The island of Cozumel sits just off Mexico’s Riviera Maya, a short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen. Known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, and relaxed island life, Cozumel is one of the best places in the Yucatán Peninsula for snorkelling and diving — though it’s also one of the most touristy, thanks to the cruise ships that stop here almost daily.
For travellers looking to ease into Mexico with a few days of sun, sea, and tropical island charm, Cozumel makes a great first stop.
- Getting to Cozumel
- Where to Stay on Cozumel
- Snorkelling Tours in Cozumel
- Best Beaches & Beach Clubs
- Eating Vegan in Cozumel
- Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?
- Travel Tips for Cozumel
- FAQs About Cozumel
Getting to Cozumel
Cozumel is one of the easiest islands in Mexico to reach. Regular ferries run from Playa del Carmen (around 45 minutes), and buses from Cancún International Airport to Playa del Carmen take about an hour.
Flights from the UK often land mid-afternoon, and TUI’s direct route from Manchester to Cancún is one of the most convenient — around 10 hours and great value for money. From there, it’s an easy transfer by ADO bus to Playa del Carmen, and a short walk to the ferry terminal.
Ferries operate frequently, but if you’re landing late, you can still make the last sailing around sunset — which is a beautiful way to arrive.
Where to Stay on Cozumel
Accommodation on Cozumel ranges from luxury resorts to small guesthouses and hostels. Budget travellers will find plenty of midrange and affordable options near San Miguel de Cozumel, the main town on the island.
For a short stay, it’s convenient to base yourself here for easy access to restaurants, tour operators, and ferry connections.
If you’re after peace and direct water access, the southern beaches are where most of the good snorkelling is found — though you’ll need a taxi or scooter to reach them.
Budget travellers may opt for a hostel such as Hostel Tropico. This no-nonsense budget accommodation offers the cheapest private rooms (although they are a bit of a squeeze), but has a communal kitchen, washing and drying area and friendly staff.
Snorkelling Tours in Cozumel
Cozumel’s coral reefs are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest in the world. While you can snorkel from shore in some areas, many of the island’s most famous reefs — Palancar, El Cielo, and Colombia Reef — are only accessible by boat.
Half-day snorkelling tours typically cost around M $700–800 (£30) and include several reef stops, snorkelling gear, and drinks.
- Palancar Reef offers colourful coral and reef fish.
- El Cielo (“Heaven”) is a shallow sandy area famous for starfish and stingrays.
Do note that most tours are group trips and require life jackets, which can make diving down tricky. For experienced snorkellers, it can feel a little crowded — so if you prefer freedom in the water, shore snorkelling might suit better.
Best Beaches & Beach Clubs
Unlike many islands in the region, much of Cozumel’s coast is privately owned by beach clubs and hotels. Access is usually free as long as you meet a minimum spend on food or drinks.
One of the best options for snorkellers is Playa Corona, located on the island’s southwest coast. It’s quieter than the big resort beaches, and the reef here is excellent — with soft corals, large fish, and great visibility.
The vibe is relaxed, and you can snorkel right off the shore at your own pace. Expect to pay around M $250 (£10) for a taxi each way from town.
Just be aware that prices for food and drinks at beach clubs can add up quickly — a few beers, a margarita, and snacks might easily reach US $60+.
Eating Vegan in Cozumel
Cozumel has a growing vegan food scene, particularly in San Miguel. A great budget-friendly spot is Vegan Barrio, a small eatery in a local food court that serves excellent vegan burgers, tacos, and smoothies at reasonable prices.
It’s one of the better options for plant-based travellers and worth visiting more than once.
Is Cozumel Worth Visiting?
Cozumel is a beautiful island with clear water and easy access to great snorkelling, but it’s also heavily influenced by cruise tourism. On any given day, you might see half a dozen giant ships docked, bringing in crowds and a distinctly commercial feel.
That said, Cozumel can still be a lovely place to start a Mexico trip — especially for first-timers easing into Latin America, or travellers looking for a few relaxing days in the sea before heading inland.
If you’re after a quieter, more authentic experience, consider moving on to Valladolid, Isla Holbox, or Bacalar after a few days here.
Travel Tips for Cozumel
- Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) — card is widely accepted, but keep cash for taxis and beach bars.
- Transport: Taxis are fixed-rate but not metered — agree a price before getting in.
- Reef etiquette: Avoid touching coral or standing on rocks; use reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life.
- Budget: Food and drink are pricier than on the mainland, so plan for slightly higher daily costs.
FAQs About Cozumel
Is Cozumel good for snorkelling?
Yes, it’s one of the best snorkelling destinations in the Yucatán. The reefs are vibrant and easily accessible via short boat trips.
Can you snorkel from the beach in Cozumel?
Yes — Playa Corona and Chankanaab are the most popular shore-snorkelling spots.
Is Cozumel expensive?
It’s pricier than mainland Mexico, mainly due to tourism and cruise ship traffic, but still affordable compared with Caribbean islands.
How long should I stay in Cozumel?
Two to three nights is perfect — enough time to explore the reefs and enjoy the island without feeling rushed.
Check out My Video on Cozumel here:
Travel Alchemist 