Cancun is truly a paradise in Mexico. With impressive resorts, breathtaking beaches, and a stunning setting, it is ideal for fun and relaxation. Along with so many quality tours in Cancun, plus attractions in nearby Riviera Maya like Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and the Mayan ruins of Tulum, the region also has fabulous islands to explore. Cozumel is the largest and is located just across from Playa del Carmen. Situated just 90 minutes apart, Cancun and Cozumel can easily be explored during your next vacation on Mexico’s Caribbean coast.
You don’t have to lodge yourself in a Cozumel resort to see this splendorous island. You can stay at an all-inclusive in Cancun and take advantage of the biggest benefit: the short distance from Cancun International Airport to the Hotel Zone. And you can enjoy airport transportation in Cancun and world-class customer service while you get there!
Making Sure to See Both Cancun and Cozumel
However, one of the worst mistakes you can make during a Cancun vacation is to never leave your hotel. There really are countless attractions to explore. Here you can find everything from Mayan ruins and sacred cenotes (sinkholes) to world-class adventure parks, nightclubs, and eateries. Discover ancient Mayan cultures and traditions, and see Mother Nature in her element. Encounter hidden gems among the rainforest, under the water’s surface, and from lookout points above the canopy.
And of course, Cozumel should be at the top of your list of places to visit during your Cancun vacation! So what makes Cozumel so great? For a start, one of the draws in the region is the incredible snorkeling offered by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The snorkeling in Cozumel goes beyond world-class; it is truly phenomenal. A tour here can take you to shallow waters full of colorful fish, a cliff-like reef where you can see sharks below you, and even to a sandbar full of starfish!
Visit Cozumel on Your Own or with Pick-up from Your Cancun Hotel
There are different ways to get to Cozumel. For one, you could take public transportation. There is a regular bus from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, which takes about an hour, and then an hour-long ferry from “Playa”. This does, unfortunately, make you reliant on bus timetables and availability, and you still have to get to the ADO bus terminal in Cancun.
A better way is to take a tour with hassle-free, direct pick-up from your Cancun hotel. There are three Cozumel tours that provide Cancun pick-up, and they’re totally worth the experience.
Cozumel Mayan Heritage by Jeep
The island also has a rich Mayan heritage, easily explored with a Jeep. Go to the Town of Corn (Pueblo de Maiz), a cultural park where you’ll discover the art of making Mayan products like chocolate, tortillas, honey, and handicrafts. Afterwards, you can check out the Punta Sur Eco Park, with its lighthouse offering incredible views. Here you’ll also see a crocodile sanctuary and a stunning botanical garden. Head below the water’s surface to discover the life underneath at Punta Sur’s top snorkeling spot. Explore the beautiful Colombia Lagoon, where the pirates of yesteryear are said to have hidden their treasure. You’ll see all this and more on the Cozumel Mayan Heritage by Jeep tour!
Cozumel Highlights by Truck
Another way to explore is by truck on the Cozumel Highlights by Truck tour. This takes you exploring Paraiso Bajo reef, the jungle, and to the same crocodile sanctuary. Pay homage at the altar of Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of fertility and medicine at the impressive archaeological ruins at San Gervasio. Later you can unwind with lunch at a stunning beach, before ending up with shopping in San Miguel, downtown Cozumel.
Cozumel Total
A final recommendation is the Cozumel Total tour. This day trip allows you to get up close and personal with sting-less stingrays in a special park. You’ll then head to deeper water to admire other colorful fish species under the water’s surface. Enjoy a light lunch at a beach club, before heading to San Miguel for souvenirs.
Check out more excursions in Cozumel available on Amstar!
Enjoy the Best of Both Cancun and Cozumel
Cancun vs Cozumel – this rivalry cannot be settled. You simply must see both places! Visiting Cancun and Cozumel will allow you to experience your vacation to the fullest and experience amazing places, culture and people.
As you can see, a day trip to Cozumel is well worth the effort. Make the most of the tours that make your life easy with pickups from your Cancun hotel, and enjoy this idyllic island. Find out why this place was and is so revered by the pre-Hispanic Mayans, the pirates of days gone by, and visitors of today. Discover paradise when you choose to see Cancun and Cozumel on an unforgettable vacation on Mexico’s Caribbean coast!
