Cozumel
The 3-in-1 Mexican destination
If you go beyond the expected in Cozumel, you’ll find thriving ecotourism efforts, unspoiled whitesand beaches, and a coast lined with the miles-long Meso-American Barrier Reef — home to some of the most stunning coral reef formations and sea creatures in the Caribbean.
But the added luxury lies in Cozumel’s close proximity to Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Across the water from the electricity of PdC and a stone’s throw from the artists haven and bohemian escape of Tulum, arriving here comes with a wealth of options and opportunity. Deciding where you want to be, what you want to see, and who you want to be can change with the Caribbean wind. And so can your plans.
The Musts
What to do in Quintana Roo
Xcaret's Xplor Park
Nature park featuring underground caverns and more
VIP Day at Anemona Beach in Punta Sur
A VIP, all-inclusive day at Anemona Beach
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Lunch
Explore Chichén Itzá and swim at Cenote Ik Kil
Xcaret's Xplor Park
Attention adventurers and thrill seekers: Xcaret, a nature park, is jam packed with activities to pump up your adrenaline and guarantee a good time. Join Xcaret at Xplor to go deep into the underground world and explore caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites (some fancy names for ancient rock formations). Sail through the water-filled caves on rafts and take a dip if you dare.
VIP Day at Anemona Beach in Punta Sur
At Cozumel’s ecological reserve—Punta Sur State Park—you’ll spend a leisurely four hours at the gorgeous Anemona De Mar Beach. At this undisturbed and gorgeous beach, you’ll be able to snorkel, swim, play volleyball, sunbathe or just relax with a margarita in your hand. You’ll also have an opportunity to see the famed crocodile sanctuary and climb to the top of a lighthouse for unrivaled views of the island.
Chichén Itzá, Cenote Ik Kil and Lunch
Begin your journey with a narrated ride to the famous Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins. Learn about the Mayan ball game court, the temple of the Warriors and the Kukulkan pyramid. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the turquoise water of a natural and sacred cenote formation—considered by the Mayans to be the entrance into the underworld.
Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration
Cozumel - Playa del Carmen
At Cozumel’s only Reef Restoration program, experts provide you with an introduction to coral reproduction and restoration concepts—including an up-close look at coral spawning at the shoreside aquarium. Afterwards, guides will take you on a snorkel tour of the coral gardens, followed by downtime at a bar at the beach with local food and drinks. Proceeds from your participation support the Coral Farms program, allowing the program to continue their efforts to replenish reefs and educate others.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Hang on the beach and enjoy some local food and drinks
- Witness coral reproduction and restoration concepts and take a snorkel tour of the coral gardens
- Sailors’ participation in this activity (and proceeds) will support the Cozumel Coral Reef Restoration program
- A great way to explore Cozumel while understanding and preserving the local ecosystem
- Give back to the sea through Cozumel's Reef Restoration program
- Exclusive to Virgin Voyages
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for pregnant Sailors in their first trimester only
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors should know how to swim
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- A donation will be made on behalf of your Shore Thing booking to our environmental and social impact charity partners
- Gratuities are included
- Please note that this Shore Thing is in Cozumel and does not require a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Atlantis Submarine Expedition
Cozumel - Playa del Carmen
This aquatic venture takes you to part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System — one of the largest living structures on the planet. You’ll get a fish-eye view of tropical marine life, lobsters, rays, sharks, and turtles, then head to Cozumel’s famed wall — a vertical descent plunging you down 100ft. Experience some real aquanaut feels while gazing out of large port holes to view the Felipe Xicotencatl, an incredible wreck that is now home to an assortment of breathtaking species and coral.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Discover the Chankanaab Reef, which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System — one of the largest living structures on the planet
- Plunge down Cozumel's famous underwater wall — 100ft below sea level
- The submarine route explores the biggest dive wreck in the area, the Felipe Xicotencatl, a 154ft long ship sold to the Mexican Navy
- Explore a wreck that is now home to dozens of fish, sponges, and soft corals out of oversized portholes
- This Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors must be able to safely navigate backwards through a 12 step ladder with handrails
- This tour is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- This tour is weather dependent
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Chaak Tun Cenote and Playa del Carmen Tour
Cozumel - Playa del Carmen
Head to Playa del Carmen to witness the low-lit caverns, natural pools and stalactites of Cenote Chaak Tun. A sacred site to the ancient Mayans, these natural wonders were created by the filtration of water through limestone terrain over the course of thousands of years. Follow the guides to a freshwater underground river, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit the underground caverns and take a dip. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander around Playa del Carmen’s lively downtown.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Finish by wandering or shopping in downtown Playa del Carmen
- Learn about ancient Mayan culture and follow the freshwater underground river
- Explore the underground caverns of Cenote Chaak Tun
- 45 minute ferry ride to/from Playa del Carmen is included
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Use of life vest during boat/swim/snorkel etc. activity is mandatory
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Sail & Snorkel to El Cielo
Cozumel - Playa del Carmen
Riding in style on boat (yeah, that never gets old), you’ll head toward Colombia Reef—a sublime snorkeling spot hailed as one of Cozumel's finest. During the 45-min snorkeling tour, you’ll spot sea turtles, coral communities, barracudas and schools of shimmering fish. Then ride by boat to El Cielo Beach (aka “sky”), for a dip while spotting starfish and stingrays in the crystal-clear waters. All while dining on guacamole, ceviche, lobster salad, fresh fruits, local beer and cold refreshments.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Snorkel equipment is included
- Beer, water and soda will be served
- Dine on guacamole, fish ceviche, lobster salad, and fresh fruits
- Head to El Cielo by boat and swim in the crystal-clear waters
- Journey to Colombia Reef for a 45-min snorkeling tour
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- Sailors should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this Shore Thing is appropriate
- Sailors prone to motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing
- Use of ladder to get in/out of vessel is required
- Use of life vest during boat/swim/snorkel etc. activity is mandatory
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- This Shore Thing is weather dependent
- Please note that this Shore Thing is in Cozumel and does not require a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Margarita and Chocolate Mixology
Cozumel - Playa del Carmen
At the Mayan Cacao Company, unearth the history of chocolate and learn how it became such a central role in Mayan social and religious life. See the manufacturing process first-hand, participate in a demonstration and sample delicious artisanal chocolate. Walk into the workshop ready to create a chocolate margarita from scratch. Oh, and then drink it. Just like that, you’ve found your new go-to drink.
Energy Level
Duration
Type
Highlights
- Explore the Mayan Cacao Company
- Participate in a chocolate demonstration
- Sample delicious Artisanal Chocolate
- Create and enjoy your own chocolate margarita
- Accompanied by bilingual guides
- Please be aware this Shore Thing is not wheelchair accessible
- This Shore Thing is not suitable for pregnant Sailors
- Includes light bites and refreshments
- This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
- Gratuities are included
- Please note that this Shore Thing is in Cozumel and does not require a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen
If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and at least 24 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) prior to the start of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.
If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.
If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.
Please visit this link for more information regarding Shore Things terms & conditions.
Okay, but what is a cenote?
A natural well formed by the collapse of limestone — exposing water below.
Shore Excursions
The Amazing Secret River
Explore the region’s most unique natural treasure—a series of caverns connected by underground rivers known as “Mother Nature’s crystal museum."
DISCOVER MORE SHORE THINGS
Docking in Cozumel can often feel like you were let in on a secret that no one else knows — arriving somewhere with more possibilities than you could have ever imagined.
It’s just not three destinations in one — it’s three opportunities to explore a side of Mexico, and yourself, that you hadn’t considered. In a world punctuated by constantly locking your future into your calendar, the freedom to choose, do, and explore whatever side of yourself shows up when you disembark — is an intoxicating concept worthy of your well-earned time off.