There are so many things to do in Cozumel you can’t do them all in one vacation. Fortunately that just gives you an excuse to come back again, and again, and again, rinse and repeat.

Feeling lazy and just want someone to map out 5 perfect days for you? Boy, do I have some good news for you. Just wander over here.

Cozumel is a beautiful island just off the tip of the Yucatan of Mexico. You can fly directly into their international airport or make your way to Playa Del Carmen and take a short ferry ride over. Of course if you’re on a cruise, you’ll have 8+ hours to spend there, which is still plenty of time to do something awesome.

Beaches

It’s an Island, it’s ringed with beaches, so of course you’re going to find a beach that you like. Cozumel has beach club beaches, secluded beaches, crowded beaches, even adventure beaches, take your pick. Some of the more popular ones with things to do in Cozumel are:

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Located at the southern end of the island, Punta Sur is always a fun thing to do in Cozumel. They have Crocodiles, a lighthouse and unbelievable snorkeling (the reef is a 300 meter swim so be prepared). This is one of our favorite beaches, it’s on a beautiful stretch of clear water and fine white sand.

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

Dolphins, Manatees, Sea Lions, Crocodiles! Holy crap! Is this a beach or a zoo? There’s even snorkeling and scuba diving, not to mention the Eco Archaeological tour.

Mr. Sanchos Beach Club

Horseback riding, massages, a pool with a swim up bar, are you sure that this is a beach? Yes, it is. There’s great snorkeling here too as well as a play area with huge inflatables. Spring for one of the all inclusive packages and you can drink all day and not pay a dime, just don’t forget to tip your bartenders and waiters.

The East Side Beaches

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Drive along the undeveloped East side of the island and the whole coast is lined with beautiful sandy beaches meeting spectacular turquoise water. The east side beaches are directly on the Caribbean Sea and they’re a little rougher so bring your surfboard (see below). You can stop at any of the many restaurants next to the beach and have mouthwatering fresh seafood. If you have a chance to get to the east side, do it.

Go Topless on a Jeep Tour

One of the most popular things to do in Cozumel is the take a Jeep tour. Jump in your topless Jeep. What? What else would I mean when I say topless? Anyway, jump in your topless Jeep and tour the island, you can do food tasting tours, tequila tasting tours, off road driving tours to cenotes. This list goes on. Or you can just rent a Jeep or dune buggy and explore by yourself.

Cozumel is a small island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula Mexico in the Riviera Maya. Check out our guide to the Riviera Maya.

Snorkeling

Yes, you can practically put yourself into the water anywhere in Cozumel and you will find tremendous snorkeling. You can also sign up for one of the snorkeling tours offered by catamaran or boat. They will take you out to one of the many reefs that are located around the island. Once you get there you can be amazed at how buoyant you are in the Caribbean Sea. The coral and marine life is amazing, and there is always the chance for turtles and shark sightings. They supply the snorkel gear and the drinks, and you supply the energy, so what are you waiting for?

Scuba Diving

Where to start with this? First off, this is the perfect spot for scuba diving and it should be number one on your list of things to do in Cozumel. Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar, Columbia and San Francisco Reefs are just a few of the popular reefs in the area.

Diving around the island of Cozumel is an exhilarating experience, the water is clear, warm and refreshing, (can you say no wet suit?) the visibility is perfect, the marine life is abundant, and the coral is breathtaking. Do a two or three tank dive and experience the best dive of your life.

You’ve never dived before? There’s an easy fix for that, find a PADI certified dive shop and tell them you want to do a “discover scuba” dive. They’ll go over the basics that you need to know and take you down, usually to about 30′. After you’ve gone down just once, you’ll wonder what took you so long to try Scuba Diving.

San Gervaiso Mayan Ruins

San Gervasio is the most populated collection of Mayan ruins on the island. The site is dedicated to the Goddess of Fertility, Ixchel. Supposedly all Mayan women journeyed to the island to be blessed by Ixchel. While it’s not as big as some of the other Mayan sites on the mainland of Mexico it still offers some nice ruins.

Tour the place by yourself with a self guided tour or spring for a guide. Either way you’ll find yourself in a very tranquil spot surrounded by the jungle. It’s not a huge area so when your done there you can go explore the island.

Jade Caverns

You can get to Jade Caverns by x-rail dune buggy, ATV, and Jeep. Your guide will take you on an adventure off road through the jungle. Once you get to the caverns you will learn about Cenotes and the Mayans. Taking a dip in the water feels fantastic after the ride through the jungle. While you’re there, be a thrill seeker and climb to the top and jump in.

Cozumel Pearl Farm

The farm is located in crystal clear water, you get to snorkel among the oysters that make the pearls. It’s a great way to unwind and relax as you will be the only people around as you learn about what it takes to keep a pearl farm going.

Playa El Cielo

A sandbar loaded with starfish in the clearest water that you’ve ever seen. It’s a nice couple of hours hanging out and snorkeling. It’s not a beach as you’ll be in waist deep water the whole time. Pro tip – Take one of the smaller boats so you’re not fighting with a crowd the whole time.

Sport Fishing

Charter one of the many sport fishing boats and spend a day on the water catching fish. Cozumel is a sport fisher’s paradise due to the warm tropical waters and being near the second largest reef in the world. Depending on the time of year you can catch barracuda, grouper, marlin, and mahi mahi. If you’re lucky you can land that coveted sailfish and hang it on the wall in your living room until your wife makes you move it to the mancave.

Atlantis Submarine Expedition

Do you want to experience getting up close and personal with the fishes of the reef, but you don’t like that whole getting wet thing? Then this is the tour for you. Get yourself into one of the subs that prowl the reefs. They’re air conditioned for that cool feeling while hanging out on the seafloor, and it has guides who will tell you about the reef and marine life that inhabits it.

Hang Ten

Cruise on over to Cozumel Surfing and hook up with Nacho Gutierrez (yes, that’s his name) and learn how to surf or improve your skills. He’s been in business for over 20 years. Nacho has surfed all over the world and has taught thousands of people to surf.

The post 15 Awesome Things to do in Cozumel appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Pretty much the whole coast line of Galveston is a beach and they all have public access! That means that if you like sunbathing and playing volleyball with a crowd or in isolated loneliness(keep your clothes handy though, there are still laws about that) there’s probably a beach for you. Let us show you where the best Galveston beaches are.

All Galveston beaches are pet friendly, as long as they’re on a leash, some are beer friendly, and some are keep it hidden in your red solo cup because there’s no alcohol allowed on this beach friendly. Some beaches allow you to drive on them which leads to hilarious situations of people getting too close to the water and not realizing that there’s a high tide.

No open fires are allowed on Galveston Beaches(boo). But you can bring a firepit, or some other form of container to contain your fire. What I’m saying is that fires are allowed as long as you have some way to contain them. And no, smart guy, a ring of rocks in the sand is not a container.

There is a cost to park on Seawall Blvd, either pony up the cash for a windshield sticker good for a year, or pay by the hour/day on your phone. Not sure how the pay by phone parking works? Then just stand there staring at the sign with a clueless look on your face and one of the friendly parking attendants will zoom over to you on their three wheel scooters and assist you. There are also public lots along the seawall where you can park if you don’t want to try your hand at parallel parking in the middle of rush hour. Finally, be careful if you’re going to try to game the system and park on the streets, some are resident sticker only, some are two hour max parking, and you will get a ticket if you disobey either one.

And do I really have to say this? Beaches are hot, beaches are sunny (hopefully), so be sure to wear hats, use sunscreen, and stay hydrated.

East Beach

Also known as R.A. Apffel Park is located on the far eastern side of Galveston, is a wide beach with plenty of parking(fee), restrooms and a bar/snackbar. Alcohol is allowed here and it will usually be crowded on weekends.

Stewart Beach

Drive to the end of Broadway and you’ll run into McDonald’s. Don’t do that, you’ll wreck your car. Stop at the light and turn left and into the parking lot and you’ll run into Stewart Beach. Just stop before you hit the water. There’s plenty of parking (fee alert) and it’s a wide beach with a concession area complete with a big inflatable slide, no wonder it’s always considered one of the best beaches of Galveston. No alcohol is allowed here so you know what that means…plenty o kids.

9th Street to 61st Beaches

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In 2017 The Army Corps of Engineers dredged up sand from offshore and widened these beaches. Now there’s plenty of room to stretch out. Bring your easy up tent, bring your volleyball net, bring your grill. Don’t feel like grilling? That’s okay because this section of the Seawall has plenty of restaurants that will allow your bathing suit clad, sandy self, in. No alcohol allowed on these beaches and there is no beach access fee. They have chairs and umbrellas available for rent (in season).

The kids are driving you mad because they’re tired of the beach? Well, say no more, check out Fun Things to do in Galveston here.

Babe’s Beach

Slow your roll middle-age-single-man, this beach is named for A.R. “Babe” Schwartz. Schwartz grew up in Galveston and was a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1955 to 1980. Babe’s Beach starts at the 6400 block of Seawall and runs for 15 blocks. It’s a nice wide beach easily accessible if you ‘re staying at one of the condo/hotels across from it. No alcohol is allowed at this beach.

West End Beaches

The west end beaches start where the sea wall ends. As you drive south on Termini-San Luis Pass Road you will pass numerous beach access points, you’ll be able to identify them by the “Public Beach Access” signs along the roadway. There is no cost for these beaches, and parking will either be a lot or along the road in a neighborhood. Usually these beaches are less crowded than the east end beaches, that’s why these are considered some of the best beaches of Galveston. If you’re going to park in a neighborhood please don’t be “that guy” and block the driveways of the residents.

Galveston Island State Park

Camping at the beach! Yay! Bring your oversized, slide out, flip out, trailer and park it, there’s room and hook ups. Bring your two person pup tent, there’s even more room! While the campsites aren’t actually on the water, there’s a dune in between the campsites and the Gulf, you will still get a breeze and hear the waves. If this is your thing, check with the park as reservations are needed up to a year in advance.

The post The Best Galveston Beaches appeared first on Get Out and Adventure.

Travel south on I-45 through Texas long enough, eventually you’ll get to the end and it will spit you out in Galveston. Galveston is an enjoyable island situated where the coast of Texas meets the waves of the Gulf of Mexico. Founded in 1839, Galveston has survived hurricanes, fires, pirates, and the mafia. With such close proximity to the water, being filled with museums, and boasting one of the largest, historically significant populations of 19th century buildings. Use this guide so that when you get here, you won’t have to ask “This is Galveston, Tx? What’s there to do”?

Galveston has a population of approximately 50,000 full time residents and on weekends and holidays it can balloon to 150,000, but don’t worry, it won’t run out of things to do, see, eat or stay. While we’re on that subject let’s move on to just what exactly there is to do while you’re in town.

Are you the type of person that reads the end of the book first? If so, then go ahead and click the links below. If you’re a normal person who likes a little anticipation, keep on scrolling baby!

What to do in Galveston, TX

• Museums! Boy do we have museums.
• Fancy a walk and see historically significant buildings.
• Did you know that we have over 30 miles of beaches!
• Spooky haunted places.
• People who like spills and thrills.
• Places to stay (zzz).
• Places to eat (burp).

As long as you’re coming down here don’t forget to pick up you Galveston Island Pass and save 40% on attractions!

What to do in Galveston, TX How to Get Here

Galveston is 50 miles south of Houston and is easily accessible from the two international airports in town.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Get your luggage, go out the door, get on your rental car shuttle, and get your car. Set your GPS to your hotel on Galveston and leave the Airport. If your GPS is worth anything it’ll tell you to go south on I-45 towards Houston. Intercontinental is about 20 miles north of Houston so you’ll get to see plenty of construction on your way down. Stay on I-45 for about an hour and when you get to the first stop light (a stop light on the interstate?), breathe in that wonderful Gulf air, you’re here.

William P Hobby Airport

Hobby Airport is about 10 miles south of Houston and is also on I-45, so see above.

Driving

Load the kids, beach supplies, bikes, and kayaks into your Yukon/Expedition/Sequoia/Armada and head to I-45 south in Houston, once you get there, see above above.

What to do Galveston, TX Museums

Historic homes, trains, tall ships, oil wells, and even history museum, they’re all here. Spend the morning at the historic Moody Mansion, and then hop on over to Bishops Palace for the afternoon. The Elissa is a Tall ship from the 1800s that you can explore and pretend you’re Jean Lafitte (actual Galveston resident), just don’t throw the staff overboard. Want to know more? Check out our Museums post.

What to do Galveston, TX Historic Homes

Galveston was founded in 1839, but Michel Menard must’ve know something because he built his house in 1838! Actually that’s a trick, he’s the one who founded Galveston. But his house is still standing, and it’s the oldest house in Galveston, you can rent it for weddings, or other special events. Other homes, from the 1800s to funky cool mid century homes line the streets. Bonus, if you want to see as many as you can but don’t want to walk miles? Well, you’re in luck my friend because you can check out one of the many Segway tours around town. Feeling even lazier than that? Then look! Pictures in our historic homes gallery.

What to do in Galveston, TX Beaches

Bring your pop up tent, kids, dogs and grills, they’re all allowed on Galveston Beaches, I think kids need to be on a leash though… no wait, that’s dogs. With miles and miles of beaches, you can do anything that you’ve ever wanted to do on a beach, except for that, keep your clothes on. You’re asking “with all that beach front how do I know which one to go to?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with our beach guide.

What to do in Galveston, TX Haunted Houses

Haunted hotels, homes, and grave yards, we’ve got them. What about a hearse driving ghost hunter, you ask? We’ve got that too. However you want your spookiness served up you can find it in Galveston. You can even get the sheet scared out of you when you do the haunted stay and scare at The Hotel Galvez. Want to know more? Right here.

What to do in Galveston, TX Excitement

From chartering an offshore fishing trip to the worlds tallest water slide there’s plenty of excitement to be had in Galveston. Bike rental shops line the seawall, drop in and rent a bike, surrey, stand up paddle board, or hang five and get a surf board. Rent a helicopter ride by Stewart beach, or unleash your back-to-the-future-self and rent a hoverboard. That’s not enough you say? Well we’ve got a guide right here. Click.

What to do in Galveston, TX Where to Stay

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Want to get pampered? Stay at a luxury hotel like The San Luis or The Tremont House. Feeling a little earthy? Want to get back to nature, make a reservation at the Galveston Island State Park. What I’m trying to say is that whatever your budget or style is, you can find a place to stay on the Island. Get on over to your favorite hotel booking site and start searching. Want to know a little more before you book? Look!

What to do Galveston, TX Where to Eat

We are a coastal island, in Texas, you’re going to be eating plenty of Sea Food, Tex Mex, and Tex Mex Seafood. But don’t worry, I hear that there are other things to eat than above (I’m not sure why you need more than that, but whatever). Italian, American, Steakhouses, and even burger joints are all around the island. What else you ask? Well, Guess what, we’ve got a guide for that.

What to do Galveston, TX How to get Around

Yellow cabs, brown shuttles, pink vans, and white taxis, whatever color of cab that you want is available and they all are pretty prompt. Want to be a little hipper and Uber, they’re here too. Rental cars are available. Jump a ride on the $1 trolley to get between the seawall and the Strand.

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