The 19 Best Dive Resorts on Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico is a favorite island getaway welcoming visitors from around the globe. Located off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this Caribbean island is a short jump from Playa del Carmen and a slightly longer distance from Cancun.

Cozumel’s economy is heavily based on tourism and much of that tourism stems from scuba diving and snorkeling excursions. The island is surrounded by coral reefs that are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It’s an underwater playground for divers that’s home to roughly 1,000 different marine species.

We visited and researched countless dive resorts in Cozumel to help you locate the best destination for your desires and budget. Below, you’ll learn more about diving around Cozumel and the top 19 places to stay for a diving or snorkeling getaway.

Diving Around Cozumel and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System

Cozumel is a diver’s dream. It’s a year-round dive destination known for vibrant marine life and brilliantly colored reefs, sponges, and more. The crystal clear waters surrounding the island offer easy drift dives, but more advanced adventures are also just a short boat ride away.

Although it’s a great place to visit year round, picking the best time to visit Mexico will depend on what kind of holiday you’re looking for. The busy season for diving in Cozumel is from November to April, so you may not feel so off the beaten path when visiting during these months. However, visit during another season, and you could have a local hotspot to yourself.

Cozumel is 28 miles long and 9 miles wide. The surrounding waters are home to more than 45 dive sites. The sites are along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world following Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Cozumel has a dive destination for everyone from beginner-level snorkelers to the most advanced deep-sea divers.

What You’ll See While Diving Cozumel, Mexico

Divers venture to Cozumel for the variety of marine life they’re likely to see. This includes more than 1,000 species of fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, reef sharks, black tip sharks, and countless other marine species. Giant coral heads are on the deeper reefs, creating unique channels to explore.

Divers have spotted lobsters the size of dogs, moray eels, hawksbill turtles, and a variety of other rare creatures. You never know what you’ll find when diving the seas around Cozumel, and that’s what makes visiting so special.

What Is a Dive Resort

A dive resort is an accommodation option dedicated to providing unforgettable dive and snorkel adventures. Many do not require any dive experience and may help aspiring divers receive their open-water certifications. A quality dive resort has a knowledgeable staff with personal experience exploring Cozumel’s reefs. They know where to take guests based on their skill levels and requests.

Many of the dive resorts listed below feature on-site dive shops and boats to take you directly to the hottest dive spots. Other, more boutique locations will connect you with dive shops and tour guides to help you embark on unforgettable dive adventures. Cozumel offers a dive resort for every type of traveler, from families with little ones to couples and solo dive experts.

The Top 19 Cozumel Dive Resorts

Cozumel is packed with world-class dive resorts. Choosing the one that’s best for you depends on the amenities you desire, where you want to dive, your budget, and a variety of other factors. We’ve chosen 15 of the best dive resorts in Cozumel for their outstanding features, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

1. Iberostar Cozumel

This lavish resort is an ideal jumping point for all dive adventures. The Iberostar Cozumel features an on-site diving center and boats to take you anywhere you want to go on the Americas’ second-largest reef.

The suites are bungalow-style and all have easy access to the beach, the Caribbean Sea, gorgeous pools, and the spa. There are numerous themed restaurants on-site and an international buffet offering healthy, natural foods from the region and beyond.

2. InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort

The Caribbean Sea exudes luxury, and the InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort is the ultimate destination for a luxurious diving escape. It is the only resort on the island of Cozumel with a private beach. The hotel is 10 minutes from downtown and 15 minutes from the Cozumel International Airport.

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort offers snorkeling classes and dive excursions. The expert staff can also help you arrange your PADI courses. Return to the hotel for a romantic private dinner, a spa treatment, or a meal in one of the hotel’s many themed restaurants. The Beach Club is a favorite for afternoon snacks and drinks overlooking the sea.

3. Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

The Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort is a luxurious place to unwind and explore vibrant reefs just steps from your hotel room. Located in the Zona Hotelera Sur, this resort is across the street from the Caribbean Sea.

Rooms are air-conditioned with a tropical beach vibe and some offer private terraces and balconies with ocean views. The on-site restaurant is a local favorite, but you’re also a short distance from more award-winning eateries and entertainment. Guests at Casa del Mar enjoy the pristine beauty of the Caribbean and lively island vibes too.

4. Occidental Cozumel

Occidental Cozumel represents the beauty and culture of Mexico. The resort is inspired by a Mexican hacienda but with unrivaled luxuries, including seven bars and restaurants, a health and wellness center, an oceanfront pool, and more.

This all-inclusive resort is an ideal jumping point for dive adventures, as you know you’ll be pampered upon your return. There’s a 5-star PADI dive shop on the property and dive trips are available at an added cost. Beginner divers can snorkel just off the coast from the hotel property.

5. Allegro Cozumel

The Allegro Cozumel is located on the postcard-worthy San Francisco beach, known as one of the most beautiful beaches on Cozumel and around the world. It sits a short distance from the Palancar reef, which is an oasis for avid or amateur divers. A

Allegro Cozumel offers some of the best dive packages in the area, including the Ultimate Dive Experience program. Away from the reef, guests enjoy access to five swimming pools, five restaurants, a water park, and countless other entertainment options.

6. Fiesta Americana Cozumel All Inclusive

This all-inclusive hotel features a variety of amenities, including a spa, game room, fitness center, pool, and beach area reserved solely for guests. The 24-hour front desk can help you arrange dive excursions, snorkeling adventures, and trips to nearby attractions like Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, and more.

7. Melia Cozumel All Inclusive

The Melia Cozumel All Inclusive is one of the most lavish all-inclusive resorts in Cozumel. Many activities are included in the daily rate, including snorkeling, cooking lessons, dance classes, and beach volleyball. A fitness center and tennis court are also on the property. On-site childcare services make it possible for parents to escape on dive adventures.

Concierge services can set you up with dive excursions near or far and of varying difficulties. Back at the hotel, you can swim in one of the hotel’s two pools or indulge in the a la carte menu at the Cafe Paraiso Restaurant.

8. El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel

El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel is an all-inclusive family resort that’s also home to the Babieca Dive Center. This on-site dive center sends guests on diving and snorkeling adventures based on their skill levels and interests. Kids are encouraged to join in on the fun.

The hotel also features hammocks strung above Caribbean waters, a swim-up bar, fine dining, family-friendly restaurants, and well-appointed rooms. El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel is a favorite for families seeking relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights in a single vacation.

9. Cozumel Palace

Cozumel Palace is another ideal destination for a family dive vacation. It’s a five-star resort with activities for every age, including dive adventures tailored to your group. Cozumel Palace offers a unique Shipwreck Dive experience throughout a fascinating Caribbean shipwreck filled with sea life, including flora and fauna.

The Playroom childcare center encourages parents to enjoy some time to themselves or more advanced dive excursions while their little ones are in good hands.

On top of the pro dive adventures, Cozumel Palace is a luxurious resort with numerous amenities including lavish rooms, 24-hour room service, whirlpool tubs, high-speed WiFi, and more.

10. Grand Park Royal Cozumel

The Grand Park Royal Cozumel is an expansive resort on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The hotel features award-winning interior design and architecture that serves as the background for making memories. Paradise Reef directly in front of the hotel features white sand and crystal-clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling and swimming. All snorkeling gear is included in the all-inclusive rate.

Grand Park Royal Cozumel features an on-site dive shop and a private dock where guests can embark on dive excursions, fishing trips, and other adventures. Also on-site are several restaurants and bars offering cuisine and cold drinks from around the globe. Free nightly entertainment offers a look into Mexican culture without having to leave the resort grounds.

11. Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel

Travelers looking for a more intimate dive escape will love the Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel. Every room has a terrace, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and everything you need to relax before and after diving. The hotel features a pool and a garden and is located just a short distance from the dive shops and tour companies downtown.

The employees at this charming hotel are eager to help you make the most of your visit to Cozumel. They can help arrange dive classes or plan as many dive excursions as you please.

12. Mi Casa Tu Casa Hacienda Boutique B&B and Spa

Mi Casa Tu Casa is another charming boutique hotel in Cozumel. It’s an adults-only establishment with a gorgeous pool, spa treatments, daily Mexican breakfast, and other authentic Mexican meals. Mi Casa Tu Casa is located a short distance from many downtown dive companies and picturesque beaches.

This boutique hotel offers a family-like atmosphere, and the owner is eager to connect you with local diving and snorkeling companies. Return back to the hotel for a full-body massage, a yoga class, or to soak sore muscles in the jacuzzi.

13. Hacienda San Miguel Hotel and Suites

The Hacienda San Miguel Hotel and Suites is located in one of the nicest districts of Cozumel, close to restaurants, shopping, and grocery stores, and roughly a two-minute walk from the beach. Guests can easily arrange diving, snorkeling, and fishing adventures with the front desk or on their own at one of the many shops in the Plaza nearby.

Hacienda San Miguel Hotel and Suites offers an authentic Mexican experience in central Cozumel. It’s a destination for divers who want to experience Mexican culture in addition to the beauty of the nearby barrier reef. Rooms include full kitchens, so guests can save a little extra cash by cooking some of their own meals.

14. Albatros Suites by Bedsfriends

Albatros Suites is a short, 1-minute walk from the beach and the Caribbean Sea. The pool area is secluded, and the restaurant offers authentic, gourmet food. Divers love that a dive shop is located right next door offering excursions to the dozens of world-renowned dive spots nearby.

Customer service is one of the best features of Albatros Suites. The receptionists offer a wealth of knowledge about the area, including where the best snorkeling and dive spots are located. They can also help you rent a vehicle to get around the island or a bicycle for cruising into town. Albatros Suites is an excellent choice for budget-minded travelers who want to explore the Caribbean Sea affordably.

15. Hotel B Cozumel

Hotel B Cozumel offers all of the modern amenities guests desire with characteristic Mexican features like rich colors, gorgeous artwork, and an on-site shop selling local crafts. Rooms are air-conditioned with free WiFi

Hotel B features an on-site dive shop, offering diving and snorkeling trips at competitive rates. There’s excellent snorkeling in front of the hotel, and San Miguel is just a 5-minute drive away. Back at the hotel, guests can enjoy a variety of spa and beauty treatments, traditional Mayan massage, or yoga on the terrace. The seaside hot tub and infinite pool provide even more relaxation.

16. Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel

The Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel is loaded with amenities and just steps from the sea. Divers and snorkelers love that the Villablanca Reef is directly in front of the hotel a short distance offshore. The resort has five dive shops on-premises to accommodate guests from around the globe.

The Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel features an outdoor pool, hot tub, gardens, a tennis court, fitness center, bar, restaurant, and more. Cozumel International Airport is only 10 miles away, yet this resort is ready to transport you to a captivating underwater world.

17. Coral Princess Hotel & Dive Resort

The Coral Princess is another lavish dive resort steps from the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Ocean. The resort was designed with divers at the forefront. Guests have private access to the sea, and the on-site Pepe Scuba Dive Shop offers fast boats, PADI certifications, dive courses, equipment rental, and more.

After a long day of underwater adventure, you’ll love returning to the hotel’s infinity-edge pool, international restaurant, sports bar, or spa. The hotel also offers access to countless other adventures, including Jeep tours, kitesurfing, animal watching, cultural tours, and more. This is an all-in-one hotel for every member of your group whether they are diving or not.

18. El Cozumeleno Beach Resort

El Cozumeleno is a family-friendly beachfront resort with a private beach that’s ideal for diving or snorkeling. The hotel’s on-site dive store and diving experts provide access to diving tours and snorkeling adventures at other beaches and reefs. The shop features everything for snorkeling, diving, and fishing trips.

Beyond diving, El Cozumeleno offers a variety of amenities and services, including multiple pools, jacuzzis, gardens, a hammock area, mini golf, bars and lounges, gourmet cuisine, room service, water sports, and countless other activities for kids and adults. Parents can take advantage of the Kid’s Club childcare program to enjoy some alone time knowing their little ones are making memories too.

19. Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort

Wyndham hotels are known around the globe for its top-notch services. This hotel and resort in Cozumel is no different. The Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort offers a selection of diving packages that provide scheduled dives in the morning and afternoon. The varying packages suit different levels of divers.

Divers venturing on a long vacation will enjoy the COMBO 754, which includes 15 immersion dives and a shore dive. A smaller package includes nine immersions, including a shore dive. It doesn’t matter which dive package you choose, the experts at the Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort will help you explore the best areas of the marine park every day.

This dive resort offers its own pier, lockers, fresh water showers, rinse tanks, and hangers to hang diving gear. Its on-site dive shop Dive Paradise has been a Cozumel favorite since 1984.

Choosing the Best Dive Resort for Your Cozumel Trip

Cozumel offers dive resorts of all sizes and types. The multitude of options can make choosing the one that’s best for you and your group difficult. The following are a few key features to consider when choosing a dive resort.

Hotel Amenities

Consider how much the hotel amenities matter to you. Some travelers prefer quaint, personal accommodations, while others want access to several pools and restaurants. Cozumel offers everything from boutique dive hotels to massive dive resorts, so choose the one that fits your travel style to ensure an unforgettable vacation.

On-Site or Off-Site Dive Center

Avid divers will likely want a hotel or resort with an on-site dive center that can provide the easiest access to tours, equipment, and classes. Those who simply want to embark on a dive excursion or two during their Cozumel getaway may be okay with sacrificing an on-site dive center for other hotel or resort amenities.

An on-site dive operation can save avid divers a lot of time and energy, as tours can leave from the hotel’s private dock and return to the dock at the end of each adventure.

Check the Credentials

The best dive centers around the globe are affiliated with major dive organizations like SSI, NAUI, and PADI. Dive experts always recommend choosing a dive resort affiliated with one of these organizations. It’s especially preferable if you plan to take courses or undergo certification on your trip. Look up the dive resort on the PADI, SSI, or NAUI websites to ensure they are truly affiliated with the organization.

Dive experts always suggest going with your gut when choosing a dive company. Simply choosing the most affordable or convenient option can result in an undesirable or unsafe dive experience.

In Conclusion: Cozumel Dive Resorts

Cozumel is a dream dive destination with year-round warm water, incredible visibility, and an abundance of sea life. The island’s dive resorts can accommodate everyone from solo travelers to large groups of divers. The 20 hotels and resorts mentioned above are the best of the best for their unrivaled service, ideal locations, and access to expert divers and tours.