The 29 Absolute Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Cozumel (2024)
Finding amazing vegetarian and vegan restaurants on your next Cozumel vacay just got a whole lot easier, Friends! As a lifelong vegetarian and hardcore foodie, I make it my mission to source the top, plant-based eateries everywhere I travel. And since I live in Merida, only about 4 hours and some change from the magical Caribbean island of Cozumel, I travel there a lot.
The first time I visited this picturesque, Quintana Roo jewel a few years back, the abundance of veggie options I discovered surprised me. Every time I’ve hit Cozumel since, the plant proliferation just keeps getting evermore delish.
There aren’t loads of exclusively vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Cozumel (yet!). But what you will find is an exciting variety of plant-based gastronomy enlivening menus across the island’s impressive food scene. Cozumel boasts some serious veggie and vegan Mexican food, along with Mediterranean, Arabic, Indian, Italian, and classic American eats.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, traveling with one, or all about your meatless Mondays, this unrivaled list of green cuisine in Cozumel offers something for everyone. It details all of the exclusively vegan restaurants in Cozumel, and highlights several excellent omnivore spots giving plants pride of place.
Ready to eat your way through Cozumel? Here’s everywhere to get your plant fix!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Best Exclusively
Vegan Restaurants in Cozumel
Paradise Vegan
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰
Paradise Vegan is a colorful, casual spot that’s perfect for plant-based travelers on a budget. One of the most popular vegan restaurants in Cozumel, Paradise Vegan serves breakfast and “fast food” lunch items, like vegan hot dogs made with chickpeas, soy al pastor tacos and falafel wraps. All menu items run about $150 MXN ($8 USD), or less.
Paradise Vegan also offers a specialty dish of the day that’s a total steal for $90 MXN — legit only $5! I know — us veggies and vegans are used to paying twice the price at restaurants for “special ingredients.” Gracias, Paradise Vegan, for not penalizing us!
⏰ Hours: Sunday thru Friday 9:30 am – 5:30; closed Saturday
📍 25 Avenida Sur 212, Centro
Sol de Maple
late lunch | dinner | 💰
Sol de Maple isn’t the fanciest eatery on the island, but it’s exclusively vegan and crazy delicious. Owned and operated with love by a local family, you can count on this vegan restaurant in Cozumel to serve plant-style versions of traditional Mexican food. We’re talking tofu motuleños, vegan mole and chorizo chile. You’ll also find vegan riffs on pizza and burgers, as well as creations like watermelon sashimi, vegan lattes crafted with creamy almond butter, and heavenly vegan desserts.
⏰ Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 4 – 10 pm; Closed Sunday
📍 Calle 7 Sur con 5 Avenida, Centro
Vegan Barrio
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰
If you’re looking for a lively spot to chow down on some of the tastiest vegan Mexican food you’ll come across, run — don’t walk! — to Vegan Barrio. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it-sized stand located in the bustling Callejon de la Diez food court, Vegan Barrio serves fantastically flavorful, vegan Mexican classics like sopes, choriqueso and to-die-for tacos dorados.
On the healthier side of things, this is one of the vegan restaurants in Cozumel that also features scrumptious smoothies. Their creamy smoothies are generously-sized, and run the gamut of offerings from vegan golden milk, to exotic confections infused with maca and cardamom.
⏰ Hours: Tuesday thru Sunday 10 am – 10 pm
📍 10 Avenida Sur, 3 y 5, Centro
The Best
Vegetarian & Vegan-Friendly
Restaurants in Cozumel
These are the best places to dine in Cozumel to sustain your plant-based lifestyle, whether you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Each of these restaurants boasts a variety of delicious green options. Some even have exclusive vegetarian and vegan menus, and a few offer gluten-free swaps. None of these restaurants are strictly plant-based, which makes them an excellent compromise if you’re traveling with meat-eaters.
La Cuisine
breakfast | lunch | early dinner | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore | 🍞 gluten free options
Plant-based super foodies will find veggie and vegan heaven at La Cuisine, one of Cozumel’s premier health food spots. Count on fruit and smoothie bowls, egg and tofu scrambles, vegan waffles and quesadillas, vegan wraps and buddha bowls, along with loads more lovingly-prepared plant-based yum.
This popular, inviting cafe also offers a forward-thinking healthy drinks menu with a lineup of freshly-squeezed juices, immunity and wellness shots, smoothies, and several mushroom coffee selections. Sweet-toothed vegans will be in paradise at La Cuisine, with temptations like vegan cheesecake, chocolate pie and vegan Reese’s impossible to resist.
⏰ Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8 am – 6:30 pm; Closed Sundays
📍 Avenida Licenciado Andres Quintana Roo entre 5 y 10, San Miguel de Cozumel
Coco Cafe
breakfast | lunch | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore | 🍞 gluten free options
This trendy spot on Cozumel’s main road serves a range of healthy and delish breakfast and lunch items. Vegan standouts include the pink hummus made with beets, the vegan bowl with cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and vegan meatballs. And Coco Cafe’s funky vegan pesto salsa is a must. For vegetarians, the truffled egg bowl (request no bacon), avocado pesto toast and sweet crepes will hit the spot.
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
📍 Carretera Costera Sur KM 3.8-LOCAL #5
Amparo’s Breakfast Bistro
breakfast | brunch | lunch | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
A Cozumel fixture in the heart of San Miguel since 2015, Amparo’s is a popular island spot for a relaxed and healthy breakfast or brunch. Vegans craving los sabores de Mexico will find an entire vegan section on the menu, with everything from vegan chilaquiles and enchiladas, to fajitas and “huevos” rancheros – hold the huevos, of course! Vegetarians have a few more options, with savory egg dishes and thick stacks of hotcakes to choose from.
While Amparo’s serves hearty portions of good food, my only gripe is that they’re more expensive than other breakfast restaurants in Cozumel. Both the vegan skillet and the veggie omelet will run you $300 MXN – that’s almost $16. So budget travelers may want to consider other Cozumel breakfast options.
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 3 pm daily
📍 On the corner of Ave 10 Nte con Calle 2 Nte 198, Centro
Miss Deleites
lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 carnivore
This homey restaurant in Centro showcases a bustling, open kitchen where a chorus of cooks turn out healthy comfort food. Plant-based patrons have a slew of hearty options like vegan paella, vegan lasagna, vegan enchiladas, and even a vegan brownie for desert. And definitely don’t leave here without trying Miss Deleites’ fiery range of homemade salsas.
⏰ Hours: Monday 12 pm – 8 pm; Tuesday – Saturday 12 pm – 9 pm; Closed Sunday
📍 Calle Dr Adolfo Rosado Salas 26, entre 10 y 15, Centro
El Coffee Cozumel
breakfast | lunch | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
El Coffee Cozumel is a popular and affordable coffee shop in the center of San Miguel that serves breakfast all day. Vegetarians will find pastries, egg dishes and pancakes, while vegans will find sandwiches, salads and avocado toast to please the palate. El Coffee Cozumel also does smoothies, which vegans can customize with water or plant-based milks.
⏰ Hours: 8am – 11pm daily
📍 Calle 3 Sur between 5ta Av y Rafael E. Melgar Plaza Orbi, Local 9, Centro
Maple Bakehouse
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore | 🍞 gluten free
Maple Bakehouse is a terrific bakery and restaurant serving top-quality food and pastries at great prices. Whenever I’m in Cozumel and need a quick nosh on the go, I always shop their bread wall for freshly-baked breads and pastries, where I often get lucky finding gluten-free treats. They also turn out excellent coffee and specialty drinks.
Along with fluffy breads and pastries, Maple Bakehouse serves super delish sandwiches and paninis that showcase their homemade bread. Their vegan sandwich shines on whole wheat, and there’s a vegan salad on the menu, along with several others that vegans can customizable. Vegetarians will find plenty of breakfast dishes, salads and delectably sweet crepes on the menu.
⏰ Hours: 7:30 am – 10 pm daily
📍 Coffee shop: 6th Street North
📍 Bakery: Av. 65 and Av 30 Branch
La Choza
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
My first meal in Cozumel was at La Choza, which is considered a quintessential Cozumel restaurant, and often hailed as the best Mexican food on the island. I’ve tried the nachos, veggie fajitas, guacamole, chile relleno, and veggie quesadilla here. TBH, it’s not the most earth-shattering vegetarian food I’ve ever had. But the festive atmosphere – La Choza has a live Mariachi band and seasonal celebrations — and the vibrant interiors make the experience here well worth it.
La Choza is a good place to dine for plant-based eaters who are traveling with meat and seafood lovers, since the menu caters heavily to them. Vegetarians will find all of the options I listed above, and vegans can choose from veggie fajitas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and veggie kebabs.
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
📍 10 Avenida Nte. # 216, Centro
Casa Mission
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Set amongst an enchanting garden space that instantly transports you back in time, Casa Mission offers an extensive, vegan and vegetarian lunch menu. Specialties include several vegetable enchilada options (the enchiladas nopales with mole sauce is dynamite!), soups, vegan tacos, vegetable fajitas, and even a teriyaki burrito. This is a wonderful place to celebrate special occasions, especially for large groups, or just to dine in a unique setting.
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 10 pm daily
📍 Avenida Lic Benito Juárez 55, Adolfo López Mateos
Cerveceria Punta Sur
lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Cerveceria Punta Sur is a lively brewery that’s great for grabbing a wood-fired pizza at lunch, or for enjoying some cervezas and yummy, no-fuss bar eats at the end of the day. It’s the only microbrewery on the island, so expect a wide variety of beers on tap that range from blondes to stouts.
My fave here is the carmelized onion and spinach pizza, while my husband loves the tres quesos empanada, which is really more like a heaving calzone. There’s a vegan pizza with garlic sauce and mushrooms seasoned with guajillo chile, which can also do as an empanada. They also have a small but respectable selection of cocktails.
⏰ Hours: 12 pm – 11 pm daily
📍 10a Avenida Sur 229, Centro
Kusam Brewery
lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Kusam Brewery is a fun and laid-back place to grab beer and tacos. Their small, pub-style menu includes vegan tacos, some seriously killer guacamole and heaping plates of cheesy nachos that will please hungry vegetarians. While beer is their wheelhouse, Kusam also does a few cocktails.
⏰ Hours: 10 am – 11 pm Wednesday thru Monday; Closed Tuesday
📍 Corner of 5ta Avenida, Calle 6 Nte, Centro
K’ooben Laab
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
K’ooben Laab is a Cozumel Italian dining staple that offers several, choose-your-own homemade pasta and sauce combinations. Their vegetarian carbonara, done with asparagus, is particularly luscious, as is their tangy pesto sauce. For vegans, you can ask for the secret menu vegan pasta dish.
K’ooben Laab also has a tempting breakfast menu that features freshly-baked pan, or breads, and tasty coffee.
⏰ Hours: 7:30 pm – 10 pm daily
📍 Avenida 30 between Morelos and Calle 5, Centro
Arabian Tacos
lunch | dinner | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
You can always count on Lebanese food to come through for the plant-based set. Arabian Tacos is an OG Cozumel establishment that’s been serving authentic Mediterranean staples like falafel, hummus, tabouli, labneh, and babaganoush for several years. Vegetarians and vegans will both be in luck at this laid-back spot. Vegans can feast on Lebanese specialties like grape leaves and vegan keppe, a savory potato patty made with bulgur, spices and chickpeas.
⏰ Hours: Monday thru Saturday 11 am – 10:30 pm; Closed Sunday
📍 Avenida Pedro Joaquin Coldwell between Calle 2 y 4 Nte.
Hindu Restaurant
lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Sometimes it happens when you’re visiting Mexico that you get a random craving for Indian food. If it strikes in Cozumel, Hindu Restaurant in Centro is where to get fix. Their authentic menu includes a dedicated vegan section with Indian staples like Aloo Palak, Channa Masala, and Aloo Gobi. While the food here is utterly delicious, expect Hindu to be more expensive than the average Cozumel restaurant owing to the high cost of imported ingredients.
⏰ Hours: 12:00 pm – 9:30 pm daily
📍 Adolfo Rosado Salas 10 and 15, Centro
The Best Upscale
Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly
Restaurants in Cozumel
These are the best upscale dining establishments in Cozumel. Although you’re welcome to wear flip-flops — it’s an island, after all!
Again, none of these are exclusively vegetarian or vegan restaurants in Cozumel. But you can still expect to be lavished with elevated, plant–based cuisine amid a top-tier dining experience.
Buccano’s at Night
dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
By day, Buccano’s is a bustling beach club that serves up some shamefully good eats. After the sun goes down, Buccano’s At Night emerges.
This vibrant hotspot on the north side of the island wows patrons with an upscale dining experience that’s often hailed as the best in Cozumel. And yours truly agrees! Buccano’s boasts a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu where you’ll find some of the yummiest and most creative plant-based dishes on the island. My faves are the firecracker cauliflower, feliz falafel tacos, coconut mushroom risotto, and blackened mushroom panuchos. Can you tell I’ve been here more than a few times?
⏰ Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 6 pm – 10:30 pm
📍 Carretera San Juan Kilometro 4.5, Zona Hotelera Nte.
Chez Ame
breakfast | brunch | lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Chez Ame is the place to delight in French-Mediterranean fusion with a Mexican twist. This relatively new restaurant is a popular, stylish spot with a wide-ranging menu that features plant-based dishes, like pasta, salads and hearty mains like ratatouille. Chez Ame’s pretty garden patio makes a perfect setting for romantic evenings or sunny days, when breakfast and brunch here are all the rage. Just take note that vegans will have more to choose from on Chez Ame’s dinner menu.
⏰ Hours: Monday & Tuesday 8 am – 4 pm; Wednesday thru Sunday 8 am – 8 pm
📍 10a Avenida Sur 737, Centro
Sereno Roof Bar and Restaurant
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Ideally, you’d slide into Sereno Roof Bar and Restaurant for cocktails timed to match Cozumel’s stunning sunset. Then you’d follow up the unparalleled views with an outstanding dinner.
Everything I’ve eaten at this stylish establishment is thoughtful and delicious. The guacamole, roasted carrots, hummus with crudité, and zucchini tacos are excellent vegan options. Vegetarians can add to this with the vegetarian pizza, and labneh and tomato salad. And please, oh please, don’t skip the goat cheese beignets!
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 11 pm
📍 Carretera Costera Sur km 2.98-Sur, Zona Hotelera Nte.
Guido’s
lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Guido’s is an Italian restaurant with a gorgeous garden patio, and a menu that prioritizes fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. While Guido’s doesn’t offer too many vegan options, they do prepare a vegan spaghetti bolognese, as well as a few vegan salads. Occasionally, you might even find their vegan lasagna on the menu.
Vegetarians will find plenty to indulge in at with Guido’s, with several customizable pastas and pizzas to choose from. Oenophiles will also appreciate Guido’s extensive wine menu.
⏰ Hours: Thursday thru Saturday 2 pm – 11 pm; Sunday thru Wednesday 2 pm – 10 pm
📍 Avenida Rafael E. Melgar #23 between 6th & 8th Street
Ik-Kool
lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Foodies in search of traditional Mayan cuisine need look no further than Ik-Kool. This Cozumel fine dining establishment is recognized for having some of Mexico’s most authentic Mayan gastronomy.
The menu at this bright, contemporary restaurant features some delectable vegan and vegetarian Mayan dishes, which is no small feat given that the traditional Mayan diet is pretty pork-heavy. Service here is excellent, with staff happy to share the rich, culinary history behind each dish. And for those who indulge, Ik-Kool boasts an impressive cocktail menu.
⏰ Hours: Monday – Saturday 12 pm – 10 pm; Closed Sunday
📍 Royal Village Shopping Center, Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, Local 53
Kondesa
dinner | 💰💰💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🦞 seafood
I’ll be frank. As a lifelong vegetarian, I normally wouldn’t be caught dead in a seafood restaurant. But Cozumel’s buzzy Kondesa is my one exception. This trendy spot features a stellar cocktail menu, a garden setting that’s too magical to be missed, and enough mouth-watering plant-based dishes on the menu to forgive the fish factor.
Vegans can go for the cauliflower tacos, bao verde and guacamole, while vegetarians can for the corn (scrumptious!), Kondesa salad and queso fundido. If you’re a pescatarian, or a veggie/vegan traveling with a fish foodie, Kondesa is for you.
⏰ Hours: 5 pm – 11 pm daily
📍 5 Av between 5st and 7st, Centro.
The Best Vegetarian
and Vegan-Friendly
Taco & Burrito Spots in Cozumel
I love tacos and burritos so much, I gave ‘em their own section! 🌮 ❤️ 🌯
As you’ve already discovered, several of the vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cozumel on this list serve plant-based tacos and burritos. But this section highlights the best spots to pop into for zippy, counter service.
Burritos Gorditos
breakfast | lunch | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
The grab-and-go burritos at Burritos Gorditos are done Mexican-style — filled with fresh ingredients before a good slap on the plancha. Their veggie breakfast burrito is a standout, and it’s hearty enough to skip the egg and cheese to make it vegan. The same goes for their Classic Veggie. It comes with rice and beans, and vegans can ask to hold the cheese.
⏰ Hours: Monday thru Saturday 8 am – 5 pm; Closed Sunday
📍 5a Av. Nte. S/N (no number), Centro
Crazy King Burritos
lunch | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Crazy King Burritos is a Cozumel favorite that’s been serving the island since 2012. I’m obsessed with the Veggie Loco burrito — it’s packed with peppers, beans, guacamole, and pico de gallo. It’s a stellar option for vegans, too – just request it sin crema, or without sour cream. Crazy King also ups the plant-based factor by offering soy chorizo that you can add to your burrito. And bonus for the low-carb set – all Crazy King burritos can be done as bowls.
⏰ Hours Tuesday thru Saturday 11 am 5 pm; Closed Monday
📍 Calle 4 Norte 5, Centro
Guisados
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰
🥬 vegan | 🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
If you go to Guisados once, I guarantee you’ll be back twice. This tiny, colorful and beloved taqueria in the center of San Miguel is hand’s down the best place in Cozumel for veggies and vegans to get their taco love on. Guisados has five plant-based taco options, all served on incredible, homemade corn tortillas. You can also rely on Guisados to serve up some of the most mouthwatering guacamole on the island.
⏰ Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily
📍 Avenida Lic Benito Juárez 254, Centro
The Best Vegetarian-Friendly
Restaurants in Cozumel
These restaurants in Cozumel aren’t exclusively plant-based, but they do have excellent vegetarian options. Unfortunately, most have limited eats for vegans. Although, vegans are more than welcome to ask if there are any “secret menu” items or easy vegan modifications.
Jolly Coffee and Late Breakfast
breakfast | brunch | lunch | 💰💰
🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Jolly Coffee is my go-to spot for a solid, American-style breakfast and brunch whenever I’m in Cozumel. I’ve popped in several days in a row, and I know I’m not the only one – Jolly gets packed! Jolly is known for their specialty waffles, fluffy egg dishes, and rich, frothy coffees. It’s the perfect place to come for an ample breakfast or lunch.
⏰ Hours: 8 am – 4 pm daily
📍 Calle 6 Nte between Rafael E. Melgar and 5ta Avenida
El Rincon de Addy
breakfast | brunch | 💰
🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
The good food and good vibes at El Rincon de Addy are the perfect way to start the day. Their serene garden dining space is a wonderful backdrop for their healthful eats, which are also super affordable. I always stop in for the huevos and chaya, my husband gets the chilaquiles and our eight year old’s favorite are the heart-shaped, mini-pancakes.
⏰ Hours: 7:30 – 3 pm Tuesday thru Sunday; Closed Monday
📍 Calle Miguel Hidalgo entre 30 y 25 Av. Colonia Centro
Aqui y Ahora
breakfast | lunch | dinner | 💰💰
🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
Aqui y Ahora does everything from early breakfasts to late night eats right. As you would expect from an all day restaurant, the menu here is extensive. You’ll find everything from organic egg dishes and healthy bowls, to pizzas, cauliflower wings and salads represented. Aqui Y Ahora’s desserts and cocktails certainly won’t disappoint, either.
The atmosphere here offers a little something for everyone – table games for kids, Wi-Fi and ping pong for digital nomads, and a roof deck where everyone can bask in incredible sea views. Evenings can get a little raucous with live deejays and dancing. So, if you’re traveling with kids or anyone party averse, check their Instagram before heading out for dinner.
⏰ Hours: 7 am – midnight daily
📍 Av. Rafael E Melgar, between Calle 2 Nte and 4 Nte, Centro
La Cocay
late lunch | dinner | 💰💰💰
🧀 vegetarian | 🌮 omnivore
La Cocay delights palates with beautifully-plated Mediterranean dishes that heavily skew Italian. Vegetarians will be spoiled for choice with salads, pastas, vegetable sides, pizzas (which are enormous!), and tempting, homemade desserts. The service here is excellent, and the ample dining space expands onto a beautiful outdoor garden.
⏰ Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm daily
📍 10th Avenue between 2nd and 4th Streets, Centro.
Cozumel FAQs
Is Cozumel worth visiting?
Cozumel is an exceptional Mexico beach destination that’s absolutely worth visiting. This tropical island paradise is surrounded by pristine waters that are home to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. This makes Cozumel a prime location for some of the world’s best scuba diving and snorkeling, as well as a magical retreat for sunbathers in search of some R & R.
Much of Cozumel is still undeveloped, which means the island remains a lush, jungle escape free of the overtourism you’ll find in other Quintana Roo hotspots, like Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. While cruise ship passengers disembark on Cozumel daily (except Sundays), the island still manages to offer vacationers a more intimate and laid-back experience where you can truly unwind and connect with Mother Nature. For a livelier time in Cozumel, the island’s beach clubs are where you’ll find higher-energy vibes.
Cozumel offers plenty to do, from snorkeling and ATV tours, to kayaking and exploring ecological parks. Add to this Cozumel’s thriving food scene, range of accommodations to suit all budgets, white-sand beaches, and turquoise waters that can be enjoyed all year, and you’re in for a stellar Caribbean vacation.
Is Cozumel Safe?
Cozumel is generally considered very safe to visit. The crime rate on the island is low compared to other destinations in Mexico, including the state of Quintana Roo.
Cozumel, being a major Mexico destination, is very heavily policed. The island’s muscular police presence means that there is a minimal amount of cartel-related drug violence, and also that violent crime against tourists is very rare. Petty crimes, like pick-pocketing and car break-ins, are more common.
Take safety precautions in Cozumel as you would visiting any travel destination. This includes:
👣 Don’t walk alone at night.
💍 Don’t flash valuables.
🍹 Avoid drug use and heavy drinking.
💡 Stay in well-lit areas.
👀 Be aware of your surroundings.
🚕 Use only licensed taxis.
What’s the best time to visit Cozumel?
Spring is an excellent time to visit Cozumel. Particularly during the warm, sunny days of March and April, when humidity is relatively low, and the island receives its lowest rainfall. I’ve also visited Cozumel in February (high season) and November (lowish season). During both months, the weather is excellent and the visibility at sea is amazing.
Just keep in mind that at peak times – December through February – airfare and accommodation will be more expensive. That’s why November is one of my favorite months to visit anywhere in Mexico along the Caribbean. Sargassum is minimal, prices are lower because it’s still off-season, and it’s the end of hurricane season, which means the return of beautiful weather.
Be careful visiting Cozumel June through October. This is peak hurricane season. Cozumel is at its rainiest then, and heavy storms can develop without warning.
How do I get to Cozumel?
Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of mainland Quintana Roo, Mexico. It sits 12 miles across the shore from the Riviera Maya hotspot of Playa del Carmen.
There are 2 ways to reach Cozumel: by sea and by air.
Reach Cozumel by Sea
To reach Cozumel by sea, you’ll need to take a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen.
You cannot take a ferry directly to Cozumel from Cancun. Playa del Carmen is the only mainland destination servicing Cozumel.
You have two ferry companies to choose from: Ultramar and Winjet. I’ve only used Ultramar, which is reliable, air-conditioned and has plenty of (unassigned) seating. I don’t know much about Winjet, but my friends who’ve taken it have never had any issues.
Both companies run according to strict schedules, and booking in advance is always recommended. Especially if you’re taking a car on the ferry, as space and scheduling is limited.
You can book tickets and search the ferry schedule at the links below:
Ultramar — Adults $30 USD | Kids $24 USD
Winjet — Adults $28 USD | Kids $19 USD
Both Ultramar and Winjet have ferries designated to transport cars. You can book your car ferry directly on the Winjet website. However, Ultramar requires car reservations to be made via WhatsApp.
Here is the Ultramar WhatsApp number: +52 998 302 9244
I suggest visiting the above links for both websites to learn more about schedules, pricing and taking a car.
Reach Cozumel by Air
To reach Cozumel by air, you can fly into the island’s small, international airport.
It’s not as affordable as taking the ferry, but it’s definitely the fastest and easiest way to reach the island.
Vuelatour offers an “air taxi” private charter from Cancun to Cozumel 7 days of the week. The 25-minute flight on a Cessna 206 costs $600 USD (plus taxes and fees) for a group of 5 or less people.
Otherwise, Aeromexico offers direct flights to Cozumel from Mexico City. If you are already in the Yucatan Peninsula, it is pointless to fly in the opposite direction to Mexico City to get to Cozumel. Your best bet, other than taking the air taxi from Cancun, would be to take the ferry to Cozumel.
Is there sargassum in Cozumel?
One of the best things about visiting Cozumel is that it doesn’t receive nearly as much sargassum as destinations on mainland Quintana Roo. That said, some sargassum does wash up on the eastern side of the island.
Sargassum “season” usually runs from April to October. However, as climate change continues to take deeper hold, the annual arrival time of sargassum has become increasingly unpredictable. Additionally, some years the sargassum is minimal, while others pose a particularly serious challenge.
If you’ve booked a Cozumel vacation, stay on top of local sargassum conditions by contacting your hotel or accommodation host. My top recommendation is to join one of the local Facebook groups that monitor the sargassum situation daily.
Here is a link to my preferred group, The Sargassum Monitoring Network (La Red de Monitoreo del Sargazo).
The Wrap
Welp, there you have it – a complete rundown of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Cozumel. Or better yet, every last place on the island that prioritizes plant-based guests.
Cozumel is one of my favorite places on earth, and I truly hope you enjoy your time there! There is so much to see and do – and eat!
If you’d like to eat your way through another stunning, Yucatan Peninsula beach town, check out my Unrivaled Guide to El Cuyo. Much like Cozumel, the vegan and vegetarian dining options in this pristine, Yucatan beach town surprised the heck out of me! El Cuyo is well worth a trip if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path, hidden gem to visit while you’re on the peninsula.
Have you dined at any of these veggie or vegan restaurants in Cozumel? Or do you think I’ve missed a spot? Let me know in the comments below!
As always, inspired travels Amigas! 💜
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