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Cozumel is a charming little island in the Caribbean Sea 12 miles east of Playa del Carmen on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. It is small in size, measuring only 9 by 33 miles, but there are still a variety of accommodations to choose from. Here you will find some of the loveliest beaches in the Caribbean and some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world.
The weather in Cozumel is pleasant year-round. The cooler part of the year runs from December through March when temperatures average around 70 at night and 85 during the day. It rarely rains at this time and is the most popular time to visit, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. The rest of the year averages around 75 at night to 90 during the day. Summers are fairly dry, although June tends to be a rainy month. Visibility for scuba diving and snorkeling are also the best during the summer. September through November is considered to be the rainy season, but September is by far the wettest month in Fall. Expect humidity every day in the wet season and this time of year can also be prone to hurricanes.
Cozumel’s tropical weather gives rise to a very laid back atmosphere. Even the most luxurious resorts suggest casual clothing. You will want a bathing suit no matter when you visit. Shorts, tee shirts and summer dresses should be enough for the rest of your trip as even most of the nicer restaurants and nightclubs have casual dress codes. There are a few exceptions though, so pack a few nice things if fine dining is part of your plans.
There are many resorts in Cozumel – more than you would expect considering its small size. Where you stay depends on how close you want to be to San Miguel, the island’s only real town. All inclusive resorts are very popular on Cozumel because many of the properties are quite far from town. You may also want to keep in mind what kind of beach your hotel is located on. Cozumel has some lovely white sand beaches that can be nice for sunning and swimming, but the limestone outcroppings (also known as iron shore) are where the best snorkeling is to be found. Many of the resorts have opted to create hybrid beaches, bringing in sand to create lounging areas above the limestone. These beaches do not slope gently into the sea, but they usually have various access areas to enter the water.
Staying right in the heart of San Miguel would be a good option for those who love shopping, nightlife and the option to sample a variety of restaurants. There are not any great beaches downtown, but there area some a short taxi ride away. There are no true resorts in this area, however there is one very nice hotel, Casa Mexicana, which runs about $100 - $170 per night and includes a full buffet breakfast.
The first resort you come to south of town, not far from the cruise ship docks, is Park Royal. This is an all inclusive property that runs about $60 – $100 per person per night. Children up to six stay free and 7 -12 olds are about $30 extra per night. Park Royal has an organized children’s program, a neat pool area with a small waterslide and a nice hybrid beach, but be aware that the main coastal highway runs between the building and the beach.
The next resort you come to about five miles south of San Miguel is the Presidente Inter-Continental. This hotel has one of the nicest hybrid beaches on the island with excellent snorkeling, their own dive operation and highly rated restaurants. They also recently opened a new spa. The Presidente can run anywhere from $160 - $800 depending on the season and the room. They also have breakfast packages available.
Not far from the Presidente is the Fiesta Americana which runs about $120 -$300 per night. They also have a nice hybrid beach, but this is another property where the highway runs between the rooms and the beach. The Presidente and the Fiesta Americana are a bit far from town, but they are quite close to La Caleta, the marina where most of the dive boats leave from.
About 10 miles south of town you come to the all inclusive Reef Club. This resort is a large property in a secluded area and runs about $90 - $200 per person per night. Kids up to 5 stay free and kids 6-12 are about $40 extra. They have an organized children’s program and a pretty beach, although it is not especially known for good snorkeling. The down side of this resort, and all the others further south, is that you are pretty far from town. Taxi rides can start to get pretty expensive if you think you want to go into town more than a few times.
Near the southern end of the island are three huge all inclusive resorts. The beaches are beautiful in this area and perfect for swimming, but they are not great for snorkeling compared to other areas of Cozumel. This area is, however, great if you are actually going out on a dive boat because it is a shorter ride to some of the best reefs. The first resort you come to is Allegro. Rates here run about $90 - $120 per person per night. Children 12 and under stay and participate in organized activities for free most of the year, but in parts of winter and spring there is an extra charge of about $50 per night.
The next resort property is the Occidental Grand, which has a somewhat more sophisticated atmosphere and beautiful architecture. The rates here are about $110 - $160 per person per night. Children are about $50 extra apiece and they also have an organized program for them. Some packages contain spa treatments or dinner upgrades.
Iberostar is the resort closest to the Southern end of the island in a tropical jungle setting. All inclusive rates here are about $110 - $136. Children up to two stay for free, while 3 – 12 year olds are an additional $33. Meals are buffet style or you can make reservations in the upscale restaurants, which is how most all inclusives work, but be aware they expect more formal attire here.
There are also a number of resorts to the north of San Miguel. The currents can be quite strong on this end of the island so you need to be a strong swimmer or stick close to shore. This is not a great area to stay in if you plan to do much scuba diving because most of the dive boats will not pick you up from these accommodations, but some of the resorts have their own operations.
The hotel closest to town in this direction is the Coral Princess, a smallish high rise style hotel with an artistic flair. Rates here run from $75 – $300 per night and they have units up to three bedrooms available. There is not much of a beach, but you do have access to the water along an iron shore.
The next resort heading north is the Playa Azul Golf and Beach Hotel, a romantic boutique style accommodation. Rates here run about $120 - $325 per night. They also have food, spa, diving and golf packages through the Cozumel Country CluB available. If you plan on golfing, the course has a dress code; no swimwear or tank tops are allowed and they prefer collared shirts. The beach is mixed sand and iron shore so they offer a nice variety for your ocean experience.
There are two large all inclusive resorts a bit farther north right across from the golf course. The first is El Cozumeleno, considered to be one of the best resorts for families. Rates here can run anywhere from $75 - $195 per person per night depending on the season. Children up to six are free and 7 -12 year olds are an extra $30. The kid’s camp boasts an 18 hole miniature golf course while adult guests enjoy a discount at the country club. The pool area is interesting, with an oversized chess board and pieces and the beach is also a mixture of white sands and iron shore. El Cozumeleno also has their own dive operation, so they would be an excellent choice if you want to stay on the north end of the island and plan excursions.
The other resort in this area is Paradisus Cozumel, also sometimes referred to as Melia. Rates here run about $85 - $150 per person per night. Children up to 2 stay free and older children are eligible for various discounts depending on their age and the time of year. The resort also has access to horseback riding. The beach is large, mostly sand and very nice for lounging with a bit of iron shore.
All of the above resorts are located on the West side of the island. The East side is almost completely undeveloped and doesn’t even have paved roads for a substantial portion. There are a number of tour operators that will take you on guided trips if you want to visit this area or you can rent cars and explore on your own.
Cozumel is a beach enthusiast’s paradise. Whether you prefer late nights at dance clubs, scuba diving or just laying in the sun, Cozumel is a great travel destination.
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