How to Visit Punta Sur Cozumel Mexico in 2023
Are you interested in visiting Punta Sur in Cozumel Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!
As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen, escaping to Cozumel is one of my favorite weekend getaways!
And Punta Sur is one of Cozumel’s less well-known attractions and one of the best places to immerse yourself in the wildlife in Quintana Roo.
In this post, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Punta Sur in Cozumel, including how to get there, things to do, visitor info, and tips to make the most of your visit.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be prepared and ready for the adventure of a lifetime, complete with white sandy beaches, lagoons, and marvelous wildlife.
Ready to discover the wonders of Punta Sur in Cozumel Mexico? Let’s get started!
What is Punta Sur Cozumel?
Punta Sur is a natural ecological reserve and ecological park located on the southern point of Cozumel, Mexico.
The park encompasses a vast area that includes beaches, lagoons, mangroves, forests, and a sanctuary for various plants and animal species.
You can view the stunning, unique landscape from the top of the Punta Sur lighthouse, go on an American crocodile adventure through the lagoons within the mangroves, or spend a few hours soaking up the sun in one of the tranquil Punta Sur beach clubs within the park.
It is a great place where mangroves merge with the ocean, crocodiles thrive alongside vibrant coral reefs, and visitors can connect with the awe-inspiring synergy of diverse ecosystems.
At this Cozumel water park, some popular activities include a short walk on the docks within the mangrove, a peak into a tiny archaeological site, a tequila tasting right next to the lighthouse you can walk up, access to beautiful beach clubs, and even a boat ride through the lagoon to see crocodiles in their natural habitat.
But one of my favorite things about Punta Sur is the drive from the beginning of the ecological park to the end.
On your right, you have a widespread, flat jungle and lagoon. On your left, you have turquoise, crystal-clear Caribbean turquoise waters.
Where is Punta Sur Cozumel?
Punta Sur is located on the southern point of the island. While it’s a bit far from downtown San Miguel de Cozumel, it’s worth the trip if you have the time.
Depending on where you are on Cozumel, the distance might vary. But here are the distances from significant points of interest in Cozumel:
- Ferry Terminal to Punta Sur: 50 minutes
- San Miguel de Cozumel Central to Punta Sur: 45 minutes
- Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal to Punta Sur: 40 minutes
- Cozumel International Airport to Punta Sur: 55 minutes
- Cozumel North Shore to Punta Sur: 1 hour
Punta Sur Cozumel Mexico Map
Why Visit Punta Sur on Cozumel?
Punta Sur is a less well-known attraction and one of the best things to do in Cozumel off-the-beaten-path.
It makes for a fun excursion whether you’re staying at one of the resorts in Cozumel, are visiting on a day trip from Playa del Carmen, or are stopping in Cozumel on a cruise ship.
Whether you want to enjoy a relaxing and tranquil beach day or explore untouched lagoons filled with crocodiles, there’s an adventure here.
And because Punta Sur is so far from Cozumel city center, it’s never actually crowded. So, whether you go on a weekday or a busy Sunday, you can easily enjoy the space and calmness of the region.
There are also so many different ways to visit Punta Sur. Whether you want to go with a tour group that arranges everything for you or rent some motorbikes to truly feel the wind through your hair, you’ll have the best time!
How to get to Punta Sur on Cozumel Island
There are several different options to get to Punta Sur.
Take a Taxi
Taxis are plentiful all through Cozumel, especially near the ferry terminal. You can easily flag one down and head over to Punta Sur.
You’ll need to hire a taxi for the day because you must drive through the Punta Sur eco park, and it isn’t easy to find a taxi on the island’s south side.
While hiring a taxi simplifies your trip to Punta Sur, it is not the most affordable option.
A taxi for the day can cost between $2,000 and $5,000 pesos (~$120 USD to ~$300 USD), depending on how long you hire them and how many people you go with.
Travelista Tip: If you have a larger group, consider booking a private customizable Cozumel tour to save on transportation costs!
Rent a Car or Jeep
Renting a car, or a jeep, is another fun way to explore Punta Sur on your own. This route gives you complete control over your trip’s schedule, activities, and overall freedom.
Jeep rentals start at about $840 pesos (~$50 USD) a day. Rental cars start at about $650 pesos (~$40 USD) a day, plus gas and possible parking expenses.
Jeeps can be rented directly from the ferry terminal in Cozumel. For rental cars, I recommend searching on Discover Cars for the best selection and rates.
Rent a Scooter
If you’re more adventurous, you can always rent a scooter for the day to get to Punta Sur.
One of the best things about renting a scooter is you can truly enjoy the ride from the beginning of the park entrance to the end, with unobstructed views of the incredible drive.
It’s important to note that scooters also come with their dangers and are one of the top safety risks in Cozumel. They can still be a lot of fun but you’ll want to make sure you take proper safety precautions.
Scooter rentals cost anywhere from $300 pesos (~$18 USD) to $500 pesos (~$30 USD) daily.
Book a Punta Sur Cozumel Tour
Booking a Punta Sur Cozumel tour is the most hassle-free option available. With a tour, you won’t have to worry about navigation, scheduling, and all the other minor details to plan before a trip.
Fortunately, there are some excellent Punta Sur Cozumel tours available which I’ve highlighted below!
Best Punta Sur Cozumel Tours
A Punta Sur Cozumel tour is the easiest way to explore all of Punta Sur without hassles. Here are some of the best Punta Sur Cozumel tours on the island of Cozumel.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Electric Bike Tour in Cozumel
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 20 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 4-5 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Electric Bike Tour is one of the most unique and adventure-packed ways to visit Punta Sur.
It includes all the major attractions within Punta Sur and is one of the best ways to soak in the scenery while cruising around on an all-terrain Pedego electric bike.
The tour starts at 9:15AM at the meeting point, lasts five hours, and includes local tour guides, bottled water, and snorkeling rentals.
Cozumel: Private VIP Tour by Van
- ⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 155 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 5 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
If you have a larger group, definitely check out this Cozumel Private VIP Tour by Van–one of the top-rated tours in Cozumel!
This customizable tour basically gives you a private driver and tour guide who will take you to all the popular attractions and points of interest in Punta Sur national park.
The tour can fit up to 12 passengers, ideal for larger families or groups traveling together.
This is an incredibly popular option, particularly for the knowledgeable tour guides and various activities crammed into one single-day adventure.
Custom Private Cozumel Jeep Tour: All-Inclusive Tour
- ⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 175 5-star reviews)
- 🕘 DURATION: 5-6 hours
- 🎟 HOW TO BOOK: Check prices and availability here →
This Private Cozumel Jeep Tour is an action-packed, all-inclusive tour that takes through every corner of Punta Sur while driving a jeep.
This custom tour is one of the best jeep tours in Cozumel and can work with a cruise ship schedule or ferry schedule or pick you up from any hotel on the island.
You’ll get to customize the tour to see all the highlights of Cozumel Island and you can set your starting and ending times depending on your schedule.
Punta Sur Cozumel Visitor Info
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Punta Sur Park Cozumel before arrival.
Punta Sur Cozumel Hours
Punta Sur allows entry from 9AM–4PM. The beaches close at 4PM, and you must exit the park before 6PM.
The best times to visit Punta Sur is right after opening or before closing, as fewer people are there during these hours.
Additionally, you should plan your trip around the rain, as most activities are outdoor adventures.
The rainy season in Cozumel is typically from May–October, where chances of rain will be higher but there will typically still be plenty of sun.
Punta Sur Cozumel Prices
Here is a breakdown of the Punta Sur Cozumel entrance fees:
- Adult Entry: $324 pesos (~$18 USD) per person
- Child Entry: $198 pesos (~$11 USD) per person
General Entrance includes parking, showers, dressing rooms, bathrooms, and access to the pristine beaches, trails for nature lovers, Mayan ruins, Celarain Lighthouse, and Navigation museum.
Note snorkel rental, kayaks, restaurants and bars, spa, and tips will have an extra cost.
How Much Time to Spend at Punta Sur Cozumel
Punta Sur Cozumel is located at the other end of the island’s city center, so getting a bit is challenging and time-consuming.
There are also many different activities to enjoy within the Punta Sur eco park Cozumel, so you want at least 4-5 hours for your trip to Punta Sur.
Things to Do at Punta Sur Cozumel
Whether you’re more of an adventure seeker, on the lookout for wild crocodiles, or a beach bum who wants to enjoy some of the best beach areas on Cozumel, there’s something here for you.
Lagoon Boardwalk
About a 15-minute drive into the park, you will spot a tiny ruin on the ocean side of the dirt road and a boardwalk entrance on the mangrove side.
You can make a short stop here to walk the boardwalk and climb the old tower for a better view of the mangroves.
You might even spot a crocodile or two in their natural habitat if you’re lucky!
Celarain Lighthouse
The Celarain Lighthouse (Faro Celarain) is about halfway between the entrance of Punta Sur and the beach areas at the end of the Punta Sur ecological park.
You can climb to the top of the lighthouse and get rewarded with a stunning view of the area’s unique landscape.
Navigation Museum
Next to the Celarain Lighthouse, there’s a tiny Navigation Museum.
The small museum enlightens visitors to the ancient methods of navigation in the region and their impact on the wildlife and cultures thriving on the island.
Snorkeling
At the end of the Cozumel eco adventure park is a large stretch of beautiful beaches.
When the seaweed is not out-of-hand, you can do some Punta Sur snorkeling, enjoy the warm turquoise waters and thriving ocean life, and maybe spot some sea turtles and tropical fish.
Beach Club
Several low-key Punta Sur beach clubs are located along the crystal clear waters of Punta Sur.
The beach clubs are comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas, often beside a bar or restaurant.
Most beach clubs in Punta Sur do not charge an entrance fee but are available with a purchase from the restaurant.
Restaurants
Whether or not you want access to one of the Punta Sur beach clubs, you can order food from any of the restaurants in Punta Sur.
All the restaurants are at the end of Punta Sur, near the beaches and lagoon tours.
The food isn’t the best Mexican food in the world, but it’s more enjoyable after a full day of exploring and soaking up the intense Caribbean sun.
Lagoon Tours
The lagoon tours start at the end of the eco park, sharing a parking lot with the beaches and restaurants on the opposite side of the ocean. You’ll notice a small path leading to the mangrove and lagoon tour starting point.
The lagoon tour takes about one or two hours and gives you a quick glimpse into the tranquility and magnificence of the lagoons.
Two crocodiles generally stick close to the tour operators, so you’ll likely admire a crocodile from a safe distance.
Tips for Visiting Punta Sur Cozumel
Here are some tips for visiting Punta Sur Cozumel to make everything as easy and smooth as possible:
- Book a Punta Sur tour if you’re short on time. Planning and navigation can be very time-consuming so if you’re short on time and want the convenience of having your transportation included, book a Punta Sur tour.
- Bring lots of sunscreen/sun protection. There’s little shade and cover so be sure to bring sun protection. Biodegradable sunscreen is best anytime you are going to be swimming in the ocean as regular sunscreen can be damaging to the coral reefs.
- Pack plenty of water. The sun is intense here, the days are often hot, and finding stores and water within the park is difficult. Be sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. These collapsible water bottles are a great option for travel as they are lightweight and fold up into your suitcase or travel bag.
- Bring some food and snacks. The restaurants aren’t cheap, so if you plan the trip, bring your own snacks because it is a long day.
- Do not approach any of the wildlife. This is an eco park with lots of wildlife. For your safety and out of respect for the park, keep a distance from all animals enjoying their natural habitat.
- Plan around the weather. The park is most enjoyable during sunny, warm days. Try to check for rain, and even call ahead and ask about seaweed on the beach before you go.
Visiting Punta Sur Cozumel: FAQs
Let’s review some of the frequently asked questions about visiting Punta Sur Cozumel.
It takes about 30-45 minutes to get to the entrance of Punta Sur from the Cozumel Center by car.
A taxi to Punta Sur Cozumel and around the area will cost over $2,000 pesos (~$120 USD). If you hire a taxi to visit Punta Sur, you must hire one for the day because you need transportation within the eco park.
Punta Sur is about 15 miles (25 kilometers) from the Cozumel cruise port, which is about 40 minutes driving time.
Punta Sur entrance is not free. However, most activities are included in the entrance price of Punta Sur Mexico.
Beaches on the west side of Cozumel are most likely to be completely seaweed-free and Playa Palancar is one of the best beaches in Cozumel.
The current comes from the east of Cozumel (the open ocean), so the west side of Cozumel has protection from the incoming seaweed clusters.
Punta Sur translates to “South Point” in English, which comes from the location on the southern tip of Cozumel island.
Conclusion: Cozumel Punta Sur Guide
Punta Sur Cozumel is an under-rated activity in Cozumel and shouldn’t be missed if you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a unique outdoor adventure!
Most people stick to snorkeling tours, scuba diving, or Cozumel ATV excursions. However, a Punta Sur excursion has a lot to offer if you have the interest and time.
While visiting Punta Sur with your own transportation can give you more freedom, it’s rather complicated if you’re short on time.
One of the Punta Sur tours discussed in this guide will make everything more manageable.
The Punta Sur Eco Beach Park Cozumel Electric Bike Tour is the perfect place for adventurers that want a unique experience and the option to explore the wondrous park.
Conversely, the Custom Private Jeep Tour or the Private VIP Van Tour allows a personalized itinerary to fit your needs and wants.
However you decide to visit Punta Sur, you’ll have a great time. Make sure you take a second to truly admire the unique landscape and stunning drive into this one-of-a-kind Cozumel eco park!
