Cozumel, Mexico, is a popular cruise ship port for many cruise lines when you cruise to the western Caribbean. Whether you choose to stay near the port or venture to the east side of Cozumel, it’s worth the time and expense to explore this Caribbean jewel.
Many people opt to go to beach bars for a relaxing day, and there are all kinds to choose from. But you can also visit Mayan ruins, go snorkeling or bird watching here.
Since Cozumel is such a small island, only 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, it’s easy to rent a car and make the entire trip around the island in about an hour. Or, if you would rather travel with your personal guide in a private vehicle, you can book a four-hour private island tour that is customizable based on your plans.
Why not spend a half day and visit the east coast of Cozumel which offers a serene escape from the bustling tourist areas? Venture down the jungle-lined roads and be rewarded with stunning ocean views and charming beach shacks that embody the island’s laid-back charm. This is what we did on the cruise I took in January.
But without further ado, you will find the best things to do on the east coast of Cozumel below!
Best Things to Do on the East Side of Cozumel
1. Relax at one of the beaches
One of the must-visit destinations on the east side is San Martin Beach. This secluded stretch of sand has crystal-clear waters and provides the perfect setting for a day of relaxation and exploration.
My friend and I were the only two people on this stretch of beach, and luckily, there are little thatch huts on the beach, so you have some protection from the sun. I pulled out my paperback book and had total quiet, which is so rare these days.
Some other nice beaches on the East side of Cozumel are Playa Bonita, Punta Morena Beach, Chen Rio Beach, Punta Sur Beach, and Punta Chiqueros Beach.
2. Go diving or Snorkeling
Cozumel is a great place to go diving or snorkeling as you will find a great variety of fish here.
One of the best spots to go snorkeling in Cozumel is Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, and it’s located on the east side of the island. You will find the second-largest reef in the world here!
3. Head to one of the beach bars
There are plenty of amazing beach bars on the east side of Cozumel. Rasta Bar, San Martin Beach Bar, and El Pescador Marisqueria & Bar are just a few examples.
Here, you can sip margaritas, savor local food, relax, and simply enjoy the atmosphere and have a good time… all while having a gorgeous view of the beach.
A trip to Cozumel wouldn’t be complete without visiting at least one of these if you’re asking me!
4. Visit Mayan ruins
If you’re a history buff, you will be happy to hear that you can explore Mayan ruins on the east side of Cozumel. The ruins of San Gervasio and El Cedral are the most famous ones.
Dating back to 800 A.D., El Cedral is the oldest Mayan ruins in Cozumel and was once the island’s capital. Although not much is left of it today, it’s a place you will love if you would like to learn more about the history of Cozumel.
5. Learn to make chocolate and wine
If you are interested in an excursion with an educational component to it for a family with children, I highly recommend the chocolate-making and wine experience in Cozumel that I wrote about in my post about the MSC Yacht Club.
During this excursion, you will sample wine and learn to make chocolate using ancient Aztec-inspired techniques. It’s a unique experience that will teach you something new!
6. Visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Thanks to its blue waters, white sand, and abundance of wildlife, Punta Sur Eco Park is one of Cozumel’s top tourist destinations.
This natural reserve is the perfect place to go bird-watching, enjoy nature, and unwind. It’s good to know that, if you’re looking for more active activities, you can also go kayaking or snorkeling here.
7. Dine at Coconut’s Bar & Grill
An adventure to the East Coast of Cozumel would not be complete without stopping at Coconut’s Restaurant. We spent a couple of hours enjoying margaritas and big grilled shrimp while enjoying the most mesmerizing ocean views.
Coconuts is a funky, fun hangout that makes you laugh and smile the whole time. The waiter brings you a simple, painted wooden paddle sign that serves as your menu. The thatched roof is lined with thousands of t-shirts and license tags and the bathroom sign is a simple one that says, “Pee Pee Station.”
On top of that, you are literally steps away from the Caribbean Ocean, so it doesn’t get much better than this for an authentic Mexican dining experience.
Where to Stay in Cozumel
If you’re not traveling on a cruise, but flying in for a land vacation, I’ve checked several sources, including Expedia, US News and World Report, and Tripadvisor, to find one of the best for you.
I’d recommend The Iberostar Cozumel.
It holds a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award and gets accolades from its guests for its beachfront location and lush environment. There are three outdoor pools, six on-site restaurants, four on-site bars, and a fitness center.
What to Pack for Cozumel
Packing for a fabulous beach destination takes some planning to make sure you are covered for both daytime excursions, stylish beach resorts, and any other eventuality!
This is my go-to packing list for any beach destination:
- Sundresses: Pack a few timeless dresses that can be casual or dressed up. This maxi dress can be worn with heels or sneakers and resists shrinking and wrinkling. If you are looking for a spaghetti strap, boho flowy look, check out this beach vacation dress.
- Lightweight cover-up or shawl: I love this HappyLuxe Shawl because it’s silky-soft to the touch and is designed with 95% Tencel and cashmere. Perfect to throw on if it gets chilly.
- Shorts: Classic Levi shorts are always an essential, and for something more lightweight, you can’t go wrong with cotton shorts.
- Cute tops: This babydoll top is perfect whether you are 25 or 65! Pair with shorts and you are ready!
- Stylish sandals: I love these Sam Edelman Women’s flat sandals; they can be worn daytime or evening and can be dressed up or down.
- Lightweight shirts: Pack a lightweight shirt that can be thrown on over a bathing suit or dressed up with shorts. They are great for added sun protection or a layer if you are a little chilly.
- Jewelery: Pack a few pieces to accessorize your outfits. These WaterDrop Earrings are versatile and classic. I also recommend jewelry that can make a statement. This Anne Klein two-tone bracelet watch fits the bill!
- Small crossbody bag: Perfect if you are just carrying your phone, room key and lipstick!
- Workout clothes: For those keeping on top of their routine, these women’s running shorts are lightweight, soft and comfy, and the quick-dry material keeps you cool when you are working out.
What to Pack for the Beach
Of course, to fully enjoy the beach, it is good to be totally prepared so you maximise your time on the sand.
- Swimsuit: This bathing suit will be stunning on every woman. The diagonal cut gives it an edge, and the scallops add femininity.
- Beach cover-up: Everyone needs this swim cover-up! Daughter Allison loves it, so if she gives it the style seal of approval, we need it in our cart!
- Flip flops or rubber sandals: These Archies sandals have excellent arch support, they are also lightweight, cushioning and relieve any foot pain.
- Sunglasses: An essential, of course! I love these cat-eye ones in the style of Jackie Kennedy Onassis.
- Sunhat: I love a stylish panama hat for any hot weather destinations, this one has a wide brim and can provide UPF 80-rated protection. It is also breathable!
- Quick drying towel: If your cruise or hotel doesn’t provide beach towels, remember to pack your own. This one is really handy, it is quick drying, compact and sand repelling. Also available in a range of lovely styles.
- Towel clips: Stop your towel from blowing off your sunlounger with these clips. They are small and lightweight, so they take up very little space in your bag.
- Packable beach bag: A mesh beach bag is great, it takes up almost no space in your luggage, and you won’t end up with a bag full of sand after a day at the beach.
- Hat clip: This handy clip saves your sunhat from being squashed in your beach bag. Simply attach it to your bag and clip the other end to your hat.
- Cooling towels: These towels are designed to cool you down quickly when activated with water, making them ideal for taking to the beach.
- Reusable water bottle: This insulated water bottle is an essential item for all my trips. It keeps water cool for hours and saves you from spending money on expensive bottled water.
- Portable neck fan: A portable neck fan provides instant relief in hot weather. This compact fan is worn around the neck and targets the face and upper body, keeping hands free to hold your drink!
Essential cosmetics for the beach
We don’t need a full face of make-up at the beach, but keep these few essentials handy to feel fresh and protect your skin in the sun:
- Mini cosmetics bag: Keep your essential cosmetics in a handy little bag to save rummaging around your beach bag for your lip balm!
- Lipbalm with SPF: Don’t forget about protecting your lips! This Jack Black Lip Therapy is my forever essential item.
- Sunscreen: Sunscreen is really important even if you think there isn’t a lot of sun; both of these sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists as one of the best and protect against UVA and UVB rays. I use this EltaMD one for my face and this Aveeno one for my body.
- Face mist: The salty air can make your skin feel quite dry, so keep it hydrated with a refreshing face mist. Keep it in your beach cosmetics bag for a spritz throughout the day.
- Moisturizer: Pack a little bottle of moisturizer in case your skin starts to feel a little dry, particularly your hands!
- Wet wipes: A little pack of wet wipes comes in handy for cleaning hands or refreshing your skin after a dip in salty water. These ones smell amazing, perfectly beachy!
- Electrolyte packets: Spending time in hot weather can dehydrate you quickly, and sometimes water isn’t enough. Pack a few electrolyte packets to add to your water to replenish lost electrolytes and boost hydration.
Best Tours to Discover Cozumel
There are some great tours you can book to take the legwork out of exploring Cozumel, they are also a great way to discover details you might miss without the help of a local expert.
These are some of the best tours I love and really show the heart of Cozumel:
- Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkeling: Discover the jungle and beaches of Cozumel and drive into a national park to learn about the local geology and Maya history. Continue to white-sand beaches for snorkeling and enjoy a delicious lunch. Leave the routine tours behind and design your own itinerary to include activities that suit your interests.
- Tour to Cozumel Eco Nature Escape and Otoch Mayan Experience: Explore Punta Sur Ecological Park with a private guide and learn about the important biodiversity that is protected in the area. You will also be served lunch on a private beach.
- Half-Day Electric Bike Tour of Cozumel’s East Side With Lunch: Glide along coastal bike paths lined with volcanic rock formations, white-sand beaches, and marine life. The electric bike gives you the option to pedal a little or a lot, allowing you to cover the distance with minimal effort. Includes a light lunch with drink, all necessary gear, and time to stop at beautiful spots along the way.
- “First Lady” Private Snorkel & El Cielo Sandbar Combo: Head out on a 29-foot (9-meter) offshore powerboat to discover Cozumel’s natural beauty on this snorkeling adventure to El Cielo. Explore the Caribbean’s magical waters, check out a protected cove, El Cielo, take an optional fishing excursion, and enjoy fresh fruit, chips, guacamole, and beer—they’re included in the tour price.
Why Not Cruise to Cozumel?
I’m a cruise junkie at heart. I love to share awesome bargains I see. One piqued my attention in a giant way this week when I saw a cruise to Alaska this coming August for $33 a night. It sounds like a great reason to escape the heat of Georgia! Check out the deal here.
East Side of Cozumel: Final Thoughts
The East side of Cozumel has some of the most crystal-clear turquoise waters I’ve ever seen and unparalleled snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Beyond the aquatic adventures, Cozumel boasts a rich cultural heritage, delectable cuisine, and a laid-back, friendly atmosphere that will have you feeling like a local in no time.
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