Last Updated on January 27, 2022 by Natalie
After my first trip to Cozumel, I was definitely smitten with the island. I realized during my second visit that Cozumel just might be my favorite beach destination in Mexico. There are plenty of fun things to do in Cozumel with kids and alternatively, it’s also a great place to spend entirely at the beach. Whether you have a week or are only have 1 day in Cozumel, there’s something amazing awaiting you!
Things to do in Cozumel with Kids (or Without!)
Cozumel is an island separated from Mexico’s mainland by the channel of Cozumel. It is located in the Caribbean Sea. It is the largest permanently inhabited island in Mexico. It is probably most well known for the excellent scuba diving. It also has stunning beaches, Mayan ruins, and fun things to do.
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⇒ To help you choose between destinations, check out Cancun or Cozumel to help you with your decision!
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins are located in the northern third of the island. Though the ruins are smaller than more famous ruins, such as Chichen Itza, the site is bigger than I’d initially imagined. I recommend having at least two hours to get around the site.
For the Mayans, Cozumel was the island of fertility. The goddess, Ixchel, was worshiped here. Ixchel was the goddess of the moon, of love, and of fertility, among others things. Humans were not sacrificed on the island. Instead, Cozumel is the birthplace of chocolate. Mayans would use their on blood in the preparation of the chocolate that they served to their leaders. In this way, a small part of the average Mayan could be part of the leaders and the gods.
In 1519, Spanish explorer, Hernán Cortéz, nearly destroyed Cozumel in his search for gold. As a result, the ruins are in much worse shape than the structures in other famous Mayan Ruins. After he left Cozumel, a smallpox epidemic broke out. The island ended up being completely abandoned by 1600.
Punta Sur (Parque Punta Sur)
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is located on the southern tip of Cozumel. It faces the Caribbean Sea. Climbing the lighthouse on site gives one of the most stunning views in all of Cozumel. Swimming isn’t allowed inside Punta Sur Park. Between the rougher ocean waves, perfect teal hue of the water, and the untamed, undeveloped beach, it’s so beautiful and different from the touristy part of the island.
Included in the price of admission to Punta Sur is the crocodile observation deck. This is an ethical way to observe crocodiles in their natural habitat. The observation deck is a boardwalk and tower that jut out into the brackish lagoon that’s home to both American Crocodile and Morelet’s Crocodile.
For more information, click here.
The Mayan Cacao Company
Chocolate making is one of my new favorite activities to do when visiting Cozumel. First of all, it’s delicious. Second of all, you get to make chocolate and eat it while learning about Mayan chocolate making history. We visited the Mayan Cacao Company located outside of Playa Mia Grand Beach Park.
Due to the island tourism suffering after all the worldwide restrictions, we ended up having a private tour. I’m not sure if that’s the normal way or not. There’s tour around the grounds that include Mayan history related to chocolate, plus you can take photos of the appropriately name macaws that live there.
Once you’re in the chocolate room, each person has their own spot to use to make chocolate similar to the way it was done in Mayan times. Our tour included making a beverage, too. The kids had chocolate milkshakes, while my husband and I enjoyed a chocolate margarita. I immediately texted my mom and sister the recipe because chocolate margaritas are SO amazing.
Beach Parks in Cozumel
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is a popular destination from the cruise port and also for longer island visitors. If you’re looking for the giant heads on Cozumel, this is where you are going to find them. The Olmec heads on Cozumel, located in Chankanaab are replicas of other relics found around Mexico. Still, they are really neat to see the actual size of these and learn a little about them.
Chankanaab also has snorkeling, a great beach for young kids, zipline, seatrek and snuba, tequila tasting, and more. There’s a pool, too. You can also spend the day lounging at the “beach,” ordering drinks and snacks all day long.
The downside is that the park does have a captive dolphin enclosure (with extra cost), captive sea lions, and a crocodile exhibit. The latter is similar to a zoo situation. During my visit (late 2020), most of these exhibits were closed. I hope these remain closed. If you don’t want to support these unethical animal activities, may I alternatively suggest Playa Mia Grand Beach Park.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is a family fun paradise. Included with admission is the kids’ water park Bucaneer Bay, the Twister Water Slides, the Floating Park (think TV’s Wipeout), Floating mats, and more. Additionally available are pedal boats, sail boats, and water bicycles. Playa Mia has even built an underwater Mayan city to explore.
This is an awesome place to visit with or without your family.
Exploring East Side Beaches
The West side beaches, like El Cielo, are super popular and with good reason. The West side of Cozumel has beautiful beaches and generally calm water. However, if you venture to the East side, you’ll find a beauty that you didn’t know existed. The East, featuring choppier water, doesn’t have much development. The road around is dotted with open air restaurants and shops, surrounded by green flora and overlook the turquoise sea.
I recommend Playa Chen Rio. Chen Rio means Little River. Little or small comes from the Mayan word chen and rio is the Spanish word for river. One section has enough protection that the water between it and the beach is often calm, like a river, hence its name. There are a lot of rocks, creating other calmer areas for exploration. The beach is wide and there are a few restaurants around. We ate at Restaurant Chen Rio. It was good, but fairly expensive. Bring cash. I recommend the mojitos!
I wish we’d had more time to spend here, because it really was one of the more wild experiences of our trip. Wild in the untouched and less crowded type of way. It is popular with locals, so there will be other people around.
Where to Stay
Though Cozumel is a common cruise port destination, there are many wonderful resorts and hotels on the island.
We stayed at a lovely, smaller all inclusive resort that had the most beautiful beach. I recommend this all inclusive resort based on the beach alone. Luckily, the resort itself is also a nice place to stay.
In conclusion: Cozumel is awesome
Cozumel is a stunning island and worthwhile of a visit! There’s plenty to do from Mayan Ruins to really cool beach parks and more! There’s something for the adventurous explorer and the beach love alike.
Do you have feedback about the best things to do in Cozumel with kids? My readers provide the best feedback. Please leave a comment. Thank you!
