When it comes to just the right blend of fun and relaxation on a cruise vacation, you can’t go wrong with the island of Cozumel, located off the east coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea. With beautiful beaches, coral reefs and plenty of parks and historical sites, Cozumel has everything a cruiser could want and more. Let’s take a peek into some of the exciting shore excursions in Cozumel that you might like to try on your next cruise vacation.
Explore the Coral Reef
When you’re looking for things to do in Cozumel, you should know the island sits atop a colorful coral reef. On a Coral Garden excursion, you’ll find a natural reef just off the dock. After you’ve snorkeled to your heart’s content, enjoy a plate of authentic Mexican fajitas, complete with a guacamole demonstration and tequila tasting. At this site, you’ll have use of amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, hammocks, showers, dressing rooms, lockers and wireless Internet access.
For more underwater exploring, try Snuba (a combination of scuba diving and snorkeling) at Sunset Beach. This 25-minute dive amidst a restored coral reef offers the perfect taste of life beneath the sea.
Relax and Unwind
Do you find your zen relaxing on the sand? Then consider an adults-only Cozumel excursion to La Casa. At this luxurious home away from home, you’ll enjoy a day of pampering that includes a private chef and bartender as well as comfy beach beds, lounge chairs and hammocks. Crystal aquamarine water, white sands and swaying palms offer a picture-perfect backdrop for an enjoyable day of swimming, lounging, drinking and dining.
If immersing yourself into the local culture is your way of relaxing, you’ll enjoy eating, drinking and dancing the day away in downtown Cozumel. This adventure includes scrumptious tacos and tequila paired with live mariachi music and dancing. Afterward, you’ll have a chance to explore the main boulevard in town and learn about local history.
Take Fun to the Extreme
In Cozumel, there are loads of ways to channel your inner daredevil. At the Islands Beach Club in San Miguel de Cozumel, get your thrill on by walking a series of suspension bridges, flying through the air by zip line and rappelling 75 feet to the ground. Afterward, cool off with a swim, snorkeling, or simply relax by the pool.
Perfect for kids of all ages, a trip to Passion Island by high-speed passenger boat offers a fast and twisty adrenaline rush followed by a relaxing afternoon near the water. With swimming, tanning, kayaking, shopping, a kids’ club and crafts to paint, there’s something for every member of the family. Complimentary lunch and beverages for kids and adults make this Cozumel shore excursion complete.
Get Wet and Wild
If you love water and wildlife, you’ll find plenty of ways to pass the time in Cozumel. For a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience, visit Dolphinaris™ to interact with some of the world’s most intelligent creatures — land or sea. Don snorkeling masks and swim along with bottlenose dolphins, or watch them glide, turn, launch into the air and do other fun tricks. This enjoyable excursion also comes with adult and non-alcoholic beverages served in the VIP lounge.
For a snorkeling experience of the breathtaking variety, try a whale shark encounter off the shores of nearby Cancun. While these imposing 30-foot sea creatures feature a large box-like mouth, their docile nature keeps this shark encounter safe and fun. Enjoy a continental breakfast on the way to the site and a snack and beverage on the return trip.
Discover Ancient Ruins
Just a short ferry ride, then bus ride, from Cozumel, the ancient city of Tulum offers centuries-old Mayan ruins for exploring, a shore excursion perfect for families with school-aged children. Prior to arriving in Tulum, travelers stop at the Mexican bazaar for souvenirs, artwork, clothing and other memorabilia. On this adventure, you’ll get a guided tour of the site which includes a look at the major structures including El Castillo and the Temple of the Frescos. After your tour, you can explore the ruins on your own or cool off at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, which is located onsite.
For a bird’s-eye view of one of Mexico’s most popular archeological sites, travel by plane to Chichen Itza, an ancient pre-Columbian city that sits just 50 minutes from Cozumel by air. After you land at the site, take a guided tour of the complex and purchase a few souvenirs. The plane ride back to Cozumel comes with a delicious boxed lunch, which provides an ideal ending to the perfect tourist excursion.
Taste Local Flavors
When discovering new parts of the world, cooking and tasting local cuisine is fun and delicious. In Cozumel, don a chef’s hat and apron and cook up a three-course meal in a beautiful, scenic setting overlooking the sea, and sip on a tasty margarita or two for good measure. After your meal, spend the rest of the day swimming, splashing, or sunning at the serene infinity pool.
On a cruise, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do. When cruising to Cozumel, grab your bucket list and start checking it off. Try any of these fun and exciting excursions for wonderful photo opportunities and long-lasting memories. Take advantage of the dining opportunities and onboard activities your cruise ship has to offer for the vacation of a lifetime.
Note: Onboard activities, shore excursions, and dining options may vary by ship and destination.