Many people believe Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexico’s Independence Day. But they are wrong! Mexico’s Independence Day is actually September 16 which is Mexico’s most important national holiday. So what is Cinco… More
Cozumel MY Cozumel…
There’s really nowhere else in the Caribbean like quirky, sweet-natured little Cozumel island. Explore it for a day and you’ll want to come back for more.
Stay a week and chances are good you’ll already be planning your next trip to “Coz” on the airplane home. (The island can be seriously addicting.)
This website is an accurate, frequently up-dated guide to All Things Cozumel. The editors live on the island full-time. So it’s easy for us to stay abreast of everything that’s happening locally.
Cozumel Parks
The Foundation of parks and museums of Cozumel manages three beautiful parks and one museum: Chankanaab Park, Punta Sur Ecological Park, San Gervasio Archaeological Site and Museo de La Isla
Cozumel Park links:
Website
Facebook
Chankanaab Park is located in the Marine National Park of Cozumel. Chankanaab has something for your entire family. You can easily spend the entire day here. Take a stroll through the archeological replicas path and botanical gardens where you will discover more than 350 species of island plants, view the underwater sculptures as you test your snorkeling skills, or relax the day away in a lounge chair or hammock.
HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; closed Sunday
ADMISSION: Adult & child pricing; parking is free
ATTRACTIONS:
- Chankanaab Reef
- Chankanaab Lagoon
- Caletita
- Underwater Sculptures
- Botanical Garden
- Eco-Archaeological tour to the archaeological replicas
- Mayan Hut
- Crocodile farm
- Dolphin and Manatee exhibitions
- Sea Lions show
- Kayak Tour (additional)
- Snuba & Sea trek (additional)
- Diving (additional)
- Dolphinarium (additional)
- Spa (additional)
- Zip line (additional)
- Snack bar (additional)
- Souvenir stores (additional)
- Guide service (additional)
In additional, you can choose the following add-on packages:
Chankanaab ALL INCLUSIVE
Cost: Pricing for Adults and Children; check at the park
Includes: Entrance to Chankanaab, Snorkel gear rental (Mask, Snorkel, Fins, and Vest) AND All You can Eat Buffet.
ChankaSnorkel
Cost: Pricing for Adults and Children; check at the park
Includes: Entrance to Chankanaab, Snorkel gear rental (Mask, Snorkel, Fins and Vest).
ChankaBuffet
Cost: Pricing for Adults and Children; check at the park
Includes: Entrance to Chankanaab Park and All You Can Eat Buffet
The Cozumel Museum features artifacts & exhibits on the island’s history, plus a restaurant with ocean views. The main function of the museum is to protect and preserve the cultural heritage of the Cozumel population. Visit the museum to learn more about the island origin, development, and customs.
HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm; closed Sunday
ADMISSION: General admission pricing
ATTRACTIONS:
- Room 1 “The Island”
- Room 2 “The Ocean”
- Room 3 “Cozumel in History”
- Room 4 “Contemporary”
- Mayan Hut
- Temporary exhibitions
- Restaurant (additional)
- Souvenir shop (additional)
*** Punta Sur Ecological Park ***
Punta Sur marks the southern point of Cozumel and is part of the Parque Punta Sur, a 247-acre ecological park that covers the reefs, beaches, lagoons, and low forest of the surrounding area. The reef system is also part of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. The lighthouse observation tower is definitely worth the climb. The snorkeling is amazing and you will find plenty of lounge chairs and hammocks for a relaxing day you will not soon forget.
HOURS: Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 4:00pm; closed Sunday
ADMISSION: Pricing for Adults and Children; check at the park; parking is free
ATTRACTIONS:
- Celarain lighthouse
- Mayan temple “El Caracol”
- Birds and crocodile observation tower
- Museum
- Bird watching trail
- Catamaran tour along the Colombia lagoon
- Snorkeling
- Sea turtles protection workshops (The season lasts from June to October)
- Restaurants (additional)
- Snack Bars (additional)
- Souvenirs stores (additional)
*** San Gervasio Archaeological Site ***
San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the northern third of the island of Cozumel off the transversal road. The San Gervasio archaeological set has been considered the center of pilgrimages where the Mayan worshiped the Goddess “Ixchel”. Besides being a Mayan sacred center, it was a strategic site for commerce and the politic development of the area.
HOURS: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
ADMISSION: General Admission pricing; parking is free
TIP: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes & bring bug repellant & sun block
ATTRACTIONS:
- Archaeological site
- Snack bar (additional)
- Souvenirs stores (additional)
- Guide service (additional)
Kun Che is a mystical adventure in the heart of Cozumel´s jungle where you will experience the Maya culture in this natural paradise. Kun Che is located south of town in El Cedral.
HOURS: Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm; Closed Sunday
ADMISSION: Adult & Child pricing; check at the park
ATTRACTIONS:
- Maya Purification ritual
- Guided tour through the Maya Reserve with bilingual guide
- May Ball Game and Prehispanic dances
- Regional buffet style lunch
- Mexican folkloric show
- Tequila tasting
Import to note: Cozumel My Cozumel does not accept paid advertising or commission on food or activities. IF there is a discount, we pass ALL discounts on to our members. We hand pick the businesses we want to feature to ensure the best possible experience for CMC members
Other must read Cozumel My Cozumel articles:
East Side Bar Tour
Things to do on a Rainy Day in Cozumel
Cozumel Must Eats
Cozumel Learn the Language
Fun Cozumel Itineraries
Cozumel Taxi Tour
Cozumel Taxi Tour
Do you want to tour the island but don’t want to rent a car? We are super excited to share TWO options for your Cozumel Taxi Tour!
Cozumel My Cozumel recommends two taxi drivers that have several years of experience and many, many satisfied customers:
Taz Miranda
Sonny Tushiro Hernandez
Taz and Sonny will see to it that you have a safe, fun trip around the island! YOU can decide the route OR you can leave it up to them to show you the best spots for your island tour.
*** TAZ MIRANDA ***
<a rel="noreferrer noopener"
Option 1:
PRICE: $200 USD for 1-4 PASSENGERS (additional passengers are $40 USD each)
TIME: approximately 5 hours
Taz drives an 12 seat van, but has 3 additional taxis so he can accommodate up to 38 passengers at one time!
NOTE: Taz provides a cooler filled with cold water & Mexican beer!
Option 2:
PRICE: $160 USD for 1-4 PASSENGERS (additional passengers are $35 USD each)
TIME: approximately 3 hours (additional time is $50 USD per hour).
NOTE: Taz provides a cooler filled with cold water & Mexican beer!
How to Contact Taz:
Email: cozmitaz@hotmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cozmitaz
Cell/WhatsApp: 987.800.8676
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: SNORKELING PACKAGE – Guided Shore Snorkeling Tour + Lunch for $35 USD per person
INCLUDES: Shore snorkel guide, snorkel equipment, delicious Mexican fajitas, one soft drink, Wi-Fi, lounge-chair, umbrella, 5 minute massage.
WHAT TO BRING: Camera, towel, sunscreen (must be biodegradable!), comfortable clothes (hat, swimsuit, shoes, etc.), extra cash. Do not forget a strong desire to have fun….and a big smile!
NOT INCLUDED: Alcoholic beverages.
*** SONNY TUSHIRO HERNANDEZ ***
<a rel="noreferrer noopener"
PRICE: Please contact Sonny for pricing
TIME: approximately 5 hours
Sonny drives a 11 seat van, so he can accommodate up to ten passengers!
How to Contact Sonny:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonnytushiro
Cell/Whatsapp: 987.101.5932
Important to note: Cozumel My Cozumel does not accept paid advertising or commission on food or activities. IF there is a discount, we pass ALL discounts on to our members. We hand pick the businesses we want to feature to ensure the best possible experience for CMC members
Other MUST READ Cozumel My Cozumel articles:
East Side Bar Tour
Things to do on a Rainy Day in Cozumel
Cozumel Must Eats
Cozumel Learn the Language
Cozumel Things to do on a Rainy Day
Rainy day in Cozumel? There is still PLENTY to do and see! Here is our recommendations for FUN things to do on a rainy day in Cozumel:
- Chocolate Factory – Chocolates Kaokao
- Planetarium – Cha’an Ka’an Planetario (currently closed)
- Discover Mexico Park (closed)
- Go see a MOVIE! (closed)
- The Mayan Cacao Company
- Tequila tour
- Cantina Crawl
- Private cooking class
- Go shopping
Chocolate Factory – Chocolates Kaokao
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
The Kaokao Chocolate Factory has been making traditional Mexican chocolates since 2007, and the Chocolates Kaokao Factory Tour allows visitors to witness this amazing process up close. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate in Mexico and get to sample the cacao during all the different stages of the chocolate-making process. Tours last approximately one hour and are offered every hour on the hour between 9am to 2pm every day except Sunday. Online reservations are required, and group discounts are available for groups of six or more people.
Location: 1a. Bis Sur S between 80 & 85
Phone: +52-987-119-7903
Hours: Monday – Saturday 9am-3pm; closed Sunday
Planetarium – Cha’an Ka’an Planetario
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
Opened in 2015, Cha’an Ka’an Planetarium is the first 3D full-dome planetarium in Latin America. Visitors will have the opportunity to take celestial journeys in real time, which they can interact with using a motion sensing system called Kinect. There are also several other spaces in addition to the planetarium, including the Mayan Room, a Nature Interpretation Center, and two Learning Rooms. Daytime observation of the sky is possible during the afternoons every day of the week except for Sunday, and nighttime observation is offered Thursday, Friday, and Saturday between 8pm to 10pm.
Location: Av. Claudio Canto S/N, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Phone: +52-987-857-0867 & +52 987 857 1186
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday 11:30am-7pm; Closed Sunday.
Discover Mexico Park
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
Stories, people, art, food, gardens, architecture, music, and traditions all blend together to create the rich history and culture of Mexico. Here at Discover Mexico in Cozumel, we connect our guests to the colorful heritage of Mexico- past and present! Our grounds and our tours are designed to appeal to all five of your senses, giving you an accurate, comprehensive overview of the richness of Mexico. Our interactive park offers family-friendly limited mobility access to our botanical gardens, our Museum of Popular Arts, and specialty tours for an array of interests.
Location: Carretera Costera sur Km 5.5, Zona Hotelera Sur
Phone: +52-987-857-2820
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm; Closed Sunday
Go see a MOVIE!
Cozumel has TWO movie theaters that offer movies in English and have very comfortable seating!
Cineapolis Cozumel
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
Location: above Chedraui on Melgar
Cinemex Cozumel
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
Loctaion: Punta Langosta shopping mall
The Mayan Cacao Company
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
The Mayan Cacao Company is a place to discover the origins of chocolate in the same land of their creators: The Mayas. This is not a museum, it is an interactive place where you become an explorer of the history of the most popular food in the world. Behind The Mayan Cacao Company there is one of the largest operators of tourism in Mexico, Aviomar Adventours, a company with over 50 years of experience and highly committed with top standard quality services, guaranteeing you an unforgettable experience.
Location: 15 minutes south of down town Cozumel next to Playa Mia Beach Club.
Phone: +52 987 872 0942 or +52 (987) 120 94 31
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-4pm; Closed Sunday
Tequila Tour
Cozumel has several options for free tequila tours. Learn about the tequila process from the harvest to the bottle.
Here are our suggestions:
Free Tequila tour at Casa Mission
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
Location: Avenida 5 Norte (1,740.76 mi)
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Closed Sunday
Mi Mexico Lindo Tequila Tour
Facebook LINK
Location: Avenida General Rafael E Melgar
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Closed Sunday
Hacienda Antigua Tequila Tour
Facebook LINK
Location: CARRETERA TRANSVERSAL KM 9.8
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm; Closed Sunday
Cantina Crawl
Visit some of the cantinas that are scattered throughout the downtown section of the island.
These are the places we recommend for island visitors:
- Chendos: Av 40 between Calle 5 & Hidalgo
- Las Tortugas: Av 30 between Calle 19 & 21
- Bar Amigos: on Juarez near Av 30
- Las Boyas: Calle 3 between Av 15 & 20
- El Gato Negro: Calle 6 between Av 20 & 25
Private Cooking Class
Facebook LINK
Website LINK
A culinary experience! Hands-on journey into the history and evolution of the Mexican Culinary World. The experience includes a private 3 courses sit down lunch, constant chef tutelage and our margarita workshop at the bar.
Phone: +52 987 869 1086
Lots of shops off the main waterfront road and behind the Benito Juarez Plaza!
Be sure to visit the Mercado! Great local restaurants, a variety of fruit & meat, and little shops. Authentic island shopping!
Location: Corner of Calle Rosado Salas and Avenida 25
Other useful Cozumel My Cozumel pages:
Cozumel Food – Top 12 Must Eats
Ready to indulge in the various local cuisines? Cozumel has a wide variety of explosive flavors that will keep you hungry for more. Here’s our list of the top 12 must eats and the best places to try them out.
1. Cochinita Pibil
A Yucatan favorite. Slow roasted pork, hence the name of Cochinita –tiny pig. You’ll find it in tacos or tortas on the island. We recommend trying either a Torta de Cochinita Pibil or Taco de Cochinita Pibil.
Best place to find on the island: Served every Sunday morning on Calle 23 between 25 Av y 25 Bis. Get there early…the solo carne sells out fast!
2. Pescado Frito
The Fried fish is a classic dish in Mexico. It’s a quick and easy way to make a yummy meal. You can’t go wrong with fried fish! Here in Cozumel, most people go for a grouper or red snapper, but there are plenty of other fish in the sea which are great for frying. It all depends on what you like.
Best place to find on the island: San Carlos Pescadaria 50 Av Bis between Rosada Salas & Calle 3 Sur
3. Salbutes & Panuchos
Salbutes are delicious antojitos are small, thick tortillas with a variety of toppings, including the local versions of moles, made with ground spice mixtures called recados. The most popular topping of all is shredded, cooked chicken.
A Panucho is a Mexican food specialty from the Yucatán made with a fried tortilla that is stuffed with refried black beans and topped with chopped cabbage, pulled chicken, tomato, pickled red onion, avocado, and pickled jalapeño pepper.
Best place to find on the island: El Mercado 11 Av entre 25 y 30 Av
4. Pozole
Pozole is a bowl of delicousness! Pozole is a traditional soup in Mexico. It is made from hominy, with chicken (or pork) and a mildly seasoned broth. Pozole is served with shredded cabbage, onion, radishes, & limes for garnishing.
Best place to find on the island: Tacotales on 15 Av between Rosado Salas & Calle 3. Note: Otates is open from noon to 4am. This is an old picture….but the food is fresh!
5. Huarache
A popular Mexican dish consisting of masa dough and smashed pinto beans placed in the center before it’s given the oblong shape. Filled with a variety of toppings including salsa, onions, potato, cilantro and other protein such as pastor or chorizo, and then finished with queso fresco. We recommend a huarache con papas y pastor!
Best place to find on the island: Taqueria Chilangos 30 Av and Calle 3
6. Ceviche
A very popular dish in tropical areas. It looks like a fish salad cooked in lime juice, but it can be prepared with many different ingredients.
Best place to find on the island: Everywhere! Particularly La Conchita del Caribe Av 8 de Octubre (formerly Av 65) between Calles 13 & 15 Sur
7. Tacos al Pastor
Crisp-thin shavings of vertical spit-roasted pork, marinated with guajillo chiles and achiote, piled on double corn tortilla and topped with chopped onion, pineapple and cilantro. The meat is cooked in a Trompo de Pastor (a stout metal skewer loaded up with strips of marinated pork cut in a rounded shape).
Best place to find on the island: Super Taqueria El Pique Av 30 between Juarez y Calle 2 &Los Seras Corner of Av 30 & Morelos
8. Empanadas
Baked or fried turnovers that are made with pastry dough and stuffed with endless combinations of meat and/or vegetables or fruit. Empanadas are usually shaped like half-moons and range in size from bite-sized to family-sized.
Best place to find on the island: Punta Sur Cerveceria 10 Av entre Rosado Sales y Calle 3 , Del Sur Parrilla Argentina corner of 5 Av and calle 3 Sur, El Paste 60av y 55 sur bis or Calle 2 between Melgar and 5Av
9. Esquites
Corn in Mexico is commonly found in two forms: elote and esquites. Both are delicious. Esquites are cups of corn covered in butter, lime juice, chile powder, cheese, and mayo.
Best place to find on the island: in the southwest corner of the main Benito Juarez Plaza. We haven’t seen this stand open lately (March, 2021), but hopefully he will be back soon!
10. Chilaquiles
We do not need a special occasion to cook Chilaquiles, they are served every day in family homes, restaurants and hotels across Mexico. Either for breakfast or brunch, green or red Chilaquiles are a favorite dish. They are served garnished with crumbled cheese, cilantro, onion and topped with cream.
Best place to find on the island: Everywhere! Particularly at LA Candela corder of 5 Av and Calle 6
11. Churros
Crisp and golden on the outside, soft and almost moist in the center, and covered in a gritty mix of sugar and cinnamon, churros are one of the Mexicans’ favorite desserts. You can find churros being sold by street vendors in little paper bags in stands that have a heating light to keep them warm.
Best place to find on the island: Javier…delivers on his bike! Otherwise in the main Benito Juarez Plaza in the evening. Javier is currently recovering from a health issue (March, 2021)….but hopefully he will be out and about very soon!
12. Marquesitas
Marquesitas are a crispy crepe rolled up and traditionally filled with melted shredded cheese and a sweet filling of your choice. These bittersweet desserts are only popular in the Yucatan Peninsula. Look for small carts with a big sign that says “Marquesitas”. Watching them as they are made is part of the fun of getting one.
Best place to find on the island: in the main Benito Juarez Plaza in the evening
Other Cozumel FOOD links:
Featured Restaurants
Cheap Eats
Restaurants
Cozumel East Side Tour
Self Guided Tour!
Many people visit Cozumel without experiencing the east side. From jungle lined roads to beautiful ocean views, a Cozumel East Side Tour should be on every visitor’s itinerary. The drive is easy enough to do yourself or you can hire a taxi for the day (see our article on two taxi options).
Here is a quick guide to the bars/restaurants/beach clubs that you will find along the way. This list starts at Rasta’s and ends at Mezcalitos. Take your time and enjoy the east side…lots to see, drink, & eat!
There is no electricity on the east side, so businesses are open from approximately 10am – 6pm.
Be safe….PLEASE do NOT drink and drive.
TIP: We HIGHLY recommend starting south on R.E. Melgar with the first stop at Rasta’s. This way you will avoid the afternoon traffic jam in front of the international cruise pier.
Rastas Freedom in Paradise: Facebook LINK
Rasta’s was established in 1987 by a local Family. They are the pioneers of reggae style on the island. Rasta’s offers a full menu & bar, seaside tables, hammock area, and bathroom facilities.
Liquor Box Coconut Cabana: Facebook LINK
This fun beach shack has many names….The Liquor Box, Welcome to Miami, 25 Hour Bar, & Mojito House. No matter what you call it, they serve some of the best drinks on the island. Watching them make them is part of the fun. Be sure to try a Bloody Mary, Margarita, or a Mojito! The Liquor Box has a small seaside seating area with tables and hammocks, a snack menu, and a port-a-potty.
Cala Mirador: Facebook LINK
CLOSED. Cala Mirador is a beautiful place to admire the wonderful nature of the Mexican Caribbean. Swing at the bar or in one of the hammocks. They are closed on Sundays.
San Martin Beach Bar:
San Martin Beach Bar is located across the street from one of the best beaches! They have a full menu and bar. Plus shops for you to pick up some souvenirs.
El Pescador Marisqueria & Bar: Facebook LINK
El Pescador offers delicious seafood and plenty of beach seating. The menu (food & drink) is extensive…you’ll have a difficult time deciding what to order! They do have bathroom facilities.
Chen Rio: Facebook LINK
Chen Rio is a perfect spot for families as the kids can play in a protected ocean area. Also known for pretty much the only snorkeling area on the east side. They offer a full food and beverage menu and are known for their “pescado frito” (full, deep-fried, fish).
Coconuts Bar & Grill: Facebook LINK
Coconuts is known for their incredible views and strong margaritas! You can bring a shirt, license plate, koozie, etc and they will hang it on a wall or the palapa roof. They have a limited menu…but everything tastes better at Coconuts! A favorite is their jalapeno poppers & fajitas! Coconuts has a huge palapa roof, so if it is raining this is the place to be.
Punta Morena: Facebook LINK
Punto Morena has it all. It is a beach club where you could easily spend an entire day. Enjoy the wide, white sand beach, clear waters of the Caribbean, & the fresh breeze embracing the hammocks! They have some of the best food & drinks. PLUS salt water pools with a children’s slide and an on-site surf shop…..time to learn to surf!
Sr Iguanas: Facebook LINK
Sr. Iguanas is known for their Sopa de Lima….best soup on the island. You will enjoy the drinks as well as the food! You will be welcomed here…don’t pass it by!
Mezcalitos Restaurant & Beach Bar: Facebook LINK
Last stop (or your first stop depending on which direction you go) is Mezcalitos. You will want to order a margarita…served in an authentic mug. But be careful, they are STRONG! They have a good menu featuring burgers, Mexican, & seafood.
Other Cozumel My Cozumel links:
CMC Member DISCOUNTS
Things To Do
Top 12 MUST Eats
Cozumel MY Cozumel 