Cozumel
Cozumel Vacations
East of the Yucatan Coast, situated on Mexico’s largest island, is Cozumel. Less than an hour by boat from Playa del Carmen, incredible white sand beaches span the western side, while most of the island is covered in marshy lagoons and thick jungle. On the eastern side of the island, one can marvel at the rocky strands and powerful surf.
The world’s second largest coral reef, with its caves and rare black coral, lures divers from all over the world. Activities in Cozumel include viewing giant sea turtles, participating in some of the many water sports, taking Mexico tours and exploring the ancient Mayan ruins.
Cozumel has been world renowned for its spectacular diving sites. Mexico has worked to protect the reef and its inhabitants, and today, the Cozumel Reefs National Park covers 85 percent of the island's dive sites.
Besides the excellent diving (and snorkeling), those taking a Mexico vacation on Cozumel can tour ancient Maya ruins and nature reserves, as well as enjoy world class golf courses (including one recognized by Audubon Society as an environmentally friendly course) and sport fishing.
Cozumel is indeed covered with lush jungle vegetation and surrounded by beautiful coastlines and lovely lagoons. The island's one town, San Miguel, offers tourists regional and international cuisine, a fun nightlife and several shops. The hotels and resorts include some of Mexico's finest, and the relaxed Caribbean atmosphere makes this a perfect getaway.
Cozumel Activities
The jungles, archaeological sites and shorelines of Cozumel beckon those seeking outdoor activities, such as bicycling and hiking tours. Horseback riding on the beach is another favorite Mexico vacation activity that can be enjoyed on Cozumel. But of course, diving in Cozumel tops them all.
Cozumel is a long time favorite diving destination in Mexico with a rich biodiversity of marine life that has attracted divers, marine biologists and researchers from all around the world, including Jacques Cousteau who dubbed it the best diving destination in the world. The Great Mayan Reef of which many Cozumel reefs are part of is the second largest reef system on the planet, and the clarity of the water can reach an amazing 200 feet in visibility.
Cozumel's National Reef Marine Park protects 25 reefs where you can scuba dive, including great spots with calm waters for those taking scuba diving lessons and cave diving for certified divers. Countless schools of angelfish and parrotfish, as well as sponges and manta rays are among the marine life that make their home here. If you're a diver and planning a Mexico vacation to Cozumel, click on the link below for more information on some great scuba diving locations. Popular Cozumel Scuba Diving Locations are below:
- Palancar
- Parque Natural Chankanaab
- Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur
- San Francisco
- Santa Rosa
- Paraiso Norte
- Paraiso Sur
- Balones de Chankanaab
Those looking for ecotourism activities on their Mexico vacations will want to consider Cozumel and its two nature reserves with indigenous plant species, lagoons and beautiful coral reefs off the coast.
- Parque Natural Chankanaab
- Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur
Cozumel is so well known for its sportfising that it plays host to many top international fishing tournaments. Sportfisherman from all around the world come to Cozumel to experience such locations as Torneo de Pesca con Mosca. When fishing in cozumel there is a very good chance of reeling in sailfish, marlin and swordfish. While fishing in Cozumel is good year round, November seems to bring more anglers to these waters because that's when the fish are most active.
Guided sport fishing excursions in the Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur (see Ecotourism section) are very popular with beginners. The business offering these fishing tours provides equipment rentals and goes to great lengths to make this Mexico sport fishing experience relaxing and fun.
Mexico vacations often include kayaking, and Cozumel Island is a perfect place for this sport. There are kayaking tours that are available and below are some of the best areas for kayaking.
- Playa San Francisco
- Playa de San Juan
- Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur
Golf is fantastic on the island with world-class professional golf courses surrounded by the island's unique natural beauty. All of the courses offer fine services, comfort and exclusivity.
The golf course at Cozumel Country Club enjoys the distinction of having been recently recognized by the Audubon Society as an environmentally friendly course. Surrounded by dense jungle, the course showcases inland lagoons and mangroves and an abundance of wildlife. The 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by the Nicklaus Design Group and is located at the Playa-Azul Golf, Scuba and Spa Hotel.
Mexico travel on Cozumel means classic Caribbean white sandy beaches, as well as, some beautiful golden sand beaches with warm, turquoise-blue waters. Outside the hotel zone, you can find lots of fun water activities also. Here are a few beaches to visit if you take your Mexico vacation on Cozumel:
- Playa San Francisco
- Playa de San Juan
- Playa Encantada
- Playa Bonita
- Playa Hernan
- Isla de la Pasion
Spas
At Cozumel's best hotels and resorts, you can enjoy world-famous spas. Some use ancient treatment methods, such as temazcal steam baths (a pre-Hispanic tradition) or holistic treatments to ease stress. The Reef Club Cozumel, one of the island's best hotels, offers a spa with massages, aromatherapy, reflexotherapy, exfoliations, facials, beauty treatments with mud wrap applications and more.
Accommodations
Cozumel has several choices for your Mexico vacation with accommodations ranging from low budget to all-inclusive resorts and private beachfront villas. If you're looking for a secluded and ultra quiet getaway, the north shore with its majestic rocky coastline is perfect. Here you will find all-inclusive resorts, private beachfront villa rentals, high-rise condos and several very nice hotels, including the Club del Sol, Playa Azul and the Coral Princess.
Since the island is so small, you never need drive far to your favorite activities.
Cozumel Travel Tips
Cozumel has an international airport with services offered by large carriers such as Mexicana, American Airlines, Continental and Delta with direct flights from various U.S. cities and connecting flights through Mexico City. A ferry from Playa del Carmen can also take you to this Caribbean island paradise where the average temperature is a relaxing 78ºF. If you plan to book tours and activities for Cozumel, do so well in advance as they fill fast.
