About Cozumel, Mexico
“With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one.” — Cozumel Tourism
Cozumel History
Cozumel has a rich Mayan history that can be traced back over 2000 years. Some interesting facts about the history of Cozumel:
- The island’s name comes from the Mayan words Cuzam (swallow) and Lumil (land of). Cuzamil – land of the swallow
- Cozumel was believed to be home to the Mayan goddess Ixchel
- In the 17th century, pirates, including the notorious Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte, used Cozumel as their base for hiding treasure. It’s rumored that there is unfound treasure still on the island
- The island was settled again by English and Dutch pirates in 1848, and refugees from the caste wars also came to Cozumel
- During WW II, the US built an air base on Cozumel for planes hunting U-Boats in the mid-Atlantic. The US Navy Frogmen came to train in Cozumel and returned home with stories of the amazing underwater world they found here
- In 1960, Jacque Cousteau visited Cozumel and raved about its coral reefs, making the island a “must visit” destination for underwater enthusiasts worldwide
Cozumel Today
Cozumel has become one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico. The island offers a unique combination of culture, history, fabulous beaches, exciting adventures on land and sea, great restaurants, shopping and, of course, world-class diving. Cozumel has something for everyone.
- Mayan archeological sites – San Gervasio, El Cedral, Castillo Real, and El Caracol
- Cultural and religious festivals throughout the year celebrating the unique heritage of the island and its people
- Full-service beach clubs, remote stretches of soft sand, and everything in between
- Mexican, Italian, French, Argentinian, Chinese, Sushi, Indian, Cuban, neighborhood taquerias and loncherias, beach bars, coffee bars, and more…
- SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, cenotes, or just swimming in the clear blue ocean
- Just a 35-minute ferry ride to the mainland and The Riviera Maya, where you can visit Mayan ruins or enjoy a cenote dive
Cozumel - Transportation, Accommodations, and Resources
Getting to Cozumel
Cozumel’s International Airport receives scheduled and charter flights from the US, Canada, Europe, and domestic flights from within Mexico.
Visitors to Cozumel may also choose to fly into Cancun. It’s very easy to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel, so if you can’t find a reasonable and convenient flight to Cozumel, try Cancun. From Cancun, you’ll make your way to Playa del Carmen and take a ferry to the island, or you can take a small plane from the Cancun airport to Cozumel, the name of the company is Mayair.
Getting from Cancun to Cozumel
Step 1: Bus, Van, or Taxi to Playa del Carmen
ADO, a modern, comfortable air-conditioned coach, runs non-stop service from the Cancun Airport to the Playa del Carmen bus station. The current fare is 260 pesos (approximately $15 USD) per person. The trip takes about an hour and fifteen minutes.
For a private shuttle from the airport, a reliable choice is Cancun Valet.
After picking up your luggage and going through customs, you will find there are lots of taxis waiting outside the airport.
Step 2: Ferry to Cozumel
Whether you take the bus, private transportation or a taxi, when you arrive in Playa del Carmen, you will need to walk about 10 minutes to reach the ferry. If you have more bags than you can carry or they're too heavy, there are guys with tricycles for hire to help you bring your bags to the ferry.
Three ferry companies run between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel. The current price is 320-350 pesos per person, one way. The trip takes around 30-40 minutes. We recommend you purchase a one-way ticket rather than a round-trip ticket. If you purchase a round-trip ticket, you will be forced to use the same company on your return.
Ferry Companies
Traveler FAQs
About Cozumel
Cozumel is great all year round! Summer and early fall months are the most humid, and daytime temperatures are in the 90s. When it rains, it’s usually a passing shower. Late fall and winter are cooler, with daytime temperatures in low to mid-80s. Winters are generally the driest time, but the island does experience the occasional Norte, bringing blustery winds. They are infrequent and short-lived.
