Discovering Cozumel: How to Enjoy the Island with Family!

This year, we decided to explore Cozumel for the first time, as a family of five. We have been talking about visiting Cozumel for years, and although we have flown into Cancun at least half a dozen times in the last decade or so, we never quite managed to make it to the island.  Cozumel offers a variety of diving, dining and drinking experiences, from upscale restaurants to authentic local street food, and an endless supply of activities.​

​This is the story of our memorable 7-day trip! 

Street View of the Ferry Terminal in Playa Del Carmen

Arrival and First Impressions

We flew into the Cancun airport and took a taxi to Playa del Carmen, where we would be able to catch a direct ferry to the island of Cozumel. Taxis are readily available all around the airport as well as nearby streets. Unless you have a large group or tons of luggage, you won't have any trouble booking a ride from the airport to Playa del Carmen. 

We only hired one taxi, so we were crammed into the taxi like sardines, but we managed to fit, with the kids all holding on to their backpacks on their laps. At least the taxi had A/C! The taxi ride fare us 1,900 pesos (about $100 at the current exchange rate). We asked around, and this seemed to be about average from the Cancun airport to Playa del Carmen. The taxi ride took about 45 minutes, with light traffic. ​

We were dropped off about 2 minutes walking distance from the ferry terminal, which was still a bit of a slog in the heat with our luggage, but we managed.  All along the way, you will be pestered constantly by street vendors trying to sell you tickets at a higher price. They will swarm you! Just ignore them and go straight to the ticketing counter. We chose UltraMar, and we bought round trip tickets, and paid for the "first class" upgrade, which was only an additional 100 pesos per person, but guaranteed comfortable seats and air conditioning. 

Renting a Minivan on Cozumel Island

We went straight from the Ultramar ferry terminal to the car rental place, HTL Rentals, which is within walking distance of the terminal (about 4 blocks away) and had been recommended to us by our Airbnb host. 

We noticed a very strong police presence everywhere. Cozumel has a low crime rate, (significantly lower than Cancun and other popular vacation spots), the local police try very hard to protect the island's tourists. Although it's always a good idea to be cautious and keep your belongings close, you can relax knowing that you're is highly unlikely to face any major threats.

When we got to the rental shop, we rented a Chrysler minivan, which fit our family of 5 perfectly and also had the benefit of strong A/C. The owners and employees were polite and helpful, and they did not charge us more than what was quoted. We called and reserved our minivan a few days in advance, and that is recommended if you want a specific type of car. 

We did see a lot of tourists renting other cars, including a popular-type open-air buggy. The buggies and scooters are cheaper, but be aware that it did rain almost every day (it was a warm rain and over quickly, but still). 

HTL RENTALS scooter Buggy & jeeps: +52 987 113 1706

We first dropped off our luggage at our Airbnb, and we set off to explore the island! 

Our Two Youngest Snorkeling in Cozumel at the SkyReef

Beautiful Beaches Galore

Cozumel's sun-kissed beaches were calling! We spent the next few days exploring around the island, and stopped at several of the beach clubs, most of which required an entry fee. At the Paradise Beach Club, which incidentally had been pushed VERY hard by the tour guides at the ferry terminal, we found the water very dirty. It was also packed with literally hundreds of tourists from the cruise ships. We stopped at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club, as well, and found it very pricey and also packed. 

We decided to go in another direction, hopping back into the minivan to explore the small beach clubs and more non-touristy spots. We went all around the island, looking at multiple spots. Swimming on the east shore of the island is possible but not recommended for inexperienced divers or children, as it is the most dangerous place to swim on Cozumel.  ​The waves on the east side are bigger, and dangerous rip tides are common. 

Taquería El Mexicano view from the street

Taquería El Mexicano, Cozumel

​We spent the first day just exploring the island by car and taking pictures. We got some yummy street tacos at the end of the evening at a tiny little hole-in-the-wall place, called Taqueria El Mexicano which was PACKED OUT and had some of the best tacos we have ever eaten, anywhere. 

The menu and prices are on the wall. The tacos are absolutely amazing. The authentic taste is spot on, and they definitely don't skimp on the meat, the tacos are loaded. They have a variety of freshly made agua frescas available daily (we tried the horchata and the limeade with chia seeds). And the service from the staff is great. If you want truly authentic street tacos, this is the place to go. 

Av Lic Benito Juárez 373, Centro, 77668 Cozumel, Q.R.

Do not miss this spot! 

Skyreef Beach Club

The second day, we ended up at the Skyreef Beach Club, which didn't charge an entry fee and had a great restaurant and bar with reasonably priced food and drinks. We STRONGLY suggest avoiding the adjoining beach club, Playa Corona (which had dilapidated chairs and tables and seemed overpriced). Customers were actually arguing loudly with the waiter about the bill when we went inside to check it out. 

SkyReef Beach Club also offers free Wi-Fi for its customers. The restaurant overlooks the sea and you can rent snorkel equipment there! The staff was friendly and attentive, but will also leave you alone if you just want to have a few drinks and enjoy the view.  It’s a great area to see the fan coral as well as a dazzling array of tropical fish in an area protected from fishing boats. The water was so crystal clear and the beach was absolutely breathtaking. 

There were plenty of beach chairs and the water was clear and clean! The soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters were perfect for a day of relaxation. I tried my hand at kayaking and paddleboarding, feeling the thrill of adventure. As the day came to an end, I enjoyed a delicious dinner at a beachside restaurant, watching the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of colors.

The Money Bar Beach Club, view from the main road

Money Bar Beach Club

The day before we left the island, we visited the Money Bar Beach club. We had resisted visiting this spot, frankly, because it always seemed crowded, and the name was off-putting. Sometimes we would drive by at night and they had loud music and a live band. I don't know why, but I just imagined it would be a bunch of young college kids getting rowdy. 

We went there in the late afternoon with our kids (around 4:30 PM) and it wasn't that crowded, and the water and the view was lovely. This is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, the kids had a blast in the water. There were tons of fish and it is safe. 

The restaurant atmosphere is laid-back and they have a great menu and comfortable lounge chairs. No need to pay an entrance fee, and the staff are friendly and don’t bother you constantly like they do at some of the other beach clubs, but the service is good. Our waiter was attentive and extremely polite, and it wasn't significantly more  more expensive than any other beach club we visited, and the food was very good. The ceviche is incredible. 

They also offered 2-for-1 happy hour drinks, which took us by surprise, and we took advantage of that. The kids got 2-for-1 "virgin" pina coladas, too. We didn't stay very long after sunset, because we had to get the kids showered and into bed, but the bar scene later in the evening seemed like it would be desirable to a couple who wanted to enjoy a night out by themselves. 

 We highly recommend checking it out. 

​​Last Day: Final Thoughts

Cozumel is a paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or simply looking to relax on the beach, this island has it all. As an American family, our first visit to Cozumel was filled with unforgettable experiences and warm hospitality. Our family can’t wait to return and discover even more of this beautiful island.