Looking for a quick island escape from the bustle of Cancun or Playa del Carmen? Cozumel is just a short ferry ride away and offers a slower pace, turquoise waters, and a fun blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Cozumel is a great place for families to explore.
With only two days on the island, we packed in snorkelling, a dune buggy adventure, scenic viewpoints, and a quiet stay away from the crowds. Here’s how we made the most of our time in Cozumel with kids — and what we learned along the way.
Day 1: Dune Buggy Drive & Island Exploring
We took the morning ferry from Playa del Carmen and picked up our dune buggy rental at the terminal. The ferry ride was smooth, and the turquoise views set the tone for the adventure ahead.
Cozumel is a fantastic island to explore by car, and our dune buggy made it extra fun! We hit the road to circle the island, cruising up the western coast and looping around toward the wilder, more rugged eastern side.
The island’s western side is more developed, with paved roads, resorts, and easy access to calm beaches facing the mainland—great for family swimming and snorkelling. In contrast, the eastern side faces the open ocean, and the terrain is more natural and remote, with rougher surf, fewer crowds, and long stretches of undeveloped beach.
Our dune buggy wasn’t permitted to drive on unpaved roads, so we were limited to paved routes on the west and a few accessible spots along the east. Even so, it was a fun and scenic drive with plenty of opportunities to stop, explore, and enjoy Cozumel’s raw beauty.
There are plenty of great stops to visit along the way. Several beach clubs offer day passes with loungers, restaurants, and kid-friendly activities—ideal for relaxing or entertaining the family for a longer beach break.
We made a photo stop at El Mirador (on the eastern side), where the waves crash dramatically against the rocks. This is a popular viewpoint worth a short visit to stretch your legs. Along the way, we passed stretches of nearly empty beaches and roadside stands selling coconuts, snacks, and souvenirs.
For a touch of history, you can also detour inland to San Gervasio, the largest and most important Mayan ruins on the island. We had planned to visit, but the rough dirt road wasn’t suitable for our dune buggy, so we had to turn back. If you’re in a regular car or Jeep, this can be an interesting cultural stop to add to your itinerary.
Driving around the island, with the turquoise water constantly in view, and the freedom to stop whenever something caught our eye, was an experience in itself. Our boys loved their first ride in a dune buggy—cruising along the coast with the breeze in their faces was a highlight of the day. Even without a packed schedule of activities, the sense of freedom and fun from simply exploring made this the most memorable part of our trip to Cozumel.
Day 2: Snorkel Tour
Cozumel is a top snorkelling destination known for its incredible coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. We booked a snorkel tour for the afternoon through Cozumel Cruise Tours, which included three stops:
Stop 1: The water was 20 feet deep but incredibly clear, with many corals and fish. Some swam right up to us! The current was strong, but the boat picked us up at the end, so we didn’t need to swim back.
Stop 2: This was our favourite spot. The boat dropped us into the most stunning turquoise water. It was shallow, calm, and dotted with beautiful starfish resting on the white sand. While not as vibrant as Panama’s Starfish Beach, it was still a magical experience.
Stop 3 (El Cielito): This sandbar is the social part of the tour, where most of the time is spent. There’s no coral or snorkelling here—just shallow, turquoise water, snacks, and drinks. The crew prepared fresh guacamole and salsa while we waded and relaxed, adding to the laid-back, party vibe. One unexpected highlight was spotting a large stingray gliding along the sandy bottom just after we jumped in.
What to Know About This Tour
We did experience a few hiccups. A miscommunication around pickup delayed the tour by an hour, and once we arrived at the marina, we waited another hour for the boat to arrive. The tour was marketed as a snorkel trip, but we only spent about 45 minutes in the water. We enjoyed the starfish stop, but for us, the party atmosphere at El Cielito wasn’t the highlight.
If you’re travelling with kids who are excited to snorkel, be sure to confirm how much time will be spent in the water.
Note: You can book a morning or afternoon snorkel tour. We chose to book the afternoon, giving us extra dune buggy time in the morning. However, this meant an extra night and taking the ferry home the next morning.
More Things to Do with Kids in Cozumel
If you’re planning an extended stay on Cozumel, you could check out some more kid-friendly activities:
• Visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park: A great combination of beach, lighthouse views, crocodiles, and wildlife spotting.
• Cozumel Pearl Farm: A unique and educational boat-access tour.
• Discover Mexico Park: An interactive cultural park near the ferry terminal with miniature models of major Mexican landmarks.
• Chocolate Kaokao Workshop: Learn how traditional chocolate is made (a fun and tasty experience for kids).
Getting to Cozumel – Ferry Tips
Taking the ferry to Cozumel is easy, but there are a few things to know:
Two companies operate between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel: Ultramar and Winjet. We took Winjet over (40 minutes) and Ultramar back (25 minutes). Ultramar had more spacious interiors and outdoor seating.
Ferries depart hourly, alternating between the two operators.
Tickets & Security: You can purchase tickets at the port in Playa del Carmen. Buy directly from the company you’re sailing with. Each company can sell tickets for the other, but at a markup.
Arrive 40–60 minutes before departure to locate the kiosk, purchase tickets, and clear security at the terminal. Boats can get crowded, especially in the afternoon. Line up early if you want to sit together.
Transportation in Cozumel: Once in Cozumel, taxis and tour vendors are plentiful outside the terminal.
Where We Stayed
We booked a quiet spot about 10 minutes outside San Miguel, Hotel Villas Colibrí Cozumel. This peaceful little oasis was a great fit for our family. We stayed in a spacious two-bedroom condo with a full kitchen and a pool right outside the door. After a full day of exploring, it was the perfect place to unwind.
Is Cozumel Worth It for a Short Trip?
Cozumel gave us a refreshing break from the busier parts of the Riviera Maya. Although our snorkelling tour wasn’t quite what we expected, the island was beautiful and easy to explore. Driving the coastal road, stopping at hidden beaches, and discovering local spots made it a fun and memorable getaway.
Ready to Explore Mexico?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Cancun Whale Shark Adventure with Kids: Know Before You Go
• Chichen Itza – Why Going on Your Own is Better
• Exploring the Mayan Ruins of the Yucatán Peninsula: Tulum and Cobá
