The island of Cozumel off the tip of Mexico’s eclectic Yucatan Peninsula continues to be known for its fantastic fishing, snorkeling and diving opportunities (coral reefs surround the island!). Despite the growth of tourism in recent years, the island and its only town, San Miguel, still retain much of their original warmth and charm. Cozumel has become a very popular destination for cruise travelers, and rightly so. With so many historic sights, sandy beaches, and shopping markets to explore, there’s a little bit of something for everyone.
Cruises to Cozumel dock at the island’s heart — just minutes from San Miguel’s seafront shops and the white sand beach at Chankanaab Ecological National Park. You can choose to stay on the small island of Cozumel and shop for Mexican handicrafts or explore the nearby coral reefs by snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran cruise, or glass-bottom boat. Cozumel has beautiful beaches, so if that’s your vacation speed, you’ll be happy to pull up a lounge chair, grab a cerveza (beer), and enjoy the sunshine. If you’d like to explore more of Mexico, head to the mainland for shopping and dining in Playa del Carmen or explore Mayan ruins found in the walled city of Tulum.
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Currency & Shopping: Mexican Peso (MXN), although US dollars widely accepted.
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Language Spoken: Spanish
- Foods to Try: Cochinita Pibil (traditional pork dish), Fresh Salsa, Flan (a custard and caramel dessert), Ceviche (raw seafood salad), Carne Asada (marinated beef), and Pescado Tikin-xic (fish baked in banana leaves).
- Why is it so Popular?: Cheap (and delicious) food and drinks, friendly locals, beautiful beaches, and thriving culture.
- When to Visit: Cozumel is an ideal spot for a getaway any time of the year with temperatures that seldom vary from highs in the 80’s to lows in the 70’s — not to mention humidity that stays around 70 percent. The best time to visit is December through March, when it’s cold up north and warm, but not stormy, in the Caribbean.
- Cruise Lines That Sail Here: all major cruise lines feature Western Caribbean itineraries with stops in Cozumel, Mexico.
Ready to set sail to Cozumel? Contact me today!
Written by Casey Cote: Casey Cote is a travel agent with Destinations to Explore. She loves planning incredible vacations at no cost to you. To book your next cruise, all-inclusive resort vacation, family getaway or honeymoon, contact at Casey@destinationstoexplore.com. You can also find her on Facebook!