A vacation to Mexico is among one of the easiest trips to book for those living in North America thanks to its proximity and many beautiful destinations. Whether it's a West Coast-inspired destination such as Baja or closer to the gulf like the Yucatan, it's bound to be a beach-filled, tropical dream of a vacation.
When it comes to two of the most popular locations - especially for first-timers to Mexico - the two competing destinations are usually Cozumel and Cancun. Both of these destinations are popular ports for cruise ships and are also very easy to find affordable flights to, which is why they rank so high on the list of top Mexico destinations. But which one is the better option? Here are some details to help travelers decide.
Beach Vibes In Both Cozumel And Cancun
Each one of these destinations is home to gorgeous beaches and when it comes to which is better, neither one necessarily outranks the other. However, there are differences between the beaches in Cozumel as opposed to Cancun, as well as the activities one can look forward to doing at each.
Cozumel Beaches & Activities
For starters, Cozumel is located in a more remote area of Mexico than Cancun is which means that its beaches are automatically less crowded. There are pros and cons to this: a pro is that travelers will likely have plenty of peace while relaxing on the beach. The con is that if they're looking for beach nightlife or any social activities, they'll need to turn to their resort to find them. With its proximity to Playa del Carmen, it's easy to see why one would opt for Cozumel just for the 45-minute ferry that will take them to this gorgeous beach.
In terms of activities, Cozumel is home to the best snorkeling in the world except for Australia's Great Barrier Reef, according to City or City. Therefore, it's a no-brainer for those looking to explore Mexico's enchanting underwater world. Cozumel offers two options for swimming and sunbathing, as well: the south side, which is home to its resorts as well as pristine beaches and gentle waters, or the north side, which is remote and isolated with zero resorts and occasionally rough surf (be wary of riptides).
Cancun Beaches & Activities
Right off the bat, Cancun allows travelers more access to activities thanks to the sheer number of resorts, clubs, restaurants, and lounges that are usually within walking or a short driving distance. This leads Cancun to have more social beaches that are likely to find beach parties and live music. However, it has become a tourist destination in the true sense of the word - it's tough to find any local charm. During holidays and spring break, the beaches are full of younger people which can make things incredibly crowded and stressful for those seeking a quiet, calm vacation.
The pro to vacationing in Cancun during any other time of the year is that its resorts are targeted to suit most people. Visitors can look forward to beach services, gentle waters, and pristine beaches that allow for plenty of social interactions.
Dining & Nightlife In Both Cozumel And Cancun
Each location has its charm that shines through in different ways and when it comes to nightlife, one location has an edge over the other. However, in terms of local charm and authentic food with a quieter vibe, one location wins in that category, as well.
Cozumel Dining & Nightlife
It's already been established that Cozumel is the quieter of the two destinations which, in some cases, is preferred by travelers. However, in terms of nightlife, it might be a bit of a struggle to find anything outside of the resort. The best bet is to head down to San Miguel which is the 'downtown' of Cozumel; this is where all of its best nightlife and restaurants are located.
The nightlife won't be anything like that of Cancun - rather, it'll be intimate and laid-back. The other pro to this is that travelers looking to get an authentic taste of Mexico's cuisine will be able to find it quite easily, as most dining establishments have stuck to their roots.
Cancun Dining & Nightlife
When it comes to nightlife, Cancun is one of the best places in Mexico for it. Not only is it a popular party destination but thanks to the tourism rate, it's also home to plenty of options for those looking to dance the night away. While Cancun might lack the local charm of Cozumel, it certainly makes up for it with its wide range of clubs and lounges to choose from.
Those who are looking for traditional fare in terms of food will need to make a trip to downtown Cancun, but it's worth it for Mexico's best dishes. Cancun's proximity to the Riviera Maya also makes it an attractive option for those seeking to continue their ventures and seek out a different venue for the night.
Daytime Activities In Both Cozumel And Cancun
In Cozumel, travelers will have access to its stunning reefs via way of snorkeling or scuba. For those who don't do either, a trip to the mainland might be to explore some of the area's more popular tourist attractions. A trip to Playa del Carmen will result in great shopping as well as some good restaurants. For those heading south, a trip to the Mayan ruins or Mexico's stunning rainforests is a good way to spend the day.
Just north of Cancun, travelers will be able to see Isla Holbox which is a unique island that's home to whale sharks (and plenty of other animals in its untouched wilderness).
The good news is that since Cozumel and Cancun are fairly close to one another, a traveler might choose to stay at one and visit the other. A ferry right from Cozumel to the mainland will result in a one-hour drive to Cancun after stepping off the ferry, which is only about 20-45 minutes.