Cozumel attractions

Facing Cozumel’s white sands and turquoise waters, Playa Uvas Beach Club sits directly on the coast and offers a variety of activities and amenities. Active visitors will enjoy snorkel tours, parasailing, and kayaking, and there are lounge chairs, beachside massages, and pool facilities for those who simply want to relax in the sun.

Because El Caracol means “snail” in Spanish, there persists a myth that a giant conch shell once sat on top of these Mayan ruins, which are located in Cozumel’s Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. However, the name and snail sculptures that adorned the dome of the tiny temple actually refer to the rows of real snails that were embedded in the stucco.

Located close to one of Cozumel’s most popular beaches, The Mayan Cacao Company offers a glimpse into the important role chocolate plays in Mayan culture. Here, you’ll pass through interactive exhibits before sampling a pre-Hispanic chocolate drink and a chocolate margarita.

Cozumel’s Corona Beach (Playa Corona) is a snorkeler’s paradise, with an outstanding reef that starts right offshore. There’s not much of a beach scene, as the small stretch of fine white sand ends almost at the shoreline. The shallow waters are ideal for kids, beginners, and new snorkelers, while those more adventurous can swim out to explore the reef.

The Cozumel Museum (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel) sits on the waterfront in downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. Inside the historical building are a wealth of displays, all well signed in both Spanish and English. Its four permanent exhibit rooms offer an overview of the island’s geography, ecosystems, history, and culture.

Discover Mexico Park Cozumel showcases Mexican history, culture, and art through several indoor and outdoor exhibitions. Outside, miniature models depict famous sites and a botanical garden showcases Mexico’s rich wildlife. Inside, you can peruse artisanal crafts and taste traditional Mexican foods and beverages at the snack bar.

Located adjacent to Cozumel’s ferry port, Plaza del Sol is the cultural and economic heart of San Miguel. With bustling shops, restaurants, and breezy ocean views, this sunlit square is a good place to people-watch, browse souvenirs, and grab a bite. When evening nears, the street scene transforms as locals and tourists flock to nearby bars for live music and dancing.

Cozumel’s Royal Castle (Castillo Real) is a small Maya ruin on the island’s remote northeastern shore. Centuries ago, this stone outpost was likely a guard station to keep watch for enemy ships on the open sea. Today the structure is notable for its high vantage point, offering panoramic views of the coastline and the Caribbean Sea.

The Santa Rosa Wall is one of Cozumel’s most famous dive sites, with coral formations up to 40 feet (13 meters) high, massive rock overhangs, a deep drop-off, narrow tunnels full of sea creatures, and hundreds of species of tropical fish—including nurse sharks, sea turtles, angelfish, manta rays, and barracuda.

One of the Riviera Maya’s premier scuba diving sites, Tormentos Reef is located off the coast of Cozumel and houses a rich variety of marine life. Here you can find purple and orange coral structures upward of 30 feet (9 meters) in height, tunnels hiding nurse sharks and sea turtles, and huge manta rays nestled in the sand.