Cozumel, Mexico
The
tropical island of Cozumel lies just twelve miles off the
exotic Yucatan Coast, a 45 minute ferry ride from the famed
Riviera Maya. Dive into the tropical crystal blue waters of
Cozumel and discover why Jacques Cousteau called it the "best
diving area in the world." Palancar Reef, the second
largest reef in the world, provides an incredible diversity
of exotic species, stunning sites and visibility of at least
150 feet. Whether you're a first time snorkeler or an experienced
diver, the intricate coral reefs and teems of tropical painted
fish will amaze you!
Planning your Cozumel Mexico Vacation can be overwhelming,
contact a professional for expert
Cozumel Mexico advice and vacation planning. Your Cozumel
vacation will be customized to your personal preferences
to determine which resort and itinerary is perfect for you.
Cozumel Mexico Online
Booking is available if you choose to book your own
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COZUMEL RESORTS
COZUMEL ACTIVITIES
Island Tour:
Enjoy the best of Cozumel with an expert guide who takes you
on a visit to the museum and the archaeological park, as well
as on a drive along the Caribbean coast with a stop for the
island's best snorkeling at Chankanaab National Park. Tours
include transportation, entrance fees, soft drinks, and beer.
Snorkeling:
Snorkel trips by boat venture off to water depths of 30
to 35 feet where the visibility can easily reach over 100
feet. Some of the island's best snorkeling can be found
at Chankanaab Lagoon National Park, a marine inlet where
snorkelers swim freely among sea urchins, huge angelfish,
and large schools of rainbow-colored fish. A botanical garden
surrounds the area with over 350 species of tropical plants
from around the world.
Scuba Diving:
If Cozumel had to be billed with only one attraction, the
one thing most visitors would agree upon is that it is one
of the world's top destination for scuba diving. The island's
abundant coral reefs include the second largest reef in
the world, and there are many varieties of fish from the
common to the exotic, including moray eels, nurse sharks,
barracudas, crabs, lobsters, sting rays, and more!
Mayan Sites on the Island:
Explore the remains of an ancient civilization. The mysterious
Mayans thrived for thousands of years then mysteriously
disappeared, leaving behind fantastic ghost cities. El Cedral,
believed to be the oldest on the island, is the easiest
to reach of Cozumel's sites. San Gervasio is another, located
in center of the island.
Mayan Sites on the Mainland:
Take a ferry and hop a tour bus, or really go in style and
take a plane to Chichen-Itza - the most spectacular of all
Mayan ruins in eastern Mexico. This huge complex dates to
600AD and includes the pyramid of the serpent deity Kulkulkan
and its accompanying buildings. Tulum, also on the mainland,
is a spectacular 60-structure city built in honor of the
sun and is the only walled city near the ocean the Mayans
ever constructed. At Coba, one of the largest Mayan cities
in existence, visitors marvel at Nohoch Mul, the tallest
pyramid on the peninsula at a height of 138 feet.
Shopping:
Bargain hunters take heed! As a duty-free port of call,
one of Cozumel's other big draws is shopping. Downtown stores
offer Mexican crafts at incredibly cheap prices, and there
are several reputable jewelry shops with excellent choices
at very attractive prices.
Horseback Riding:
Follow an expert guide on a wilderness safari on horseback
through the island's interior. Discover temples, caves,
idols, and archeological sites along the way!
Hiking:
Immerse yourself in the exotic flora and fauna of the island.
With the majority of the island undeveloped, you will quickly
find yourself surrounded by tropical birds, lizards, coati
(similar to a raccoon), deer, and other wildlife. The scrub
and jungles are bursting with beautiful indigenous flowers
and other plants.
Beaches:
You'll find 2 very different kinds of beaches on Cozumel.
The island's west coast, facing Mexico's mainland, showcases
beautiful stretches of golden sand and resorts. The east
side of the island, which faces the Caribbean Sea, features
quiet beaches and rocky shores. Common to both coasts, though,
are the many diving and snorkeling sites.
Nightlife Jaunt to Cancun:
After you've spent a good day exploring the island
of Cozumel, go ashore and enjoy the mainland! "Playacar"
is just a quick boat ride away. Cancun is a boat ride and
the an45-minute drive away.
COZUMEL RESTAURANTS:
Mexican cuisine is centered around 3 national
staples:
tortillas, fried beans, and chili peppers. Of course, you
can find much more than just tacos and such in Cozumel.
Chain eateries are plentiful throughout Mexican tourism
spots and, for its size, Cozumel also has a surprising variety
of ethnic dining catering to every budget and taste from
Italian and French to Lebanese and Japanese. And almost
all places serve the famous mezcal and tequila.
Gourmet:
The French Quarter Restaurant is a taste of Louisiana
dining set in the charming environs of Mexico. Whether
it's elegant yet casual dining inside the air-conditioned
banquet area or al fresco on the airy terrace, an evening
at this fine restaurant is a first-rate experience. 5th
Avenue South between Salas and 3rd Avenue
Local Flair:
La Choza looks like it was plucked right out of the ancient
Mayan civilization, and is a favorite with both locals
and tourists alike. The simple décor consists of
a thatched roof and stucco walls perfectly complementing
the home-cooked local cuisine. 198 Salas on 10th Avenue
South
Romantic:
Pancho's Backyard is a lovely place to spend a secluded
afternoon on a shady stretch of the waterfront. It's a
restored colonial mansion turned restaurant with an outdoor
patio. Surrounded by lush vegetation and fountains, you
can escape the bustle and enjoy some margaritas before
dining on authentic Mexican cuisine. 27 Avenida de Rafael
E Melgar
Nightlife
This is actually a place you go to get away from the
bright lights and blaring music of the mainland's hotbeds
of tourism. But everybody loves a night out on the town
from time to time, so there are a few nightspots. Additionally,
many of the larger hotels and resorts offer nightly entertainment,
including karaoke, shows, and discos. If you really want
to party hearty, hop a ferry for a quick trip to the legendary
nightlife of Cancun.
Carlos 'n Charlie's: This restaurant
and bar is the place to go for rock and roll, American
cuisine, and some good old-fashioned drinking contests.
El Foco: A locally-owned restaurant
known for its casual and fun atmosphere. They serve ribs,
steaks, soft cheese tacos, and a plentiful variety of
cerveza (beer).
Mexican Fiestas: Some resorts and tour
operators throw these grand parties where you can enjoy
the traditions of Mexico, including delicious food, talented
dancers, and mariachi music.
Hard Rock Café: The rock 'n'
roll-theme restaurant/bar offers all the fun and memorabilia
you would expect from this international chain.
El Estadio (The Stadium): An all-American
sports bar with big-screen TVs serving juicy cheeseburgers
and generous portions of crispy fries.
Scruffy Murphy's: This international
chain is billed as an authentic Irish pub, where you and
your "drinking mates" sit on stools while a
friendly bartender works the tap.
