Cozumel

Alberto's Beach Bar

This isolated beach-side bar and restaurant distinguishes itself by catching its own seafood daily. The grilled Mahi-mahi filet is a definitely a worthy experience. Tables are literally setup on the beach, so it's also a great place to watch the sunset. Atmosphere is very informal, with a live DJ most nights. (Although not officially recommended, it's possible to walk the 1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 miles) up the beach from Playa Palancar if you're not afraid of a small hike.).

Casa Denis

This self-declared "oldest restaurant in Cozumel" has very good, reasonably priced entrees featuring some Mayan and Yucatan specialties, along with more conventional Mexican fare like tacos and enchiladas. The Mayan Pork is an interesting take on conventional barbecue - tender with a slightly sweet marinade, and no sauce needed - and margaritas are freshly made and strong. Dinner comes with a free Tequila shot at the end.

Casa Mission

Corner of Avenidas Benito Juarez and 55. Casa Mission offers superb food, however the real attraction here is not the food, but the setting. Located off the beaten path, the restaurant is the veranda area of a large hacienda style Mexican home. It is surrounded on all sides by an extensive garden that combines perfectly with the colonial hacienda ambiance. There are no longer any lions or monkeys, but there still are a number of beautiful caged birds. One of the most romantic spots on the island for cocktails or dinner. One margarita is sufficient.

Daily 08:00 - 22:00·M$150

Cerveceria Punta Sur

Small craft brewery with five house beers on tap. Beers range from a fairly light cream ale to a couple of IPAs that are better than most because their hopping level doesn't try to be stupidly high (as is typical in the U.S.) The best beer is their Eagle Ray Stout with a firm malty body with hints of coffee. They also had a weizenbier that's quite good, well balanced, and true to the best German examples of the style. They have light food including pizzas and empanadas and locals rave about the lionfish pizza.

Daily 11:00 - 23:00·M$200

Coconuts Bar & Grill

Pretty decent Mexican food. Guacamole and chips are excellent, as are the Margaritas. The highlight of this place though is the view. It sits perched up on a cliff overlooking the ocean and pristine white beaches on the east side of the island.

Daily 09:30 - 19:00·M$200

Doña Quela

Quite near to the municipal market, an excellent, inexpensive place for breakfast or lunch. It's run by a Mexican couple who lived in the US (and worked at Denny's) for quite some time, so in addition to fresh Mexican food, they also know how to prepare a Grand Slam, if that's what you're after.

Daily 10:00 - 19:00·M$150

El Morrito

This tiny restaurant is located in a Mexican home off the beaten path. It offers cheap (cheap for Cozumel, although expensive compared to the rest of Mexico) authentic Mexican food. Tacos are ok (again, not as good as other places in Mexico), and cost about US$1.25 apiece. The atmosphere is unbeatable though!

Mon-Sat 08:30 - 22:30, Sun 10:00 - 19:00·M$150

Go Divers

The ScubaGamma trilingual team provides the same attention whether you are a beginner or experienced. The shop can deal with individuals as well as small groups, typically up to 7 divers by trip, but will also handle larger groups. The boat used is a 25-foot small cabin cruiser with a 225 hp engine. IAHD certified staff, and handicapped divers are welcome!

everyday 8:30AM till 7PM, a bit sooner on sundays·US$70 for a 2 tank dive trip, US$75 for a discovery dive

La Choza

Calle Adolfo Rosado Salas #198, at Avenue 10. Great homestyle, local Mexican food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Fish is excellent, tasty fajitas and guacamole. Only one Margarita needed here!

La Cocay

Off the beaten path but worth the finding. La Cocay is Mayan for the Firefly. The food is delicious emblematic of regional Yucatecan cuisine and is presented extremely well.

Daily 16:00 - 23:00·M$200

No Name Bar

Quiet place, friendly atmosphere, sometimes air conditioned. A traditional expat hangout with an excellent selection of semi-pricey tequilas. Good food including tacos, seafood and guacamole.

Daily 08:00 - 23:00·M$200

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Eco park with lighthouse and critters like raccoons and alligators in an estuary/sea environment.

Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00·$19.95

Rasta Bar

Isolated beach bar with a delightfully dumpy laid-back atmosphere where the beers are always cold and the music is always by Bob Marley. Never crowded, even when 6 cruise ships are in port on the same day. Good place to spend a day, exploring the beach and waves or hiking to the nearby caves.

Salty Endeavors Scuba Center

Quintana Roo's only Platinum 5000 Instructor Trainer on staff. Three boats for certified divers and training from beginner to instructor.

Daily 07:30-21:00

San Gervasio

Small archaeological site for a Mayan worship center dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. The site comprises six architectural groups, generally focused on a single temple or other building. Snacks, souvenirs, restrooms available.

Open now · closes 3:45 pm·M$193

Senor Frogs

Above Carlos 'n Charlies. Senor Frogs is a hotspot for young people and tourists. A very laid back atmosphere with very few rules. There is a bar incorporated with tire swings; just to have fun while you drink. Also, they have a dance floor and a stage for the live music they sometimes provide. If there is not a band, there is always a DJ to keep the party going. Prices vary depending on the drink.

Daily 10:00 - 00:00·M$100

Skyreef Beach Bar

Beach bar catering to day-trip visitors with "all-in" packages that include food and drink as well as a beach chair and snorkling gear. Food includes good ceviche and fish tacos.

Daily 08:00 - 19:00·US$1.50 beers

Thirsty Cougar

Downtown bar across the street from the harbor with sidewalk tables, big margaritas, buckets of ice cold beers, and light bar bites including ceviche and shrimp tacos.

Daily 09:00 - 02:00

Una Mas

Lively sports bar with boring TVs blasting games nobody cares about on most evenings but occasional live music. Food is casual burgers, tacos, fries, etc. with affordable prices and generous portions.

Wed-Mon 16:00 - 01:00, closed Tue·M$150

Wet Wendy's

All American staff is very friendly, laid back. They have their own house-brand of tequila that is astonishingly good for the price. Excellent margaritas the size of Mt. Everest.

Aldora Divers

Training, certification and fast 6-person boats with high capacity steel tanks and long surface intervals, usually at Palancar Beach Club. Rental equipment. Night Dives. Nitrox available. Villa Aldora room and suite rentals.

Aqua Safari

Training, certification and two types of daily dive trips (fast or large boat). Good company but they tend to pack more people on a dive trip (up to 16 on the big boats). When the wind is blowing and the small boats cannot go out, their seaworthy boats often still can provide service. They also have an 8-person fast boat available. 1 tank afternoon dives are a very good deal. Night dives Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. Nitrox Available. Hotel packages with Safari Inn, Cozumel Palace and several other hotels.

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

It protects the offshore reefs along the western and southern sides of Cozumel, it includes dozens of popular dive sites where you can see tropical fish, coral formations, and other kinds of marine life at depths from 30 feet to more than 150 feet. Many of the sites visited by local dive shops are part of the national park.

Blue Angel

Training, certification and equipment rental are available from this dive op. Three two tank dives available each day with the additional options of Twilight and Night dives given a party larger than 3. PADI instruction available up to Instructor level. Excellent staff and crew.

Blue Magic

Compared to most other companies here, operates much faster and smaller (8-person) boats with good local divemasters. Office in downtown Cozumel, with free taxi service.

Blue Note Scuba

This dive center is owner-operated and has a fast boat. Personalized service and training with local divemasters.

Blue XT~Sea Diving

Training, certification, equipment rental, and nitrox are available from this dive op. Personalized service, max 6 divers per fast boat. They'll keep and clean your dive gear (except wetsuit) if you wish and have it on the boat the next morning. Night and Afternoon dives based on demand, and hotel packages with decent savings are offered.

Bottom Time Divers

Training, certification and 6 pack diver fast boat are available from this very popular family run dive op. Owner/instructor with excellent local knowledge, beach SI's and dive gear overnight wash and rinse etc. Private groups accepted.

Buena Ventura Diving

A small, personable dive outfit dedicated to the specialized needs of its diving clients.

Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park

The park includes a beach, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, walking trails, crocodile enclosure, and a lagoon with a large iguana population. Activities include snorkeling & diving, swimming with captive dolphins/manatees/sea-lions, kayak, snuba, and Seatrek. $2 coupon and packages available at their website. The dolphins are kept in cages on the beach which are at sea temperature. Cameras are strictly prohibited and photographs are available for a predictably extortionate fee after the swim.

Daily 07:00-19:00·approx. US$21 for adults