Seeking things to do in the Caribbean — away from crowded resorts? Smart, affordable luxury? Remote and culturally preserved? Really really yummy food? Cozumel beach, an island off the coast of Cancun may be calling your name.

Fly into Cancun’s international airport and bypass the masses to the coast. After a ferry ride, arrive in the mostly rustic, Mexican gem: Cozumel. Off-the-beaten path, she’s the chill alternative to the glitz and glamor of her cousin destination: Cancun.

Rent a yacht, shop boutiques or hit the beach for a fraction of the price of Quintana Roo’s other popular destinations.

Original Photo for cover by Kyle Huber. Other photos via myself @StephBeTravel. Pictured @CruztheMuse.

Cozumel Beach has some of the clearest waters in the world.

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It offers boutique hotels for as low as $100 a night.

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Mexico is known for it’s food – Cozumel caters to tourists with both authentic Mexican meals and exquisite international cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Cozumel:

I suggest the salmon pizza or the lobster sandwich at Le Chef. (So good, we went twice).
For a pizza specialty place, pair it with sangria at Guido’s.
Go dessert tasting at La Kondesa.
I also recommend aguas frescas (fresh juices) and paletas (natural frozen treats) at La Michocana. 

Snorkel or Scuba in the Only Caribbean Pearl Farm

Apparently, pearl farming is a thing. Pearls are harvested and take seven years to develop. You can go scuba diving or snorkeling at the pearl farm; and learn from the ecologists about the pearl development process. 

This isn’t some elaborate corporate organization, but rather a small start up by a local family.

The family will pick you up in their motorboat and embark to a private isle accessible only to guests of the Pearl Farm.

Travel writer and Caribbean expert Francesca Cruz at the Pearl Farm, Cozumel.

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Thank you to our good friend travel writer Francesca Cruz from CruzTheMuse.com for welcoming TravelBreak into Quintana Roo via a partnership with the board of tourism and Sectur. Per usual, all opinions are my own.

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