Cozumel, Mexico, is a dream destination for families, offering a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. With its turquoise waters, vibrant marine life, and laid-back atmosphere, Cozumel is the perfect two-day getaway.
And believe me, we know! Our family lives in Playa del Carmen. We’ve lived here off and on since 2005 (13 years total) and Cozumel is definitely one of our favorite places to go on weekends. What’s even better is when we get to combine kids activities as an excuse to stay the rest of the weekend 🙂 Thanks to swim meets and basketball tournaments, we have the perfect excuse to spend the weekend on this gem of an island.
Whether you’re into snorkeling, diving, or just exploring, this guide has everything you need to plan your 2-day family adventure trip in Cozumel.
How to Get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen
Getting to Cozumel is simple and part of the adventure. I have to admit that since we live in Playa del Carmen, we know that we are very fortunate to be able to make a quick weekend visit to this paradise, the stuff dreams are made of for many people!
- Ferry: Head to the Ultramar or Winjet ferry terminals in Playa del Carmen. Ferries run frequently, and the ride to Cozumel takes about 45 minutes. Tickets cost around $15 USD per adult, with discounts for children.
- If you’re a resident in Mexico, you get to unlock a special discount!
- Arrival: Once you arrive at Cozumel’s ferry terminal, taxis are plentiful, or you can rent a car or scooter for flexibility.
Day 1: Discover Cozumel
Morning:
- Activity: Snorkeling at El Cielo.
- Take a half-day boat tour to El Cielo, a stunning sandbar with crystal-clear water and starfish sightings. Perfect for families and beginner snorkelers.
- Lunch: La Choza
- A local favorite offering traditional Yucatecan dishes like cochinita pibil and fresh ceviche.
Afternoon:
- Activity: San Gervasio Mayan Ruins.
- Explore these historical ruins, perfect for kids to learn about Mayan culture. The site is shaded and family-friendly.
- Snack Stop: Los Otates
- Grab some tacos al pastor or a cold horchata before heading back to your hotel.
Evening:
- Dinner: Guido’s
- An Italian-Mexican fusion spot, ideal for families. Their wood-fired pizza is a hit with kids- we love this spot! It could be considered more on the pricey side if you’re used to paying local prices, as we are, but for someone coming from the US, Canada or Europe, it likely wouldn’t be considered expensive.
Day 2: Dive into Cozumel’s Beauty
Morning:
- Activity: Scuba Diving or Snorkeling.
- For certified divers, Cozumel’s Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall offer world-class dives. Non-divers can snorkel from the beach at Playa Corona.
- Breakfast: El Coffee Cozumel
- A cozy café with excellent coffee and kid-approved pastries.
Afternoon:
- Activity: Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
- This nature reserve is perfect for families, featuring a lighthouse climb, crocodile sightings, and a pristine beach.
- Lunch: La Monina
- A beachfront restaurant with swings and hammocks, offering fresh seafood and tropical drinks.
Evening:
- Activity: Sunset Stroll at the Malecon.
- Walk along the seafront promenade, grab a local dessert like churros, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
- Dinner: Cielito Lindo
- A colorful spot with live music and delicious mole dishes.
Family-Friendly Mid-Range Accommodation Options
- Hotel B Cozumel
- A boutique hotel with a family-friendly vibe, infinity pool, and direct ocean access.
- Casa Mexicana Cozumel
- Centrally located, offering spacious rooms, a pool, and a delicious breakfast buffet.
- Blue Angel Resort
- A diver-focused hotel with oceanfront views and an on-site dive shop.
Top 6 Activities in Cozumel
- Snorkeling at El Cielo.
- Exploring Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.
- Learning at San Gervasio Mayan Ruins.
- Discovering marine life at the Cozumel Pearl Farm.
- Biking the island’s eastern coast for breathtaking views.
- Strolling through the town’s plaza while people-watching and enjoying the plaza’s art.
Top 3 Dive Shops in Cozumel
- Blue Angel Dive Shop
- A family-friendly option offering small-group dives and courses for kids.
- Aqua Safari
- One of the oldest shops on the island, known for professional guides and diverse dive packages.
- ScubaTony
- Highly rated for personalized service and flexible schedules.
** Expect to pay a bit more for a personal dive guide if you will be diving with Junior Open Water divers (many dive shops require this).
What to Expect from Diving in Cozumel
- Drift Diving: Cozumel is famous for its gentle currents, allowing you to effortlessly glide along vibrant coral walls – kids will love feeling like they’re flying underwater!
- Marine Life: Expect to see turtles, nurse sharks, spotted eagle rays, and an abundance of colorful fish and coral- both hard and soft corals. Check the crevices for sneaky lobsters, cleaning shrimp, and octopus!
- Visibility: With visibility often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), it’s a diver’s paradise. Visibility is best outside of the rainy/hurrican season (mid July – November) when windy conditions can churn up the water. However, there are plenty of times during these same months when the sea is calm and the visibility can be great.
Wrap-Up
Cozumel is a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for families. Whether you’re diving into the deep blue or exploring Mayan history, this island has something for everyone. Two days in Cozumel will leave your family with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Mexico’s Caribbean charm.
Have you been to Cozumel? Share your favorite spots in the comments!
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