Just across from Playa del Carmen, you can see the island of Cozumel. Although the biggest island in the country, it’s small enough to cover as a nice day trip. The town on the island, San Miguel, lacks the charm and personality of Playa, but offers some nice restaurants and generic tourist shopping. Cruise ships stop here almost every day of the week, so prices can be pretty steep.

The eating and drinking scene is more focused on the American visitor, like Hard Rock Café and other franchise establishments. What the island really has going for it is the snorkeling and diving. Cozumel has been a diving destination since the 1960’s when Jacques Cousteau made the world aware of the incredible reefs of the area. It is easier to dive and snorkel directly off the beach in Cozumel than in Playa.

To get around the island you will have to rent transportation (taxi, car or, more commonly, scooter), since there really is no bus service. There are a few small ruins, but none of any real significance. Ferries leave to Cozumel from Playa every hour on the hour (with a couple of exceptions), starting at 5am. Check out the schedule when you get here, as it changes on a regular basis. It is a 30 minute ride and a round trip run for about 15 US dollars. Ferries back to Playa also leave every hour on the hour (again with a few exceptions) and the last one leaves the island at 10pm.

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