Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, famous for some of the best diving and snorkelling in the world. The town of San Miguel faces the mainland with a seafront promenade, cruise piers and restaurants, while the island’s wild east coast has empty beaches and crashing waves. It is reached by ferry from Playa del Carmen or by direct flight to Cozumel’s own airport.

At a glance

  • From Cancun Airport: transfer to the Playa del Carmen ferry pier (45–60 minutes, from 89 USD per vehicle), then the ferry (35–45 minutes).
  • Cozumel airport (CZM): direct flights from some US cities.
  • Best for: diving, snorkelling and a relaxed island stay.
  • Getting around: taxis, scooters, jeeps or bicycles.

How to get to Cozumel from Cancun Airport

Take a transfer from Cancun Airport to the passenger ferry pier in Playa del Carmen (about 45–60 minutes), then a ferry across to San Miguel (about 35–45 minutes). A private transfer to the pier costs from 89 USD one way or 155 USD round trip per vehicle; the ferry ticket is bought separately at the pier. Allow plenty of time on the way back for the ferry and the drive to the airport. Details: Cancun Airport to Cozumel.

Book your transfer to the Cozumel ferry

When to visit

December to April is dry and busiest. Visibility for diving is excellent most of the year; May to October is hotter, with occasional storms and hurricane risk from June to November. Strong north winds in winter can occasionally stop the ferries.

Things to do in Cozumel

  • Diving: the Cozumel Reefs National Park, including the famous Palancar reef, with drift dives along walls and coral gardens.
  • Snorkelling: boat trips to the reefs or shore snorkelling from beach clubs – see the Cozumel snorkeling tour.
  • Chankanaab park: a lagoon and beach park with snorkelling – see Discover Chankanaab.
  • Submarine: see the reef without getting wet on the Atlantis submarine.
  • Punta Sur: the southern eco-park with a lighthouse, lagoon and beaches.
  • The east coast: a scenic drive past wild beaches and small beach bars (swimming is often unsafe).
  • San Gervasio: the island’s main Maya ruins, a sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel.

Where to stay

Stay in or near San Miguel for restaurants and walking, or at the resorts south of town, closer to the best reefs. Examples on our site include The Westin Cozumel, El Cid La Ceiba and Sunscape Sabor. See all Cozumel hotels.

Where to eat and drink

Seafood, Yucatecan dishes and casual beach bars are the island’s strengths. Our listings include Alberto’s Beach Bar, Kondesa and Kinta Mexican Bistro; for drinks, No Name Bar. More: Cozumel restaurants · Cozumel bars.

Getting around

  • Taxis: fixed fares by zone; agree the price first.
  • Scooter, jeep or bicycle: the classic way to loop the island in a day.
  • On foot: San Miguel’s seafront and centre are walkable.

FAQ

How do I get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel?

Take a transfer to the Playa del Carmen ferry pier (45–60 minutes, from 89 USD one way per vehicle) and the passenger ferry to Cozumel (35–45 minutes).

Can I fly directly to Cozumel?

Yes, Cozumel has its own international airport with direct flights from some US cities, but most visitors fly into Cancun.

Is Cozumel good for snorkelling?

Yes. The island’s reefs are part of a national park and offer some of the clearest water in the Caribbean, from both boats and beach clubs.