Awesome Cozumel

Cozumel is mostly an undeveloped Mexican island located in the Caribbean Sea. It has become a popular cruise ship port and is popular for its scuba diving.

Palancar Reef is one of the best spots to dive. It rises from depths of up to 80 m to shallows found just below the surface of the sea at the southwest end of the island.

One of the most interesting things is that there is a large bronze figure of Christ found some 17 meters underwater. Both snorkels and scuba divers enjoy it.

San Miguel de Cozumel is the capital of Cozumel located on the northwest side of the island. It has become a tourist hub and is also a busy port. Ferries depart from here to the mainland regularly. The town also has a major airport. One of the highlights is the Island Museum. The city offers great shopping and dining.

The Island Museum or Museo de la Isla offers a lot of information about the history of the island and its people. It’s the most visited tourist destination. There are multi-media displays and permanent collections of ancient artifacts. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits including artwork from both local and international artists. One of the highlights is an exhibit that deals with marine life, as well as a mock-up of the traditional Mayan homes that were once common all over the island. There is an on-site restaurant.

Laguna Chankanaab is one of the most interesting natural attractions. This is a small freshwater lake in the National Marine Park.

It has crystal-clear waters and colorful tropical fish. It is a place to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive. It is now part of an adventure park that surrounds the lagoon. Visitors can enjoy a sea lion show and a crocodile exhibition. Other activities include zip lining, treetop climbing, and visiting an authentic Mayan home to sample traditional foods.

Among the over 30 Mayan sites on the island, the most important one is San Gervasio. It was built in 800 AD. Among the highlights here include the Temple of Ix-chel, for centuries the focal point of the island’s religious life and a pilgrimage place from across the Mayan empire. Of interest are the nearby ruins at Santa Rita and Castillo Real, where you can find Cozumel’s largest Mayan statue.

The largest eco-park on the island is the Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Found at the southern tip of the island here you can find lots of great swimming and beach fun. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. There’s a forested area with plenty of walking trails. Some of the highlights include an old lighthouse the Celarain, with its adjoining nautical museum, and Caracol, an old Mayan temple. Bird lovers can enjoy the observation platforms that are available for bird watching.

The newest attraction on the island is Mexico Cozumel Park. Among the highlights here are miniature reconstructions of many of the country’s most important archaeological sites and historic attractions. There are also exhibits and multi-media shows that showcase traditional music, art, and food as well as displays of traditional dances.

A fascinating sight is the daring Danza de los Voladores or Dance of the Flyers with participants throwing themselves off of a 30 m tall pole as they spin and twirl to the ground via ropes attached to their feet.

An interesting place to visit with coral reefs and crystal clear waters is Stingray Beach.

Highlights here include a guided swim with stingrays. Visitors get a chance to feed and touch them.

You can enjoy the calm ocean coves and tropical atmosphere of Dolphinaris Cozumel. This is a great place to swim with dolphins and interact with them. The company sponsoring this offers 40-minute dolphin interactions and unlimited food and drink after the swim. Other activities include snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

One of the top attractions on the island is Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Among the highlights here include snorkeling, interacting with manatees and sea lions, and resting under the umbrellas or in the hammocks on the beach. Visitors can swim with dolphins.

El Mirador is a natural lookout point where the sea has carved a natural arch into rugged rock. Visitors can climb onto the rock to take photos and get great views of the island. On the adjoining beach, you can find vendors selling snacks, refreshments, and souvenirs.