Things to Do in Cozumel: The Perfect Island Getaway
Sun, smiles, and sandy toes - Coleman family fun in the glowing waters of El Cielo ☀️🌊
Things to Do in Cozumel: The Perfect Island Getaway
Cozumel is more than just stunning beaches and world-class diving. This Caribbean gem serves up reef adventures, wild beaches, jungle trails, ancient Maya history, and mouthwatering food and drinks. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, this guide shares my favorite things to do in Cozumel — with insider tips to make your trip unforgettable.
From drift diving on the Mesoamerican Reef to exploring wild beaches, jungle trails, and sunset beach bars, Cozumel is an island paradise for every kind of traveler.
This guide is brought to you by
We’ve Gone Coastal Vacation Rentals
Oceanfront villa + condo stays in Cozumel
✍️ Curated by Dory - Cozumel travel blogger, diver, and host who shares the island like a local.
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Dory and Jefe Diving with a Sea Turtle in Cozumel - just another perfect Cozumel moment 🐢💙
1. Snorkeling & Scuba Diving
Cozumel is a diver’s dream nearly 40 dive sites, a fun wreck, and visibility often over 100 feet. Sitting on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the island offers effortless drift dives, vibrant coral gardens, and friendly sea turtles.
The island sits on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world. The clear waters, abundant marine life, and easy drift dives are just a few of the reasons we fell in love with this place - and why we chose to buy our We’ve Gone Coastal vacation home here.
We’ve logged hundreds of dives on these reefs, and it never gets old. Every dive is a new memory waiting to happen — and we love sharing that magic with our guests.
And if you’re not a diver? Don’t worry! The snorkeling here is just as spectacular. It’s the perfect way for everyone , all ages, to experience the beauty and wonder of Cozumel’s underwater world together.
Read more: Discover The Best Diving In Cozumel • Dive with Julio • Jungle Divers Cozumel
Bring a well-fitting mask and a reef-friendly packing kit. Snorkelers can hop a boat to Palancar Shallows & Columbia - crystal clear and calm.
🚗 Getting Around Cozumel
Wondering the best way to explore?
👉 Check out our ultimate guide to getting around Cozumel — with tips on rental cars, mopeds, taxis, shuttles, and more.
2. ATV Jungle Tour & Cenote Swim
Rev through lush jungle trails, splash through puddles (the muddier the better!), and cool off with a cenote dip at El Cedral. It’s my favorite rainy-day backup when snorkeling gets canceled - still a wild, smile-filled adventure.
For something totally different, head into the jungle! On a guided ATV tour, you’ll ride through lush, muddy trails (the muddier the better!) and cool off in a natural cenote in El Cedral. We did this on a rainy day when our snorkeling got canceled — and it turned out to be one of our most unexpected adventures! If you’re dreaming of a bucket-list cenote dive or crystal-clear snorkel, the best ones are over in Playa del Carmen - but this jungle tour right here in Cozumel is still a wild, muddy blast you won’t forget!
If you’re dreaming of a bucket-list cenote dive or crystal-clear snorkel, the best ones are over in Playa del Carmen — but this jungle tour right here in Cozumel is still a wild, muddy blast you won’t forget!
Ready to ride with some off-road fun! Guests rev up for a Cozumel jungle ATV adventure. Ready to ride! Jungle ATV adventures bring out the wild side of Cozumel 🛻🌴
3. El Cielo Tour
Speaking of magic… you have to visit El Cielo with Clemente and Isla at Go Tour Cozumel. This is hands-down a favorite for everyone we send!
Snorkel Palancar Shallows and Columbia Reef, then drift to El Cielo - a turquoise sandbar dotted with starfish and stingrays. Fresh ceviche on the boat while you float? Yes, please.
Also see: Beach Bar Loop • Full Wild Side Guide
Pure paradise! Friends & family floating in El Cielo’s crystal-clear waters. From boat deck to belly laughs - Cozumel memories made to last 💙
Start by snorkeling at Palancar Shallows and Columbia Reef - then head to El Cielo’s famous shallow sandbars where you’ll swim among starfish and stingrays in turquoise water as far as you can see. Isla makes delicious fresh ceviche and guacamole while you float — island life at its best.
No filter needed - just the magical blues of El Cielo
Heading back with happy hearts - boat ride home after a perfect snorkeling day. Post-snorkel cheers and sunny vibes.
Local Tip: Bring your camera - you’ll want to remember this day forever!
These are some of my trusted local tours and activities - the same kinds of experiences I share with our guests all the time. Click below to browse and book!
4. Beach Bar Loop (Wild Side)
Head to Cozumel’s untamed east coast — wild waves, windswept beaches, and colorful beach bars. Our go-to stops: Mezcalito’s, Coconuts, Rasta’s, Punta Morena, Playa Bonita. Toes in the sand, cold cerveza in hand, and endless ocean views.
This is where my sea glass obsession began. After a windy day, scan the tideline for ocean gems. Want a wild natural wonder? Don’t miss the Cozumel Blowholes.
Welcome to Miami, Cozumel style where the mojitos are cold and the hammocks swing with ocean breeze.
Looking for the ultimate laid-back island afternoon? Grab a rental car or hop in a taxi and go explore Cozumel’s Wild Side — the untamed east coast of the island. This side is pure magic: completely natural and un-commercialized beaches, wild waves crashing on rocky shores, and endless ocean views. Unlike the bustling western side, this stretch is nicknamed “The Wild Side” for a reason — it’s peaceful, raw, and totally freeing.
The Cozumel Beach Bar Loop is hands down one of our favorite pastimes — we do it every single time we’re on the island. There’s just something so freeing about putting your toes in the sand, feeling the salty breeze, and hopping from quirky beach bar to quirky beach bar. Stop at Mezcalito’s, Coconuts, Rasta’s — each has its own vibe, cold cervezas, and local bites. It’s the perfect way to soak up island stories with locals and fellow travelers alike.
Cozumel’s untamed wild side - a slice of rugged paradise where the sea meets the sky
Read all about the Cozumel Beach Bar Loop here!
It is by far our favorite pastime for a day on land.
🌺 Planning Your Cozumel Adventure?
Stay oceanfront with us — the Villa at Costa del Sol or the Condo at El Cantil. Private pier, pool, and barefoot luxury.
5. Museo de Cozumel
Rainy morning or culture fix? The museum’s renovated exhibits showcase Maya artifacts, Carnaval history, maritime legends, and rotating art — cool, quick, and fascinating.
You’ll find:
Ancient Mayan artifacts
Carnaval exhibits
Maritime legends
Local & international art
It’s educational, air-conditioned, and a fun way to soak up Cozumel’s rich history and culture.
📋 Download the Printable Packing Checklist
🧳 Your Beach Vacation Packing Guide
Make packing for paradise a breeze. Download or screenshot this checklist before you travel so you’re ready for island time from the moment you arrive.
6. Best Restaurants in Cozumel
Cozumel’s food scene is deliciously diverse — from taco shacks and ceviche joints to romantic rooftops. Start with these:
- La Perlita — Lionfish tacos, local favorite.
- Buccanos at Night — Upscale with sea views.
- Casa Denis — Oldest restaurant; Yucatecan classics.
- El Palomar — Historic house, dreamy waterfront vibe.
- Kondesa — Garden courtyard, creative cuisine.
- Pescadero San Carlos — Fresh ceviche, local prices.
- Sereno’s — Rooftop sunsets and cocktails.
More food reads: 5 Must-Try Cozumel Restaurants • Private Chef or Dining Out?
Post-dive eats at Doña Chely hit the spot — juicy tacos and the legendary Sopa Especial. See my full food guide.
7. Plan Your Cozumel Trip
Ready to turn your Cozumel daydream into reality? Whether you’re planning a week of diving, exploring hidden beaches, or just soaking in sunsets from a hammock, having a few key resources will make your island getaway effortless.
- Cozumel Travel Guide 2025 - Your complete local guide to beaches, diving, food, and more.
- Navigating Around Cozumel - How to get from point A to paradise, stress-free.
- Hidden Gems in Cozumel - Discover wild beaches, quiet corners, and local favorites.
Oceanfront Villa at Costa del Sol
Steps from the beach with a private pool, 4 master suites, and dreamy sunset views.
See the Villa
Luxury Condo at El Cantil
Downtown convenience with a private hot tub, infinity pool, and walk-to-everything location.
See the Condo
💙 Planning your trip to Cozumel?
Book your stay with We've Gone Coastal — sunset views, beach access, and barefoot bliss await.
👉 Book Direct & Save
📸 Follow us on Instagram
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💙 Dory’s Island Tip!
There’s always more to explore!
Whether you’re up for underwater adventures, jungle thrills, or tasty island bites — Cozumel has it all.
👉 Catch my full Cozumel Travel Guide here.
Stay curious, stay barefoot, and keep chasing memories you’ll treasure forever.
Follow our adventures and beach bar finds: 👉 Facebook @WeveGoneCoastalCozumel
When you’re ready to book, click here to reserve your island home.
Travel Tips & Trip Planning
- Cozumel Travel Guide 2025 — beaches, bars, tacos, sunsets, diving.
- Things to Do in Cozumel — must-see spots & adventures.
- Cozumel Beach Bar Loop — how to road-trip the wild side.
- The Blowholes — Cozumel’s wild side wonder.
- Best Cozumel Restaurants — my must-try list.
- What to Pack for Cozumel — Dory’s essentials.
- Perks of Staying at We’ve Gone Coastal
- Vacation Rental vs Resort in Cozumel
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