Cozumel: More of These "Fairy-Tale Islands" Please!

This lively yet down-to-earth local island is pure magic—cruise ship tourists and locals feel like they’re in parallel worlds, yet the vibe never feels disjointed. Affordable prices, delicious food around every corner, top-tier “jellyfish sea” (glass-clear turquoise water), and endless opportunities to wander aimlessly along the shore… How could anyone not fall in love with a place like this? 🚗 How to Get to Cozumel (Step-by-Step Guide) Getting here from Cancún is straightforward—no complicated transfers: Cancún Airport → Playa del Carmen: Take an ADO bus directly to Playa del Carmen (reliable, air-conditioned, and cheaper than taxis). Playa del Carmen → Cozumel: The ferry terminal is right next to the ADO bus stop! The ferry ride takes just 40 minutes, with frequent departures throughout the day. On-Island Transport The downtown commercial area is small enough to explore on foot, but renting a scooter is a game-changer. It lets you zip between beaches, restaurants, and hidden spots without breaking a sweat—perfect for lazy island days. 🍽️ Food: The Real Star of the Island I did my fair share of food research, but these two spots blew every other place out of the water: 1. Taquería El Mexicano – “Life-Changing Tacos” This tiny spot serves what I’d call the best tacos of my life. The meat is juicy, the salsas are fresh and spicy, and every bite feels like a flavor explosion. Pro Tips: They only accept cash, and language can be a barrier (staff mostly speak Spanish)—bring a translation app! We loved it so much, we went two days in a row. Your taste buds won’t lie. 2. Asadero Don Fernando – Neighborhood BBQ Gem I stumbled upon this local BBQ joint near my B&B, and it was a happy accident. Their pork neck is cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and completely free of any gaminess. It’s a no-frills spot, but the food gets a solid 10/10. Honorable Mention (or “Meh” Note) We tried a few “internet-famous” restaurants too, but they were just “okay”—nothing memorable. Stick to the local spots; they’re where the island’s true flavor lives. 🏠 Accommodation: HACIENDA BOUTIQUE COZUMEL (A Hidden Paradise) This B&B, tucked away in a residential area far from downtown, feels like a secret oasis: Vibe: It’s a charming Mexican-style house draped in vines, with only a handful of rooms (so it’s never crowded). Think: a cozy pool with a jacuzzi, hammocks strung between trees, and a waterfront kitchen stocked with everything you need. Perfect Lazy Moment: On the morning of checkout, I did nothing but lie in a hammock, watching the sky shift from soft blue to warm gold. The owner even has a cute cat that wanders around—this place is so lovely, I’d come back to Cozumel just to stay here again. 🌊 Things to Do: Snorkeling (No Scuba License Needed!) Cozumel is famous for scuba diving, but you don’t need an OW (Open Water) certification to enjoy the sea: Snorkeling Tours: Right off the ferry terminal, there are rows of stalls offering snorkeling trips. Prices are around 600–700 pesos for a 4-hour tour, which takes you to 3 spots (coral reefs, starfish shallows, and calm bays)—plenty of time to swim with fish and gawk at colorful marine life. Pro Tips: Most local tours only speak Spanish, which can hinder the experience if you want details about the sea. If that matters to you, splurge on a bigger, English-speaking tour company. We went with Deep Blue (they shared a boat with “Crystal Sky”—probably the same owner). The service was decent, and we had a blast despite the language barrier. Here’s to my next Cozumel trip—hopefully with an OW license in hand, ready to dive deeper into that stunning sea! #MexicoTravel #CancunHotels #CancunTravel #NorthAmericanLife #USATravel #MexicoLife #Cozumel #ScubaDiving #Snorkeling #FoodieTravel