Just 10 km from mainland Quintana Roo, Cozumel does not only offer relaxation, but it also offers excitement and wonder, thanks to the Mesoamerican Reef System around it. The island’s special flavor has drawn tourists to its shores, and down to its underwater wonders.
Dotted by charming stretches of white sand to the west, a scenic route to the east, and an amazing kingdom of marine life right under its waters – this gifted island is definitely one of the Yucatan’s best. From its laid-back island vibe to its natural beauty, this has further put Cozumel at the top of must-visit lists of people all over the world.
Does Cozumel Have Beaches?
Cozumel, prized as one of Yucatan’s best – is a spectacle of beaches. An island just off the coast of Quintana Roo, and along the Riviera Maya, Cozumel prides itself on some of the clearest turquoise blue beaches in the Yucatan, even in entire Mexico!
Cozumel’s western coast, fronting the stretch of coastal Quintana Roo, has some of the best beaches and diving spots on the island. It is also the most developed area, as most of the main attractions on the island are found on this side – the downside is the crowd of visitors you’re most likely to meet.
The rugged, and less-developed area of the eastern side is a bit dangerous for beach lovers as the shores are rocky and there are less protection and beach security. However, the raw natural beauty of the east coast is a thing to behold, with lesser people, it is worthy of an excursion, nonetheless.
Is There a Free Beach in Cozumel?
One of the best features of Cozumel is its free beaches. Most of them can be found along the Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, the island’s main avenue, starting from the central town of San Miguel de Cozumel.
The best free beach on the island has to be Playa Palancar. It has the whitest sand and the longest stretch of beach. The beach strip is lined with several beach clubs offering a great experience for visitors looking for a good time. Every amenity on the strip can be accessed for free, so it’s a good deal.
Some of the free beaches that dot the island’s coasts are Playa Chen Rio which is found on the rugged, and rocky eastern side of the island. Sunset beach, which is the closest to the port, and Playa Corona, a popular option for those looking to snorkel while staying near the cruise port of Cozumel.
What Sea is Cozumel on?
Cozumel Island is situated on the Caribbean Sea of southeastern Mexico. About 10 km from mainland Quintana Roo, it is the largest inhabited island in the Mexican Caribbean. The island, sitting in the Mesoamerican Reef System, is gifted with a plethora of reefs that make it one of the world’s best diving spots.
Can You Swim in the Ocean in Cozumel?
Being a popular getaway for people looking to have a quieter, calmer vibe than mainland Quintana Roo, to swim in the calmer waves of Cozumel is one of the main things to do. Cozumel is dotted with several beaches with the same beautiful Caribbean blue, with a more relaxed vibe that’s perfect for relaxation.
Is the Water Warm in Cozumel?
The water in Cozumel is warm all year-round with little variability. The average water temperature throughout the year is 28 C or 82 F. Despite its warmth, the temperatures vary in different months, for certain periods.
The temperature ranges from 26.3 C or 79.3 F in February, up to 29 C or 84.2 F in August. The best time for any form of water activity is late summer, which is usually around August.
What is the Ocean Temperature in Cozumel?
The water in Cozumel typically ranges from 26 C or 79 F to 29 C to 84.2 F in different given months of the year. But the average ocean temperature is 28 C or 82 F, throughout the year.
Can You Swim in Cozumel in January?
January is a good time to swim if you plan to visit around this time. January is in Cozumel’s peak season so there will be more people and higher prices, which is a bit unappealing for some, who like a more relaxed getaway – which is what Cozumel is perfect for.
If you swim around January, the average sea temperature is a good 27 C or 81 F, perfect for diving, swimming, snorkeling, or even taking boats out.
Is the Water Cold in Cozumel in January?
The water temperature plays around 26 C or 79 F, to 28 C or 82 F. Generally, the water temperature in Cozumel in January is warm. And just like the rest of the year, the temperatures revolve around a good 28 C or 82 F.
What is the Water Temperature in Cozumel in January?
In January, the waters in Cozumel have an average of 27 C or 81 F, which is a perfect temperature for several water activities, like snorkeling and diving – two of the most popular must-do activities in Cozumel
Can You Swim in Cozumel in March?
This is one of the best months to visit the island, you can enjoy the water for snorkeling, diving, and swimming, although generally warm, February-March is Cozumel’s coldest water temperatures.
But in March, you get to avoid hurricane season, has the least amount of rain, good hotel deals along Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, and the water temperature is just starting to warm up until it reaches its warmest in July-August.
What is the Water Temperature in Cozumel in March?
During March, water temperature in Cozumel tends to play around 26 C or 79 F, to 27 C or 81 F. While February and March are by far, on average, the coldest water temperatures in the year, relatively it is still warm – as the island’s waters are warm throughout the year.
What is the Water Temperature in Cozumel in April?
In April, the average water temperature is 27 C or 81 F. This is a bit warmer compared to March, so it makes it even better at this time to do plenty of water activities that are a must in Cozumel – like diving, and snorkeling.
How Cold is the Water in Cozumel in December?
December is considered to be warmer as the average water temperature in this month is 27.5 C or 81.6 F. However, the average atmospheric temperature in December plays around 28.6 C or 83.5 F, down to a cold 20.3 C or 68.5 F, making December one of the coldest months to visit.
Is Cozumel Good for Snorkeling?
Snorkeling is one of Cozumel’s most popular water activities. The island’s clear waters and its calmer waves make it an ideal place to snorkel.
Plus, a plethora of reefs and marine surrounding the island further establish Cozumel as a snorkeling and scuba diving mecca for enthusiasts and researchers.
Can You Snorkel on Your Own in Cozumel?
As one of the best places to snorkel in the world, you can snorkel on your own in Cozumel, mostly from the shore. There are plenty of beaches that are good snorkeling spots.
The southern shores of the island are recommended for beginner snorkelers, as the waves are more gentle and tend to push you back to the beach. The northern shores however have stronger currents, drawing you out into the sea, fit for experienced and skilled swimmers.
While you can snorkel on your own in Cozumel, it’s best to be on one of the snorkeling tours on the island. Snorkeling tours can take you to the best spots to snorkel, even reefs further away from the shores with safety supervision.
Where Can I Go Snorkeling in Cozumel for Free?
There are many places to snorkel for free in Cozumel, like the Money Bar, Sky Reef, Playa Azul, Buccanos Beach Club, Playa Corona, and Sunset Beach. Many of these are beach clubs, bars, the snorkeling is free, but buy drinks or food if you are entering through these places.
Can You Snorkel Off the Beach in Cozumel?
Snorkeling by the shore, or just off of the beach is the most common mode of snorkeling on the island. There are beaches that allow you to snorkel off of the shore, some even offer snorkeling gears for rent.
Where Should I Stay for Snorkeling in Cozumel?
There are plenty of places to stay that has easy access to snorkeling spots. Beaches and hotels along its shores have access to smaller reefs and many underwater charms that are just perfect for off-shore snorkeling.
You can stay at Hotel Cozumel – this hotel has an underwater Chichen Itza just 30 yards off its docks. Another is Playa Azul Hotel that has a small reef just off the shore, where guests can snorkel with marine animals. The all-inclusive Occidental Grand Cozumel sits at the south end of the island where it’s isolated yet near a nature preserve. It has a private pier where it provides daily trips to some of the best reefs for diving and snorkeling.
There are several snorkeling spots around the island, and not just on beach hotel shores, that’s why an exciting excursion around the island is recommended. However, take note of the places that are not guaranteed safe, like the eastern shores, before exploring.
How Good is Diving in Cozumel?
Cozumel is one of the best places to go diving in the world. As it sits in the Mesoamerican Reef System, the island is gifted with many reefs along its coasts that make it the perfect place for underwater explorations.
The reefs are also beautiful, hosting a rich marine life that makes it even more interesting and worthy of diving. Dive tours in Cozumel are cheap and the people who will help you are friendly. Locals celebrate this microculture on their island, which makes it a frequent destination for many visitors from all over the world.
How Much Does It Cost to Scuba Dive in Cozumel?
Most dive tours cost less than 100 US Dollars for a single person, this makes Cozumel one of the cheapest places for scuba diving. Most prices for a one-person package range from 60 to 90 US Dollars.
Is It Safe to Swim in Cozumel?
While it is generally safe to swim in Cozumel, however, there are notable areas where it is advised to not swim alone, or swim at all. The eastern shores of the island are rocky and have stronger waves that could spell danger for swimmers.
The western side of the island is more developed and better known, the southern shores are advisable for non-swimmers as the waves are gentler and will likely push you to the shore, while the northern shores are better suited for more good or well-experienced swimmers, the waves are stronger and the tides tend to pull you out to the sea.
Are There Sharks in Cozumel?
There are sharks in the waters of Cozumel, but they’re relatively harmless. With an abundance of reefs around its waters, teeming with marine life, it’s not a surprise there will be sharks around too.
The most common sharks you’ll encounter in Cozumel are Nurse Sharks, harmless bottom-dwellers who feed on shellfish, fish, shrimp, and squid. Caribbean Reef Sharks can also be found in Cozumel, but they don’t pose threat to divers, as they avoid human interaction. These sharks feed on bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods.
Can You Swim With Sharks in Cozumel?
While there are no shark tours that offer close encounters with sharks in Cozumel, you can however swim with them if you go scuba diving by the reefs. If you go to any of these reefs, there will always be a chance you might encounter some.
If you’re looking for shark tours, you can book a tour in the city that takes you to Playa del Carmen during Shark season where they have shark tours. These tours let you have close encounters with these beautiful creatures, together with professional divers.
Are There Whales in Cozumel?
Whales can be found mostly on the Pacific side of Mexico, on the west. While there are no native Whales, Riviera Maya, on the other hand, has Whale Sharks. While they’re not whales, they’re filter-feeding sharks, they’re beautiful and harmless, nonetheless.
Can You See Whale Sharks in Cozumel?
Whale Sharks can actually be encountered in Cozumel. In fact, from May to September is the famous “Whale Shark Season”. They migrate to the area near Cozumel every year. Make sure you book a whale shark tour if you visit during those times.
Can You Swim With Whale Sharks in Cozumel?
You can book whale shark tours from May to September and swim with them. These magnificent creatures may be big, but they’re gentle giants and are comfortable with humans around. As you swim with them, you are, however, advised not to touch them, and swim closer to 6 feet with them. Their movements can be unpredictable.
Are There Dolphins in Cozumel?
There are dolphins in Cozumel. You can encounter them at sea if you have excursions or boat tours, and you can also find them in Chankanaab Park where you can encounter them in different ways.
The reef system that sits near the island offers a rich marine life that is a beacon and home for a multitude of sea creatures, including dolphins. Though rare, it is an expected sight to see them in wild waters.
Chankanaab Park houses these finned creatures, and hosts various activities and programs that let visitors, no matter what age, encounter them safely.
Can You Swim With Dolphins in Cozumel?
Dolphin activities on the island, particularly the ones in Chankanaab Park, offer a variety of activities that lets you encounter dolphins, and not just swimming with them. Several companies offer you this amazing experience with these beautiful creatures.
Most activities involve swimming, and even diving with dolphins in a large enclosed body of water. You are provided with gears that will assist you in interacting with the dolphins, like a life jacket, and for diving activities, diving gears, and equipment.
How Much Does It Cost to Swim With the Dolphins in Cozumel?
Most of these activities range from 62 US Dollars to 170 US Dollars – they are priced by the hour so it’s best first to think of what experience you want to get out of.
There are activities that are suited for children, like dolphin encounters where dolphins can shake hands, kiss you, and even perform tricks. Activities like swimming and diving with them are perfect for adults who want to interact with them underwater, complete with the necessary gears.
