9 Fun Things to Do with Kids on Cozumel Island, Mexico
Activities for the whole family to enjoy on beautiful Isla Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island and is known around the world for its vibrant coral reefs, rich marine life (optimal for scuba diving and snorkeling) as well as its beautiful beaches and fascinating Mayan history. While many arrive in Cozumel via cruise ship, ferries to the island from the mainland leave from the pier close to Playa del Carmen’s town square and arrive at the pier in San Miguel de Cozumel, the only town on Isla Cozumel. A few blocks in, the tourist zone gives way to quiet and authentic neighborhoods and a lovely town square.
Whether you’re in Cozumel for a week or a day, there are so many amazing things to do. This post outlines our favorite things for families and groups with kids to do in and around Playa del Carmen - there really is something here for every member of the family!
If you’re hungry for more, don’t miss the links at the end of the article for even more things to do. Playa del Carmen is just a short boat ride away, and many other incredible options are only 30 minutes to a couple hours’ drive along the coast or inland, including Tulum, Cancun, and Puerto Morelos.
📍Scavenger Hunt for “Sea Wall” Murals!
Walk all around downtown Cozumel “scavenger hunting” for over 30 amazing murals that were produced as part of the Sea Wall project of 2015 to promote marine conservation. Click on the picture at right for the full “treasure map”.
Our kids loved doing this - although we didn’t get to them all, we have some great photos to show for our efforts! Depending on the ages and size of your group, you could split up and make it a race to see who can take their selfies in front of them all (or a set number!) first. Reward: ice creams and/or margaritas, as appropriate :)
⌛Explore Cozumel’s Mayan Ruins
San Gervasio ruins
If you and/or your kids are interested in local history & archaeology (or like to pretend that they’re Dora the Explorer/Indiana Jones/Tomb Raider) but don’t plan to go out to any of the (many) major sites on the mainland (e.g., Tulum, Chichen Itza, Ekbalam, Coba), you can visit the small Mayan ruins on Cozumel:
San Gervasio is the largest and has some restored buildings. Its a bit closer to town than El Caracol, below.
El Caracol at the island’s remote southern point is thought to have been used for navigation, hence its name (El Caracol means “the lighthouse” in Spanish).
💦Have a Blast at Chankanaab Adventure Park!
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park is packed with things to do and see. On top of their beautiful and calm beaches and swimming pools, there are sea lions, manatees, dolphins, crocodiles, ziplining, “snuba” and snorkeling, spa services, some Mayan history exhibits and beautiful gardens - click on the map photo on the right to see all of the options!
Here is an affordable ticket option but you can certainly buy your tickets there too.
🫧Ride on a Little Submarine!
Unlike the Cancun SubSee submarine boat (see our post here if you’re curious!), Atlantis Submarines take visitors as deep as 100 feet in a real, US Coast Guard-certified submarine.
Down under, you can admire Cozumel’s amazing marine life up close. Tickets are available for kids ages 4 and up.
🐬 See & swim with dolphins!
Dolphinaris Cozumel offers the opportunity to swim with happy, well-kept dolphins in a lovely facility. You can also snorkel here and enjoy their lovely oceanside pool.
Important note: Don’t put sunscreen, oil, fragrance, or lotion before you go! These can irritate the dolphins’ skin! Just bring your swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes :)
We recommend reserving ahead of time to make sure you have a spot (especially if your visit is during busy cruise season!)
🛖Visit a recreated Mayan Village
Pueblo Del Maíz is a Mayan village hosting authentic, engaging, and educational cultural experiences at pretty good prices.
Some of our kids’ favorites included making their own chocolate and learning the Mayan ball games and dances.
Isla de la Pasion - almost your own private island!
🐚Bask at the beach & out in the waves
Cozumel’s best beaches for swimming are on the western/mainland-facing side of the island; those on the eastern/windward side are beautiful but dangerous with big waves and strong under currents. El Cileo’s shallow turquoise waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling among starfish, stingrays, and small fish. Its on the southwest side of the island and only accessibly by boat, but all the dive shops offer trips out there.
Or! Escape to a more “private” island! You can take a boat out from here to tiny Isla de la Pasión off the northern coast of Cozumel which is breathtaking, uncrowded, and peaceful.
Two things worth noting on beach-ing in general here:
‘Private beaches’: While some hotels like to stake out beaches in a way that makes it seem they are private, all beaches are public under Mexican law. Enjoy the sun and surf in whatever spot you like!
Beach toys/gear: You can of course bring your beach/sand toys from home, but many hotels and AirBNBs have toys for guests’ use (try messaging them to ask if you’re worried). The many local shops offer a great variety as well.
For those interested in scuba diving, Aldora is a great dive shop with lots of options.
Other posts you may enjoy!
There is so much more to do with kids in Playa del Carmen (just a short boat ride to the mainland) and within 30 minutes to a couple of hours north or south! Check out:
Catch a ferry over to beautiful Playa del Carmen - see our post on things to do with kids in Playa!
Puerto Morelos, just 30-45 minutes north - see our post on activities for kids in Puerto Morelos!
Cancun, just an hour north from Playa - see our post on to-do’s in Cancun with kids!
Tulum is about an hour south from Playa - see our post on family activities in and around Tulum
For the truly intrepid (and kids small or grown who think they are Indiana Jones), head inland into the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle to discover incredible ruins and the beautiful town of Valladolid - check out our post here!
Keep in mind for getting around the Maya Riviera and inland: Mexico has been building the Maya Train (Tren Maya) for the past few years, and they’re making speedy progress. Soon, visitors will be able to expediently visit all of these spots via the train. For more and updated information, go here.