TRAVEL TIPS: A Side of Cozumel you Never Knew Existed

Ah, Cozumel. A port where you’re greeted by cheesy neon t-shirt vendors and a giant frog ready to hand you the biggest frozen margarita you’ve ever laid eyes on. Ride past all of that touristy nonsense to Beach Bum Bikes. Take a tour of the island’s eastern coast which is almost entirely uninhabited. You’ll see untouched beaches, pass by incredible wildlife and volcanic rock formations, and see a side of Cozumel you probably never knew existed.

Cozumel is the largest inhabited island in Mexico and one of the oldest, located 12 miles off the eastern coast of the mainland. Despite the growth and boom in tourist and over the last 20 years, vast expanses of untouched jungle and shoreline still remain. This is the Cozumel you should explore as a savvy and smart traveler!

If you’re looking for an excursion that has to please a diverse group, or a picky family, Beach Bum is the way to go. They have three different bike tour options, ranging from $49 – $99. Every tour uses electric bicycles, so you have the choice to glide or pedal along. There’s no need to be intimated as you can choose what level of activity you feel like that day. One tour will take you along the stunning west coast of the island. You’ll have the opportunity to stop for a drink and snack at a local restaurant and snorkel on a gorgeous reef that’s very close to shore (again, no need to be intimated).

Another choice is a three hour tour on the east coast where you can experience Cozumel’s wild side! This undeveloped side of the island is home to pristine, untouched beaches, wildlife and rock formations. Your friendly guides will point out sights along the way and are keen to play paparazzi so you’ll never miss a photo-op.

RELATED: Like a Local: Cozumel 

Finally, if you really want to make a day of it, you can spend a full day at the Punta Sur Eco Park, biking on sand based roads. Stops along the way include lunch, a lagoon boat ride, a tequila tasting, a lighthouse and a crocodile habitat. There’s also plenty of time to shop, take part in a guided snorkel or relax in a hammock on the beach. This tour is absolutely perfect for those who have the time and want to see it all at a leisurely pace.

Sure, when you get off in the port you may be tempted or drawn in by a conga line or a drinking game but trust us, if you’ve seen one chugging contest, you’ve seen them all. Experience Cozumel more like a local and venture much further off the beaten path (literally) on bike! With all of these options, you can totally have a one-of-a-kind experience in Mexico. With nary a negative review online (practically unheard of in today’s culture), you too will be satisfied by spending a day with Beach Bum. Make sure to book (online) ahead of time as tours frequently sell out!

     Travel tips from smart travelers like you.