3 days in Cozumel

Day by day

1. Day 1: Palancar Reef and El Cielo

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

   1. Morning

      Palancar Reef

      A long system of coral buttresses, swim-throughs and caverns along the island's southwest coast, Palancar is Cozumel's signature dive.

   2. Late morning

      El Cielo

      Look, don't touch: lifting starfish out of the water harms them and is prohibited in the park.

   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

      These deep wall dives drop away into the blue, with overhangs, tunnels and large sponges, and the current carries divers along the edge.

   5. 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 and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, then Plaza del Sol in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Chankanaab park

      Head straight to the snorkelling area in the morning before cruise groups arrive, and bring your own gear if you have it.

   2. Late morning

      Dzul-Ha

      A shore-snorkelling spot on the southwest coast where steps lead from a small beach club into shallow water over coral heads, with parrotfish, sergeant majors and sometimes turtles.

   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

      Allow a full afternoon and bring cash, insect repellent and reef-safe sunscreen; facilities inside the park are limited.

   5. Evening

      Plaza del Sol

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

3. Day 3: San Gervasio and Museo de la Isla de Cozumel

   San Gervasio, Museo de la Isla de Cozumel and East coast drive, then Malecón sunset in the evening.

   1. Morning

      San Gervasio

      The island's main Maya site lies in the jungle in the centre of the island.

   2. Late morning

      Museo de la Isla de Cozumel

      Visit during the midday heat or on a rainy afternoon, and finish with a drink on the upper terrace.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Ceviche

      Seafood restaurants on and behind the malecón and at east-coast beach bars.

   4. Afternoon

      East coast drive

      The coast road on the island's windward side runs past a string of empty beaches, limestone platforms, blowholes and a natural rock arch, with a few beach bars along the way and almost no development.

   5. Evening

      Malecón sunset

      Watch the sun set over the channel from the sea wall, followed by dinner on a waterfront terrace.

Before you go

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

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 3 nights, Centro and malecón keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Inland San Miguel ($) suits budget, solo travellers and food lovers. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 24–31 hours of visiting over 3 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.9 hours in December to 13.4 hours in June.

More or fewer days

• One day in Cozumel
• 2 days in Cozumel
• 5 days in Cozumel

Questions travellers ask