Located on Mexico’s eastern Caribbean coast, the island of Cozumel is one of the most popular tourist destination areas on the Yucatán Peninsula.
Its economy is almost entirely based on tourism, and with many of the region’s most undisturbed natural areas, it’s a favorite with beach lovers and outdoorsy types of all kinds.
Cozumel also has its share of historic sites, including many from the ancient Maya people who were thought to live in the area thousands of years ago.
There are many Mayan ruins that are open to visit, the largest of which is San Gervasio in the island’s interior.
Below are 15 of the best tours in Cozumel.
1. Private Jeep Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling
Source: getyourguide.comCozumel’s back country is rough, rugged, beautiful, and experiencing it by Jeep is a great way to go.
The roads that wind their way across the island will take gutsy explorers to national parks and Mayan ruins as well.
Refusing to be outdone by competitors, these tour operators have included beach time, an authentic Mexican lunch, and a tour and tasting at a local tequila distillery as well.
It’s a tour that’s packed with activities for value-minded travelers, and it’s a great way to spend your first day in the island paradise.
Click the link below to see what’s included and excluded in the price of the tour.
2. E-Bike and Snorkeling Tour on the West Coast
Source: getyourguide.comThis e-bike and snorkeling combo tour departs from Punta Langosta at 11:00 AM and begins with a brief safety orientation so everyone will be up-to-speed on how to use their e-bike.
The tour’s first stop will be the entrance to one of Cozumel’s underground rivers, and your guide will tell you how they were formed, and what kind of interesting plants and animals live nearby.
Other tour highlights include a Mayan garden, followed by snorkeling in the clear waters around Sky Reef Beach and Tormento’s Reef.
After a bit of relaxing and lunch, the tour will proceed to a local ranch house and distillery, where you’ll see the unique ingredients and procedures used to turn agave into tequila.
The tour includes bike, helmet, Marine Park fee, and tequila tasting. Additional food and drinks are extra.
3. Historical Walking Tour with Lunch
Source: Sven Hansche / shutterstockThis comprehensive walking tour of Cozumel starts with the sites in and around the downtown and waterfront areas, and includes the Mestizaje and Two Cultures Monuments which pay homage to the multi-cultural heritage of the island’s inhabitants.
Your experienced local guide will tell you about the island’s history as they lead you to some of the most visited sites which include the Island Museum, Cozumel Clock Tower, and a tequila distillery where you’ll learn about how tequila is made, and sample a few with different characteristics.
The tour ends with a traditional Cozumel-style lunch prepared with local ingredients.
The tour includes water and soft drinks, guide, lunch, tequila tasting, and museum entrance fee.
4. Cozumel Food Tour
Source: Fotos593 / shutterstockDue to its location in the shimmering waters of the Caribbean Sea, the island of Cozumel is home to an amazing cuisine that’s known throughout the region as one of the most vibrant.
Fresh local vegetables and seafood are the mainstays, and on this 3-hour tour you’ll get to sample some authentic Cozumel cuisine, while learning about the island’s history and rubbing shoulders with some locals as well.
You’ll hit some out of the way eateries that are a bit off the beaten path, and everything is included in the cost of the tour except gratuities for your guide and servers.
5. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Source: getyourguide.comCozumel has only one aquatic park, and it’s a hit with tourists looking to stay active in the sun and surf.
This day pass gives guests access to the park’s massive water slides, beaches, and areas especially designed with the little ones in mind, like Buccaneer’s Bay, which includes water cannons and a pirate ship.
And for the grownups who need to relax, there’s a pool bar that serves up tasty drinks all day.
Optional activities include kayaking, paddle boating, and games for children.
The park is fully-staffed and very safe, and door-to-door transportation can be arranged when booking the tour.
6. Dance & Salsa at Playa Mia
Source: getyourguide.comFew foods are more popular in Cozumel than guacamole and pico de gallo, and this fun food tour includes lessons on how to prepare both.
They’re simple, delicious, and the perfect match with warm corn chips, tacos, and deep-fried or grilled fish.
In addition to a few cooking lessons, this popular tour includes a buffet lunch with international and local foods, and even a salsa dancing lesson if you and your companions are interested in cutting loose on the dance floor.
Afterwards, enjoy the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park with its clear water, beautiful beaches, and host of activities that’ll keep everyone happy and occupied.
7. 3 ½ – Hour Jungle Trek to Jade Caverns
Source: getyourguide.comCozumel’s Jade Caverns are one of the island’s most interesting attractions, and there’s no more unique way to get there than by X-rail.
X-rails are all-terrain vehicles that can seat up to 4 guests, and they’re a safe and exhilarating way to trek through the forest.
The landscape on the way to the caverns is beautiful and full of exotic plants and animals, and once at Jade Caverns you’ll dismount and explore the caves which include stalactites, majestic palms, and unique orchids that aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
All training and safety gear is included, as is your guide and complimentary bottled water.
8. Full-Day Cozumel Reef Excursion with Snorkeling
Source: getyourguide.comFor those looking to spend a full-day away from the island and surrounded by beautiful expanses of sea, this reef adventure and snorkeling tour is a great fit.
Guests will set out from the Playa del Carmen, and once you reach the reef, you’ll get a dive safety orientation and meet your guide.
The tour includes 3 unique reefs, each noted for the different marine species that congregate there, and with a little luck you may get up close and personal with one of the world’s largest star-fish.
The tour includes drinks and a hearty meal, but the marine park entrance fee, taxes, and keepsake photographs aren’t.
9. Jet Boat Experience
Source: getyourguide.comFor those adrenaline junkies who need speed and power to get excited, this jet boat tour is a must.
This tour is limited to 12 people and will skim guests over the Caribbean’s blue waters at nearly 50 miles per hour, which in a boat feels like 100.
In addition to being tremendously powerful, the boat is also ultra-maneuverable, so hold on tight and be prepared for some serious g-force.
Due to its exhilarating nature, this tour probably isn’t a good idea for your granny.
The boat ride lasts about 45 minutes, which will be just the right amount of time.
10. Discover Mexico Park: Tequila, Margarita & Tacos Experience
Source: getyourguide.comDiscover Mexico Park is a great place to get familiarized with the island’s history, culture and food.
One of the tour’s most enjoyed highlights is the tequila seminar, which includes an overview of the popular drink’s history, how it’s made, and a tasty array of samples.
Guests may be surprised to find that tequila is available in many colors, grades, and flavor profiles, and after the tasting is done participants will enjoy an all-you-can-eat taco buffet.
Everything is included in the cost of the tour, except transportation to and from your hotel.
The reception staff at your hotel should be able to help you with transportation.
11. Amazing Race and Scavenger Hunt in San Miguel
Source: getyourguide.comThis race tour is a great way to get out on your own, see some sights, exercise your grey matter, and engage in a little friendly competition.
It’s part race, part historic tour, and part scavenger hunt, so there’ll be a little something for everybody in the group, no matter their interests.
The fun kicks off at a central meeting location, and after a brief explanation of the game and its rules, teams will begin deciphering clues and trekking around town in an attempt to outwit their competitors.
Prizes are included at the game’s end, and drinks and light refreshments are included as well.
12. Laser Tag Adventure at Chankanaab Park
Source: getyourguide.comFew laser tag arenas include the surroundings you’ll find at Chankanaab Park.
You’ll fight your way through thick jungles and around ancient historical ruins as you maneuver to get the perfect kill-shot on your competitors.
All participants will get a lesson in how to use the equipment, and the games can be tailored to the age and experience of the players, and unlike paintball guns, these ones only shoot beams of light, so you won’t need to worry about ruining your clothes.
After the game you can relax on the nearby beach, explore the botanical gardens, or watch some huge crocodiles at a special viewing area.
13. Atlantis Submarine Expedition in Cozumel
Source: getyourguide.comIn the 21st century, submarines aren’t the sole realm of powerful nations and British secret agents named Bond.
With crystal clear waters, reefs, and depths reaching 100 feet around the island, Cozumel is the perfect location for submarine tours.
The sub is a safe and exhilarating way to see an amazing array of colorful marine life and some of the most diverse reefs in the world.
The sub is air-conditioned and features plenty of windows from which to enjoy the panoramic views.
This once in a lifetime experience is great for all ages, but especially mesmerizing for the little ones.
14. Zip Lining at Chankanaab Park
Source: getyourguide.comIf you’re visiting Cozumel, chances are you’ll be spending a lot of time in Chankanaab Park.
It’s full of history, natural beauty, and plenty of activities designed to engage and excite.
Zip lining is a safe and inexpensive way to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding jungle and ocean.
The park includes different lines for guests of all ages, and no matter which you choose you’ll see some amazing sights from a unique high-altitude perspective.
A safety orientation is provided, and after you’ve gotten in plenty of zipping, feel free to enjoy the botanical gardens, scenic beach, or crocodile area.
15. Exclusive Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Source: viator.comCatamarans, snorkeling, and champagne just go well together, and if you and your travel companions would like to enjoy all 3, then this combo tour is a must.
It’s a decadently enjoyable way to spend an afternoon, and you’ll get to experience the area’s natural splendor like few others will.
The tour includes unlimited cocktails, and the boat has an open deck or air-conditioned cabin, so there’s someplace comfortable for everyone.
Tour size is limited to 30 to give it an intimate feel, and it’s a great way to meet likeminded tourists from all over the world.
A traditional Mexican lunch is included as well.