El Cedral Cozumel
Discover El Cedral, Cozumel's historic Maya village, offering cultural charm, vibrant festivals, and access to stunning cenotes and reefs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the Santa Cruz festival!
El Cedral Cozumel
Best Time
Experience the Santa Cruz festival!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover El Cedral, Cozumel's historic Maya village, offering cultural charm, vibrant festivals, and access to stunning cenotes and reefs.
"A colorful glimpse into Maya heritage and a launchpad for Cozumel's natural adventures."
🎯 Festival Fun
Visit during the Santa Cruz festival (late April/early May) for music, dance, and food!
🚗 RZR Adventure
Take a RZR tour for a thrilling ride through jungle trails and historic spots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

El Cedral Village
A colorful, historic Maya community offering a taste of local life and traditions.

Cenote Jade
Explore this mysterious, dark-water cenote for a unique, historical exploration.

Arrecife El Cedral
Dive or snorkel among diverse marine life, including nurse sharks and vibrant coral.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Adventure Awaits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Festival Fun
Visit during the Santa Cruz festival (late April/early May) for music, dance, and food!
🚗 RZR Adventure
Take a RZR tour for a thrilling ride through jungle trails and historic spots.
🐠 Snorkel & Dive
Explore the vibrant Arrecife El Cedral for incredible underwater sights.
💧 Cenote Exploration
Discover the unique Cenote Jade for a historical and mysterious experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Festival Fun
Visit during the Santa Cruz festival (late April/early May) for music, dance, and food!
🚗 RZR Adventure
Take a RZR tour for a thrilling ride through jungle trails and historic spots.
🐠 Snorkel & Dive
Explore the vibrant Arrecife El Cedral for incredible underwater sights.
💧 Cenote Exploration
Discover the unique Cenote Jade for a historical and mysterious experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise El Cedral for its authentic Maya culture and vibrant village atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape. The surrounding natural attractions, like Cenote Jade and Arrecife El Cedral, are highlights for snorkelers and divers. Some find the village itself small, but it serves as a great base for adventure tours.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Cedral is located in the center of Cozumel island. You can reach it by taxi, rental car, or as part of an organized tour. Many RZR and ATV tours include a stop here.
While direct public buses might be infrequent, taxis are readily available from San Miguel. Renting a car or joining a guided tour is often more convenient for exploring El Cedral and its surroundings.
Many visitors opt for RZR or ATV tours that combine jungle exploration with a visit to El Cedral and cenotes like Cenote Jade.
Yes, if you rent a car or scooter, you can drive to El Cedral. The roads are generally well-maintained, and it offers flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Absolutely! Numerous tours focus on Cozumel's interior, including El Cedral, cenotes, and Mayan ruins. These tours often provide transportation and guided experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The village itself is generally free to wander through. However, specific attractions within or near El Cedral, like Cenote Jade or guided tours, may have separate entrance fees.
Snorkeling and diving at Arrecife El Cedral typically require a park entrance fee or are included in organized tour packages. It's best to check with your tour operator or local dive shops.
Cenote Jade is usually accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during the day to fully appreciate its unique atmosphere.
The traditional El Cedral festival is a public event, and while there's no general admission fee, you might pay for food, drinks, or specific activities within the festival grounds.
Booking popular tours, especially RZR or snorkeling trips, in advance is highly recommended, particularly during peak season, to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the colorful houses, learn about Maya culture and religion, and enjoy local food. It's a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
Cenote Jade is described as having dark, mysterious water and is not recommended for swimming. It's more for exploration and photography.
Expect to see a variety of coral formations, tropical fish, and potentially nurse sharks resting on the seabed.
Yes, you can find local food stalls and small restaurants in El Cedral, offering traditional dishes like 'pibitos'.
El Cedral is a perfect addition to a day trip exploring Cozumel's interior, combining cultural village visits with natural attractions like cenotes and reefs.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Don't miss trying 'pibitos,' a local delicacy. You can find them at food stalls in the village, often with various fillings.
While the reef itself doesn't have dining, tours often include meals or snacks. Small eateries are available in El Cedral village.
Options might be limited to simpler dishes like rice, beans, or vegetable-based 'pibitos.' It's best to inquire locally about available options.
Food prices are generally affordable, with items like 'pibitos' costing around 35 Mexican pesos.
El Cedral is inland. For ocean-view dining, you'd need to head back towards the coast or San Miguel.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vibrant colors of the village houses, the unique atmosphere of Cenote Jade, and the underwater beauty of Arrecife El Cedral.
Yes, the dark, moody environment of Cenote Jade offers dramatic photo opportunities. Be mindful of the lighting conditions.
Morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for capturing the colorful village. Midday sun can be harsh.
Absolutely! If you have an underwater camera or waterproof phone case, the marine life at Arrecife El Cedral is fantastic for photos.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and respect privacy before flying a drone in the village or natural areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🐠 Adventure & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring El Cedral's Cultural Heart
One of the most notable events is the Fiesta de la Santa Cruz (Festival of the Holy Cross), typically held around the beginning of May. This celebration features traditional music, dancing, religious ceremonies, and local food, providing a unique opportunity to experience Cozumel's cultural roots firsthand. Even outside of festival times, the village offers a peaceful respite and a chance to connect with the island's history and its people.
Adventures Beyond the Village: Cenotes and Reefs
For underwater enthusiasts, the Arrecife El Cedral (El Cedral Reef) is a prime snorkeling and diving spot. This section of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system teems with marine life, including colorful fish, intricate coral formations, and even nurse sharks resting on the sandy bottom. Many tours offer guided snorkeling or diving excursions here, making it accessible for various skill levels. Combining a visit to the village with an exploration of these natural wonders creates a well-rounded Cozumel experience.
Thrills on Wheels: RZR and ATV Tours
These guided excursions not only provide transportation but also often include stops at significant points of interest, such as El Cedral village and natural sites like cenotes. It's a fantastic way for visitors to cover more ground and experience the diverse landscapes Cozumel has to offer in a single outing. Many travelers highlight these tours as a highlight of their Cozumel trip, emphasizing the thrill and the unique access they provide.
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