Is it better to stay in Cozumel or Playa del Carmen?

If world-class scuba diving, a laid-back island vibe, and quieter beaches are your priorities, Cozumel may be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a lively atmosphere with plenty of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, Playa del Carmen is likely the better choice.



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The ideal number of days in Playa del Carmen depends on your preferences and interests. Generally, a 3 to 7-day trip should provide enough time to see the main attractions, enjoy the beach, and take day trips to nearby sights.

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Playa del Carmen started out as a Fisherman's village, as many as 110 years ago. The white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back feel have made it a popular destination for tourists.

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The best time to visit Cozumel is from March to June, when the island enjoys daytime highs around 90 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s. Winters are slightly cooler, with temperatures ranging between the upper 60s and the lower 80s, so it is best to pack layers.

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Yes, you can just walk around, or at worst take a short taxi ride. IIRC there's more than one pier, so it depends on which one your ship docks at, but there's plenty of shopping and places to stop and get an overpriced margarita - Senor Frog's probably being one of the most well known.

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It is said that the waters of Playa del Carmen are among the world's most beautiful.

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Be extra careful at night in Playa del Carmen As with many places in the world, most crimes in Playa del Carmen occur at night. Besides being extra careful at the bars in Playa del Carmen, you'll also want to be extra careful when walking alone at night.

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Waves will not get to big, this is a not a surfers paradise so swimming can be done every day! Playa del Carmen and the bays are protected by natural reef systems or in the case of Playa, the island of Cozumel so high waves just don't happen very often.

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Cozumel's west coast (the side facing Playa del Carmen) has calmer beaches and better snorkeling (the coral is protected from the waves, so it can thrive). The cruise ship ports are on this side, and folks coming in for the day on cruises tend to stay nearby, so the beaches closest to the port tend to be more crowded.

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There are two rainy seasons on the island, one from October to January when rains often precede windy cold fronts called “nortes,” and from April through July, with June and July being the wettest months. Summer rains tend to be sudden, short events, while more sustained rains can occur in winter.

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Cozumel is smaller, with fewer crowds and a quieter atmosphere. The beaches are also smaller and rockier compared to Cancun's picturesque white-sand ones, but their coral barrier access makes them ideal when it comes to snorkeling and scuba diving.

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To get to Playa del Carmen, most travelers fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about 35 miles north of Playa del Carmen. To reach Playa, you can rent a car, take a bus or hop in a taxi.

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