Isla Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour

Allan and I spent a wonderful working day exploring the island of Cozumel on the Isla Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour. Certainly any day spent snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and touring a tropical island is bound to be a superb day in my book. Although Allan and I have been to Cozumel before, we enjoyed reconnecting with the island after not having been in over a year and also appreciated the guided tour which revealed many facets of the island to which we were previously unaware.

We started the day with a leisurely stroll down 5th Avenue to meet up with the tour group in front of Sr. Frogs by the ferry terminal. Round trip tickets (included in the tour price) were distributed by our tour leader, and we boarded the ferry for the scenic and thankfully tranquil 50 minute passage to Cozumel. Being prone to sea sickness, I am not one for boats, but given the guided tour of Cozumel I was able to overcome the limited discomfort for a daytime of fun.

In Cozumel we boarded a safari type bus which was a mix between a cargo truck decked out in camouflage and an army transport vehicle. Our first stop was the famous snorkeling spot, Chankanaab. Cozumel has the second largest barrier reef in the world, and Chankanaab is known for its snorkeling. The water ranges from 10 to 30 feet in depth and is marked by large coral formations, bright purple fans and a kaleidoscope of colorful marine creatures.

Snorkeling equipment and mandatory life vests are included, but the vests can be inflated or deflated depending on how adventurous you are. I prefer to keep mine deflated so I can plunge down and explore things like the large statue of Christ which is probably 20 feet tall and the head is still about 10 feet below the surface. It is really sometime to behold.

After roughly an hour in the water we dried off and boarded the safari bus for a scenic ride into the Faro Celarain Eco Park. I never knew this part of the island existed. I thought Cozumel was all sand, trees and buildings. However the southern end of the island is covered in pristine mangroves, marked by large brackish ponds and marshes. We stopped at a nearby white sandy beach for a delicious all you can eat buffet lunch of fajitas, beans, nachos and beverages, including beer. The respite lasted about an hour, half of which we spent lazily lounging on beach side hammocks while another part of the group decided to go for a dip in ocean.

Then it was back in the safari bus for a tour of the rocky eastern side of Cozumel where we stopped at a beach side cart for some adult beverages made and served in fresh coconuts and photo shoots on the large rock out-cropping. Our friendly and informative tour guide talked about the area and how Cozumel got its name. In Mayan the word "Cuzamil-Pectin" means "Land of the Swallows," and Ixchel, Mayan goddess of fertility and love, was said to have sent swallows, her favorite birds, to the island in thanks for dedicating temples to her. Spanish explorers then converted the name from Cuzamil to Cozumel. Likewise the state of Yucatan got its name from the Spanish. After having landed in the Yucatan they asked the Mayans what this place was called. The Mayan replied "Yuk ak katán" meaning I don't understand you. The Spanish took "Yuk ak katán" and made it Yucatan.

At the end of the trip we were dropped off in downtown Cozumel for about an hour of shopping before it was time to board the ferry again. Instead of shopping Allan and I opted to feast on ice cream and enjoy the scenery of a nearby park. We boarded the ferry to Playa at about 5pm and were pleasantly surprised with live Latin music on the boat. Being someone who likes quiet I was initially resistant to having my peace disturbed, but I must say the music was really good and by the end I was listening intently. It certainly made the time on the water pass much faster.

The Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour is certainly a worthwhile activity for the whole family. Allan and I are used to planning and running activities, and it was nice to actually sit back and have an informative guide take us around and do all the work, and even serve us lunch! We're looking forward to when family comes and visits so we can take them on the tour. If you'd like to book the tour please contact our concierge Claudia at claudia@nasplaya.com.

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Reposted by Steven Lorenzo,

editor

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The Isla Cozumel Day Pass Highlights Tour can be purchased through the concierge service at http://www.nasplaya.com

Chankannab Day Pass

Beach, Dolphins, Snorkeling, Snuba, Scuba Diving, Mayan House and much more. This is why Cozumel is so famous... for the breathtaking turquoise waters, diverse wildlife and underwater adventures. Day Pass Includes: • Round Trip Ferry • Round Trip Taxi to Chankanaab from downtown ferry pier • Entrance to Chankanaab National Park • Seaside lunch at La Laguna Beach Grill (US$20.00 Meal Voucher) located inside Chankanaab Park • Discount on SeaTrek and Snuba underwater adventures • Entrance to the Island Museum • Self guided walking tour of Historic Downtown Cozumel • Dinner discount at Palmeras Restaurant Tips: Get an early start. This is a full day of fun. Bring a hat, sunglasses, towel, change of clothing, amphibious camera, biodegradable sun screen, snorkeling gear (rental gear available inside Chankanaab National Park) and comfortable walking shoes.
Chankanaab National Park An eco-friendly national park for flora and marine animals with an array of activities to enjoy throughout the day. In order to explore the underwater world, snorkel and scuba equipment rentals are available as well as Snuba and Sea-Trek adventures for the entire family to enjoy. Dolphin Discovery offers a unique dolphin experience for an unforgettable vacation. Other activities include beach, a working Mayan house, exotic gardens and prehispanic vestiges. For the comfort of visitor’s, Chankanaab offers customer service, as well as special sand wheel chairs and bathrooms for the handicapped, as well as showers and lockers. Chankanaab is the natural choice!	La Laguna Beach Grill The most prominent restaurant inside prestigious Chankanaab National Park with a breathtaking view of the transparent turquoise Caribbean waters. Its superb lunch menu specializes in the freshest seafood and other tropical delights. Cool off under its beautiful palapa while enjoying the ocean breeze. You can spoil yourself and be pampered with beachside service while you bask in the sun.
Sea-Trek If you can walk and breathe, you can Sea Trek. Experience the thrill of exploring the ocean and all its wonders without giving up precious vacation time for specialized training. Sea Trek is the world's premier underwater helmet diving experience from Sub Sea Systems, the world leader in aquatic resort recreation. Imagine walking in zero gravity while surrounded by incredible aquatic life - that's Sea Trek. Snuba Snuba is a unique, patented shallow water diving system, bridging the gap between snorkeling and scuba diving. Snuba is safe and easy and does not require certification. Even if you have never snorkeled or can't swim, Snuba diving is available for you. Snuba is easily accessible to couples, families, children and seniors. It is a great way for a certified diver to introduce non-certified partners to the underwater breathing experience.	Dolphin Discovery Dolphin Discovery is a company with history, responsibility, respect and ecological care, which was founded with a vision to create an interactive dolphin program that allows visitors to have a close encounter with beautiful and intelligent creatures. They guarantee an unforgettable experience with the best features in each program combining high levels of contact, action, education and entertainment. Their motto is: "To provide happiness and make our guests' dreams come true." More than 13 years of experience has gained the Dolphin Discovery Group the advantage of being the world-wide leader in interactive programs with marine animals. Explore Dolphin Discovery with the whole family and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Underwater Wonders Inside Chankanaab Park Visit the 14 ft underwater statue of Christ and the smaller statue of the Virgin Mary. See coral heads and abounding fish-life as soon as you enter the water. Excellent shore snorkeling and Scuba diving. Depth: 20 ft maximum.
Shopping With a wide variety of merchandise ranging from beautifully crafted textiles, Mexican handcrafts, designer jewelry to duty-free perfumes and watches you are sure to find the perfect gift at one of the many shops found downtown.	Island Museum: Museo de la Isla The museum offers a look into the history of Cozumel. Interesting and educational information on the island's ecosystems and reefs, the geological evolution of the island, the Mayan legacy and its history.
Main Plaza: Parque Benito Juarez The main square was established at the turn of the 20th century and the clock tower (1925-1930) soon became the island's landmark. The town of San Miguel de Cozumel was built around the main square and has always been the traditional meeting place.	El Malecon and Flag Esplanade Cozumel's iconic seawall (El Malecon) was built in 1935. For decades, residents and visitors alike, have enjoyed an afternoon stroll while admiring the waving flag overhead.
Iglesia de San Miguel's (town church) Home to the precious statue of St. Michael the Archangel believed to have been deposited in Cozumel in 1518. The ivory statue sits on the alter and can be visited anytime.	Diver's Monument In 1961 Jacques Cousteau discovered the extent and beauty of the reefs of Cozumel and publicized it as one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world.

Cost: $89.00 per person at:
http://www.islacozumeldaypass.com

Written and posted by Steven Lorenzo, Senior Editor and Publisher
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