Diving in Cozumel

by Mexican Diver

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Posted by Steven Lorenzo, Isla Cozumel Day Pass
IslaCozumelDayPass.com

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

http://www.cozumelvisitorsguide.com

http://www.IslaCozumelDayPass.com 

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

Isla Cozumel: a shopper's paradise

Isla Cozumel is famous for many things. Its clear turquoise waters, majestic underwater coral reefs, the natural beauty, including its rich and colorful history starting with the Maya, followed by pirates and war all make the island worth mentioning in history, biology and geography books. But the island is unique in a different way. In a way that is generally kept secret until the last minute.

Shopping! Today's treasures are found on the waterfront shops of Historic Downtown Cozumel. Isla Cozumel's exclusive tax status allows for duty-free cost savings to the consumer. Savings are especially noted on highly taxed goods such as perfumes and cosmetics, designer watches, gold and diamond jewelry, name brand sunglasses and many other items. Its no wonder that designers, the likes of Mont Blanc, La Coste, Cartier have setup boutique shops here. Cruise ships have exploited the shopping secret for decades to the benefit of their passengers. Port lectures are organized on board to guide savvy buyers into “must see” stores like Diamonds International, Pama Duty Free, Los Cinco Soles and Tanya Moss where the merchandise is always guaranteed for authenticity and quality.


Historic Downtown Cozumel can be seen as an outdoor mall with the ocean as its backdrop. A walk down the waterfront, or “Malecon,” as referred to by the locals, is a one of a kind relaxing and enjoyable experience with utmost safety and peace of mind. The downtown, also known as San Miguel de Cozumel, is the oldest town in the region. Even though Isla Cozumel has been populated on and off for centuries, the modern population dates back to the mid 1800’s with the clock tower erected in the 1920’s.

Upscale shops and boutiques will offer you a cool drink and air conditioning but there are two notable restaurants to enjoy for a drink and the best food on the island. One is Pancho’s Backyard, which is located in the courtyard of Los Cinco Soles, a restored colonial mansion turned store. Complete with fountains and lush tropical vegetation. You’ll find and excellent Mexican menu with exceptional Margaritas. The other restaurant is Las Palmeras, located directly across the ferry pier. Las Palmeras is the customary meeting place for locals. Offering a Mexican and International menu, this is a great place to wait for your return ferry to Playa del Carmen.

Isla Cozumel is definitely worth a trip from Playa del Carmen to shop and compare. You’ll see big price differences just by taking the 30 minute ferry ride. When visiting the island from Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya, I strongly recommend the purchase of an Isla Cozumel Day Pass. A Historic Downtown Day Pass includes round trip ferry, dining, entrance to the Island’s Museum and most importantly, exclusive savings and promotions available only to Day Pass holders.

For more information and day passes to Isla Cozumel from Playa del Carmen visit: http://www.islacozumeldaypass.com

Posted by Steven Lorenzo, senior editor Cozumel Visitors Guide