COZUMEL ATTRACTIONS

Cozumel’s coastline alone can convince anyone that the island possesses beauty not easy to find anywhere else. In Cozumel, white-sand shores are bathed by warm crystal-clear waters that hide numerous colorful fish and a living coral reef. Each of Cozumel’s beaches offer beauties of their own ideal to undertake different activities.

Water sports

The moment you hear the word Cozumel, you immediately relate it with scuba diving for it is one of the best locations for this sport in the world. The beaches around Cozumel seem to have been created to offer the most spectacular scenery under water. In Cozumel, it does not matter the level of expertise, everybody can enjoy the depths of these waters with their well-trained instructors.

Cozumel is surrounded not only by stunning beaches, but also by breathtaking coral reefs, such as: Palancar, Santa Rosa, Paraiso, Chankanaab Reef, Las Palmas, Cantarell, Bajo de Molas, Yucab and many more where scuba diving can be best enjoyed.

Kayaking

Kayaking is another sport that can be practiced in Cozumel, preferably in beaches like Playa San Francisco, Playa de San Juan, Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur etc, where the ideal calm waters will incite you to cross the open sea.

Fishing

Although Cozumel does not take its fame for sportfishing, the island has hosted various fishing tournaments, for instance: the Torneo de Pesca con Mosca (Fly Fishing Tournament) that shows the growing importance of the sport in Cozumel.

Here sailfish, marlin and swordfish are abundant and can be caught easily, even if you do not consider yourself an expert. Especially in November that is the best time for sportfishing in the area.

Other water sports to try in Cozumel include waverunning, sailing, snorkeling and even parasailing.

Outdoor Activities

If you are in the mood for outdoor adventures, Cozumel’s dense jungle foliage will provide you with enough outdoor activities for your recreation. You can start out with a hike or a bicycle ride through the woodlands. If you prefer, a horseback ride also sounds like a good idea. Then, take a stroll through the town of San Miguel, where the perfect blend of the old and the modern of its architecture will attract your attention.

Golf

Cozumel also has world-class professional golf courses including Cozumel Country Club, Playa Azul Golf and Beach, Melia Golf and Beach, and Minigolf Cozumel, where the fun of playing golf is accessible even to amateurs.

Ecotourism in Cozumel

In Cozumel, you can experience the best ecotourism at its highest magnificence amidst its wonderful jungle, and the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea that are home to nature wonders such as coral reefs, and a diversity of marine and ground flora and fauna.

The natural reserves that have been developed in the area are not only intended to preserve these, but also to allow any one to experience nature. For instance, Parque Natural Chankanaab is a protected area that has a body of water linked to the sea by an underground tunnel, where swimming with dolphins is a beloved activity.

This park offers a wide assortment of services such as a subaquatic trail, cavern diving, new access routes, bathrooms and showers, handicapped facilities and access and much more.

Reserva Ecologica Parque Punta Sur boasts mangroves, marshes and dunes as well as virgin beaches that provides with great opportunities for memorable sightseeing, particularly from the lighthouse of Punta Celarain.

Cozumel Archaeological Sites

Cozumel bears ancient and interesting archaeological sites that seem to share stories of its past with the visitors, so that reading their easily identifiable plaques in English, Spanish and Maya becomes totally optional. The so-worth- it trip to the ruins can be arranged by one of the tour companies that are based on Cozumel.

The largest of the Mayan archeological sites on Cozumel is Parador Turistico de San Gervasio. It stands in the middle of beautiful woods (17 km (10.5 mi) east of San Miguel) and houses what was once the island’s capital and the most important Mayan ceremonial center of the time. The site consists of different sets of constructions, developed in diverse eras for various purposes: political, religious or lodging. Unfortunately, only Manitas, Plaza Central and Murcielagos are open to the public.

El Cedral was not only home to the Mayan celebrations but also the first place where the Spanish celebrated a mass. Nowadays only a small structure with an arch, whose inside displays faint traces of paint and stucco, is to be found here. But in May a fair is organized here to host different events like bullfights, a cattle show and dancing music performances.

Castillo Real is another Mayan area near the northern tip of Cozumel. Being a smaller site, it only contains a lookout tower, the base of a pyramid, and a temple with two



chambers crowned by a false arch, but the waters surrounding the place are ideal for snorkeling.

Cozumel Art and Crafts

In Cozumel you can expect to come upon similar crafts that you can find in the Mayan Riviera, as Cozumel has the influence of these regions. Among the most common handicrafts offered by the local artisans are: Huipiles (blouses with handmade trimming), wood sculptures, handwoven hats, sea shell designs, and imitation of pre-Hispanic figurines.

Cozumel Festivities

Cozumel hosts an important Carnival in February, a tradition that dates back to the mid 1800's, Carnaval when groups of young people, known as "Estudiantinas" or "Comparsas", started dressing colorful costumes to express themselves in the streets of Cozumel through the artistic manifestations of dancing and singing.

There is the Fiesta de la Catedral (Cathedral Fest), also known as Fiesta de la Santa Cruz (Holy Cross Fest), celebrated in El Cedral during the first week of March in the town of San Miguel de Cozumel. Other important Cozumel’s festivities are the Fiesta de San Pedro y San Pablo (Saint Peter and Saint Paul Fest) in June promoting interesting dance performances, and in September the Fiesta de San Miguel (San Miguel Fest), to pay homage to the town’s patron saint.

Museums

Cozumel’s museums resemble teletransporters that take you on the adventure of learning about the island’s and the southeastern region’s cultural development and history.

Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel Island Museum) is an interactive place with four showrooms for diverse historical exhibits, ecological displays of the region’s flora and fauna, as well as pieces focusing on the development of ancient and modern Mayan culture.

The Museo de Instrumentos Musicales (Musical Instruments Museum) is another worth mentioning place where a well-preserved collection of Pre-Hispanic and mestizo musical instruments is displayed. The museum also includes an exhibition of other instruments from other parts of the world and an audio library, as well as a comprehensive compendium of books.

In the Museo del Buceo (The Diving Museum) you will see photos where the island’s beautiful underwater world is depicted. An exhibition of objects related to scuba diving and a shell collection of different sizes and shapes are also to be admired here.

Cozumel Port

The port of Cozumel boasts the best infrastructure and top-rate services for boating. No wonder why cruise liners coming from South America, North America and Europe dock here. Yachts, sailboats and other private boats also prefer Cozumel’s port over others.

Spas

The care of your skin and body can become a gratifying experience in the specialized spas of Cozumel that feature treatments following either ancient methods like temazcal steam baths (a pre-Hispanic tradition) or the most innovative handling extending to holistic procedures.

The great assortment of pleasurable activities that you can savor in Cozumel will even leave you wondering why you are not staying here for a longer time.