Cozumel Activities
While
the Scuba diving and snorkeling are probably the most popular
activities in Cozumel, they are far from being the only things to do!
Get ready for a world of fun and adventure on this exciting tropical
island.
Snorkel or scuba diving
Cozumel
is home to the world's second largest coral reef. The spectacular
underwater world is an attraction on its own that draws visitors from
around the globe. There are a couple of great places for shore
snorkeling. The Dzul-ha area is a great spot. The Money Bar, a beach
club with snorkel gear rentals is right there.
Also Hotel
Barracuda is a great place to beach dive or snorkel. There are 2
sunken airplanes right off shore and awesome schools of fish. And,
yep...you do see the occassional Barracuda. They also have a good
restaurant and if you go around sunset, you can eat right on the beach
with the sun setting over the water just feet away. Beautiful! The
staff there is really fantastic and very friendly. We stayed there for
weeks on end while building parts of the house so we know them quite
well. If you happen to make it by, please tell them 'hola' for me.
(The picture to the left is an actual photo I took at the Barracuda.)
Swim with the dolphins
Some
of nature's friendliest and most intelligent creatures. It's the
experience of a lifetime and highly recommended! There are two
companies that offer this tour. Here is the link to Dolphin Discovery
within Chankanaab’s Park: http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/attr-dolphin.asp
Swim with the whale sharks
Absolutely
a once in a lifetime tour! If you're here during the season (June
through September) I recommend doing this. There are two options to
get there...for an ALL DAY trip, take the ferry to Playa, and bus up to
Chiquita, then another ferry to Holbox to meet the boat. OR...use the
Air Charter Service Aero Holbox which will fly directly to Holbox
island. http://www.holboxwhalesharktours.com/
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
Visit
Mayan ruins right on the island of Cozumel. San Gervasio Mayan ruins
are over 20 acres of well preserved Mayan history just a short car ride
away located approximately in the center of the island. This site was dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel ("She of the Rainbows"), deity of midwifery, fertility, medicine and weaving.
There are
literally miles and miles of the original road that the Mayans used
throughout Cozumel. You can see this and many other amazing buildings
at San Gervasio. Where it's nowhere near as large as Coba or Tulum,
it's here on the island and just takes minutes to drive to.
Recommended if you enjoy experiencing history but wear decent walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Other Mayan Ruins
Book
a guided tour to the Mayan archeological sites on the mainland. Day
trips take you to explore the Yucatan Peninsula's fascinating ancient
cities of Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba.
Tulum's greatest attraction is its location. It stands on a bluff
facing the rising sun looking out on views of the Caribbean that are
nothing less than spectacular. In Maya, Tulum means "Wall", and the
city was christened this because it is a walled city; one of the very
few the ancients ever built.
Tulum is my personal favorite
just because I'm a sucker for the ocean and the Mayan ruins on the
cliff with the stunning Caribbean blue sea in the background is
spectacular.
Chakanaab
If
you've never been to Cozumel, I recommend Chankanaab Park. It's a must
for snorkeling with lots of fishes around you because they have been
protected here for such a long time that they are not afraid of
people. Here's the official site for Chankanaab: http://www.cozumelparks.com/
Natural Parks and Cenotes
If
you'd like to go to the mainland, visit the spectacular eco - parks of
Xcaret and Xel-Ha. Both offer a variety of activities as well as a
glimpse at some Mother Nature's best work. Both are spectacular.
Off
the beaten path....Explore the cenotes scattered throughout the Mayan
corridor, these underground caves and tunnels are the perfect setting
for wondrous and extraordinary adventures. Some of my most amazing
photography was done at a cenote near Tulum. Breathtaking.
Other things to do...
Beaches
Spend
a day exploring the island and its fascinating beaches. Go from soft
white sand to rugged rocky formations until you find that special spot,
then relax and enjoy! Some great options include Paradise Beach, the
beautiful natural beach and restaurant at Playa Palancar, Playa Bonita
and Chen Rio.
Golf
Take in a round of golf at the gorgeous, world-class, Cozumel Country Club golf course.
Fishing
Spend
a great day or half day fishing the beautiful seas. Fishing trips
usually include the captain, lunch and beverages and all the tackle you
will need to land the big one. Test your strength against the legendary
marlin!
Shopping
The
island offers an abundant selection of Mexican handcrafts, fine jewelry
as well as local treasures from Mexico that make great souvenirs and
gifts. There's no shortage of great stores!
This is by no means
all that there is to do and see. Search in Google for Cozumel tours or
Cozumel activities and look at all there is to do and see!
Packages
I work
with several tour companies so If you're interested in a specific
tour(s), please let me know and I can create a package deal for you
(home rental and scuba diving package for example).