Halloween and Day of the Dead in Cozumel: Dive With Us Oct 30 to Nov 4

Most people picture Cozumel as warm water, big visibility and a good reef. Fewer people know the island throws a four-day celebration for the dead every fall.

This year, our all-inclusive dive trip starts the same day the festival does. You dive all day, then spend your evenings in the middle of it.

The trip at a glance

Dates: Friday, Oct 30 to Wednesday, Nov 4, 2026
Where you stay: Casa Del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort
Price: starting at $1,395 per diver, double occupancy
Diving: 5 nights and 6 days with four days of 2-tank boat diving, plus unlimited shore diving
Want more time? A 7-night, 8-day option with six days of 2-tank boat diving is available. Single occupancy and non-diver rates are available too. Ask us for pricing.

What's included

All-inclusive meal plan
Round-trip airport transfers in Cozumel
Unlimited shore diving
All hotel taxes and fees

Not included: airfare to Cozumel, gratuities, rental equipment, nitrox, and travel and dive insurance. We strongly recommend DAN dive insurance and DAN travel insurance.

First, what Day of the Dead actually is

It is not Mexican Halloween. Día de Muertos is about remembering the family and friends who have died.

Families build altars called ofrendas with photos, candles, marigolds and favorite foods. Many also visit and decorate graves. On the Yucatán Peninsula you'll often hear it called Janal Pixán (you'll also see it spelled Hanal Pixán).

The mood is warm, not spooky. Think family reunion, with music.

What's happening in town while you're here

Cozumel's festival is called Almas con Tradición ("Souls with Tradition"). It's in its sixth year, and according to local press it runs Oct 30 to Nov 2 this year. Here's the lineup that has been announced.

Friday, Oct 30

Candles are lit at the San Miguel cemetery around a monumental skull sculpture. Then comes the Procession of the Souls, with dances, altars and a floral offering for seafarers. The community also builds a giant altar at Benito Juárez Park.

Saturday, Oct 31 (Halloween)

Costume contests by category, a trick-or-treat pavilion on Quinta Avenida and in the park, and a youth dance contest. Bring the kids, or bring your own costume.

Sunday, Nov 1

The theme is "Somos Ofrenda" ("We Are the Offering"). There's a race along the malecón called "Corre que te alcanza la huesuda" (roughly, "Run, Death Is Catching Up"). Benito Juárez Park hosts an altar exhibition, traditional food, performances and a Catrinas and Catrines contest. A Catrina is the elegant skeleton lady you've probably seen in face paint.

The night ends with a dance featuring a youth symphonic band visiting from Colombia.

Monday, Nov 2

Masses are held at both of the town's cemeteries. In the evening there's a parade along the malecón and Quinta Avenida called "Elegancia Eterna Frente al Mar" ("Eternal Elegance by the Sea"), followed by a show and a closing dance.

A Catrinas Cozumeleñas parade and several contests and music shows are also planned across the four days.

What to eat

Look for pan de muerto, a sweet bread made for the holiday. Food stalls at the festival also sell pib and chocolate.

Another classic is mucbipollo, a traditional Mayan dish of corn dough and chicken wrapped in banana leaves. It's a featured food of Hanal Pixán.

How diving fits around it

Two-tank boat days usually leave your evenings open, and shore diving is unlimited, so you can build your own rhythm. Dive in the morning, nap, then head into town for dinner and the parade.

Your meals are covered by the all-inclusive plan, so eating at a festival stall is a bonus, not a necessity.

A few tips for visiting respectfully

Cemeteries are family spaces. Keep your voice down and skip the flash.
Ask before you photograph someone, especially at an altar or a grave.
Costumes are part of the fun at the Halloween events. For the cemetery and the masses, dress simply.

Let's be honest about the schedule

Event times weren't published when we checked, and local programs can change. We can't promise a specific event on a specific night. What we can tell you is that the festival is planned for the exact days you'll be here.

Want in?

Our all-inclusive Cozumel dive trip starts Friday, Oct 30. Availability is handled by contacting us directly, so reach out to see what's left.

Call 1-800-543-6974 (US and Canada), message us on WhatsApp at +1-346-757-3783, or email info@diveboutiquecozumel.com. You can also use our contact page.

Sources: Heraldo de México, Festival Almas con Tradición 2026; Cozumel4You, Municipal Day of the Dead Public Celebrations; IslaGuru, Cozumel Halloween and Día de los Muertos