Cozumel Vacation Rentals

The island of Cozumel is located just off the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula—directly across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport.

Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-largest coral reef system in the world), Cozumel is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling. This is DEFINITELY the Island Life!

The tropical climate in Cozumel is quite predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83 degrees F) it’s the rainy hurricane season that most travelers need to pay attention to.

January – April

Peak season. Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists. If you are not a people person this is something to consider.

May – October

The hottest and most rainy months of the year but still plenty of sunshine and fantastic warm water for snorkeling & diving. Also, the hurricane season peaks in September and October so keep an eye on the forecasts and definitely get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

November – December

The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time and the humidity is low. Can be a little “chilly” in the evenings sometimes though.

A 40-minute ferry ride is the only way to get to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. Two ferry companies, Ultramar and Winjet, offer passenger-only services to and from the island for $8-13 one way and $17-$25 round trip. You can catch the ferry from the Playa Del Carmen ferry terminal located three blocks away from Juarez and 5th Avenue’s ADO bus station, where buses from Cancun arrive.

IMPORTANT: The two ferry companies often operate on different days and sometimes their websites are inaccurate. For this reason, we suggest you do not book your ferry ticket in advance, and instead buy your ticket when you arrive at the ferry terminal. You may have to wait in line, but it’s better than having an unusable ticket.

Explore Cozumel's beaches and shores. Stroll the sandy beaches, poke around the marina, snorkel, drop into beach clubs. Below are some of the highlights along Cozumel's shores. Chankanaab is next along the line, approxinately 5 miles south of down. You'll pay an entry fee into this national park area where you can enjoy superb snorkeling, restaurants, bars, shops, botanical gardens, swimming with the dolphins, sea lions and manatees. Or try snuba (a combination of snorkeling and scuba). Try get here when there aren't too many cruise ships in port.

Playa Corona (above): A popular gathering point along the ocean. There is a pier in this area, snorkeling, a bar and restaurant . A raft is usually anchored not far off-shore. No admittance charge. I'm pretty sure this beach got its name from all of the Corona that has been consumed at this spot over the years.

San Francisco: Now we're getting into the major beach sites. Restaurant, bar, watersports and LOTS of sandy beach. Carlos and Charlie's now has a restaurant/bar on this beach. You can rent jet skis or kayaks, go parasailing or treat yourself to a banana boat ride. The inflatable ice berg is great fun to climb on and slide into the water (it's a tougher climb than it looks!). There's usually a rousing game of volleyball on the beach. You'll find some small gift shops here and you can slip into one of the tented beach cabanas for a massage.

Paradise Beach (above): Just south of San Francisco. Lots of diversions here with a bar/restaurant, kayaks, diving, massage, shops, etc. Beautifully manitured garden and entry area (looks like a golf course!).

Playa Mia: Sun, sand and creatures. There is plenty of powdery white sand, beach chairs, hammocks as well as a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Activities include jet skiing, sea kayaks, snorkeling, water skiing, diving, volleyball, banana boat rides and more. Climb to the stop of the giant inflatable plastic "iceberg" and slide down into the warm waters of the Caribbean. If you're in the mood for a ride along the beach, horses are available. Entrance fee varies depending on which package you would like, from basic package, to all-inclusive package including all you can eat. There are bathroom and shower facilities.

Next beach playground is Mr. Sancho's which has most everything that Playa Mia has, without the entry fee. Great beach area with pool, jacuzzi, hammocks, bar/restaurant. You can get mighty comfy here! A DJ on the beach keeps things moving along if you want to join in the tug of war, limbo, volleyball or other activities. They now have a giant inflatible trampoline in the ocean (their answer to Playa Mia's iceberg, I guess).

Nachi Cocom Beach: Another beach area with swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, pier for dive boats, watersports. This is a beautiful spot and a very pleasant place to spend a day. Not too busy, not too slow . . . picture-perfect views and long stretches of sand to leave your footprints as you take a long stroll in the warm sunshine.

ALBERTO'S: At one time this was a well kept secret place only frequented by the locals (it had a different name then). These days, it is still used by the locals but is being discovered by more and more tourists. Fresh seafood is a feature of this casual beach restaurant/bar. There are "marginal" bathrooms . . . but they are functional!

Palancar Beach: This is one of our favorites with lots of sand and few people. Quieter than some of the other beach areas . . . and NO motorized water toys (jet skis, etc.). A very pretty area where you can take long walks along the beach without seeing many other people. You'll find a restaurant, bar and restrooms. One of our FAVORITE beach areas.

PUNTA SUR: This is a national park located at the southern end of the island. Schedule your visit just right and you can climb to the top of the lighthouse just as the sun is setting, and enjoy a unforgettable view of the Caribbean. The road is gated and there is an entrance fee. Go and take a peek and enjoy some great views from the top of the lighthouse. This area is has an ecological park with an information center, beach snack bar, ruins of the original Mayan lighthouse which was used for maritime navigation nearly 800 years ago. It also boasts a museum located in the existing lighthouse and a snorkel and restaurant center. For an additional fee you can also take a pontoon boat ride into the lagoon where you may see crocodiles and a variety of birds and other wildlife.

Our selection of Luxury Vacation Rental Villas, Condos, and Private homes in Cozumel Mexico will please even the most discerning traveler. We have most of the Residencias Reef Cozumel Condos, which is our clients’ favorite retreat. Our exceptional Holiday Villas and vacation-homes range from intimate studios to 6-bedroom/7 bath Villas, which can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests for family vacation. The Common outdoor amenities of our Cozumel villas include manicured grounds with tropical foliage, large private pools, palapas and open lounge areas, outdoor kitchens, and al fresco dining areas to make sure you enjoy your beach vacation.