Cozumel is a 30 mile long by 10 mile wide island located just off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan Penninsula in the Caribbean. Playa del Carmen is just a short 30-minute ferry ride away.
There are lots of choices for things to do outside the house and Costa del Sol neighborhood. Traveling around Cozumel is easy with either a rental car or taxis. There are also scooters and other small vehicles for rent. Though we recommend a car for first time visitors, it's safer and provides a place to put your gear and purchases.
Cozumel was damaged severely in Hurricane Wilma in 2005, but is recovered and ready for visitors. Visitors to Cozumel in the spring of 2007 report, it's wonderful, the reefs are terrific and businesses are in full swing. Come and visit before everyone realizes that Cozumel is back!
Most of Cozumel's visitors come for one thing: The area's amazing scuba diving and snorkeling. With over 30 kilometers of reefs, water visibility to 200 feet, and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many as the finest dive destination in the Western Hemisphere.
The average daily air temperatures range between 70 and 90 degrees and water temperatures range from 76 to 83 degrees year round.
Snorkel or dive, have a snack or sunbath, but don't miss the opportunity to swim with a dolphin at Chankanaab National Park. Chankanaab is a short distance north of Paraiso Azul in Costa del Sol. More information on Chankanaab National Park.
Beach Clubs
Carlos and Charlie's Beach Club is just a few minutes south of Costa del Sol. At the beach club, enjoy terrific food and large drinks while you suntan. Take a jet ski out and jump the waves or grab a friend for double parasailing and get the best possible view of the island!
Have a massage on the beach or join in a conga line from the restaurant out to the water and back.
Downtown San Miguel has a wide variety of shops located mostly along the main road that parallels the coast line, but venture in a few blocks to find bargains and shopkeepers very happy to see you.
The usual fun tourist items are available - cameras, hats, t-shirts, but look for onyx items, silver and hand-crafted art work to bring back something uniquely Mexican.
Be sure to try out the delicious food at the cafes downtown and all around the island. Water is filtered and safe to drink.
Punta Sur and the East side of the island
There is one road that circles the island and as you reach the east side you'll see the difference from the west coast beaches right away. The beaches on the eastern side of the island are wider and full of beautiful white sand and the surf is much higher. Currents are stronger and therefore it's not as safe to swim on this side as on the very mild western side of the island (where Costa del Sol is located).
Punta Sur is an ecological reserve at the southern end of the island of Cozumel.
The east side of the island is largely uninhabited, so be sure to bring water and a phone and you should plan to be back on the west side after dark.
Chen Rio is a fun stop along the eastern side of the island. Food and drink are served to you on tables right on the beach. Excellent seafood and large margaritas are their specialty.
Coconuts is the highest point on the island and is located on the eastern coast. Enjoy a beverage and their terrific chips and salsa while reading t-shirts donated by visitors from all over the United States.
Historic sites & Museums
The most important Mayan site on the island of Cozumel is San Gervasio.
The Cozumel museum contains beautiful local art work and historical information. Watch cruise ships arrive and unload as you enjoy breakfast in the museum's second story café overlooking the harbor.
Night life
Dance, drink, and eat in San Miguel, the only town in Cozumel. Visit Carlos n' Charlies or Senor Frogs for good food and a wild time.
A 30 minute ferry ride to the Mexican mainland and you will be in Playa del Carmen. Shopping, food and a gorgeous beach are right off the ferry pier. Or if you have more time, take an excursion to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Ixta or visit Cancun.
|
