Top 9 Things To Do In Cozumel on a Budget

Things To Do In Cozumel On a Budget

Are you wondering “What kind of things are there to do in Cozumel on a Budget? If you weren’t aware, Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ports when leaving out of Florida, Texas, and even Louisiana. Often times your itinerary is fairly long and you have all day to explore. In this post we decided to break down the top 9 things there are to do in Cozumel while on a budget that wont break the bank. 

Our blog post contains affiliate links. Full Disclosure here. 

Cozumel Mexico Beaches Near Cruise Port

Everybody knows that the beaches and the water in Cozumel are absolutely amazing. The waters are crystal clear and getting to a beach is a cheap option.

Our first choice to hit up the beach in Cozumel is to walk to a nearby resort that has beach access and many other awesome features. You can read about it here.

If you are interested in taking a taxi from the port to a beach, you can check the taxi rates from the ports here. 

A few great beaches options for you:

– Playa Uvas

Taxi Rates:

1-4 passangers – 150.00 MXP ($6.95 usd)

5 passangers – 200.00 MXP ($9.27 usd)

6-8 passangers – 300.00 MXP ($13.91 usd)

What you get:

Playa Uvas provides free wifi and beach access. It’s $15/pp to get into the beach club however, you do get one complimentary drink after you pay to get in. You also get time to kayak, snorkel, and you receive lounge chairs and an umbrella.  They have somebody to take pictures of you snorkeling and will try to sell you on them (Just a heads up).

They also provide a package for all day drinks and lunch. 

– Playa Corona

Taxi Rates:

1-4 passangers – 160.00 MXP ($7.42 usd)

5 passangers – 210.00 MXP ($9.73 usd)

6-8 passangers – 320.00 MXP ($14.83 usd)

What you get:

Playa Corona provides hammocks, snorkeling, and chairs. Price for food can be slightly pricy but it taste great. The place closes at 5 and doesn’t get too crowded. For a cheap taxi ride, it’s definitely worth checking out!

– Paradise Beach

Taxi Rates:

1-4 passangers – 190.00 MXP ($8.81 usd)

5 passangers – 270.00 MXP ($12.52 usd)

6-8 passangers – 380.00 MXP ($17.62 usd)

What you get:

Upon arrival to Paradise Beach, you will have the option to pay $3 for a lounge chair and $10 minimum for food and drinks. You can also choose an all inclusive package if you choose for $73.00/pp. If you arrive with kids or have an adrenaline side, you can pay an additional $18/pp for their fun pass.

You can find a lot of water blow ups to jump on out in the water. They also have an amazing fresh pool to enjoy if you aren’t into the salty ocean.

– Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club

Taxi Rates:

1-4 passangers – 220.00 MXP ($10.20 usd)

5 passangers – 300.00 MXP ($13.91 usd)

6-8 passangers – 440.00 MXP ($20.40 usd)

What you get:

If you choose the all inclusive for $60 at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club, you receive access to a private pool bar and a beachfront section. You also get to lounge in a hammock or a beach chair with access to lockers and restrooms. They also have a buffet and provide you with your favorite drinks from the open bar. They also have the blow up water park for an additional $12/pp.

– Playa Palancar

Taxi Rates:  

1-4 passangers – 310.00 MXP ($14.37 usd)

5 passangers – 440.00 MXP ($20.40 usd)

6-8 passangers – 620.00 MXP ($28.74 usd)

What you get:

At Playa Palancar You can rent two chairs and an umbrella for $10 and stay all day. You have access to a waiter for food and drinks. The cab ride here is between 20-30 minutes.

Where To Eat In Cozumel Near The Cruise Port

Getting off the cruise port and wondering where to eat? Below are 5 places that you can eat in Cozumel near the cruise port. 

1. Senor Frog’s – Senor Frog’s is a popular cruise port restaurant and there are two near by. If you’re looking for something cheap, they often give out coupons for a free drink or have some other specials. 

2. The Money Bar – The money bar is a tourist favorite. They often have happy hour from 5-7 with 2 for 1 strong drinks and the prices are very reasonable. You have access to a beautiful view of the Cozumel water and reefs. 

3. Lobster Shack – This is a nice restaurant near the cruise port that serves… you guessed it, seafood! Something really cool about this place however is that they also have gluten free options. Prices generally range from $6-$11. 

4. Taco Y Tequila – This is a restaurant super close to the port that serves really great Mexican food and of course, Tequila. The reviews on this place according to Tripadvisor are fabulous! According to Tripadvisor, prices range to $7 and shows to be very budget friendly. 

5. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. – This is a common stop for frequent cruisers. Bubba Gump is of course close to the port and has American food for those craving a burger. They’re known to have great hushpuppies and a great view. Stop in for the bar or stay all day for great food and music.

Snorkeling in Cozumel

Snorkeling in Cozumel is a must-do when traveling to Cozumel. The water is absolutely beautiful and there are so many gorgeous tropical fish and reefs to see. Snorkeling here is something that you won’t want to miss.

Below are a few places we found that you can snorkel while on a budget.

1. Chankanaab Park Cozumel Day Pass & Snorkel Package.

For $29.75 at Chankanaab Park, you can get a guided snorkel tour of the reefs along with beach access chairs and a bar.

2. Cozumel Local Snorkel Trip

The Cozumel local snorkel trip starts at $57 which may be a bit of money however, you can’t go wrong with this once you see what’s included and all the great views.

By traveling on a boat you will approach some of the best reefs Cozumel has to offer. You get to hang out in the water for an hour. On top of great reefs to view, the reviews for this snorkel trip are awesome! Many people have seen sea turtles, barracudas, rays, and many other sea creatures.

3. Cozumel Coral Reef Snorkeling by Glass Bottom Boat with Guide

The Cozumel Coral Reef Snorkeling by Glass Bottom Boat excursion is a really unique one knowing that you are going out in a glass bottom boat. My family has done this excursion in Cozumel before and it did not disappoint them! This excursion is $30/pp and is perfect if you are there for a short time. They provide drinks if you want, snorkel gear, and life vest.

There are many snorkeling options in Cozumel, especially at beach resorts/clubs.

Paddle Board/Kayak Cozumel

Are you looking at Paddle Boarding or Kayaking in Cozumel while on a budget? Here are our top 3 recommendations for you.

1. Stand Up Paddle & Snorkeling

For $35/pp you can go stand up paddle boarding and snorkeling. All equipment is provided. Start by meeting at an easy to find location in Cozumel and end your tour by jumping off a water trampoline.

2. Rent a paddle board or Kayak at El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel

You can read about our time at El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel. They had an option to rent kayaks or paddle boards for a very reasonable price.

3. North Shore E-Bike & Kayak Adventure

For $69 you can visit World War II airplanes, and kayak or even paddle board on the waters of Cozumel and more with North Shore E-Bike & Kayak Adventure

Parasailing in Cozumel

Cozumel Mr. Sanchos Beach Parasailing Excursion

For a total of $65/pp you can go parasailing by flying up to 600 feet above the beautiful crystal clear water of Cozumel at Mr. Sanchos Beach. You can purchase this excursion here.

Scuba Diving in Cozumel

4- Hour Certified Scuba Diving Tour with Two Tanks in Cozumel

Take two dives with your guide for 3 hours underwater on this 4-hour certified scuba diving tour. This excursion takes you on a 10 minute boat ride to famous reefs. Diving equipment is also available to rent for the tour. The price on this excursion starts at $92.59/pp.

Cozumel Scuba Diving at Chankanaab – 1 Tank

From $55.39/pp you can get a 1 tank scuba dive from Chankanaab. You will be able to see marine life and ancient caves and underwater sculptures. Once your dive is complete you can relax at Chankanaab for as long as you want. Lockers are also available for your convenience.

2-Tank Scuba Excursion for Certified Scuba Divers

This 2-tank Scuba Excursion for Certified Scuba Divers starts at$96.42/pp. With 20 years of experience and over 14,000 dives, your instructor Raymundo is there to show you everything exciting  Cozumel has underwater. You get a full hour underwater and a shaded comfortable boat.

Boat Tours In Cozumel

Catamaran Sailing

Starting at $40/per kid and $55 for adults, this Catamaran Sailing totals three hours of sailing around Cozumel soaking up some sun and wind for a relaxing day. Top it off with snorkeling if you wish. Another great feature in this sailing is the open bar and a max capacity of 28 people if you are traveling in a group.
Tours run Monday-Saturday 9:30am-1pm.

Luxury Catamaran Snorkel

Prices for this excursion start at $58.50 for kids and $67.50 for adults. Hop onto a 42 foot catamaran and enjoy the exclusive excursion. They provide complimentary drinks and refreshments on the deck and snorkeling to cool off and check out some beautiful reefs. This tour last approximately 4 hours and runs daily from 9am-2pm.

Jet Ski Rental in Cozumel

Jet Ski Cozumel

At Jet Ski Cozumel you can enjoy many other water sports such as parasailing, scuba diving, and snorkeling. However, we are going to talk about the jet ski rentals here.
For 30 minutes and $65 you can rent a two person jet ski. The driver must be 16 years or older.
The same applies for their other one hour option for $130.

Mr. Sanchos Wave Runners

Mr. Sanchos Wave Runners are available everyday besides Sundays. For a $5 deposit, you can secure your spot for a powerful 30 minute Wave Runner experience. Complete payment upon arrival for $72. Two people can ride on this wave runner together.

This may seem a little pricy however, it has great reviews and you have a trained supervisor. Please note that there is a $2 marine park entrance fee and the minimum age to drive the Wave Runners is 16.

Scooter Rental in Cozumel

Pipian Scooter Rental

Trip Advisor reviews show Pipian Scooter Rental to be one of the best scooter rentals near the Cozumel port. Take a 5 minute walk to see the owner Jesus and get started on a 24 hour scooter rental. The reviews show the prices to be $30 for a 2 person scooter and $10 insurance. Jesus is very professional and provides a map and advice for traveling around Cozumel. 

Jeep/Buggie Excursions

Cozumel Jeep Excursion and Snorkel Tour With Lunch.

For $68.72 you get to follow your guide for a tour of Cozumel in a Jeep with your family and friends. See the beaches and more on your tour. After your tour is finished continue to the beach for a snorkel and a buffet lunch. 

Cozumel Self-Drive Buggy Tour: Snorkeling, Mayan Heritage and Mexican Lunch

Check out Cozumel in a Private Buggy rental and head to the ruins to learn about the Maya Heritage. Continue your tour with snorkeling and a Mexican Lunch. All of this for $77.55 per person.

Other Unique Adventures Found in Cozumel

Shore Excursions ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern Single

Take and ATV tour through Cozumel’s Jungles for $85. Take a cave swim and drive through a coral cave and more. Pick up and drop off are near the Cozumel port making easy access to the excursion.

Shore Excursions Xrail Adventure to Jade Cavern

For $85 take an adventurous off road tour in a all-terrain buggy. Explore the Jungle on your way to Jade Cavern where you can enjoy a natural pool.

Sea Trek Cozumel An Underwater Experience

The Original Mexican Cooking Class Workshop and Tasting

Dance and Salsas at Playa Mia

Amazing Cozumel Race: Small Group Tour and Scavenger Hunt

Cozumel Beach Horseback Riding 

Looking for more Excursion options for Cozumel? Check them out here.  What’s your favorite thing to do in Cozumel? Let us know below! 

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