Mexico is always a popular tourist destination between all-inclusive resorts, ports of call for cruise ships, and countless excursions peppered across the country. Specifically, the vacation spot Cozumel is a major draw, welcoming as many as 2 million visitors every year. This includes daytrippers pulling into port as well as people staying for multiple days.
With all those tourists, there must be plenty to do and see for anyone visiting Cozumel. While lounging on the beach is an obvious draw, adventure seekers can still find plenty of things to do to make a pitstop or complete vacation in the city worth their while.
Quick Facts About Cozumel
One thing to remember is that Cozumel is an island located in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It sits directly across from Playa del Carmen, one of many resort towns that comprise the Riviera Maya. Other popular spots include Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum. Because of its location, travelers can easily enjoy excursions or visit other seaside towns as part of a day trip. If you’re taking a cruise with a stop in Cozumel, here are 5 excursions that you can enjoy during your time on the island.
Relaxing Cozumel Cruise Excursions
For many cruise goers, that vacation is all about rest and relaxation. So, a laid back afternoon spent enjoying warm breezes, sea green water, and tasty treats is where it’s at.
Nachi Cocom Cozumel Beach Break
Available as part of an all-inclusive day pass, a trip to Nachi Cocom Cozumel Beach is exclusive and comes complete with access to a private beach. Along with an all-day open bar and four course lunch, it includes access to a jacuzzi and seaside pool. As if that’s not enough, the exclusivity is highlighted by the fact that this beach club only allows 100 guests per day. There are no age restrictions for entry and children ages 3 and under are free.
El Cozumeleno All Inclusive Resort Day Pass
It’s not uncommon for many resorts along cruise routes to have agreements that allow guests to use their facilities while they’re in port — and Cozumel is no exception. El Cozumeleno All Inclusive Resort offers cruise goers a day pass for travelers of all ages. Access is limited between 9 AM and 5 PM, but for most cruise itineraries, this should be sufficient.
Re-entry is allowed, and with this pass visitors still get access to the private beach, jacuzzi and pools, and use of the on-site sports facilities such as tennis courts, mini-golf, kid’s club, non-motorized water sports, and more. And since this is an all-inclusive resort, yes that includes all the food as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Ancient Ruins and Nature Cozumel Cruise Excursions
Because Cozumel sits off the shore of the Riviera Maya, this is a great opportunity to visit ancient Mayan ruins like Tulum which is on the mainland. But even the island of Cozumel has plenty of ruins across its lands.
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
If booking a ferry to the mainland and transferring to a tour bus for a half-day trip to Tulum seems overwhelming, that’s understandable. Those concerned about missing last call for their ship should stick to Cozumel which has a variety of ruins just waiting to be discovered. In particular, San Gervasio is a historical site packed with Mayan ruins.
Now known as one of the most well-documented ruins on the island, experts believe that it once served as an important pilgrimage site and commerce center for ancient Mayans. Ancient travelers also paid tribute to the Goddess Ixchel. Today, visitors can choose between private tours complete with refreshments and also enjoy a bite at a nearby restaurant —but that’s usually for an extra fee.
Chankanaab Park Cozumel
Prefer something more interactive, aquatic animal lovers might prefer Chankanaab Park. The best way to describe this excursion is that it’s a blend of archeological and aquatic discovery. This park is actually located inside of Cozumel’s National Reef Marine Park. Along with snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming with dolphins and sea lion and manatee shows, people that prefer staying on land can also take advantage of tequila and mezcal tours.
Atlantis Submarines Cozumel
Want to get up close to marine life without getting wet? Why not take a trip in a submarine. Don’t worry, this is a legitimate submarine manned by experts — and there’s no deep sea diving here. The Atlantis Submarines underwater adventure takes passengers down to 100 feet to explore coral reefs, and watch exotic sea animals in their natural habitat. Note that this tour is accessible only through Chankanaab Reef and takes a total of two hours to complete.
Making the Most of Cozumel Cruise Excursions
Cozumel is an exciting place to stop off during a cruise itinerary. Most cruises will usually spend around eight to nine hours at port before setting sail for the next locale. To make the most of this fun Mexican island, some travelers choose to head to the mainland with towns like Cancun and Playa del Carmen. For those that want to stay nearby, there are plenty of ancient ruins, day pass activities, shopping, and culinary opportunities in Cozumel to immerse themselves in Mayan history as well as Mexican culture.