Cozumel: Punta Sur Jeep Tour, Snorkeling & Beach Lunch

Summary

Snorkel reefs drive wild coast taste tequila climb lighthouse

You’ll drive your own Jeep along Cozumel’s wild coast with a local guide beside you—snorkeling clear reefs, climbing Punta Sur lighthouse for sweeping island views, tasting chocolate and tequila at Sabores de Cozumel Park, then recharging over tacos on the beach before heading back salty-haired and sun-tired.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous when our guide handed me the keys to the Jeep — I haven’t driven stick in years, and Cozumel’s roads have their own personality. But he just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll show you where the iguanas cross.” That set the mood: relaxed, a little unpredictable. The salty air hit different as we rolled out of town, windows down, reggae floating from some roadside stand. Our first stop was Dzul Ha Reef for snorkeling — I swear I could taste salt before my face even hit the water. The gear fit fine (I always worry about that) and there were fish everywhere, flashes of blue and yellow darting between coral. My mask kept fogging up but honestly, it made everything look dreamier.

Punta Sur Eco Park surprised me. It’s not just beaches — there’s this old lighthouse you can climb (my legs still felt it later), crocodiles sunning themselves by the mangroves, and tiny Mayan ruins tucked into the brush. Our guide knew every bird call; he’d point out something overhead and then try to mimic it — not always successfully. At the top of Celarain Lighthouse, wind whipped my hair around so much I couldn’t see for a second, but that view over turquoise water is burned into my brain now. We stopped at El Mirador too — wild waves smashing against rocks, spray in your face if you get close enough (I did).

Lunch at Coco’s Beach Club felt like a reward after all that sun. Cold soda in hand, sand sticking to my feet under the table — tacos never taste as good as they do after swimming all morning. There was time to just sit back and watch pelicans dive-bombing for fish while locals laughed nearby about something I couldn’t catch (my Spanish is hopeless). Before heading back we got this crash course in chocolate making at Sabores de Cozumel Park — tried saying “nixtamal” right and failed spectacularly; Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her tortilla. The tequila tasting after? Let’s just say I’m glad someone else was driving at that point.

I keep thinking about how raw Cozumel’s east side feels compared to cruise port crowds — windblown hair, sticky sunscreen smell mixing with seaweed and grilled chicken smoke. If you want perfect order or polished resorts this isn’t it… but if you want to feel like you’re actually somewhere real for a day trip in Cozumel with a local guide who knows every pothole and pelican spotter trick? This is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cozumel's nature and culture

• Snorkel at Dzul Ha Reef
• Visit Punta Sur Eco Park
• Drive along Cozumel's East Side
• Stop at El Mirador lookout
• Relax at Playa San Martín
• Attend seminar at Sabores de Cozumel Park
• Lunch and relax at Coco's Beach Club

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Cozumel private jeep tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels or cruise ports in Cozumel.

Can I snorkel if I'm a beginner?

Yes—snorkeling at Dzul Ha Reef is suitable for beginners and all gear is provided.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes—a Mexican lunch (tacos or fajitas) is included at Coco's Beach Club.

What do we see at Punta Sur Eco Park?

You’ll visit mangroves, Mayan ruins, a crocodile sanctuary, and climb Celarain Lighthouse.

Are entrance fees covered?

All entry fees—parks, beach clubs—are included in your tour price.

Is there a chocolate or tequila tasting?

Yes—you’ll join seminars on chocolate making and tequila tasting at Sabores de Cozumel Park.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested ahead of time.

Is this jeep safari wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible; let them know your needs when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel or cruise port pickup and drop-off in Cozumel, private Jeep with local guide riding along to show you around, all entrance fees for Punta Sur Eco Park and beach clubs like Coco’s and Sky Reef (where snorkel gear is ready), hands-on chocolate making plus tequila tastings at Sabores de Cozumel Park—and a fresh Mexican lunch with drinks before heading home sandy but happy.