1. Skip the crowds: visit El Cedral instead of the tourist centers

While downtown San Miguel buzzes with cruise ship activity, El Cedral, a quiet village on the southern end of the island, is where you’ll find authentic island life. Home to one of the oldest Mayan ruins in Cozumel and an annual local festival, El Cedral offers a peaceful, history-rich escape where traditions still live on.

Local tip: Ask about the town’s annual "Festival of the Holy Cross" in May, filled with music, dancing, and food stalls.

2. Eat where the locals eat

Skip the resort buffet and follow the locals to Mercado Municipal. This bustling market in downtown Cozumel is a great place to try:

• Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork)

• Panuchos and salbutes (Yucatecan street snacks)

• Fresh aguas frescas and tropical fruits

Hidden gem: Check out Taquería El Pique after dark—locals swear by their tacos al pastor.

3. Discover Lesser-Known Snorkeling Spots

Cozumel is a diver’s paradise, but if you're snorkeling with the crowds, you're doing it wrong.

Instead of the over-touristed reefs, ask a local guide to take you to Playa Corona or Dzul-Ha, calm, crystal-clear spots where the coral and marine life are just as impressive, without congestion.

If you’re looking for a cool snorkeling class with a relaxing beach day, go to KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park, to enjoy a personalized activity and trip to El Cielo to see some fishes. 

Pro tip: For an even more personal connection with the ocean, join a sustainable snorkeling tour that supports reef preservation efforts.

4. Catch the Sunset at the Wild Side

While most visitors stay on the west coast (where the main resorts and cruise docks are), the east coast, known by locals as "el lado salvaje" or “the wild side”, offers stunning, untouched beaches with few people and zero buildings.

Grab a bike or rent a scooter and head out for a self-guided road trip. Stop at:

• Chen Rio for a swim

• Punta Morena for beachside drinks

• Coconuts Bar for panoramic island views

5. Join a Local Experience, Not Just a Tour

To really explore Cozumel like a local, it’s not about seeing more, it’s about connecting more.

At Local Experts Cozumel, we offer immersive experiences created and led by islanders who love sharing their culture. Some of our favorite ways to explore like a local include:

• Participating in a Mayan purification ceremony in the jungle

• Learning to cook traditional Yucatecan dishes in a local kitchen

• Paddleboarding at sunrise with a fisherman who knows every inch of the shoreline

Final Tip: Let the Island Guide You

Sometimes, the best adventures in Cozumel come from wandering without a plan. Step off the map, follow the music, strike up a conversation. Locals are warm, proud of their home, and always ready to share a story, if you’re open to listening.

Ready to Discover Cozumel Like a Local?

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Cozumel has so much more to offer when you explore it through the eyes of those who live here. Join one of our curated local experiences and take the road less traveled.