24 Hours in Cozumel

Cozumel is an island located on the eastern side of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea. Known for its crystal-clear, azure waters teeming with beautiful sea creatures, Cozumel is a very busy tourist destination. From white sand beaches, mangrove forests and cenotes, to Mayan dances, museums and fine dining — Cozumel is a tropical paradise worth exploring. We are going to take you on a short 24-hour Cozumel experience.

How to get there

There are 3 ways to get to Cozumel: by airplane, ferry, or cruise ship. The local airport is very small and pretty expensive, but if you are in a hurry, flying is always fast and efficient. The ferry from the mainland is reasonably priced and drops you off right in downtown Cozumel. All of the major cruise lines visit Cozumel — Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Princess to name a few. So, whether you are planning a day trip from Cancun or Playa del Carmen or arriving at a private port on Cozumel — here is a guide to some of our favorite things to do, see, and visit while on the colorful island.

Where to stay

If you plan on spending 24 hours in Cozumel you will need a place to stay. If you came by way of cruise ship you will be spending your nights in your beautiful oceanic hotel resort docked at your cruise line’s port, such as Puerta Maya — Carnival’s port. Step off your boat and discover Cozumel. If you took the ferry or flew into Cozumel we have a couple of recommendations. Park Royal Cozumel offers an all-inclusive experience. With luxury hotel rooms that boast private balconies, 3 restaurants, 6 cocktail bars, swimming pools, beach access, and nightly entertainment. A little more affordable and less inclusive, but still beautiful and surrounded by ocean, gardens, and jungle– Villablanca offers some convenient amenities and old world charm.

Where to eat

24 hours means 3 meals, maybe a snack, and since it is vacation time, probably more than one spiked beverage. For breakfast head to Jeanie’s. Waffles, Omelets and egg dishes are spiced up with Mexican Caribbean flair. Delicious Huevos Poblanos (2 fried eggs topped with mole, queso blanco, and a quesadilla) or decadent Waffles Supremo (waffle with blueberry and strawberry jam, fried banana and chantilly cream) are some of our favorites. At lunchtime check out this “locals” restaurant: Casa Mission. Looking for a real bargain? Check out CRAZY KING Burrito!  Considered Cozumel's version of "fast food",  they have been awarded a five-star rating on tripadvisor.com.

Where to drink

We don’t mean water (but be sure to stay hydrated in the Cozumel sun). Mexico is known for margaritas and tequila, and Cozumel is no exception. What better way to escape on vacation than to spend the whole day drinking! Cozumel Bar Hop takes guests on a tour of bars on the ‘wild’ side of the island. Drink delicious cocktails in the jungle and by the beach, and enjoy the rustic Mexican style. The bars are so rustic that in fact that they DO NOT have electricity. Make sure to bring cash (no electricity means no credit card machines) and enjoy the air-conditioned Mercedes ‘bus’ drive with your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. The tour includes a signature drink at each bar!

What to do

In between all of the eating and drinking you must be sure to experience what Cozumel has to offer.

Clear Lounge

First, try out Clear Lounge at Puerta Maya. The world’s first underwater oxygen bar allows guests to immerse in a futuristic freestanding aquarium wearing only a bathing suit and a diving helmet. Patented technology allows people ages 8 and up to don Sea TREK helmets and walk underwater while breathing concentrated oxygen. No diving (or even swimming) experience is necessary! If you can walk and breathe you can participate in Clear Lounge. Each person (6 guests at a time) can choose an aromatherapy scent — Citrus Grove or Peppermint — to enhance his or her oxygen. Once immersed the guests can play underwater Jenga, shoot high powered bubble guns, write messages to each other and the onlookers, and pose for photos in the underwater photo booth (another world’s first) complete with a digital video wall backdrop and fun props. Clear Lounge Cozumel is currently the only Clear Lounge location on the world.

Sea TREK

There are a couple of locations that offer Sea TREK in the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Wearing a Sea TREK helmet, guests can walk on the ocean floor where sparkling sergeant majors and colorful parrotfish surround them. Guides point out other creatures that inhabit the site such as: starfish and spider shrimp. There have even been dolphin, octopus, squid, sea turtle, and stingray sightings — to name a few. Anyone ages 8 and up can enter the sea and experience the wonder that all divers know. To participate in Sea TREK you only have to listen to a 10-minute briefing video before you immerse yourself in the underwater world. No experience necessary — not even swimming. Try Sea TREK at Chankanaab or at Jeanie’s in Cozumel.

Salsa and Salsa Tour

The Salsa and Salsa Tour is a unique experience that combines culinary classes with salsa dancing classes. Guests learn how to create delicious salsas and margaritas. They enjoy gourmet cuisine from the dancing chefs, and then learn the moves of the salsa. Salsa!

Caribbean Combo — Sailing, Snorkeling, and Sunset

Take a trip to some beautiful snorkeling locations aboard a 65ft catamaran. Visit 2 reefs abundant with wildlife, and then head into the sunset to enjoy beer, margaritas, music and Mother Nature’s beauty while swaying on the balmy tropical waters. Book the Caribbean Combo.

Shopping

Shopping in Cozumel is really an experience. Tequila, pottery, silver and gold jewelry, and leather goods can be bought at bargain prices. The brightly colored goods catch your eye and inspire you to spend. Make sure to find the perfect memento from your Cozumel vacation — it is a place you will never forget.

If you can fit all of these activities, foods, and experiences into 24 hours you will have experienced a lot Cozumel has to offer, but there is still so much more to see, for example: attending cultural activities and museums, visiting the Mayan ruins, hiking jungle trails, attending Discover Mexico Park, and/or taking a submarine tour — to name a few. Many people revisit their favorite experiences when they go to Cozumel again. We hope you’ll try everything you can, and when you go back, try new things, but be sure to experience your favorites all over again.


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