Romantic Things to Do in Cozumel

Whether you and your partner plan to visit for a full vacation or as part of a cruise, there are so many romantic things to do in Cozumel. The sultry, warm weather and close proximity to the ocean mean that so many of them are outside and active, but there is definitely something for every couple.

Having trouble finding things to do in Cozumel that are specifically for couples?

You’re in the right place. At Romantic Weekend Getaways, we avoid cookie-cutter travel advice so we can give you options specifically to strengthen your relationship with your better half. So get ready for sparks to fly! This guide will give you everything you need for a memorable and romantic vacation.

Where Is Cozumel?

When you think of Cozumel, you may only think of a port city for cruise ships. But it’s got so much more going for it. Loaded with adventure and beautiful views, this island is a perfect romantic weekend getaway.

Cozumel is an island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea. It lies just seven miles off the mainland, across from Playa del Carmen, and a little over two hours from its cousin, Cancun.

That makes it easy to access via a quick 45-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen — close enough for a last-minute romantic getaway or day trip if you’re short on time. That ferry ride can be a little rocky sometimes, so if you get seasick, make sure you prepare for it by following some of these tips to avoid seasickness.

But don’t let that deter you! Even if you find yourself bent over the boat and feeding the fish this morning’s breakfast, know that it’ll be a funny memory that you and your partner can look back on and laugh!

15 of the Most Romantic Things to Do in Cozumel

Cozumel itself is known for its gorgeous white sand beaches, as well as water activities and the archaeological sites nearby. While known for its beautiful beaches, there is so much more for couples to enjoy. Whether you’re nature lovers, adventure seekers, history buffs, or beach bums, Cozumel has it all.

Visit an Ecological Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach is a must-visit for couples seeking a romantic, picturesque spot to explore Cozumel’s natural beauty. This 2,500-acre ecological park features pristine white beaches, vibrant coral reefs, lagoons with crocodiles, and more. You can even join guided tours led by park rangers to learn about the area’s incredible wildlife and environment.

They also offer snorkeling and scuba diving in the waters, as well as sea kayaking, biking, and camping overnight near the lagoons. These offer great opportunities for you and your loved one to reconnect and share a unique experience together. You’ll also get to see much of how the Yucatan Peninsula was prior to being developed into a tourist destination.

Visit the Underground Secret River

A favorite ecological exploration is the Rio Secreto, an underground river of stunning caverns and caves. You and your sweetie can choose an excursion from four hours to a full day, where guides will safely lead you through breathtaking caves, sharing interesting facts as you wade and swim through the pristine waters. If you have enough time, book a full-day experience to explore more caves and enjoy a romantic underground picnic.

The caves themselves are breathtakingly gorgeous, and the guides will lead you safely through them and point out all sorts of interesting facts and visuals throughout your tour. The water is generally not very deep, but you do need to swim a little bit, even with the life jacket you must wear. Think of it as the biggest romantic adventure!

Insider Tip: To protect this vital water source, sunscreen and bug spray are not permitted. But don’t worry, bugs are rarely an issue anyway!

Explore the Ocean While Scuba Diving

If you and your partner are into scuba diving, Cozumel dive shops provide a great half-day experience for certified divers. The Caribbean Sea is warm, but many of the dive sites do have a current. This means many of them are drift dives.

In a drift dive, you start at one point, then drift with the current, and the boat picks you up at the end. This way, you don’t have to swim back to the boat against the current. You can see gorgeous coral, and many of the dives are along coral walls. The sea life is plentiful, and you’ll usually see everything from parrotfish and lobsters to more unusual creatures like seahorses. When the day is over, you and your partner will have endless stories to tell!

Insider Tip: The dive shops will have all the gear you need, so if you are a certified diver, you just need your C card. If you’re new to diving, this is a great place for you and your S.O. to get certified!

Trek To an Adventure Park

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is another favorite adventure park for couples. They include more than 20 activities in their price of admission. You and your partner can enjoy an underwater Mayan city while snorkeling (free with your own gear), water slides, pools, massaging hot tubs, kayaks, a floating water park, volleyball courts, and more. 

You can also add on unique activities like fish therapy, where the little fishies do a pedicure on your feet while you sit and watch. They also have a snorkel tour on a boat, sailboat rentals, snorkel rentals, a private lounge bed, and jet ski rentals. With such a variety of fun and romantic things to do, you and your beau will have the perfect balance of intimate relaxation and thrilling adventure.

Take a Trip on an Underwater Submarine

If you want to head underwater but aren’t up for scuba diving, make sure you check out the Atlantis Submarines. You and your partner can get close and cozy while visiting the Felipe Xicotemcatl wreck that sank over 20 years ago.

On your underwater visit, you see not only the shipwreck but also fish, along with possible turtles, sharks, and stingrays along the way. As with anything that involves animals, there’s no guarantee what you’ll see on a given day, but those are frequent visitors to the area. This 2-hour trip takes you to The Wall, with a drop off of more than 1,800 feet below you. It’s an impressive view of a coral wall reef, and you get to see it from the safety of an air-conditioned and pressurized submarine. 

The Atlantis submarine adventure also includes a complimentary beverage and guides who narrate the trip so you know what you’re looking at and the history of it, as well. It’s a beautiful underwater world that you two will never forget.

Insider tip: Be aware that there is a marine park fee that is not included in the price when you book. Carry cash to cover this $6 fee.

Head To the Deep Sea for Fishing

For couples who prefer to stay above the waves, book a deep-sea fishing charter. The Caribbean Sea is home to tuna, snapper, mahi mahi, and even blue marlin. While a catch isn’t guaranteed, the trip itself is a romantic and fascinating experience, especially on a private charter. The tours provide all equipment, and many offer complimentary snacks and drinks. Some even include a snorkeling opportunity while you wait for a bite!

Keep in mind that you do need a fishing license is required and can usually be arranged by the charter for a fee. The daily catch limit is typically 10 fish per person, with a billfish counting as five, so catch-and-release is often best. Best of all? The charters will clean and fillet your fish so you can enjoy it for a romantic dinner that night.

Explore Mayan Ruins

No visit to the Yucatan Peninsula would be complete without exploring some Mayan ruins, and the San Gervasio Archaeological Site offers a romantic and enchanting glimpse into this rich history. While smaller than famous sites like Tulum, it features impressive temples and residences with great signage, allowing you to tour easily on your own.

Travel through time and explore the many impressive buildings and temples, including residences. The distance between them does mean that you need to do some hiking to get there, but it is definitely doable and worth the visit when you’re looking for things to do in Cozumel. You can always hire a guide on-site if you decide you want one after you’ve arrived.

Enjoy a Chocolate Factory Tour

Speaking of the Mayans, one of the things they are known for is chocolate — and what’s more romantic than sharing chocolate with your love?! The Mayan Cacao Company offers tours where you and your sweetie can dive into this delicious history. Your experience includes a Mayan purification ritual, visiting a traditional hut, tasting homemade tortillas, and, of course, a romantic chocolate tasting where you try ancient recipes. Yum!

They even have a bar, and if you book the chocolate and margarita workshop, you get a chocolate margarita! Unlike cramped factory tours, this is a multi-building site where you stroll from place to place, making it a perfect romantic outing. With three different tours available, you can easily choose the adventure that works best for both of you.

Visit a Family-Owned Pearl Farm

For a truly unique and romantic Cozumel adventure, check out the family-owned Cozumel Pearl Farm. Your day begins with a 45-minute boat ride to a natural protected area, a thriving ecosystem only seen by local fishermen and pearl farm explorers like you! On the tour, your host family will guide you through their facilities, where you’ll learn how they cultivate pearls and gain a real appreciation for the patience involved.

The romance continues when you snorkel the oyster hatchery, marveling at a stunning life-size Virgin of Guadalupe statue underwater and the beautiful artificial reef they’ve created. After your aquatic exploration, head back to the farm’s palapa for a delicious pineapple cheeseburger and a cold beer. You can then relax on the beach, cuddle in a hammock, or share a romantic walk.

Insider tip: This six-hour tour is perfect for couples seeking seclusion, as it’s much less crowded than others and runs six days a week with a maximum of just eight visitors.

Splurge on Shopping

You can’t visit Cozumel without going shopping. One of the most popular areas is downtown, where you and your better half can immerse yourselves in the bustling streets. The main drag, Melgar Avenue, is bursting with souvenir shops and boutiques offering traditional Mexican clothing, pottery, jewelry, and other easy-to-pack souvenirs. The prices are generally reasonable, especially if you snag a multi-item discount, so it’s the perfect place to find your honey something extra special.

For a different vibe, you can browse high-end designer shops like Louis Vuitton in La Plaza Shopping Center or explore the local San Miguel market for unique, handcrafted items like jewelry and wood carvings. The market is also a wonderful place to let romance thrive, roaming free and grabbing delicious local snacks from the food stalls, from empanadas and tamales to tacos and more.

Enjoy a Local Food Tour

If you’re a foodie couple, make sure that you do a food tour! The Cozumel Chef Food Tour visits several romantic restaurants in Cozumel, where you enjoy a different dish and local drink at each one. Best of all, these are not your typical tourist restaurants, so you and your partner will eat like locals with more unique and often tastier dishes. It’s a fantastic way to soak up the culture together.

If either of you is a vegetarian, they can accommodate you. Just make sure you let them know in advance. This three-hour tour has plenty of food and drink. Make sure you come hungry because you will leave stuffed and even more in love!

Sip on a Free Tequila Tasting Tour

If you’re more interested in the beverage side of tours, do not miss the Mi Mexico Lindo Tequila Tour. This free tour walks you through the entire tequila process and is demonstrated by a five-generation distiller. You and your partner will learn about all the stages of making tequila — from the harvest of the agave until they bottle.

Of course, yes, they offer tastings at the end of the tour. It’s a great way to loosen up and get flirty! They have several unique tequila flavors, including several infused varieties. While you have the opportunity to purchase, it is not required.

Learn About the History of Cozumel

For couples who are into history, Pueblo del Maiz is a great place to learn about Cozumel and the Mayans. This recreated ancient village starts with a welcome ceremony where a Mayan priest blesses you, you make an offering to the corn god, and can even get your face painted with natural pigments. Inside, you’ll explore seven different palapas to learn all about Mayan life through interactive and hands-on activities.

You and your partner will get a truly one-of-a-kind, full-sensory experience together. You can learn to make chicle tree chewing gum and homemade corn tortillas, served with fresh salsa. You’ll also taste hibiscus and honey, try cocoa beans and traditional hot chocolate, and see how sisal fibers were used for sandals and baskets. This is one of those romantic things to do that so many couples don’t know exists, but it’s absolutely worth your time and money to visit!

Don’t Skip Mr. Sancho’s

If you and your S.O. want a more traditional Cozumel activity, visit Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club. You’ll find this excursion on any cruise itinerary. Not surprisingly, this won’t be off the beaten path and can often be crowded. However, it is a ton of fun and totally worth it! Definitely plan to enjoy the whole day here, as there is so much to see, do, and explore. You’ll get an all-you-can-eat buffet, and while it isn’t gourmet food, it’s tasty and plentiful.

Go for a romantic kayak ride over crystal-clear water, and remember to use a locker to store your valuables. Bring your own towels, as Mr. Sancho’s rents their towels. They have an aquatic park on-site, along with additional activities like jet skiing, ATV riding, horseback riding, and parasailing if you two want more of an adventure. Those all come at an additional cost, but it’s handy to have them all in one place.

Explore the Jungle on an ATV

If you and your sweetie want more of an adrenaline rush, check out the ATV tours. Who doesn’t want to drive their own quad bike as they explore the jungle? This will bring out the adventurous side of any couple! To make things even more romantic, one of you can be behind the other, holding on to your love tight as you venture through the lush tropical landscape.

Many paths take you through caves. Be sure to make a stop at the Jade Cavern cenote, where you and your partner can dive in to enjoy the crystal-clear fresh water and enjoy a romantic swim. You will get dirty on this excursion, but it’s super romantic and a ton of fun. It lets you see so much of the area up close and personal in a short amount of time. 

Pack Your Suitcase…

Cozumel is a popular cruise stop and vacation destination for couples. No matter what you enjoy, you can find plenty of romantic things to do in Cozumel. It’s the perfect place for you and your sweetie to get close and make memories you’ll never forget.

In fact, this list may take you several vacations to visit everything. Share what you love to do in the comments!

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​This article first appeared on Food Drink Life.

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