Diving in Cozumel

by Mexican Diver

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Posted by Steven Lorenzo, Isla Cozumel Day Pass
IslaCozumelDayPass.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

Top 10 Reasons for a Day Trip to Isla Cozumel

Isla Cozumel is such a wonderful place to visit. I absolutely love it here. I decided to put together this list of Top 10 Reasons To Visit Isla Cozumel from the Riviera Maya.

1. The Weather:
Because it's an island in the Caribbean, Isla Cozumel receives the cool gentle trade winds. Sunny days and warm water abound with only the occasional passing shower. Heavy rains are rare and usually don't last very long.

2. The Food:
Because of the great diversity in cuisine, Isla Cozumel is a top leader in culinary discovery. One can find a great restaurant highlighting the cuisine from around the world.

3. The Shopping:
Some of the best shopping in all the Riviera Maya is in Isla Cozumel. to be had is in San Francisco. You can find design name brand watches. jewelry and perfumes at duty free prices. Great deals on .925 silver and designer diamonds. You’ll also find some obscure little known boutiques specializing in handcrafts, resort wear and national liquors like tequila and Kaluha.

4. The Walking:
Historic downtown Cozumel is a walking town so bring your walking shoes. On a self-guided walking tour down the famous "Malecon" seawall, can see the various monuments on your way to the main plaza where you'll find the clock tower. Downtown everything is always walking distance but if you need to hire transportation, a taxi fare within the downtown area is only about US$2.00.

5. Getting Here:
Accessible from Playa del Carmen on a 30 minute ferry ride is quick and comfortable. Air shuttles are also available from Playa del Carmen and Cancun.

6. The Culture and the people:
The proud people of Cozumel are always ready with a smile and a kind gesture. Unlike the rest of the Riviera, families have been living in Cozumel since the 1840's.

7. The Beaches:
Among the best in the world for many reasons. The water clarity, temperature, pink sand quality and calm water on the west side of the island contracted with dramatic ocean roar on the east make for spectacular beaches.

8. The National Parks:
There are three distinct national parks in Isla Cozumel. The underwater Reefs of Cozumel National Marine Park feature the world famous reefs. Faro Celarain Eco-Park includes a working lighthouse, beautiful beach, and a ecological reserve. Chankanaab National Park is full of activities in a natural setting. You can swim with dolphins, Snuba, SeaTrek, nature trail and a working Mayan house. All three parks offer excellent snorkeling and Scuba diving.

9. The History:
A colorful history through the millenia. Starting with the Maya, Isla Cozumel was home to the goddess Ixchel. People throughout the Mayan world had to make an obligatory journey to the island at least once in their lifetime. Later in history Hernan Cortez commenced his journey to rule Mexico from here. Shortly afterwards came the famous pirates like Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte with hidden treasures. Isla Cozumel's current population came about during Mexico's battle of the Castilles. Isla Cozumel also played an important role in aviation. Charles Lindberg established the island as a stepping stone of air routes to Central and South America. The Museo de la Isla exhibit the island rich history.

10. The Isla Cozumel Day Pass
A self guided full day of fun includes round trip ferry, entrances to national parks and museum, dining, all on-island transportation and historic downtown Cozumel. Four different Day Passes to choose from. Day Passes can be purchased on the Internet at http://www.islacozumeldaypass.com or at your hotel in the Riviera Maya through your concierge or front desk.

Isla Cozumel Day Passes may be viewed at http://www.islacozumeldaypass.com

Written and posted by Steven Lorenzo, Senior Editor and Publisher
http://www.intl-advertising.com http://www.cozumelvisitorsguide.com www.islacozumeldaypass.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
http://www.intl-advertising.com http://www.cozumelvisitorsguide.com www.islacozumeldaypass.com