Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

Cozumel is one of the largest islands in Mexico and you will be able to enjoy many activities. Immerse yourself in this adventure with one of the best excursions to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen.

Ana Belén Moreno

Ana Belén Moreno

10 min read

Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen

Cozumel | ©Ken

Cozumel has become one of the most recognized tropical places in the Mexican Caribbean. It is just a stone's throw from Playa del Carmen, so tours from this area are common. If you decide to go Cozumel Day Trips from Playa del Carmen you can snorkel, visit the town of San Miguel or taste its rich gastronomy, among many other activities.

Would you like to take an excursion to Cozumel? These tours will take you to the island in a safe, comfortable and easy way. This island, surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand beaches and coral reefs, is a paradise in every way. I am sure your Cozumel excursion will be an experience you will brag about for years to come.

1. Excursion to Cozumel to enjoy a day of scuba diving

Diving in Cozumel| ©tslane888
Diving in Cozumel| ©tslane888

Diving in Cozumel is like daydreaming; the coral reefs catch the light through the crystal clear Caribbean waters, making the underwater world come alive. No wonder Cozumel is known as one of the best places in the world to dive.

The Mesoamerican reef system is the second largest in the world (after the Great Barrier Reef), and there is an abundance of coral and marine life with incredible visibility.

No matter your level of experience, on a Cozumel dive trip you will be offered dives for both beginners and advanced divers. The guides can help you and give you information about the best reefs and dive schools.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 70 euros.
  • Duration: about two hours of diving.
  • Means of transportation: ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer with accompanying guide.

Book the best snorkeling experiences in Playa del Carmen

2. Snorkeling tour in the waters of Cozumel

Scuba Diving in Cozumel| ©Julie Falk
Scuba Diving in Cozumel| ©Julie Falk

Although you can live Best Snorkel Experiences in Playa del Carmenthe waters off the coast of Cozumel are ideal for this practice. Explore the island's seabed on an excursion from Playa del Carmen to the incredible coral reefs.

The guides will take you to explore the largest reef system in the Mexican Caribbean. Thanks to the crystal clear waters that offer a visibility of up to 60 meters, you will live a magical experience.

If you are short on time, this excursion can be the perfect way to get to know the underwater world. A ferry from Playa del Carmen will take you to the island of Cozumel, where you will snorkel in the famous coral reefs of the island, such as Dzul-Ha, Palancar, Colombia or Paraiso.

Book the best tours in Playa del Carmen

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 60 euros.
  • Duration: about 7 hours from Playa del Carmen.
  • Means of transportation: ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and boat to the National Marine Park of the Reefs.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer with accompanying guide. Some tours include snorkeling equipment and lunch.

3. Excursion to taste the island's gastronomy

Mexican spicy food| ©Sarah Wu
Mexican spicy food| ©Sarah Wu

Eat like the locals while in Cozumel. This gastronomic tour offers a complete introduction to the authentic dishes of the Yucatan. You will be able to eat in places away from the tourist centers for a more authentic experience.

Mexican gastronomy lovers will be able to taste the typical dishes on a culinary tour of Cozumel. You will taste the exotic flavors of this idyllic island that combine Mexican spiciness with a Caribbean touch, due to Cozumel's proximity to Cuba.

You will learn about the culinary customs of the area with the help of an expert guide who will take you to some of the best places in the area. Don't miss this guided tour of the best restaurants in Cozumel.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 80 euros.
  • Duration: about 3 hours.
  • Means of transportation: ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, minivan inside the tour.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer with a small group.

4. A catamaran ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel

Catamaran in Cozumel| ©Gail Frederick
Catamaran in Cozumel| ©Gail Frederick

Get on board a catamaran to spend a day in paradise. You will depart from Playa del Carmen and sail through the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the island of Cozumel. Afterwards, you will stop in the shallow waters of El Cielo, an ideal area for swimming, snorkeling or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

Many of the catamaran tours offer lunch with delicious Mexican snacks. Nothing better than a nice plate of shrimp ceviche after a tiring day exploring the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

On your catamaran ride, you can also pass by the famous Palancar Reef, an incredible ecosystem full of colorful fish and coral reefs for diving or snorkeling. Don't miss the second largest coral reef system in the world.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 70 to 120 euros approximately.
  • Duration: between 4 and 6 hours.
  • Means of transportation: catamaran from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer. Lunch included, if you choose this option.

5. Excursion to Punta Sur Ecological Park from Playa del Carmen

Punta Sur Ecological Park, Cozumel| ©Sharon Hahn Darlin
Punta Sur Ecological Park, Cozumel| ©Sharon Hahn Darlin

Punta Sur Ecological Park is a protected reserve in Cozumel with a great diversity and richness of flora and fauna. If you are a nature lover, do not miss the opportunity to take an excursion from Playa del Carmen.

Its beaches of fine white sand and turquoise waters are home to numerous reef formations. It is one of the best places to get to know the vast natural habitat of the island. On an excursion through the Punta Sur Ecological Park you will take a boat ride through the incredible mangroves while watching crocodiles and wild birds.

At the tip of Punta Sur is the famous Celarain Lighthouse, which you can climb to enjoy unique views of the island. But this is not all. You may have already enjoyed Tulum Ruins Day Trips from Playa del CarmenBut did you know that Punta Sur is home to the ruins of a Mayan temple? This is the archaeological site of El Caracol and you can also see them on this excursion.

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 80 euros.
  • Duration: between 5 and 6 hours.
  • Means of transportation: ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel; van, jeep or buggy to tour the reserve.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer, lunch included and snorkeling in some options.

6. Visit the Cozumel pearl farm

Pearls, Cozumel| ©For 91 Days
Pearls, Cozumel| ©For 91 Days

Learn how cultured pearls are made at the Cozumel pearl farm. On this excursion you will enjoy a tour of the pearl farm and laboratory. After seeing how the farm works, you can even dive to see the pearl farm.

This is a family owned and operated pearl farm located on a beautiful beach on the north coast of Cozumel Island. It is located in a protected natural area that can only be accessed by boat, as it is surrounded by the mangrove lagoon ecosystem and Caribbean waters.

As part of the excursion, you can relax on the beach or snorkel in the coral reef. Afterwards, you will enjoy lunch and refreshments on the beach. Doesn't that sound nice?

Details of interest

  • Price: from about 80 euros.
  • Duration: more than 3 hours.
  • Means of transportation: boat to the pearl farm.
  • Advantages of this option: round trip transfer with lunch included.

7. Excursion to Isla de la Pasión from Playa del Carmen

Passion Island| ©SunCat
Passion Island| ©SunCat

If there is one thing that all the Mexican Caribbean islands have in common, it is, without a doubt, their beauty. And, although they are often Isla Mujeres Day Trips from Playa del Carmenmany people overlook the small but enchanting Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island).

Isla de la Pasión is a private island accessible only by boat. Among the options available you can choose from kayaking in the Laguna Ciega, an off-road adventure or a boat ride.

If you are a nature lover, you will love this excursion. An expert guide will show you the exotic birds and native species while you kayak through Cozumel's Natural Protected Area. After the activity of your choice, you will still have time to relax on the beach and enjoy the included lunch.

Details of interest

  • Price: usually around 100 euros.
  • Duration: about 5 hours.
  • Means of transportation: ferry from Playa del Carmen.
  • Advantages of this option: it usually includes round-trip transportation with an accompanying guide, food and drinks and some activities, such as kayaking.

What to do when you arrive to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen?

San Miguel de Cozumel Church| ©David Stanley
San Miguel de Cozumel Church| ©David Stanley

After taking a look at the excursions you can do from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, we bring you some of the activities you can do once you are on the island.

Get to know San Miguel de Cozumel on a guided tour

If you are in Playa del Carmen, take the opportunity to take a guided tour of San Miguel de Cozumel, the main town of the island. It is the best way not to miss a single detail of the city and its history.

The center of San Miguel de Cozumel is located on the waterfront. Here you will find the Benito Juarez Park, known for its large clock tower, a regular landmark of the city and a meeting place. Many excursions around San Miguel usually start from here.

Stroll, shop, eat or learn more about the city and the island of Cozumel with a guided tour of San Miguel. The best way to get to know the city.

Swim with whale sharks in Cozumel

Swimming with whale sharks in Cozumel is an unforgettable experience. Besides, it is a minimally invasive practice if done correctly and with the right company.

Whale sharks arrive in the waters near Cozumel and Playa del Carmen every year during their annual migration. Whale shark tours can usually be booked between the months of June and September. But be aware that tour operators cannot guarantee sightings.

Whale sharks are peaceful animals and, without a doubt, swimming alongside them is an experience to remember. So, if you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya and don't know what to see and do in Cancun or Playa del Carmen during these months, don't miss this great opportunity.

Visit San Gervasio archaeological site

If you want to visit one of the most visited archaeological sites in the Yucatan, you can make Isla Mujeres Day Trips from Playa del Carmen. However, if you are still hungry for more, in Cozumel you can explore the vestiges of a place of great cultural value for the Mayas: the ruins of San Gervasio.

The archaeological site of San Gervasio is dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of childbirth and fertility. For this reason, all Mayan women had to make a pilgrimage to the site and make an offering once in their lives.

A guide will accompany you on your visit to the complex, which dates back some 1,500 years to the Early Classic period. So you will not miss a single detail of the way of life of this civilization.

Book an excursion to Chichén Itzá

How to make a day trip to Cozumel?

Cozumel Ferry| ©David Stanley
Cozumel Ferry| ©David Stanley

In Playa del Carmen there are many options for day trips, such as Chichen Itza Day Trips from Playa del Carmen o Cenotes Experiences and Tours from Playa del Carmen. One of the most recommended excursions is to Cozumel, as it offers very interesting activity options.

Cozumel is a small island located only 18 kilometers from Playa del Carmen. It takes about 30 minutes by ferry. Of course you can make an excursion on your own to Cozumel, but the easiest way to get to Cozumel is to book a tour. They take care of everything so that you only have to worry about taking the best pictures to remember.

The island is known for its beautiful beaches and incredible reefs for snorkeling and diving. However, you will find other options with a wide variety of activities to enjoy the island as you prefer.

Tips to make a day trip to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen

Cozumel| ©Paul Pehrson
Cozumel| ©Paul Pehrson

If you want to take an excursion to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen, it is important to book it in advance, especially in high season. Tours to the island are usually in high demand and sell out quickly. Book in advance and don't miss your chance to see the island.

Once you get off the ferry, you will pass through a shopping area in the port. In many cases, prices here will be much less than in town. Check them out as you pass and note the prices to see if it will be convenient for you to buy when you return to the ship.

There may also be some items in town that you cannot find in port, such as specific gifts that you might find in the archaeological sites.

On the other hand, it is best to return to the ferry at least 30 minutes early. You may encounter traffic problems or long lines on the way back to the ship. That is why it is best to leave some extra time.

When is the best time to take a day trip to Cozumel?

Enjoying Cozumel| ©Hormiguita Viajera
Enjoying Cozumel| ©Hormiguita Viajera

Cozumel's tropical climate makes the weather fairly predictable, so it is easy to plan outdoor activities. The average temperature usually hovers around 28 degrees throughout the year, but it is the rainy season that most travelers pay attention to.

  • January through April is a warm time, with clear skies, but when the largest influx of tourists is recorded. The ocean water, cenotes and pools that are not heated can be a bit chilly during these months.
  • May to October are the hottest and rainiest months of the year, although you can also enjoy the sun and warm waters for diving and snorkeling. In addition, hurricane season peaks in September and October, so keep an eye on the forecast and take out travel insurance just in case.
  • From November to December, the autumn-winter months are considered the best time to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season is over and humidity is low, although nights are usually cool.