Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Which is better in 2023?

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Overview

Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are two completely different tropical locations with endless appeal.

While I think they’re both worth a visit, the final decision will come down to your preferences.

About Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a large coastal city on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. It’s known for its lively nightlife, beautiful beaches, and adventurous water sports. But there’s so much more to it.

Puerto Vallarta has a stunning backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountain range, making it the perfect place for outdoor activities like ziplining, biking, and hiking.

Plus, as one of Mexico’s original beach towns, it has classic Mexican charm with cobblestone streets, Spanish architecture, and incredible hillside views.

Some of the town’s most famous sites include the impressive beachfront boardwalk known as the “Malecón”, the spiral-shaped Los Muertos Beach Pier, and the beautiful pink-hued Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Much of Puerto Vallarta caters to tourists, cruise ship passengers, and local families on vacations. For that reason, you’ll find many excellent resorts and other fun activities for all ages.

About Cozumel

Cozumel has an entirely different vibe than Puerto Vallarta. Where Puerto Vallarta is large, bustling, and loud, Cozumel is small, tranquil, and quiet.

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, located just off the coast of Playa del Carmen in the Yucatan Peninsula. 

It’s a small place–you can easily drive around the island in about an hour. And yet, there’s so much to do and see with numerous water activities and attractions.

Additionally, Cozumel is worth visiting due to its location on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second longest barrier reef system in the world. 

This makes it a divers paradise because of the stunning coral formations, shipwrecks, and lively marine life off the coast. 

And as one of the most visited cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean, there are tons of cruise ships arriving daily to the island.

Basically, it’s a small island with a ton of personality to match the influx of tourists, divers, and cruise ship arrivals.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel Map

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Who are they best suited for?

Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are beach destinations catering to beach tourism, but they differ in many ways.

Who is Puerto Vallarta best suited for?

Puerto Vallarta has more of a city vibe, with great nightlife and many adventure activities. But there’s so much to do here that various travelers will find an oasis at this beach destination.

Puerto Vallarta is perfect for solo travelers looking for the ideal Mexican destination with a welcoming atmosphere to meet other like-minded travelers. Plus, it’s one of the most LGBTQ-friendly cities in Mexico.

And because of the large variety of all inclusive resorts, cute boutique hotels, and family resorts, Puerto Vallarta is also great for couples and families looking to settle in the hotel.

And finally, don’t forget it’s right on the beach. This makes it perfect for all beach lovers, and the proximity to the mountains also makes it great for hikers and other thrill seekers.

Who is Cozumel best suited for?

Cozumel is much calmer, often called a “sleepy town” because everything shuts down early, and there are rarely crowds of people on the streets.

Due to this low-key vibe, Cozumel is great for couples looking for a romantic escape, solo travelers who want to escape the fast-paced atmosphere sometimes found on the mainland, and families who wish to relax and unwind.

Cozumel is also a haven for scuba divers, snorkelers, and water sports lovers. It’s the best place to settle down, enjoy the majestic beauty of the Caribbean Sea, and soak up the sun.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Pros and Cons

Here’s a look at the Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel pros and cons to help with your decision:

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Safety Comparison

Now, let’s look at a safety comparison between Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel.

U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory

The official U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Puerto Vallarta is currently “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” due to crime and kidnapping in the state of Jalisco.

The U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory for Cozumel is currently “Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution” due to crime in the state of Quintana Roo.

The United States Mexico travel advisory mentions violent criminal activity in Jalisco but references Guadalajara, not Puerto Vallarta. 

Crime and Safety Index

Is Cozumel safer than Puerto Vallarta?

You can see from the Numbeo Crime and Safety Index above that, statistically, crime and safety statistics are similar for both Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel.

Cozumel has a much lower population and fewer crime reports than Puerto Vallarta, so the data may not be a perfect representation. But based on my experience, I would say Cozumel is safer to visit.

Generally, there will be fewer incidents in Cozumel than in Puerto Vallarta because it is a much smaller city. While Puerto Vallarta has more city appeal, Cozumel has a more friendly island vibe.

However, when traveling anywhere, practicing mindful awareness is essential. You should always be aware of your surroundings, never leave personal belongings unattended, and avoid illegal activity.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Cost Comparison

Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel are close in cost comparison. Both are on the more expensive side of places to visit in Mexico, as they have many all inclusive resorts and tourist attractions.

But when it comes to transportation costs, you’ll probably save money in Puerto Vallarta as it has a large international airport (PVR), with direct flights from many international cities. 

Additionally, Uber in Puerto Vallarta is available and very inexpensive, which makes getting around the city easy and affordable.

Cozumel does have an international airport (Cozumel International Airport – CZM), though flights are typically more expensive.  

That’s why many travelers choose to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and then take the ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.

Uber in Cozumel is not available, so you’ll need to rely on taxis or a rental car to get around the island.

But in both places, there are ways to save money to meet any budget.  For example, you can choose cheaper accommodations and avoid the high season (winter months and spring break).

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Beaches Comparison

Both Cozumel and Puerto Vallarta have beautiful beaches with blue waters, rows of swaying palm trees, and a sea full of tropical fish.

The island of Cozumel is known for its warm, turquoise crystal clear waters and vibrant marine life, so it draws scuba divers and snorkelers.

And due to its location on a barrier reef, many of the beaches tend to be more rocky.  However, there are still beautiful white-sand beaches to be found on the island like Playa Palancar.

Additionally, there’s a lack of public beaches in Cozumel. So, finding good beach spots will be challenging unless you’re staying at a resort or visiting beach clubs or Cozumel water parks that have their own private beach.

Puerto Vallarta is located on the Pacific Coast, with many beaches open to the public. Banderas Bay also protects the beaches, meaning the waters are calmer than other beach destinations on the west coast.

The waters of Puerto Vallarta tend to be more rugged and you don’t have that bright, turquoise blue coloring like the Mexican Caribbean. Plus, the sand is more golden and isn’t as white and soft.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Hotels Comparison

Another important thing to consider between Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel is the accommodation and hotel options available.

Puerto Vallarta has more than double the amount of hotels than Cozumel, so Puerto Vallarta will have many more options.

Plus, there’s so many more neighborhoods in Puerto Vallarta so you have a lot more variety depending on what you’re looking for.

So whether you want a boutique hotel in the walkable Romantic Zone, an all-inclusive beachfront resort in the Hotel Zone, or a family-friendly resort in Nuevo Vallarta, there’s a lot to choose from.

Alternatively, the resorts in Cozumel are mainly larger all inclusive resorts.  But you can still find cute boutique hotels and plenty of budget-friendly options closer to the town center. 

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

Where to Stay in Cozumel

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Activities Comparison

Puerto Vallarta and Cozumel activities differ, so the better destination depends on your preferences.

Puerto Vallarta has more of a well-rounded activity list that includes beautiful beaches, great hiking in the Sierra Madre mountain range, vibrant nightlife, and plenty of other things to do.

Many of the biggest things to do in Cozumel center around the ocean. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach clubs are the most popular activities on the island. 

So, this may not be your place if you aren’t obsessed with the sea (or at least appreciative of it). 

Best Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

• Go Ziplining in the Jungle: Puerto Vallarta’s location in the Sierra Madre mountains makes it the perfect place for ziplining.  You can book a fun Puerto Vallarta ziplining tour to soar through the jungle canopy and enjoy the incredible views.

• Go Whale Watching: Whale watching season is between December and March when humpback whales enter Banderas Bay. It’s a really fun activity, perfect for any family vacation.

• Walk the Malecón: Puerto Vallarta’s “Malecón” is a beautiful beachfront boardwalk lined with shops, restaurants, and bars where you can enjoy incredible ocean views.

Best Things to Do in Cozumel

• Snorkel at El Cielo: El Cielo is among Cozumel’s most prestigious and well-known snorkel spots. You can only access it by boat, but the abundance of starfish and the bright turquoise water make it well worth the trip.

• Visit Punta Sur Ecological Reserve: Punta Sur is the perfect place to go if you want some time away from the coral reefs and salty water. There are other fun activities here (like a crocodile boat tour and a beautiful lighthouse with great views).

• Go on the Atlantis Submarine Expedition: The Atlantis Submarine in Cozumel is Mexico’s only submarine dedicated to tourism, diving up to 100 feet beneath the sea. While on the 2-hour submarine expedition, you’ll see the Felipe Xicotencatl sunken ship and pass near “La Pared”, a vertical drop that plummets to more than 2,000 feet deep at the edge of the island.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Restaurants Comparison

When it comes to dining, Puerto Vallarta wins on this front. While Cozumel has some great restaurants, Puerto Vallarta has a much larger variety.

Puerto Vallarta is known to have some delicious international food and a good blend of local food. Plus, a lot of the restaurants have fantastic views.

You’ll have to indulge in some fresh seafood when you’re in Puerto Vallarta! The city is home to some of the best fresh ceviches in Mexico if you’re a big fan of this dish.

Cozumel, on the other hand, has fewer options. However, you’ll still find some great dining experiences. 

Many of the restaurants are located in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel, with stunning oceanfront views.

One of my favorite breakfast and lunch spots is Aqui + Ahora, located right across from the ferry terminal. You’ll have to walk back a few blocks for more local food. 

Guisado’s is a short walk from downtown Cozumel and has some of the best tacos in Cozumel.

Puerto Vallarta vs Cozumel: Nightlife Comparison

When it comes to nightlife, Puerto Vallarta also takes home the cake. Puerto Vallarta is one of the best party places in Mexico, so you’ll find endless opportunities for partying, clubbing, dancing, and any other drinking-related activity.

The Romantic Zone is the best district in Puerto Vallarta for exciting nightlife, but you can find good dancing and drinks in almost every neighborhood.

Cozumel is not really known for its nightlife, although there are some places here, too. Right across the Puerta Maya Cruise Ship Terminal, Señor Frogs and Hooters are open late and get reasonably busy.

However, most people go to Cozumel for relaxing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, so there are fewer options.

Cozumel vs Puerto Vallarta: FAQs

Final Thoughts: Is Cozumel or Puerto Vallarta better?