Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, and it's known for its world-famous coral reefs and astounding natural beauty. One of its major attractions is scuba diving. This story provides information about some recommended places that can be visited on this island.
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In Mayan language, the term Cozumel means "Island of the Swallows". Cozumel is located off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean sea, southeast of Cancun, and east of Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
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Cozumel is a combination of cosmopolitan hotels, restaurants, shops, modern parks, beautiful beaches, and reefs.
The island has healthy coral reefs, which are the major reason for its fascinating water-related attractions. Majority of the population lives on the west coast, in the town of San Miguel.
Almost the entire island is covered with dense vegetation, making it a major ecotourism spot. People speak Spanish and celebrate a major festival every April, in the town of El Cedral. This festival was started almost 150 years ago, and it is a must-see option for travelers.
Chankanaab Park
It is located inside the famous Reefs National Marine Park, which is to the south of San Miguel.
It also boasts of having the only inland coral reef formation in the world. Chankanaab Lagoon is another attraction that is a natural aquarium and ecosystem, featuring more than 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans, and corals.
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Some other attractions of this park are:
Dolphin Discovery, where people can swim and play games with dolphins.
The Maya Zone is a place, where people can learn about the ancient Mayan culture and civilization. It is a replica of the ancient Mayan villages.
The Sea Lion, a display of exciting stunts that are performed by actual sea lions.
A Botanical Garden, where 350 different plant species can be found.
Punta Sur Light House
It is one of the most interesting features of Cozumel. Attached to it is a navigation museum, which displays the evolution of seamanship and navigation, from the Mayan to present times.
El Caracol is a well-preserved ancient structure near the lighthouse, which was used by the Mayans to signal the approach of a storm or hurricane.
The Museum of the Island of Cozumel
It is located in the town of San Miguel. It exhibits the island's history, natural environment, and reefs. It has four exhibition halls, dioramas, sculptures, and guides who can speak in English, Spanish, and Mayan.
Keeping in mind that a large number of tourists visit this place, the museum has a casual restaurant on the second floor, which also provides a spectacular view of the Caribbean sea.
Playa Uvas
In this place, one can enjoy kayaking, guided shore snorkeling, Chankanaab reef tours, and scuba diving. Scuba diving for certified people as well as beginners is available.
If one wants to relax or enjoy a massage, the lounge area near the pools are perfect spots, with cool Caribbean breeze flowing across them. One can also enjoy shopping in stores, where you can get traditional Mexican crafts.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
In this park, you can enjoy various water activities like diving, banana rides, para-sailing, wave runners, sunfish sailboats, pedal boats, and water trampolines. The park also has an incredible beach iceberg, a zoo, a must-see underwater Mayan city, beach toys, etc. It is advisable that you plan a full day trip to this park.
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These are but a few of the splendid Cozumel attractions that will just leave you awestruck. People plan family vacations to visit this island, and have a real good time, as it has everything for kids, as well as for adults, to enjoy.