Cozumel
Country: Mexico · Region: Western Caribbean · Currency: Mexican Peso
Cozumel is a Caribbean island off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula famous as Mexico's top scuba diving destination with safe streets and affordable prices. It's a popular cruise port receiving multiple large ships daily, especially December through April.
Top sights
San Gervasio archaeological site, Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, Palancar Reef, El Caracol temple, East side beaches
Things to do
- San Gervasio
- Mayan archaeological site dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, comprising six architectural groups, located about 9 km north of the main highway.
- Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
- Protected offshore reefs along the western and southern sides of Cozumel with dozens of dive sites featuring tropical fish, coral formations, and marine life at depths from 30 to over 150 feet.
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
- Beach park about 9 km south of town offering snorkeling, diving, swimming with dolphins and manatees, kayaking, and walking trails with crocodile and iguana viewing areas.
- Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration Program
- Organization offering snorkel tours and intro scuba dives of their coral nursery to learn about coral restoration efforts on the Mesoamerican reef.
Beaches
- Playa San Francisco
- Beach on the calm western side of the island, 20 minutes by taxi south of town, with a restaurant on site.
- Paradise Beach
- Beach located 5 miles south of the cruise ship pier on Carretera Sur with free admission and daily hours 09:00-17:00.
Where to eat
- La Choza
- Restaurant in downtown Cozumel across the street from Deep Blue dive shop.
Bars and nightlife
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park bar
- Bar located within Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, 9 km south of town.
Forecast for Cozumel
Loading the live forecast.
Weather in Cozumel by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 79°F | 73°F | 3.6 in | 14 |
| February | 81°F | 74°F | 1.4 in | 8 |
| March | 83°F | 76°F | 1.3 in | 9 |
| April | 85°F | 77°F | 1.2 in | 7 |
| May | 86°F | 78°F | 2.8 in | 13 |
| June | 86°F | 79°F | 7.4 in | 17 |
| July | 87°F | 80°F | 2.3 in | 14 |
| August | 88°F | 80°F | 4.4 in | 17 |
| September | 87°F | 79°F | 5.0 in | 20 |
| October | 85°F | 78°F | 7.0 in | 22 |
| November | 82°F | 76°F | 5.3 in | 16 |
| December | 81°F | 75°F | 3.5 in | 15 |
Getting around
Walk, rent a car (around US$55/day), scooter (around US$25/day), or taxi (US$20+ to beaches, M$30-60 within town); no public transit outside town.
What to eat
Beach clubs and restaurants are scattered around the island, with several on the east side every few kilometers offering fresh local cuisine.
Tips
Speak Spanish when bargaining for car rentals and other services to get significant discounts; be skeptical of pushy dockside touts offering timeshare pitches and overpriced activities.
Best for
Scuba diving, snorkeling, reef exploration
More ports in Western Caribbean
Belize City · Costa Maya · Falmouth · Grand Cayman · Montego Bay · Ocho Rios · Progreso · Roatan