By Kirk Brown
What to Do in Cozumel, Mexico
The largest island off
Mexico's east coast, Cozumel bills itself as a destination that features "a Mexican heart and a
Caribbean soul." Cozumel, which means "island of swallows" in Mayan, is home to pristine coral reefs that attract legions of loyal scuba divers from around the globe. The island also has become a popular stop for cruise ships plying the western Caribbean. While diving, snorkeling and other water sports dominate the action in Cozumel, visitors who stay ashore can learn about the island's history, browse through shops in the main city of San Miguel and enjoy the local cuisine.
Enjoy the Water
Cozumel has been considered one of the world's top scuba diving destinations ever since the island was highlighted in a 1961 Jacques Cousteau documentary. The island's lush reefs feature colorful corals, an abundance of tropical fish and superb underwater visibility. There are dozens of dive shops on Cozumel, but Del Mar Aquatics has long been considered among the best.
Snorkelers at Chankanaab National Park, which is about 15 minutes south of San Miguel, can view a coastal reef and underwater statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The park also features a botanical garden and guests who are willing to pay extra fees can swim with dolphins. Admission to the park is $16 for adults and $8 for kids.
Deep-sea fishing, kayaking and jet skiing are also popular activities in Cozumel.
Del Mar Aquatics
Carretera a Chankanaab Km. 4
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Tel: 52 (987) 872-5949
Website: www.delmaraquatics.com
Chankanaab National Park
Carretera Costera Sur Km. 9
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Tel: 52 (987) 872-2940
Website: www.cozumelparks.com/eng/parks-chankanaab.asp
Experience History
Located in the center of the island, San Gervasio is Cozumel's most important Mayan site. From 1200 to 1530, San Gervasio served as the island's largest settlement. Today guests can stroll through the central plaza's nine buildings that form an enclosed patio. Admission is $7. Children under age 11 are admitted for free.
Visitors also can immerse themselves in Mexican culture at Discover Mexico, which is a short distance south of San Miguel. The attraction includes a video showcasing Mexico's cultural celebrations and natural wonders, a museum exhibiting the work of Mexican artisans and a walkway with scale models of the nation's noteworthy buildings and monuments such as the Chichen Itza ruins and a cityscape of Mexico City. Adult admission is $20.
San Gervasio Mayan Site
Transversal Highway Km 7.5.
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Websote: www.cozumelparks.com/eng/parks-sanGervasio.asp
Discover Mexico
Carretera Costera Sur Km. 5.5
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Tel: 52 (987) 857-2820
Website: www.discovermexico.org
Shop and Dine
Many of Cozumel's most popular shops and restaurants are on the busy Avenida Rafael Melgar.
Savvy tourists can find good deals in Cozumel on silver and turquoise jewelry, hammocks and pottery, as well as duty-free cosmetics, perfumes, crystal, china, cameras and watches. The Forum Shops is one of the most popular downtown shopping areas.
Cozumel boasts more than 90 restaurants and cafes specializing in everything from Italian dishes and seafood to Mexican favorites. Carlos' n Charlie's is a perennial favorite that features good food and a laid-back atmosphere.
Forum Shops
Avenida Rafael Melgar and Calle 10 Norte
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Carlos' n Charlie's
Avenida Rafael Melgar No. 551
C.P. 77600, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Tel: 52 (987) 869-1647
Website: www.carlosandcharlies.com/cozumel
About the Author:
Kirk Brown is an award-winning freelance writer with two decades of diverse media experience. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he also was managing editor of an acclaimed scuba diving magazine. Brown has written scripts for more than 50 half-hour TV programs focusing on technology and health topics.
Photo Credits:
http://www.rivieramaya.info/news/uploaded_images/cozumel-2-776868-776906.jpg
