The Ultimate San Miguel de Cozumel Mexico Travel Guide for 2024

San Miguel de Cozumel is a town on the island of Cozumel in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is the largest town on the island and is its main tourist center.

To simplify, Cozumel is the name of the overall island and San Miguel de Cozumel is the name of the largest town and main town square.

Cozumel is a popular tourist destination thanks to its stunning Caribbean beaches, incredible coral reefs, and jungle landscapes.

It is also one of the most visited cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean and welcomes millions of cruise ship visitors each year.

The incredible coral reefs surrounding the island are part of the Mesoamerican Reef, which is the second-longest barrier reef system in the world, only second to the Great Barrier reef in Australia.

Its abundant snorkeling and scuba diving sites make visiting Cozumel very popular for diving enthusiasts from all over the world.

The island of Cozumel is about 30 miles (48 km) long and 9.9 miles (16 km) wide. With a total area of about 184 square miles (478 km²), it is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island.

The town of San Miguel de Cozumel is the island’s largest town and the city center spans several square blocks on the island’s western side.

The English pronunciation of Cozumel is “Kaa-zoo-mel”. However, the Spanish pronunciation is “Koh-soo-mel”.

Dating all the way back to 250 AD, the island of Cozumel first served as a commercial and ceremonial center for the Mayans.

The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins Cozumel still remain on the island today, which were originally used by the Mayans as a sanctuary to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

Every Mayan woman was required to travel to the island at least once in her life to worship Ixchel, and pray for fertility and healthy motherhood.

The Spanish first arrived to Cozumel in 1518 and one year later, Hernan Cortes used the island as a base for the Spanish to conquer the Mayan people.

Sadly, the Spanish conquest brought smallpox to the island of Cozumel, which resulted in thousands of deaths, and the island was almost completely abandoned by the year 1600.

Many years later, people eventually sought refuge on the island from neighboring wars on the Yucatan peninsula. During this time, the island was surrendered to Yucatan troops and the population grew in the 1900s.

Tourism on the island expanded rapidly with the arrival of a cruise ship port in the 1980s and today, San Miguel de Cozumel is a popular tourist destination with many all-inclusive hotels, restaurants, and shops.

When flying to Cozumel, you can either fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM) or Cancun International Airport (CUN).

Flying into Cancun Airport is typically cheaper because there are more direct flights so I would recommend checking prices for both.

The closest airport is Cozumel International Airport, which is located less than 2 miles north of San Miguel de Cozumel.

Many international flights from the United States and Canada fly directly to Cozumel, however, San Miguel de Cozumel flights are usually more expensive than flying into Cancun.

Airlines that fly to Cozumel from the United States:

• American Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Southwest Airlines (ending August 4, 2024)
• Sun Country
• United Airlines

Airlines that fly to Cozumel from Canada:

• Air Canada
• WestJet

Alternatively, you could also fly into Cancun International Airport, which is generally less expensive.

It’s then about a 1-hour drive to Playa del Carmen followed by a 30-minute ferry ride to Cozumel.

The Cozumel ferry is one of the most popular ways to get to the island of Cozumel from Playa del Carmen.

The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes and departs every hour on the hour from both locations. The cost is around $17 USD for a one-way ticket.

When you arrive in Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, the San Miguel de Cozumel ferry terminal is located directly across the street from the main town square making the town center within easy walking distance.

To get to further destinations in Cozumel, there are plenty of taxis available right outside to take you to your hotel or final destination.

San Miguel de Cozumel is located on the east coast of Mexico and enjoys a tropical climate, with an average temperature of 80°F (27°C).

The weather is warm and humid all year round. There are two main seasons, the wet season (May to October) and the dry season (November to April).

The wet season is characterized by higher temperatures and more rainfall. The dry season is cooler and has less rainfall.

During high season (December-April), the weather is usually less humid and very pleasant but you might want to add a light sweater or jacket to your Mexico packing list to stay warm in the evenings.

Here’s a map outlining the Cozumel downtown area of San Miguel de Cozumel to give you an idea of the town’s location on the island.

The downtown area of San Miguel de Cozumel is pretty walkable making it easy to get around to restaurants, cafes, shops, and the beachfront.

Be sure to map out your route on Google Maps to estimate walking distances as some restaurants and attractions may be further on the outskirts of town and better suited for a taxi ride.

To go further distances, you can also rent a bicycle to explore the island from one of the many bike rental companies.

Some Cozumel resorts and hotels may also offer the complimentary use of bicycles for hotel guests.

Cozumel is bike-friendly but you will want to be extra careful when biking on major roads and around vehicles as the drivers in Mexico can be a little unpredictable.

If you plan to travel further distances or want to explore some more off-the-beaten-path locations, then you’ll want to rent a car or jeep to explore the island.

Rental cars are widely available in Cozumel but you’ll want to do a thorough safety check on your vehicle as it’s common for them to be worn or in poor working condition.

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For further distances, taxis are safe, abundantly available, and probably the most convenient form of transportation on the island.

You’ll be able to pay for taxis in pesos or dollars in Cozumel but credit cards are typically not accepted so you’ll want to make sure you have enough cash on hand.

When visiting San Miguel de Cozumel, you can choose to stay in the main town square where you’ll find more budget-friendly boutique hotels, apartments, and vacation rentals.

Or you can venture further outside of the downtown area and stay at one of the many beachfront resorts in Cozumel, which are typically all-inclusive.

Choose one of these San Miguel de Cozumel hotels for a more budget-friendly option with easy access to the downtown shops, restaurants, and bars:

• Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel: A downtown oasis with 12 unique rooms, this boutique hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast, a swimming pool, and hammocks, and is ideal for travelers who want comfort at a great value within walking distance to the town center.

• Hotel Kiin Cozumel: Featuring just 12 rooms, this hotel offers clean and affordable accommodations, a small swimming pool, a garden, and is conveniently located just a short stroll from the beach and ferry terminal.

• Villas Colibri Cozumel: Perfect for groups or families, these Mexican-style villas provide spacious, home-like accommodations in a central location, with lush gardens, pool-facing patios and balconies, and an included continental breakfast.

Choose one of these resorts a little further outside of San Miguel de Cozumel for a more upscale beachfront or all-inclusive experience:

• Presidente InterContinental Cozumel: This is the best resort in Cozumel featuring a private beach with excellent snorkeling, spacious rooms, a variety of dining options, and amenities including a dive shop, two pools, and a fitness center.

• Hotel B Unique Cozumel: This boutique luxury adults-only hotel is super cute and trendy with ocean-view balconies and an incredible oceanfront infinity pool.

• Cozumel Palace: This luxury all-inclusive resort offers a complete vacation experience with 24-hour room service, in-room whirlpool tubs, and activities like scuba diving and stand-up paddleboarding.

There are so many Cozumel tourist attractions all over the island whether you’re looking for adventure activities, water sports, or cultural attractions.

Here are 10 of the best things to do in San Miguel de Cozumel:

1. Explore the main town square

In the center of San Miguel de Cozumel just across from the ferry terminal, you’ll find Benito Juarez Park – the main town square known as “Centro” to locals.

This is where you’ll find the tourist information center where you can gather visitor information from friendly and knowledgeable guides.

In this area, you’ll also find the colorful Cozumel letters and the signature orange clock tower. With many vendors surrounding the square, it’s a great place to start exploring the island!

Here you can check out the shops, stroll along the beachfront “malecon” (boardwalk), or just sit back and relax on the many benches surrounding the square.

2. Discover the colorful graffiti

The island of Cozumel has another hidden gem: street art. Cozumel’s street art scene is vibrant and ever-changing.

You can find murals and graffiti all over the island, from the downtown area to the more residential neighborhoods. The street art ranges from colorful and whimsical to political and thought-provoking.

If you’re interested in seeing some of Cozumel’s street art for yourself, it’s pretty easy to explore on your own and you’re sure to be impressed by the creativity and talent of local artists.

3. Go souvenir shopping in San Miguel de Cozumel

If you’re looking for a place to do some souvenir shopping while in Cozumel, San Miguel de Cozumel is the perfect spot.

The quaint town square is full of shops selling traditional Mexican handicrafts and souvenirs. You’ll find everything from colorful blankets to sombreros to Mayan-themed trinkets and jewelry.

Bargaining is common practice in Mexico, so you can definitely try to haggle for a better deal!

4. Go on a jeep tour to explore the island

Driving a jeep in Cozumel is the perfect way to explore the island. You can either rent a jeep on your own or book one of these fun Cozumel jeep tours led by professional guides.

Before heading out, you’ll want to do a thorough safety check on the vehicle to make sure it’s in good working order as it’s common for the jeeps to be older and in less than ideal condition.

You’ll then be able to cruise around the island at leisure and get to see some of the more secluded beaches and jungle landscapes on the less developed eastern side of Cozumel.

5. Go on a snorkeling tour

Snorkeling in Cozumel really shouldn’t be missed and is one of the best things to do if you’re looking for more adventurous water activities.

The clear turquoise waters and abundance of marine life make it a snorkeler’s paradise, where you’ll get to see a variety of colorful fish, coral reefs, and other marine life.

There are many different Cozumel snorkeling tours available, whether you want to explore the reefs, go on a glass-bottom boat, or set sail on a catamaran.

One of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island is El Cielo, a sandbar known for its abundance of giant starfish. On the El Cielo tour, you’ll get to visit El Cielo, as well as snorkel at Palancar and Columbia Reefs.

At El Cielo, you’ll be astonished at the water’s clear turquoise color – it is truly incredible! I’ve visited El Cielo twice and it has been my favorite tour experience in Cozumel.

6. Relax at a beach club

There are many beach clubs on the island that offer visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the stunning views.

Aside from beach beds, many Cozumel water parks and beach clubs also offer fun water activities like water trampolines and aqua parks, which are perfect for kids or adventurous adults.

The San Miguel de Cozumel beaches right across from the main town square are not the best so I would recommend venturing further south for a better beach club experience.

I’ve found the best beaches in Cozumel to be on the southwestern side of the island, where the waves are calmer, the beach area is more widespread, and there is little to no seaweed like on many of the other beaches in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

These are some of the most popular beach clubs in Cozumel, which are a short drive from the downtown area:

• Playa Palancar: My personal favorite, Playa Palancar offers an absolutely stunning widespread beach with clear crystal water and a few different beach clubs and restaurants to choose from for a relaxing beach club experience.

• Money Bar Beach Club: A short taxi ride away from San Miguel de Cozumel, the Money Bar Beach Club is one of the most popular Cozumel beach clubs offering a restaurant, lounge beds, live music, and clear snorkeling right off the beach.

• Mr. Sanchos Beach Club: This all-inclusive beach club experience offers a wealth of activities like parasailing, jet skis, pools, an aqua park, and a swim-up bar along with classic beach loungers and cabanas. Plus, food and unlimited alcoholic drinks are included in the admission price.

• Tortugas Beach Club: A popular oceanfront restaurant and fun beach hangout, the beach area at Tortugas Beach Club is not the most widespread but it’s most known for its water activities like floating trampolines, a floating obstacle course, jet skis, and hydro-bikes.

Travelista Tip: For a less commercialized Cozumel beach experience, head to the lesser well-known Playa Chen Rio on the east side of the island where you can hang out in a beautiful beach cove and grab some fresh seafood or drinks at the El Pescador beachfront restaurant.

7. Go scuba diving

With its world-renowned coral reefs, scuba diving in Cozumel should not be missed for those that are scuba certified.

The water is crystal clear and the reefs are teeming with marine life such as sea turtles, eagle rays, colorful fish, and tiny seahorses.

Even if you’re not scuba certified, many dive shops and resorts in Cozumel offer scuba certification or introductory training sessions if you want to give it a try.

8. Visit Punta Sur Eco Park

If you’re looking for adventure while in Cozumel, Punta Sur Eco Park is the perfect spot.

A paradise for nature lovers, the eco-park marks the southern point of Cozumel and spans a whopping 247 acres of pristine beaches, natural lagoons, coral reefs, and low forest eco-systems.

With activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and even a small history museum, there’s plenty to do and see at this park. Not to mention the scenic lighthouse and Instagram-worthy directional signs.

One of the most popular ways to visit Punta Sur Eco Park is via an electric bike tour where you can cycle along sandy beach roads on a Pedego bike, taste tequila, go snorkeling, and spot wildlife such as crocodiles, turtles, and flamingos.

9. Shop at the Mercado Municipal

Immerse yourself into the local culture by visiting Mercado Municipal, Cozumel’s central market.

This bustling market is the perfect spot to sample fresh produce, pick up unique handmade crafts, try some local food, and interact with friendly locals.

Whether you’re in search of traditional Mexican spices, Mexican candies, or just want to get a taste of something more local, the Mercado Municipal offers a colorful and authentic shopping experience.

I visited the Mercado Municipal while taking this Cozumel Cooking Class and it was very interesting to learn from a local chef!

10. Go on the Submarine Expedition

The Submarine Expedition in Cozumel is a great way to see the island from a different perspective. The Atlantis XII is Mexico’s only submarine designated for tourism and it dives to more than 100 feet.

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 ft deep at the edge of the island.

The submarine has 26 side portholes and one large viewport across the bow, making it ideal for kids or those who are not interested in snorkeling or scuba diving but still want an up-close view of the underwater life in Cozumel.

In recent years Cozumel has developed a vibrant foodie scene and there are no shortage of San Miguel de Cozumel restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines.

Here are a few of the best restaurants in Cozumel:

• El Moro: A family-owned gem offering traditional Mexican cuisine with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a true local experience.

• Guisados: A go-to taqueria known for its handmade blue corn tortillas and a variety of taco fillings, delivering an authentic taste in a family-run setting.

• Guido’s: Serves excellent seasonal Italian dishes, famous for its garlic bread, and offers a romantic candlelit courtyard ideal for intimate evenings.

• Kondesa: This trendy spot serves inventive seafood dishes in a jungle-like setting with live jazz music, providing a unique dining experience.

• Bajau Steakhouse and Seafood Grill: Offers an upscale dining experience with beautifully presented steak and seafood dishes in a modern waterfront setting, perfect for special occasions.

The bar scene in San Miguel Cozumel ranges from tourist traps like Fat Tuesday and Señor Frog’s to trendy and high-end cocktail bars.

Here are some of the best bars in San Miguel de Cozumel:

• Cocomama Tiki Room: A top choice for a tiki bar experience, offering tropical cocktails and a selection of snacks, complemented by ocean views and a vibrant bamboo-themed decor.

• Aqui + Ahora (Here and Now): A fashionable multi-level bar with a rooftop for sunset views, this trendy coffee shop has an arcade room, a coffee shop level, and is known for their coffee-infused alcoholic drinks and craft cocktails.

• Agave Cocktail Bar: Renowned for its craft cocktails and expert mixology, this bar features an intimate setting in the main town square, with a specialty in mezcal, tequila, and distinctive drinks like “La Bruja”.

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about San Miguel de Cozumel:

I hope this San Miguel Cozumel Mexico travel guide was useful to get to know everything that the town and surrounding island has to offer!

From stunning beaches and exciting water activities to delicious food and a lively town square, San Miguel de Cozumel has something for every type of traveler.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay or a luxurious resort experience, you’ll find it in San Miguel de Cozumel.

Don’t forget to explore the local markets, try some mouth-watering tacos, and sip on creative cocktails at one of the famous Cozumel tiki bars!

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