Cozumel Lifestyle

First time in Cozumel ? - Things to do...

COZUMEL ISLAND : THE SPOT AT THE END OF THE RAINBOW

INTRODUCTION : COZUMEL ISLAND A NATURAL PARADISE

Until the early sixties, Cozumel Island was a small laid-back fishermen’s village. It caught international attention when Jacques-Ives Cousteau, a world renowned diver and oceanographer, prepared a television documentary that showed the world the beauty of our island waters and reef formations.

Today Cozumel Island is a world class dive destination due to its marine biodiversity & crystalline blue waters. Even though resorts, restaurants, and other business have sprung up to serve visitors, when you visit Cozumel you will casually feel one step aside from rest of the world.

The subtropical climate (temp. ranging from low 70° F to high 90° F) creates the perfect environment for all sorts of marine life. Cozumel Island’s reef formations form part of the second largest barrier-reef in the world. Nature’s magnificence is available to divers and non divers alike. Snorkeling in shallow waters close to the beach is a once in a lifetime experience to enthusiasts of all ages. Sandy powdery beaches and temperate climate add up to holistic mind & body relaxation through nature contemplation.

Cozumel Island is the second largest inhabited island in Mexico, located a mere 11 miles off the eastern coast of the Yucatan peninsula. It is covered by tropical jungle and mangrove wetlands in approximately 80% of its surface. The remaining surface is constituted by San Miguel, a 100+ year old settlement currently populated by approximately 90,000 inhabitants. Similar to the Yucatan and Florida peninsulas, Cozumel Island is formed by a limestone plateau measuring 34 miles north to south by 10 miles east to west. Topography is significantly flat, lacking riverbeds and hill formations. Conversely, Cozumel Island counts with an extensive network of subsurface fresh water (aquifer) that silently flows underground through the porous limestone. Filtered by the limestone, subsurface fresh water flows to the ocean through underground caverns. In some cases, water erosion close to the surface evolve into sink holes (cenotes). These underwater environments have a unique endemic biodiversity, which combined with great visibility & unique rock formations create some of the most renowned cave and cavern diving in the world.

With the purpose of planning your next visit, we have outlined a weeklong program of activities. Feel free to review its content, and don't hesitate to contact us for tips and updates.

Enjoy.

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Things to do

DAY 1 - COZUMEL ISLAND : OUR PRE-HISPANIC HERITAGE

It is not difficult to understand why Cozumel Island’s natural beauty attracted its Mayan dwellers centuries ago. The great Mayan civilization flourished from the Yucatan to Guatemala 2,000 years before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores. Mayans populated Cozumel Island from 300 A.D. to 1500 A.D. Smaller archeological sites reminiscent of Mayan culture are scattered throughout the Island. The most significant site is San Gervasio. It is believed that San Gervasio served as a sacred city. Legend has it that this was once a sanctuary where women journeyed to worship Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility. Ceremonial temples were built in her honor and as a sign of her gratitude; Ixchel presented her devotee followers with her favorite bird. This is why the Mayans named the Island Cuzamil-Pectin, which means Land of the Swallows.

San Gervasio is Cozumel Island’s largest archaeological site. Extending through 10 acres of lush vegetation, this site and restoration project gives us a sparkling glimpse into the ancient Maya civilization. Morning bilingual guided tours cost between $12 to $20 Dlls per group. You can also tour the site on your own. (consider bringing insect repellent before you venture on the nature walk into the site)

Admission fee $5.00 USD. Free entrance for children under 11 years. Park Hours: 7 A.M. through 4 P.M. year round. Transversal highway Km 7.5.

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Top off your day with an afternoon horseback ride. Several tours are available for different sites around the island. Sunset rides are relaxing and usually include dinner outdoors.

DAY 2 - COZUMEL ISLAND : MARINE PARK

Diving in Cozumel As a result of efforts by local activists, the vast majority of reef formations are environmentally protected as a marine refuge. The Cozumel Reefs - National Marine Park was declared in 1996. As of mid-1998, its visits are regulated by an Environmental Sustainability Program.

The Park consists of 11,987.5 hectares, and includes marine, estuarine and land ecosystem which support the biological communities. Migratory and resident birds live here. Marine Park hosts an overwhelming variety of marine wildlife; soft & hard coral, hydrozoa, gorgonians, annelids, anemones, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, sponges, algae, turtles & 500+ fish species.

Park visitors are briefed by tour guides regarding the applicable restrictions while in the Park. For example, the recollection, touching or damaging of underwater organisms is strictly prohibited, biodegradable suntan lotion is mandatory; feeding fish or fishing is not permitted within the Park. Boat tours inside the Marine Park are guided by trained operators and an entrance fee is applicable. The clear intention is to preserve the beautiful environment through sustainable use of its resources for generations to come, as it has been for many past generations.

To visit the park, you may choose to visit the park’s many Beach Clubs, where restaurants, restrooms, showers and gear rentals are available on site (kayaks, snorkeling and beach diving gear). Beach clubs offer different atmospheres to select from, lounge meditative, reggae bar, Carlos ‘n Charlie’s raucous. To find the perfect beach, Beach-Hopping is the soundest choice, renting a 4x4 Jeep; a must.

Conversely, dive enthusiasts normally choose to boat-dive the reef sites using the services of a Dive Shop. As a rule of thumb, dive boats will pick you up at your hotel pier, downtown pier or marina. You may even choose to head to a Beach Club, leave the non-diving relatives behind, and take off from the Beach Club pier.

DAY 3 - COZUMEL ISLAND : CHAN KA’NAAB NATURE PARK

Chan Ka’naab is Mayan for small sea. This saltwater lagoon and botanical garden is located adjacent to the Marine Park. The municipal government has developed the grounds into a beautiful wildlife sanctuary and an archaeological park. Near-shore reefs & biodiversity, a secluded bay with powdery beach, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, beach diving, cave & cavern diving are among the galore of outdoor natural amenities. Underwater sculptures are scattered throughout the shallow areas for swimmers & snorkelers enjoyment.

Within Chan Ka’naab The Dolphinarium is a facility where interactive swimming with trained dolphins is carried out. This is a children-friendly activity and a don’t-miss (look for Discovery Dolphin booth). Mini Golf course is another activity suitable for the younger ones.

Take a stroll around the lagoon promenade, which is filled with indigenous species of turtles and crustaceans. The serenity is breathtaking. Don’t forget the camera.

Chan Ka’naab’s botanical garden is host to some 450 native and 350 non-native tropical and sub-tropical plants. Visitors interested in archeology are welcome to the interactive educational museum and outdoor exhibition of Mayan relics. (consider bringing insect repellent before you venture on the nature walk into the jungle)

Chan Ka’naab Nature Park is located on the South Coastal Road, about five miles drive south of San Miguel. Taxi fare is around 90 pesos (about $8 USD). Admission is about $7 USD, depending on the season. Restaurants, restrooms, showers and gear rentals are available on site.

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Note: Cozumel Reefs - National Marine Park restrictions due to ecological fragility apply :the recollection, touching or damaging of underwater organisms is strictly prohibited, biodegradable suntan lotion is mandatory; feeding fish or fishing is not permitted within the Park.

Day 4 - Winward side of Island

Secluded beach If you head to the windward side of the island, you'll find deserted beaches and laid-back Beach Bars, where sand, sun, volleyball, hammocks, margaritas and Bob Marley are the order every day. Tikin’xic style fish cooked in open BBQs and seafood are served in shaded beach huts. Be prepared for rustic facilities.

If you are up for surfer adrenaline, early morning and afternoon surfing and body-boarding are commonly practiced. Windy days also call for Kite Boarding. Check with local surf shops for weather conditions, sites and planned activities.

To find that perfect secluded beach, Virgin-Beach-Hopping is the soundest choice, renting a 4x4 Jeep; a must. Don’t forget the icebox with beer !!

DAY 5 - Cozueml Island : THINGS FOR LAND LOVERS TO DO ON COZUMEL

If by any chance you don’t like in-water activities, don’t worry, Cozumel Island has something for you too.

Cozumel Island Museum is a good place to start. Breakfast is served in the first floor balcony overlooking the Port. Passenger ferries come and go as tide ebbs and you get ready for that tasty coffee. Different art exhibits are routinely displayed in the lobby, and you may choose to browse artwork while your order gets served. Free adminssion.

After breakfast visit the permanent exhibits on display, which include navigation artifacts exhibit, Cozumel Island geography and environment exhibit, Cozumel Island early 1900’s lifestyle exhibit and lastly, the Mayan dwelling exhibit, where you will get the chance to see how common Mayans lived 1500 years ago. Admission is around $3

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There is plenty of shop-till-you-drop in the vicinity of San Miguel town square, where a multitude of stores will keep any shopper busy for days. You can find everything from souvenir items like T-shirts, coffee mugs and blankets to fine art, high-end pottery & silverware, imports, perfumes and sophisticated jewelry.

On Sunday one of the really fun cultural events is Fiesta Night. No cruise ships are in port and the friendly locals bring their children, dressed in their Sunday finest, to the main square. Live music is played as local young people walk about, closely eyeing one another, while others young and old are dancing and singing. This is a great chance to join in the normal life of another culture. There are few other places left in the world to enjoy such an evening. Ask anyone who has been there on Sunday night and they will tell you that that alone is reason enough to visit this happy island.

If you just want to relax and enjoy the more peaceful side of paradise, try a massage and aromatherapy treatment either in the various downtown SPAs or Oceanside in every other Beach Club.

DAY 6 - COZUMEL ISLAND : PUNTA SUR ECO PARK

Punta Sur Park is an Ecological Reserve that comprises a variety of natural wonders. It total surface is over one thousand hectares (2300 acres). Its main objective is the conservation and preservation of the 5 ecosystems that form it. It offers visitors with a variety of ecological tourist attractions. Punta Sur Park is rich in coastal dunes, mangroves, reefs, lagoon systems and beautiful beaches.

Within its grounds, Punta Sur Park has 7th and 12th century Mayan relics, as well as decked areas for crocodile observation. Additional amenities include a catamaran ride for 30 passengers in Colombia lagoon intended for wildlife and vegetation observation (bird watching, wetland and mangrove ecosystem)

Punta Sur has 2 Km of pristine beaches that are a sanctuary for sea turtles that arrive every year to lay their eggs. Beach activities include near-shore shallow coral reefs with extensive flora and fauna biodiversity.

The Celarain lighthouse at Punta Sur Park hosts a museum with a permanent exhibit on Navigation Evolution. The exhibit is located in the ground floor building next two the lighthouse. Incidentally, that building used to be the lighthouse keeper’s house during the last century. A total of 5 exhibition rooms include artifacts ranging from Mayan navigators, buccaneers, marine navigational aids and finally an exhibit that reflects the lighthouse keeper’s lifestyle back in the 1930’s era.

Punta Sur Park offers guided tours as well as internal transportation to trek the nature paths that lead to visiting areas. Facilities include Restaurant, restrooms, showers, Snack bar, and a Handcrafted goods store.

Admission fee $10 USD. Free entrance for children under 8 years old. Catamaran rides $3 USD per person. Park is located at Km 27 on South Coastal Road

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DAY 7 - COZUMEL ISLAND : COASTAL OR DEEP SEA FISHING

Fishing in Cozumel Cozumel is one of the best deep-sea fishing sites in the Caribbean. If you're looking for a good figh, look forward to : Sailfish, Blue Marlin, White Marilin, Dorado (also known as Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, Tuna, Barracuda, Grouper, Snapper.

Half day or full day charters are available for fishing trips around Cozumel or in the mainland across the channel. Food, drinks are served on board. Fishing gear & tackle are included.

If there is a Seafarer within you, two or three day fishing expeditions can also be arranged to farther sites ; Chinchorro bank, Contoy Island, Arrowsmith bank, Boca Paila estuary, Several marinas with quality overnight accommodations are available throughout Quintana Roo. A fishing trip of this kind is a memorable experience.

Buying property in Mexico is simple when you have a local, knowledgeable and reputable Realtor working for you!Contact us for information on Real Estate in Cozumel.

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