Are you desirous of a beachy getaway with your significant other? Has your family been pushing you for a fun trip to an exotic location?
How about MEXICO?
There’s an exciting competition between an island and a city and we’d like to present both to you so you can decide between them, or not! Maybe just visit both if you have the time because they’re unique in what they offer.
So, Cozumel vs Cancun, what’s it going to be?
Cozumel Vs Cancun – What’s better?
It depends on your personality and whether you’re looking for a cozy vacation or want to be in the midst of the hustle and bustle.
Cozumel is a small island you can get to know intimately on foot, by bicycle, or on a scooter. You can visit it all in about an hour if you get a rent-a-car.
Cancun, on the other hand, is BIG and difficult to navigate, so you’ll need a lot more patience and thorough research before going to know exactly what you want to see.
In this blog, I’ll present the pros and cons of each and leave it to you to decide where you want to head.
Cozumel’s Vibe And Atmosphere
Cozumel is a pretty laid-back island with a small number of residents who go to sleep early to rise and shine first thing in the morning. This means you’ll find San Miguel’s downtown empty at around 10 pm.
That’s not to say that Cozumel’s boring. It’s known for its diving rather than its rich nightlife, so if you focus on the underwater world, you’ll be surprised!
Why Choose Cozumel
The Dives Are Fantastic
You’ll find the 700-mile-long second-largest barrier reef, i.e. the Mesoamerican barrier reef, in the world, after the Great Reef Barrier, here. And luckily, it’s pretty well preserved, despite tourists visiting every year.
While snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll see a huge variety of marine life such as toadfish, sea turtles, eagle rays, and nurse sharks.
It’s A Lot More Intimate
If you’re looking for a cozier experience with your partner, nothing can beat Cozumel. You can visit every nook and cranny without hassle and safely. Plus, everything in San Miguel’s downtown is accessible on foot.
It isn’t lively though as the town falls asleep early. The reason is simple. Most people visit for a great diving experience and an experienced diver knows they shouldn’t drink or sleep late because healthy early-morning dives are the most fulfilling.
This makes downtown calm. There’s also no secure threat so you can walk around peacefully.
There Are Great Places To Visit
The San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
This ancient Mayan archaeological site was an important religious and cultural center dedicated to Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, medicine, childbirth, and weaving.
Mayan women across the region made pilgrimages here to seek the goddess’s blessings.
The site consists of multiple structures, including small temples, archways, and plazas, connected by sacbeob or ancient Mayan roads. The key features of the site are:
Las Manitas Or Little Hands
Located close to the entrance, this structure contains red handprints on the inner walls and was the residence of their leader. There’s also an altar inside the structure.
Chi Chan Nah Or Little House
At the center of this structure is an altar possibly used for religious or spiritual ceremonies. The leader’s family most likely used it.
El Arco Or The Arch
Reconstructed in 1980, this arch is a popular tourist attraction and forms the main entrance to District 1 Central Plaza constructions.
Nohach Nah Or The Big House
This is one of the best-preserved sites due to the original roofing and was a temple dedicated to the feathered serpent god. In it, you can see a colored mural.
Ka’na Nah Or Tall House
The fascinating pyramid-like construction once showcased human faces within the steps and it’s believed that it was built for Ix Chel.
Natural Beauty
The ruins are surrounded by a lush jungle containing native wildlife such as iguanas and tropical birds. You’ll be surprised how fresh and rich the atmosphere is due to its natural setting.
Cozumel is less visited making San Gervasio more intimate and less crowded than larger Mayan sites like Chichen Itza or Tulum.
So you can take your time to delve into this enchanting mystery and journey back in time to acknowledge the significance of this site as a pilgrimage destination.
Its religious past gives us insight into ancient practices and customs and inspires history lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Visiting East Side Beaches Like Playa Chen Rio
Cozumel’s east coast is known for its unspoiled beaches, stunning scenery, and fewer crowds than the western side. While most of it has strong waves and currents, some beaches stand out for their beauty and relative safety.
Playa Chen Rio, for instance, is one of the safest swimming spots due to its natural rock formations that create calm pools.
It’s great for families and has delicious beachfront seafood restaurants. When hungry, you can visit the restaurant Chen Rio for some mouth-watering dishes on the menu.
While not popular among the tourists, it still deserves our attention.
Punta Sur Eco Park
Punta Sur Eco Park is a nature reserve in the south of Cozumel about 30 minutes from San Miguel.
It’s the largest ecological park on the island and is known for its beaches, diverse wildlife including flamingos, lagoons, and historical landmarks.
The protected area is covered over 247 acres and includes Mayan ruins and a mangrove lagoon. Keep a safe distance from crocodiles though, as you’ll find a few here.
Climb the Celarain Lighthouse for great panoramic views of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Inside, you’ll find a maritime museum with exhibits on the region’s maritime history.
After this, you can snorkel at Del Cielo Reef famous for its clear water and marine life including starfish.
End the day by relaxing on lounge chairs and having drinks at the bar with stunning coastline views.
You’ll Find Great Places To Stay
Cozumel lacks luxury hotel chains and all-inclusive resorts, probably because these businesses don’t consider investing there worthwhile.
But you can choose from the many decent and clean guesthouses, resorts, and hotels. You’ll prefer this if you’re a nature lover and don’t like seeing high-rise infrastructure.
If you like all-inclusive accommodations, the best is a family-friendly resort, the Cozumel Palace, offering a luxurious stay.
For those wishing to see more local culture and eat delicious regional food, you should find a guesthouse or boutique accommodation in or near downtown. After all, a vacation is senseless if you avoid the region’s lifestyle and traditions.
There are also dive resorts that are ideal for diving enthusiasts since they offer many remarkable diving-related services and packages.
See A Breathtaking Cenote
Cenotes are underground freshwater pools considered sacred by the Mayan civilization, who used them for water supply and religious ceremonies.
You’ll find an astounding 18 cenotes in Cozumel. The best one is Cenote Aerolito de Paraiso located close to the old harbor in the south.
It’s the only accessible cenote on the island and while it’s not as large or famous as the cenotes on the mainland, it’s a great spot for divers and nature lovers.
You’ll also find crocodiles here but don’t worry, they aren’t aggressive.
You Can Order Exquisite Food
The food scene at Cozumel is peaceful and low-key with a variety of options to choose from. Here are two excellent must-have local dishes after which you’ll be licking your fingers.
Pescado Frito
This freshly fried fish is a classic in the coastal areas of Mexico and is served with traditional and locally favored sides such as rice, tomatoes, onions, lime wedges, or tortillas.
The fish is prepared using seasonings such as salt, pepper, lime juice, garlic, and achiote to enhance its taste and deep-fried until the skin is crispy and golden while the inside remains tender and juicy.
You can try this delicious meal at San Carlos Pescadaria.
Ceviche
Ceviche is a zesty seafood dish hugely popular throughout coastal Mexico, including Cozumel.
It consists of seafood mixed with citrus juice, typically lime, and fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and avocado for added taste and texture. It’s served chilled with tostadas, tortilla chips, or crackers.
Find this all over Cozumel, especially at the La Conchita Del Caribe.
If You Like Street Art, Cozumel Is Your Best Bet
First, I don’t know if you’ll constitute this as art, but you’ll find old cars parked on streets in Cozumel. I find they give the island a distinct old-school vibe and a picturesque ambiance.
You’ll also find colorfully painted houses that add contrast to the urban setting.
The San Miguel street art consists of commissioned murals and less organized graffiti about the town with an ocean theme.
You’ll see octopi, sharks, whales, fish, and other marine life depicted. Don’t be surprised to find mermaids, animals, and other abstract concepts popping up.
Lastly, statues honor the Cozumel culture and history. The Mestizaje Monument portrays Gonzalo Guerrero, a Spanish conquistador who married a Mayan princess and fought against the Spanish.
It shows how beautifully the two cultures blended to form something truly unique.
Why Cozumel Might Not Be Your Dream Spot
It’s Less Accessible Than Cancun
Cozumel International Airport is smaller than Cancun International Airport and has fewer direct international flights. Due to a lack of access, direct flights can be pricey. So it’s best to get to Cancun and take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to reach it.
The journey takes about 35 to 45 minutes and ferries run frequently throughout the day.
It’s Isolated From The Mainland
Since it’s an island, Cozumel is further from the main attractions of the Yucatan Peninsula.
They include the most famous Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, natural wonders such as cenotes, gorgeous beaches, and a rich nightlife. It’s not all doom and gloom though, especially for enthusiastic divers and people who prefer the quiet.
It’s Not Where You’ll Find The Best Beaches
Cozumel is ideal if you want clearer waters, better snorkeling and diving, and a quieter atmosphere. It’s more laid-back with many natural, uncrowded beaches and has a local feel compared to the tourist-heavy Cancun.
However, some beaches have rocky shorelines and may be far from where you’ll stay so you’ll need to use a taxi or a car to reach them.
How’s Cancun Different?
Cancun provides more activities and many things to do in the Hotel Zone. This means you’ll need more days to spend here.
If you’re traveling with family, especially kids, chances are they’ll want to know more about the local history, art, and culture so you’ll need to plan your Cancun itinerary accordingly.
From white, sandy beaches to big resorts, theme parks, the most famous Mayan ruins, and a great party atmosphere, you’ll find it all here.
Xcaret Water Theme Park
Located close to Playa Del Carmen, this is one of the most famous eco-archaeological parks in the middle of the jungle in Mexico that blends natural beauty, cultural experiences, and adventure activities.
Top Attractions
You’ll find many underground rivers and water activities where you can swim or float while enjoying the limestone caves, a lush jungle, and waterfalls.
Snorkeling is also available in natural lagoons with tropical fish along with rafting and paddleboarding in rivers. The natural sea pools and white sandy beaches add further to the charm.
For culture and nature enthusiasts, you can explore ancient Mayan ruins inside the park and see the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular show with performers showcasing Mexico’s history, traditions, and dance.
The Coral Reef Aquarium, the Butterfly Pavilion, the Aviary, the Living Orchid and Bromeliad Museum, and the Sea Turtle Center help you learn about the local wildlife, nature, flora, and fauna.
For instance, you’ll witness butterflies, flamingoes, jaguars, deer, bats, tapirs, saraguatos, and spider monkeys.
The Mayan Ruins Are Not To Be Missed
Cancun is surrounded by some of the most amazing Mayan ruins ranging from small coastal sites to massive ancient cities. The most famous of these are:
Chichen Itza
This newest 7th wonder is the most well-known due to the El Castillo pyramid. A total of 26 ruins can be found here, of which 6 are located in the Old Chichen section.
Other than El Castillo, you cannot miss out El Caracol, the Mayan Ball Game, and the Temple of the Warriors. You can visit from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and the ideal time is early morning with maximum sunlight and fewer tourists to get a real feel for this place.
It’ll take you about 2.5 hours to reach the site from Cancun if you travel by car.
Tulum
A great coastal ruin about 130 km south of Cancun, you’ll be mesmerized by the scenic beauty that surrounds this.
It’s located on a cliff overlooking the ocean because it used to be a port city supporting Mayan trade in items like jade and turquoise. It’s also one of the last cities inhabited by the Mayans.
Some famous structures include Castillo or The Castle on the edge of a limestone cliff and Temple of the Frescoes where you can find a mural painted on three levels.
The best part is you can swim at the beach after analyzing the ruins.
This can be a great thing to do in Cancun for couples if you’re on a romantic vacation and exploring with your partner.
Cancun International Airport Is Far More Accessible
The airport has many more direct flights from around the world since it’s a popular tourist destination, making it one of the busiest in Mexico. This can pay off if you have limited time on your hands.
It also has lower airfare prices due to competition.
Cancun Has A More Elaborate Intercity Connectivity
With more taxis, rental cars, buses, and private shuttles, you can get around more comfortably and see your famous spots such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Chichen Itza, and other parts of the Riviera Maya without hassle.
Many visitors prefer landing in Cancun and taking a shuttle to Playa del Carmen to catch the Cozumel ferry due to the ease and lower costs if they’re visiting both places.
If You’re There To Party, Cancun’s Where It’s At!
Cancun is one of the best and most legendary party destinations, famous for its high-energy clubs, beachfront bars, and all-night parties.
No wonder it’s so popular during spring break! Whether you’re looking for wild dance floors, live music, or chill lounges, Cancun has it all.
Top Nightclubs And Party Spots To Look Out For
Coco Bongo
Though it tends to be pricey, you can’t go wrong with Coco Bongo, located at Hotel Zone. It’s a Las Vegas-style show with acrobats, live performances, and confetti explosions giving you an iconic Cancun experience, a must for first-time visitors.
Mandala Beach Club
Mandala Beach Club is a great option if you’re more of an outdoor person who likes to party at the beach.
There’s a day and night beach party scene where you can dance, drink, munch on the best snacks, and have fun. You can expect to dance all night long to the grooviest tunes with superb DJs.
Cancun Beaches Are To Die For
Cancun is famous for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters surrounded by palm trees, clubs, and beach bars. Most of the best beaches are located in the Hotel Zone. Here are two that you should consider going to:
Playa Delphines Or Dolphin Beach
This beach feels natural. Why? Because you won’t find hotels or restaurants blocking the view and you can breathe away from all the beach club madness and loud music. The beach also distinguishes itself with palapas or shades.
If you get hungry, vendors sell Mexican baked items or baskets of edibles like fresh mango and cucumber. Soft drinks and water bottles are also available.
However, you won’t see dolphins here unless you try to spot one early morning from El Mirador, a lookout platform.
Be careful while swimming though because the waves can be strong making the currents unsafe sometimes.
If you want to step away from the beach and study a little archeology instead, you can go across the street to El Rey, an ancient Mayan site. This gives the experience quite a contrasting touch.
Access to the beach and parking is free and lifeguards are available from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Playa Norte Or North Beach
If you’re in search of calmer waters to swim easily in, Playa Norte located in Isla Mujeres might be ideal. It’s a public beach open for all year round offering numerous activities.
You can book a private yacht for an unforgettable experience, head to the Mayan beach club to enjoy delicious cuisine under the stars, snorkel to see a vibrant underwater life, kayak or paddle boat on sublime waters, or simply sun tan by the sea.
A ferry takes you from Cancun to the island in about 20 minutes.
You’ll Find Some Of The Best Cenotes Nearby
These natural sinkholes with crystal-clear freshwater are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The two best ones to not miss out are:
Nohoch Cenote
If you’re tired of the more commercial cenotes like Dos Ojos, you can head over to a neighboring, less visited one, Nohoch. It’s close to the Tulum ruins, a perfect opportunity to swim after a day at the ancient site.
This underground river system has galleries and caves that amateurs or experienced divers can explore thoroughly with a guide.
Since tourists prefer other cenotes, you’ll find this one less crowded, allowing you to peacefully contemplate the natural formations, the beauty the light beaming through gives to the caves and water, and the stunning underwater passages.
Ik-Kil Cenote
Located near Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula, this famous and breathtaking cenote is usually crowded, a perfect location for the more extroverted tourists.
Known for its open-air setting, lush hanging vines, and deep blue waters, this picturesque spot is a must-visit spot for swimmers and photographers alike.
Cancun Has More All-Inclusive And Luxury Hotels
Cancun has abundant all-inclusive hotels since it’s a well-developed tourist attraction. These resorts cater to all kinds of requirements so you can find family-friendly options.
If you want to indulge in the best amenities and spend your vacation at the hotel rather than leave the premises, Cancun offers a better deal. You’ll find them on the entire Riviera Maya coastline.
An option is Le Blanc Spa Resort located in the Hotel Zone about 25 minutes from the airport. An adult-only resort, it caters to all your spa and luxury needs.
The personal attention and sophistication they offer are unparalleled with exclusive suites and amenities such as internet, gourmet cuisine, poolside concierge service, and refreshing services at the spa.
Food In Cancun
Cancun boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering a diverse dining experience that caters to various tastes and preferences.
These establishments blend traditional Mexican flavors and international cuisines, ensuring a memorable dining experience in Cancun. A great option to eat at is:
Divina Carne
This high-end Brazilian steakhouse provides high-quality and flavorful cuisine. Known for its premium cuts of meat, superb service, and elegant ambiance, it offers an extensive buffet and meat options carefully crafted for a delightful experience.
One of their top sellers is top sirloin or Picanha and their three-section menu includes salads, sushi, cold meats, cheese, hot dishes aguachile, ceviche, and a variety of meat and meat cuts including Porterhouse and Ribeye.
Pair your meal with the best wines and cocktails for the added pizzazz.
Be sure you’re aware of the tipping culture in the country and area so you can tip accordingly.
You Can’t Leave Cancun Without Trying These Dishes
Cochinita Pibil Or Slow-Roasted Pork
A traditional dish from the Yucatan Peninsula where the pork is slow-roasted in an underground pit.
The meat is marinated in achiote paste, citrus or bitter orange juice, and various spices and then cooked by wrapping it in banana leaves. The process gives the dish a unique, tender, and flavorful taste.
You can try this with add-ons such as black beans, pickled onions, and tortillas.
Tikin Xic
Tikin Xic is another traditional Mayan-style fresh and flavorful seafood dish from the Yucatan Peninsula that mostly uses red snapper because of its versatility and unique taste.
To prepare it, the fish is marinated using achiote paste and then cooked with tomatoes and bell peppers inside banana leaves. This helps lock in moisture and enhances its natural flavors.
You can find this delicious platter at many restaurants and eateries.
Why Visiting Cancun Is More A Nuisance Than Fun
Cancun Is Loud And Not Always Safe
Cancun is a party spot so you won’t spend a tranquil vacation there if that’s what you’re after. But you’ll still find accommodation and travel options far from the hustle and bustle of the hotel zone if you search a little.
Luckily Cancun is famous for many other things besides parties, including historical Mayan sites.
If you’re traveling in peak season, Cancun can overwhelm you and the authentic culture you want to see might be drowned by the excessive tourist noise and the comings and goings of crowds.
And while Cancun is generally safe for tourists, especially the Hotel Zone and main tourist areas, like any major tourist destination, there are some safety concerns to be aware of.
Crimes can increase because of excessive use of alcohol. Violence also occurs between gang members but this remains limited to them and doesn’t extend to tourists if you avoid meddling.
You must however be careful of scams and mugging by avoiding isolated or dark places. Also, be up-to-date with the latest news regarding safety in the region.
As far as transportation is concerned, choose reliable taxis that are officially registered or Uber so that you’re charged at authorized rates. Sometimes, taxis might overcharge or take a longer route to drop you somewhere to make extra money.
You’ll Find The Best Underwater Adventures In Cozumel
You won’t find much in terms of a thriving reef and underwater ecosystem in Cancun because of the high tourist density.
But what you can experience is MUSA or Cancun Museum of Underwater Art, a one-of-a-kind underwater attraction that combines art, marine conservation, and adventure. The museum features around 500 life-sized sculptures submerged underwater.
Its objective was to save nearby coral reefs and natural formations by giving divers another attraction so the traffic could be redirected elsewhere.
You can explore the museum through snorkeling, scuba diving, or even glass bottom boat tours, ideal for vacationers who don’t want to get in the water.
One of the popular installations you can find there is The Silent Evolution where around 450 human figures are grouped to show the interaction and harmony between people.
Be Responsible Tourists
These areas are home to delicate ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, cenotes, and wildlife, so small, eco-friendly actions can make a big difference.
Use Reef-Safe, Biodegradable Sunscreen
Massive tourism can harm natural landscapes and marine life such as coral reefs and fish. For instance, hindered growth, reduced fertility, and deformities have been observed.
Appropriate sunscreen with ocean-safe ingredients is necessary to protect ecosystems. Avoid products that use Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. Other ingredients that are harmful to corals include:
- Benzophenone-8
- 3-Benzylidene camphor
- Benzophenone-1
- 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor
- OD-PABA
- Octocrylene
Avoid Touching Corals
Marine life should be observed, not touched. Corals are delicate living organisms that grow slowly. Human touch can harm coral polyps, the tiny animals that build coral reefs.
Corals are also covered in a thin layer of mucus and this protective coating can be removed by touching.
Be wary of how you move your body around because coral structures can break easily if we step on them by mistake.
Coral reefs are home to more than 25% of marine life. Damaging corals means less shelter and food for fish, sea turtles, and other marine animals. Over time, coral destruction can lead to reef collapse, affecting tourism, fishing industries, and coastal protection.
Tour With Responsible Guides
If you’re new to the area, you must hire someone to show you how to scuba dive and snorkel ethically. Since they know the ocean better, they’ll be able to guide your behavior so you don’t end up putting marine life in danger.
Don’t Litter
Eat at designated spots and don’t bring food or drinks to cenotes or beaches where crumbs and spills can risk contamination. Be mindful of how your actions can devastate natural wonders.
If you come across trash, pick it up. A little extra hand always helps in maintaining biodiversity.
As you can see from this blog, Cancun and Cozumel are both charming in their ways and each has its deficits.
If you prefer the quiet, Cancun’s endless shops, activities, and restaurants can seem a lot. However, if you have FOMO or fear of missing out on the big action, Cancun might be calling your name.
Whichever it is, know that they’ll offer you plenty to do and you’ll create unforgettable memories.
For more information on how to make the best of your trip, a comprehensive Cozumel and Cancun packing list, and some more fun facts about Cancun and Cozumel, contact us! We’re experts at organizing these trips and would be glad to help.
