2 days in Cozumel

Day by day

1. Day 1: Palancar Reef and El Cielo

   Palancar Reef, El Cielo, Santa Rosa and Columbia walls and West coast beach clubs, then Malecón (Avenida Rafael E. Melgar) in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Palancar Reef

      Sections such as Palancar Gardens, Horseshoe and Caves suit different levels, with turtles, eagle rays and huge sponges common. Shallower parts are visited on snorkelling trips.

   2. Late morning

      El Cielo

      Boat snorkel tours stop here after visiting nearby reefs, and rays are often seen in the shallows.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Fish tacos

      Taquerías and street stalls in the inland streets of San Miguel, busiest at lunchtime.

   4. Afternoon

      Santa Rosa and Columbia walls

      Columbia's coral pinnacles and Santa Rosa's dramatic drop-off are among Cozumel's most demanding sites and best for experienced divers.

   5. Late afternoon

      West coast beach clubs

      Some charge entry or require a minimum spend.

   6. Evening

      Malecón (Avenida Rafael E. Melgar)

      Walk the stretch north of the ferry pier at sunset, where it is quieter and the views are clearer.

2. Day 2: Chankanaab park and Dzul-Ha

   Chankanaab park, Dzul-Ha, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and San Gervasio, then Plaza del Sol in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Chankanaab park

      Sea lion shows and dolphin programmes run at an extra charge.

   2. Late morning

      Dzul-Ha

      Snorkellers can explore a long stretch of reef without a boat.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Cochinita pibil

      Morning stalls and family restaurants in town; it is traditionally eaten for breakfast.

   4. Afternoon

      Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

      The tiny Maya shrine of El Caracol is said to whistle in strong winds.

   5. Late afternoon

      San Gervasio

      It was a sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility and the moon, and Maya women made pilgrimages here by canoe. Small temples, an arch and limestone causeways (sacbeob) connect the groups of buildings.

   6. Evening

      Plaza del Sol

      Come on a Sunday evening for the local atmosphere, then eat at the small restaurants just inland from the square.

Before you go

• Palancar Reef: Book dives a day or two ahead in high season; most operators limit group sizes.

If it rains

• Swap in Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Centro and malecón): Visit during the midday heat or on a rainy afternoon, and finish with a drink on the upper terrace.

Where to stay for this itinerary

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 23–30 hours of visiting over 2 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.9 hours in December to 13.4 hours in June.

Getting between stops: Ferry. Passenger ferries cross between Playa del Carmen and the pier opposite Plaza del Sol in about 45 minutes, with frequent departures through the day.

More or fewer days

• One day in Cozumel
• 3 days in Cozumel
• 5 days in Cozumel

Questions travellers ask