Traveling to Cozumel with kids: Everything You Need To Know
Planning a trip to Cozumel with kids? Traveling to Cozumel as a family comes with its own fun and chaos and it helps to be prepared when you arrive at your destination. I get lots of questions about what there is do with kids while in vacation in Cozumel and the short answer is that is there plenty to do!
When traveling to a sunny destination like Cozumel with kids there are a few necessary comforts you can bring to make the time away a little easier and there are plenty of fun things you can plan to keep the little ones busy.
Dory & Eliot at the Cozumel "blow holes"
Travel Essentials for a Cozumel Trip With Kids
Sunscreen lots of it and reapply often. Sunscreen in beach destinations, like Cozumel, can be very expensive and if you don’t have plenty with you, you will be purchasing it at the mercy of the island shops. We are positioned closer to the sun in Cozumel, so it is a recipe for disaster if you aren’t prepared with plenty of good sunblock to protect kids tender skin. I recommend a safe and effective waterproof, high spf mineral sunscreen like Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are great because they doesn’t absorb into the skin but instead sit on top of skin to create a barrier, reflect the UV rays and also helps avoid skin irritation.
Rash Guard / Swim Shirts help protect kids skin from sunburn. There is nothing more miserable than a sunburn except for your kids to end up sunburned. The great thing about kids with swim shirts is that it allows them to stay out play in the water so much longer than they could have done otherwise. The wet swim shirts also help to keep them cool while they are out in the sun for periods of time.
For toddlers, I recommend Rugged Butts Onepiece Swimsuit Rashguard Sunsuit. This is a great find with great skin coverage and easy button access. For girls, I love all the great colors and prints the Girls Rashguard Longsleeve Spf Swimsuits come in. They even have swimsuits with built in shorts to give some leg protection!
Water Bottle Water, water and lots of water! It’s easier to get dehydrated in places like Cozumel so drinking extra water is very important! Many people are concerned about the water in Cozumel but most places that you go that serve tourists all have filters and the water is safe. At our vacation rentals, we have filters taps and also have jugs of filters water available for use.
Beach Hat Kids are much more likely to keep their sun hat on if it doesn’t fall off continuously. Swim Zip Hats are loved by parents, have sun protection, head and chin straps and come in a variety of adorable colors!
5. Water Shoes Native Water Shoes are comfy, let little feet breathe have fantastic customer reviews.
6. Beach Toys Here’s a list of beach toys that are great to bring to Cozumel for kids:
Sandcastle Building Tools: Buckets, shovels, and molds for creating sandcastles.
Beach Balls: Lightweight and easy to toss around, perfect for playing games.
Inflatable Floats: Rafts, rings, or floaties for relaxing in the water.
Snorkeling Gear: This set is our family favorite! Masks, snorkels, and fins for exploring marine life (make sure they fit well).
Water Guns: Fun for splashing around and keeping cool in the water.
Beach Towels: Large, colorful towels for lounging and drying off.
Portable Beach Games: Such as paddle ball or bocce ball for some family fun on the sand.
Frisbees: Great for games on the beach or in the water.
Packing these items will ensure a fun and engaging beach experience for the kids in Cozumel!
7. Bonus - Mesh Sand Free Beach Bag is the way to go and this one has tons of storage. I absolutely love this bag (mine is teal). With eight oversized pockets, this bag has plenty of space to hold and organize all of your beach towel, clothes, snacks and accessories for the day.
*At both our We’ve Gone Coastal Villa & Condo locations we do usually have some snorkeling sets, sand toys, a few of lifejackets and noodle or blow up floats. If you want floats or items such as water wings, you will want to bring those with you.
Things to do with kids/snorkeling adventures:
An excited child snorkeling in the stunningly clear waters of El Cielo, Cozumel exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the surface. at El Cielo, the sunlight dances on the water, creating a magical underwater experience.
A day snorkeling with Clemente with Go Tour Cozumel -
This will be a day of Cozumel fun that your entire family remembers! Your day will begin with Clemente and his crew picking you up from the We’ve Gone Coastal private pier (Villa) or the La Caleta Marina (Condo) with an excitement that will get everyone ready to jump in the boat ready to go.
You will snorkel Columbia Reef and then head to El Cielo to snorkel & swim with the rays and starfish. El Cielo is gorgeous beach only accessible by boat. Clemente's staff will prepare fresh ceviche and guacamole for everyone to enjoy; the water is shallow and the kids enjoy getting to swim and play in the crystal clear waters of El Cielo. If you read through our reviews and guest book this is the number one mentioned excursion from our guests! Let me know if you would like me to connect you with Clemente via WhatsApp. Make sure to ask about incorporating their Sea Scooter Tour into your El Cielo snorkeling excursion, it was a hit not only with our grandchildren but adult children as well.
Read more about El Cielo, on our list of our favorite things to do in Cozumel
A joyful family participating in a Go Tour snorkeling excursion in Cozumel equipped with snorkeling gear heading to the turquoise waters of El Cielo.
2. Beach Bar Loop - Great for adults and kids alike
A trip around the "wild side" (uninhabited) side of the island allows you to explore isolated beaches and small beach bars along the way.
The Beach Bar Loop features many bars that are basically shacks on the side of the road with incredible views and food. This is always a hit for our guests as it gives a unique way to see a side of the island that many don’t venture too! The fish is caught fresh and the drinks are delicious.
Many of the bars even have fun sitting areas with hammocks that the kids will love to play in! If you’re heading to Cozumel with kids and looking for something fun for everyone, this is a great way to spend an afternoon! Read all about the Beach Bar Loop and what our top stops are, here!
3. Cozumel Submarine -
Get ready for a super cool adventure with the Cozumel Submarine! This awesome ride takes you 100 feet down into the Caribbean Sea, where you'll see a stunning coral reef bursting with colorful fish, playful rays, and maybe even a sea turtle cruising by. It's like being in a real-life aquarium but way better because you're right there in the middle of it all without getting wet. Perfect for anyone who loves the ocean but likes staying dry, this submarine trip is a fun and unique way to check out the amazing underwater world. I’ve never done this trip but have heard great things about it!
4. Jean Lafitte Pirate Dinner Cruise
The Jean Lafitte Pirate Dinner Cruise offers a swashbuckling adventure on the high seas with plenty of fun and delicious food. Step aboard a pirate ship where you'll enjoy a tasty dinner while a lively crew of pirates entertains you with music, dancing, and thrilling sword fights. The cruise includes interactive elements, so you might find yourself joining in on some pirate shenanigans. It's a perfect outing for families and friends, blending entertainment with a unique dining experience. Get ready for a night filled with laughter, excitement, and a taste of pirate life!
5. Blow Holes
Have you ever heard the ocean “breathe”? When you leave the Villa or Condo you will head south on C-1 which loops around the entire south and east end of the island. About 15 minutes down the road you will come to Rasta's Reggae beach bar, which I refer to in my “Cozumel Beach Bar Loop “ blog post. There is a great sandy beach next to this bar that should be a great place for the kids to play and swim. Waves on the "wild side" are dependent on the winds - when it is smooth out in front of our villa the waves will typically be up on the other side of the island and vice versa. On the wild side of the island the "old road" closest to the water is for bikes only so be sure to stay on the main road.
These incredible natural features are located along the rugged wild side of the island. As the waves crash against the shore, water is forced through small openings in the rocky terrain, shooting spectacular geysers high into the air. It's a mesmerizing sight and a perfect spot for some amazing photos. The area around the blow holes is also beautiful, with stunning ocean views and a wild, untamed landscape that's perfect for exploring. Whether you're snapping pics or just soaking in the beauty, the Cozumel blow holes are a must-see adventure!
Exploring the Cozumel blow holes with our grandchildren
6. Cozumel Pearl Farm
Discover a hidden gem on the island with a visit to the Cozumel Pearl Farm! Nestled on a secluded stretch of beach, this family-run farm offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pearl cultivation. You'll learn all about the intricate process of growing pearls, from tiny seed to shimmering treasure, through a fun and informative tour. Plus, you'll get to see the beautiful pearls up close and even snorkel over the oyster beds where they grow. With its gorgeous location and unique insights, the Cozumel Pearl Farm is a perfect blend of relaxation and education, making it a standout experience on the island.
7. San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site
Step back in time at the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site, Cozumel's largest and most significant Mayan ruins. This ancient site offers a fascinating glimpse into Mayan history and culture, serving as a vital ceremonial center dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. As you wander through the well-preserved temples and plazas, you'll feel the echoes of the past and the vibrant energy that once filled this sacred place. With informative signs and knowledgeable guides available, you'll learn about the daily lives, rituals, and architectural prowess of the Mayan people. Nestled in the lush jungle, San Gervasio is not only a historical treasure but also a serene and beautiful spot to explore.
8. Chankanaab Adventure Park Day Pass:
This is a great idea if you’re looking for a fun place to spend a day! Chankanaab has a beach, snorkeling, dolphin or manatee encounter (additional charge), swimming area and more. Chankanaab is only a few kilometers up the road from us - a short ride by rental car or taxi!
9. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Explore the natural beauty and rich wildlife of Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, Cozumel’s largest ecological reserve. This expansive park offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Wander through lush mangroves, spot exotic birds and crocodiles, and climb the historic Celarain Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
10. City Parks
If your kids are itching to get out onto a playground, there are multiple located around the city! In fact, there is one just across the street from our Condo downtown!
Things To Know Before You Travel To Cozumel With Kids
Money
Credit cards are widely used on the island but you occasionally will run into times when there may be issues with wifi and will want to have some cash also. On the "wild side" of the island and smaller shops and food establishments, it will be cash only but USD is accepted throughout the island - at a lower exchange rate of course.
Medical emergency
I recommend the private hospital Costa Med Hospital; Cozumel: 987 872 9400; Address: C. 1 Sur 101, Adolfo López Mateos, 77640 Cozumel, Q.R.
How To Get Around Cozumel
You can travel around the Island with Taxi’s, Rental Cars or Private Shuttles. I have a whole post dedicated to helping you navigate getting around Cozumel, here!
Read through the rest of our blogs if you’re looking for more information!
Wondering where to eat while in Cozumel? We’ll tell you!