Cozumel
Just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, adjacent to Playa del Carmen you will find the Caribbean island of Cozumel, Mexico. With its Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel appeals to all sorts of travelers, from cruise ship passengers to extreme diving fanatics to history and nature buffs to those simply seeking relaxation.
Native Mayans first established Cozumel as a ceremonial center and commercial port for trade. Today it still continues to be an important haven for ships, welcoming passengers from the most popular cruise lines as Mexico’s most popular port-of-call. One-day cruise ship visitors will discover island traditions, natural wonders and San Miguel, Cozumel’s only town.
San Miguel offers an extensive selection of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and colorful shops selling unique souvenirs and traditional Mayan handicrafts. Take a leisurely seaside stroll along the charming malecón (boardwalk) that is full of with sculptures and monuments. Despite being the main tourist destination of Cozumel, San Miguel still retains a sense of laid-back tranquility.
Cozumel is also renowned for its incredible snorkeling and diving due to the sea’s remarkable clarity. Whether you are a pro-diver or a first-time snorkeler, the island is sprinkled with accessible sites for underwater exploration over one of the world’s largest reef systems that teems with tropical fish and marine life.
After Jacques Cousteau declared Cozumel to be of the most spectacular diving sites in the world in 1961, people from every corner of the planet now come to discover this underwater Caribbean biosphere.
Several ecological parks, such as Chankanaab and Faro Celerain (Punta Sur), offer the most popular snorkel and dive sites for all levels. More activities for adventuresome sightseers include jungle trails, lush botanical gardens, enchanting lagoons, delightful dolphin encounter programs and sea turtle sanctuaries.
If you’d prefer to escape the tourist areas, no worries, because on this small 48-km (30-mile) by 16-km (10-mile) island, roughly only six percent is actually developed, leaving a jungle-like interior and deserted beaches for rest and relaxation. Although it’s only 35 minutes from the Riviera Maya mainland, Cozumel provides blissful isolation if you wish.
Whether you’re in search of extreme adventures or some peaceful beach time, Cozumel might just your ideal vacation island.
Archeology
Unlike some of Mexico’s mainland resorts that have been built over the last few decades, Cozumel’s history dates back generations to the Mayan civilization. The Mayans built over three dozen sites; almost all are open to visitors today.
Nestled in the lush jungle, El Cedral, the oldest structure, exists as an archaeological ruin and quaint village located on the west side of the island a few miles from San Francisco beach. You can explore the area by guided tours on foot, horseback, or ATVs. In the past El Cedral served as a sacred place to worship and offer gifts to idols and gods. Traces of the original Mayan paint and wall stucco still remain visible. If you visit in May, you can celebrate La Santa Cruz festival.
Moving north up the map of Cozumel, remnants of small pyramids are sprinkled throughout San Gervasio, the largest and best reserved of the Mayan ruins. Amidst the several structures that make up San Gervasio stands Ka’ Na Nah, an important sanctuary for Mayan women as it was the main worship place of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility, midwifery, medicine and weaving.
Diving in Cozumel
During your visit to the Route of the Maya Charm, you must be sure not to miss the five best coral reefs in Cozumel. Here, you will find a large number of marine wildlife and multicolored beauties in one of the world’s most translucent and warmest oceans. On Cozumel’s boardwalk you will find specialized companies that will take you to these places with all the necessary safety requirements.
Paraiso. This reef is a quiet place where everything seems perfect; the visibility is excellent and the schools of fish are second to none. Moreover, its location just off the cruise ship quay, in the center of the tourist area, makes it the most accessible place on the island.
Chankanaab. Although the Maya call it the “small ocean”, the natural aquarium at Chankanaab is a lagoon pertaining to the national reserve of the same name. Due to the calmness of its waters, the lagoon has become one of the most visited spots on the island, because visitors can practice completely safe free diving – without a tank – or sports diving.
Yucab. Is one of the longest reefs on the continent, with an area 4,921 feet long by 65 feet wide. You can admire its sponges, some crustaceans, colorful fish and all kinds of corals.
San Francisco. Here the exotic yellow tube sponge abounds. With any luck, you will find moray eels, nurse sharks and, depending on the season, big stingrays.
Santa Rosa. This reef is famous for its hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) which are its main attraction. Its currents are deceptive and are not recommended for novice divers.
Eco Adventure @ Chankanaab
You might begin your day by trekking through the lush jungle followed by a refreshing dip or a swim with dolphins. Later you might spend some time rambling around Mayan ruins. Now how about a relaxing massage? All of this and more are yours to enjoy at Chankanaab National Park, one of Mexico’s top attractions on Cozumel.
Snorkelers and scuba divers will enjoy close encounters with vibrant tropical fish lurking in myriad limestone caves.If you’re more of a landlubber, take a journey back in time by visiting Chankanaab’s fascinating Mayan ruins. The eco-park also features botanical gardens with hundreds of plants from all over the world.
Learn about Chakanaab’s marine life by taking part in sea lion and manatee discovery programs or the swimming with dolphins experience. Amazing! Chankanaab’s main beach is full of welcoming palapas and hammocks when you’re ready to relax and enjoy the rhythmic music of the waves.
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.