10 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do In Cozumel, Mexico - Updated 2024

non touristy things to do in cozumel
Mich
Mich 
Updated
| 5 min read

If you love the beach, water activities, and the underwater world, then there is no better place to be than in Cozumel, Mexico. This place is an underrated summer destination and an undeveloped island in Mexico in the Caribbean Sea. It is famed for being a cruise ship port and is well-known for being a great scuba diving spot. One of the must-visit attractions here is the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, which features numerous diving spots around the area of Museo Subacuático de Arte’s submerged sculptures as well as the Mesoamerican Reef. In case you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Cozumel, during your holiday, so you could avoid the crowd, then check out our list of the best activities for you.

1. Time travel at San Gervasio Mayan archaeological site (from USD 151.0)

Do you feel like going back in time in Cozumel? If so, you should visit the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site and trace back their heritage and culture. This historical site dates back to the pre-Columbian Maya civilization and proves the long history of San Gervasio. It is also said that this is where the Mayan women worship the goddess of love and fertility. Make sure to take some photos and pay your respect when you visit.

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Mayan Ruins and Beach Time

Duration: 5 hours

30 reviews

2. Have an amazing time riding a buggy (from USD 77.0)

Have you ridden a buggy? If not, this is your chance to drive it and at the same time visit some attractions in Cozumel. Here, you will be given a half day to drive the buggy and see the Mayan Heritage sites like El Cedral ruins, and learn about its way of life and culture. During the tour, you’ll also have a chance to go underwater by snorkeling Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and SkyReef. And to end the activity, you’ll be having lunch by the beach.

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Cozumel Self-Drive Buggy: Snorkeling, Mayan Heritage, Lunch

Duration: 5 hours

143 reviews

3. Taste the exotic flavors of Cozumel (from USD 110.0)

The best way to know about the place is through immersing on their culinary offerings. Make sure to avail of the Cozumel food tour and visit five best food spot in the area. During the tour, you will learn about the Yucatecan cuisine, explore an open-air market, visit a family restaurant, and taste exotic and exquisite dishes with influences from the Carribean, Cuba, and Mexico. Your tummy will surely be happy with empanadas, shrimp tacos, and Mexican pastries.

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Cozumel 3-Hour Yucatecan Food Tour with Open-Air Market Visit

Duration: 3 hours

553 reviews

4. Go on a scavenger hunt (from USD 81.0)

Another unique thing to do is to see Cozumel attractions through a game. If you’re interested in this kind of activity, why not join a scavenger hunt. Here, you’ll need to have a team of at least two to eight persons and compete with other tourists as you search for clues and win the game. The game will last you four and a half hours and will be concluded by a finishing ceremony and awarding of the winner. You also get to snorkel on the clear blue waters of Cozumel, along with the race.

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Amazing Cozumel Race: Small-Group Tour and Scavenger Hunt

Duration: 4 hours

85 reviews

5. See beautiful sceneries while horseback riding (from USD 50.0)

One of the uncommon things to do in Cozumel is visiting Hacienda San Gabriel and horseback riding. It is a non-touristy activity but it is surely something that you will greatly enjoy. The Hacienda offers lots of activities for all ages. They have a swimming pool, bikes, and sports facilities like ping-pong, soccer ball, basketball court, and more. Also, you’ll learn here stories about the legend of the Chaca and the Chechén, which is fantastic and creative by the way. Additionally, you’ll also explore the Cenote del Amor and the farm, where you can see farm animals and get familiar with prescient woods that are scattered in the area.

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Hacienda San Gabriel - Horseback Riding Tour Cozumel

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

6. Visit a beautiful Mayan village (from USD 16.0)

Get to know more about the Maya civilization as you visit El Cedral Town. It is a small village that has a festival called the Feria del Cedral, which features cultural exhibitions, livestock shows, games, local cuisines, and more. This festivity celebrates the safe passage of the 11 founding families from the Caste War to Cozumel. It happens every May 3 of the year and has been declared by UNESCO as culturally historic. Make sure to visit in time of the festival for a more fun experience ahead.

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Skip the Line: Admission Ticket to El Cedral Town and Mayan Temple

Duration: 9 to 10 hours

7. Discover the underwater world through a submarine tour (from USD 105.0)

Do you want a different experience in Cozumel that is a far cry from the walking tour and historical trails, then you have to avail of this Atlantis submarine expedition tour and have an unforgettable experience afterward. This activity is a two-hour journey through the depths of the ocean 100 feet (30 meters) to be exact. You will see the Chakanaab, which is a protected underwater park that features colorful marine life. Here, you’ll see coral reef and troves of tropical fish, and gain knowledge about the fauna and flora of the sea.

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Cozumel Submarine Experience

Duration: 2 hours

529 reviews

8. Feel important while riding a luxury boat (from USD 1.0)

If you want to avoid the crowds and still want to see famous attraction in Cozumel and experience what it has to offer, then you have to avail of this private luxury boat day tour. Here, you can customize your itinerary and visits sights according to your preference. You can visit snorkeling spots, diving areas, sandbars, and have a nice view of the mainland. Also, included in the package are the snorkeling equipment as well as a seafood lunch and an open bar.

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45 ft Cabo

Duration: 5 hours

2 reviews

9. Get to know the life underwater (from USD 59.0)

Are you always intrigued by the underwater? Do you want to see marine life up close? If you answered yes to both questions, then the Catamaran sail and snorkel tour is the activity that you must book. Here, you’ll be visiting two snorkeling and diving spot in the majestic blue waters of Cozumel. You’ll be sailing through a catamaran and swim with your guide. The tour also includes snorkeling equipment and light snack and drinks to make you through the day. The activity will last you half day and you also visit the Cozumel’s reefs and Paradise Reef.

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"FE" Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Tour in Cozumel

Duration: 3 hours

10 reviews

10. Be mesmerized at the beauty of Xcaret

If you want a destination suitable for the whole family in Cozumel, then you have to a lot a day or two in Xcaret. It is a privately owned resort, theme park, and hotel that are oozing with charm and beautiful attractions. It features a water lagoon, aviary, butterfly pavilion, and a lot more. You will surely not run out of things to do while you are here. Also, take note that this is a high-end resort so make sure you have extra money with you when you visit, to avail and enter the lots of their attractions.

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Xcaret from Cozumel

Duration: 10 hours

3 reviews

Hello Cozumel

hello cozumel
Source: Pixabay

With its many diving spots, eco-parks, and water activities to offer, Cozumel will keep you occupied. Make sure to bring lots of sunblock with you when you visit. In case you want to avoid the crowd and lines, then you have to check out our compilation of non-touristy things to do in Cozumel, Mexico.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Michelle, a devoted writer and travel enthusiast, endeavors to make a living through her love for words. Her objective is to explore the world, connect with diverse individuals, and motivate others...Read more

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