If you’re like me, when you’re not on vacation, you’re thinking about the next place you want to go, and you’ve got a list of ideas. My list is loosely categorized into “big vacations” and “getaways,” so I always have a trip coming up soon, along with a big one to look forward to. At the top of my getaway list is Cozumel, and it should be at the top of yours, as well. Whether you prefer cruises or resorts, Cozumel is a great place to enjoy great food, step into history, and relax on beautiful beaches.
Just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mexican island of Cozumel requires a valid US Passport for those traveling from the USA. Depending on where you’re flying from, there are direct flights as well as flights with layovers and connections. The good news is, even last minute flights are relatively inexpensive. If you prefer to get to Cozumel on a cruise ship, there are many itineraries on the major cruise lines that include a day in Cozumel. The cruise port is lively, clean, and filled with helpful locals who make getting off and on the ships easy and fun.
Once you arrive, Cozumel resorts offer world-class amenities and offer exceptional service at adults only properties as well as those that are family friendly. Whether you’re there for quick visit as part of a cruise or staying for a few days, you’ll find plenty of activities and, with a little common sense, find Cozumel to be a safe place to relax, explore, and have a great time on any budget.
Less than 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, getting around Cozumel is easy and fun which makes getting to all the off-resort activities a breeze. Choose a sail and snorkel adventure, dune buggy island tour, or visit the Mayan ruins and get an interesting history lesson. If you’re a foodie, take a craft cocktail class (like we did in the picture above), take a tequila tasting adventure, or experience interactive farm to table dining. Looking for some night life? The lively port town of San Miguel has great options for dining, dancing, bar hopping, and shopping.
Jen and I have been to Cozumel twice (so far) and have done different activities both times. Two activities we highly recommend are a day at Chankanaab and a dune buggy tour. The day pass to Chankanaab Park gives you access to a beautiful beach where you can sip fun drinks and eat delicious food, entrance to the sea lion shows, and can include zip-lining, and water sports equipment.
The dune buggy tour is a lot of fun and an exciting way to see Cozumel and experience the local culture with a great tour guide. In our group there were about twelve cars with 2-4 people in each with guides at the front and back of the group. We stopped for some amazing road-side taco’s, got a history lesson while walking around Mayan ruins, and of course made some stops at beaches and independent stores for souvenirs.
Being dependent on tourism you’ll find it very easy and convenient to explore, shop, and experience the culture. English is widely spoken and the locals are always ready to share their knowledge and make your vacation experience exceptional. Taxis are widely available and the drivers very helpful, the US dollar is widely accepted, and it’s perfectly safe to drink water at the resorts and bottled water at the main tourist attractions.
