimately cross-reference to this one, today’s all about quick, easy, and enjoy the time you have in a beautiful setting without much commitment or if you’re just looking to get acquainted with the area and get some inspiration for your time there. If there is anything that interests you or if you’d like to see something expanded on in the future, please let me know and be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, or here on Navenadnik.com.
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Without further delay, let’s talk about Cozumel!
Arriving to Cozumel
Choose your method of transit for some specific tips and options for you.
Cozumel International Airport (IATA: CZM / ICAO MMCZ) is the largest and most trafficked airport on the island and is conveniently located north of the city center and within a five-minute or less walk to several of the interesting sites listed below, and is within a ten-minute drive to the main hotel zone where you’ll find some of the all-inclusive properties Cozumel has to offer or other lodging options which will be outlined in a future post.
For cruisers, there are three main ports in Cozumel where cruise liners will be docking, and you can expect your origin point to be along the west coast of the island. Pick your port:
International Pier
– Royal Caribbean
– Norwegian
Puerto Maya Cruise Terminal
Adjacent to the International Pier, Carnival Cruise Line and sister companies also dock here
Punta Langosta Pier
MAP HERE
– Disney Cruise Line
– MSC Cruise Line
– Norwegian and others
Note: If you are sailing with a Norwegian liner, confirm your port of call on your itinerary or with cruise staff to verify where you’ll be docked while in Cozumel. I’ll be listing some of the direct links to several resources you may find helpful regarding the ferries, passes, and other information below for you to peruse through at your leisure. Here’s a helpful link to anyone who may be interested in some tips for cruisers or anyone arriving via ship: cruisetravelacademy.com
If you’re looking for a ferry from the mainland, please check out the following links for information, tickets, and other useful information regarding maritime transportation between Playa del Carmen and San Miguel:
- Ultramar (ultramarferry.com) – One of the top ferry servicers in the region with assistance available in both English and Spanish on their website, live chat, and via WhatsApp.
- Winjet Fast Ferry | Cozumel – Playa del Carmen (winjet.mx) with docks at Terminal Marítima Api just steps away from the Museum of Cozumel, the malecón, and El Parque Benito Juárez.
Please check out the websites for more details for schedules, pricing, and to confirm the most up-to-date policies and protocols since this is subject to change without notice and outside the control of Navenadnik.
Once You’ve Arrived
After having gotten here, there’s plenty to discover on the island, but below I’ve listed some highlights that I would highly recommend checking out which are appropriate for a walk or a ride less than 15 minutes from the CZM airport and majority of cruise piers. We’ll explore all of these and a few bonus locations:
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
On the north end of the city just adjacent to the Cozumel International Airport, we have the Museum of Cozumel Island (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) which originated in the 1930’s with the goal of protecting Cozumel’s unique cultural heritage hosting 11 exhibits from the Mayan history of the region to the Spanish Colonial era as well as celebrating Cozumel’s biodiversity and local ecological development, and much more.
The property itself was previously a luxury hotel and hosts a restaurant on the second floor overlooking the sea. The museum is consistently showcasing different local and international artists throughout the museum.
Be sure to check their website for the most up to date information and from pricing to exhibits being showcased and other seasonal events.
Museo de la Isla | Cozumel Parks
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
El Parque Benito Juárez
A great place to enjoy the sun and fresh air. Or take some iconic photos next to the Isla de Cozumel sign found adjacent to the ferry docks, where you’ll also come upon Plaza Confetti and you’ll find local vendors selling goods and street foods.
Parroquia Corpus Christi Cozumel
Situated within one of the most esthetically pleasing districts of Cozumel’s residential areas and a classic example of Colonial-style architecture and one of the first iconic buildings you’ll see as the aircraft approach CZM airport.
Planetario de Cozumel Cha’an Ka’an
Boasting some of the darkest skies in Mexico, the main telescope here can view 3-5 celestial bodies and the Milky Way Galaxy can be viewed with incredible clarity. It is a unique and powerful observatory where guided visits in Spanish or English present the skies’ characteristics and options to learn about the constellations of the season, Mayan celestial mythology, and of course, stargazing.
Only fifteen-minute drive from CZM airport via car, even less from the malecón. Check out their website for details on pricing and availability since this is subject to change based on weather and occupancy.
Pueblo del Maíz
A local community known for its rich traditional Mayan culture of the island from pre-colonial times onward, here you are welcomed to try the amazing traditional dishes offered and even explore the world of traditional corn production from the locals and learn about the customs and discover the environment of the landscape in a unique way. This is a lesser-known site which I’ve heard nothing but incredible reviews of from many who have had the opportunity to visit and comes highly recommended.
Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio
One of the largest Mayan reserves in the entire region and the largest complex on Isla Cozumel, this is located less than twenty-minutes from Pueblo del Maíz. This is a very intriguing archeological site and the most well-preserved, and well-studied commerce and political settlements on the island as well as considered the center of pilgrimages where Ixchel, the Mayan Goddess of fertility, childbirth, sacred healing, and weaving, was worshipped, and can be referenced in modern cultural influences in Mayan culture. Here you’ll find six sets of temples connected by sacbés, specialized raised roads built by the Mayans connecting strategic locations. Yucatec Maya meaning “white road”, appropriately names since they are indeed white in hue. If you enjoy culture, history, and architecture, this is a must-see stop while visiting the island.
The Mayan Bee Sanctuary
Located within 10 minutes from the piers downtown and situated within a lush tropical forest setting, this is such an exciting and unique experience to learn, taste, and enjoy the craft of Mayan beekeeping! The Melipona bees are stingless bees and according to legend, the honey has a healing power to restore one’s well-being and harmony. The tours will also explore the history and importance of bees in Mayan culture and last about 45 minutes and celebrates Mayan culture to the fullest with the goal of cultivating and sharing it with the world to experience first-hand. You will find the honey harvested here at the markets nearby; It is recommended to try, since there is a distinct difference between this honey and other types found in the world.
If you end up trying this yourself, please reach out to me and let me know your thoughts about your experience!
Atlantis Submarine Expedition and Coral Reefs Monument
These are just a fifteen minute drive from CZM airport. If you enjoy ecology, exploration, or want to see the ocean from nearly 30 meters (approximately 100ft) below the water’s surface, voila! A unique find in Cozumel south of the malecón. Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck, coral reefs.
Additional Honorable Mentions:
Punta Molas Faro,Playa Mia Grand Beach Park a fantastic water park, Kun Che Park, , The Mayan Cacao Company, Cozumel Pearl Farm, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Punta Sur, Playa Palancar, Playa San Francisco, Isla de la Pasión, and Playa Chen Rio
Dining Options Worth Trying
Alma Kosher Restaurant chabadcozumel.com | Map 🗺️ (כשר)
Chocolatte Espresso Bar – Kosher choco-latte.com (כשר)
Pita loca – Mediterranean in Mexico facebook.com/falafelsombrero (כשר)
La Choza Cozumel: facebook.com/lachozaczm
Casa Misión Restaurant: casamissionrestaurant.com
For Jewish travelers – למטיילים יהודים
For my Jewish and Israeli mishpakhah who may be spending some time in San Miguel de Cozumel or if you would like to explore some of the Jewish culture of the island, I’d recommend checking out Chabad of Cozumel Mexico.
Visit their website for service times, kosher dining and grocers, and other recommendations to explore during your stay.
All the information will be available in Hebrew and English on their website and provide excellent recommendations for kosher bakeries, recommended properties to stay at, service times, and other traveler tips you may find helpful. They will even be able to prepare kosher meals for you if you’d like to contact them in advance so you can experience Cozumel to the fullest through a Yehudi lens.
עבור חבריי ומשפחתי היהודים והישראלים שאולי מבלים זמן מה בסן מיגל דה קוזומל או אם תרצו לחקור חלק מהתרבות היהודית של האי, אני ממליץ לבדוק את chabadcozumel.com עבור זמני שירות, אוכל כשר ומכולת, והמלצות אחרות לחקור במהלך שהותך בקוזומל. כל המידע יהיה זמין בעברית ובאנגלית באתר האינטרנט שלהם ויספק המלצות מצוינות למאפיות כשרות, נכסים מומלצים לשהייה, זמני שירות וטיפים נוספים למטיילים שיעזרו לכם. הם אפילו יוכלו להכין עבורכם ארוחות כשרות אם תרצו ליצור איתם קשר מראש כדי שתוכלו לחוות את קוזומל במלואה דרך עדשה יהודית.
Chabad of Cozumel Mexico – Jewish house for travelers in Cozumel Mexico (chabadcozumel.com)
Languages of Cozumel
Enrich your journey and get acquainted with some basic phrases in Spanish and/or Yucatec Maya! It’s always appreciated to hear travelers putting in a bit of effort to communicate with locals of the region one is visiting, even if it’s but a greeting. It’s both respectful and is always so heartwarming to hear when someone surprises you speaking your language.
I’ll expand on this in the future in my language feed in the future, but for now, here are some links to some useful phrases on one of my favorite websites around, Omniglot. Some of the sound files are available while some are not but check them out! I’ll be posting my own tutorials for Mexican Spanish in the future among others, but in the meantime, please check out the two following links. It’s worth noting that Spanish is the national language of Mexico which is the most appropriate for nearly all situations while traveling in Mexico, whereas Maya is typically spoken within focused communities. There are quite a few other indigenous languages which I’ll write more about later, but for now, the two most relevant to the Island of Cozumel are indeed Spanish and Yucatec Maya.
Useful Spanish phrases (omniglot.com)
Useful phrases in Yucatec Maya (omniglot.com)
Wrapping Up
Firstly, I’m enjoy transparency, so please feel free to inquire whether or not there’s anything in particular you’d like more insight on in the comments, reach out to me via email, Facebook, or Instagram. I’d love to know what other things you’d like to see and provide you my insight on anything I may be of assistance with. Please do not solicit for booking inquiries, quotes, or other legal information outside of my scope of support; I am however, always willing to provide you the information you need to get you onto the path needed in order to obtain the information you may be looking for (ex. government implemented taxes and fees, visa inquiries, etc… which you should seek legal counsel regarding).
