5 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

      Ask your dive shop which section suits your experience and the day's current; the shallower Gardens are best for newer divers. (Half a day, expensive).

   2. Late morning

      El Cielo

      Look, don't touch: lifting starfish out of the water harms them and is prohibited in the park. (Half a day by boat, mid-priced).

   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

      Monitor your depth closely on the wall; the visibility makes it easy to go deeper than planned. (Half a day, expensive).

   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. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   2. Late morning

      Dzul-Ha

      Wear a buoyancy vest and stay close to shore; boat traffic passes further out. (2–3 hours, low cost).

   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. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   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

      Hire a guide at the entrance; the structures are modest, and the stories of the pilgrimages are the real interest. (1–1.5 hours, low cost).

   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. (1 hour, low cost).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Ceviche

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

   4. Afternoon

      East coast drive

      Drive it clockwise from the south so the sea is on your side, and only swim in sheltered coves such as Chen Río. (Half a day, low cost).

   5. Evening

      Malecón sunset

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

4. Day 4: Day trip to Playa del Carmen

   About 45 minutes by ferry each way. Getting there: Passenger ferry from the town pier.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Playa del Carmen

      About 45 minutes by ferry (Passenger ferry from the town pier); about 20 km.

   2. Day

      Playa del Carmen

      Playa del Carmen across the channel has a long pedestrian street (Quinta Avenida) of shops, restaurants and bars, beaches and beach clubs. Best for shopping, nightlife and food lovers.

   3. Evening

      Back in Cozumel

      Dinner: try Tikin xic.

5. Day 5: Chen Río and El Cedral

   Chen Río, El Cedral and West coast beach clubs, then East coast picnic in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Chen Río

      Stay inside the protected pool area; currents outside the rocks are strong. (2 hours, free).

   2. Late morning

      El Cedral

      Visit during the festival around late April and early May to see traditional dances, rodeos and food stalls. (1 hour, free).

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tikin xic

      Seafood restaurants in town and beach restaurants along the coast.

   4. Afternoon

      West coast beach clubs

      Check the cruise-ship schedule and go on a day with few ships in port, when the clubs are much quieter. (Half a day, mid-priced).

   5. Evening

      East coast picnic

      Drive the windward coast and find your own stretch of beach between the beach bars.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Palancar Reef before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 5 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 30–38 hours of visiting over 5 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
• 3 days in Cozumel

Questions travellers ask