The island and municipality of Cozumel are located in the Caribbean Sea next to Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Though Cozumel in Mexico has smaller and rockier beaches, it still provides access to the tremendous coral barrier for world-class snorkeling and diving. Even the Mesoamerican reef system is the second-largest reef system after the Great Barrier Reef. There is extensive coral and sea life with incredible visibility.
A primarily undeveloped island, Cozumel is renowned for its pristine white beaches, stunning coral reefs, and unspoiled natural beauty. Immerse yourself in the tropical rhythms of Cozumel. Cozumel has so many amazing places to see that your senses will be pampered. You can get precisely what you envision and think about the Caribbean, crystal clear turquoise water beaches of white sand. Take a look at these Cozumel attractions.
If you're a wildlife nut, Faro Celerain Eco Park should be on your bucket list. A sizeable ecological park located on the southern tip of Cozumel, this park is also known as Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. There are crocodiles, sea turtles, exotic birds, and other animals on its 2,500 acres. The park has more to offer than the animals, so don't let them keep you from exploring it all. Discover two lighthouses within the Eco Park, one of which is pre-Hispanic in origin. Also located at the site is a museum dedicated to the Maya and pirates and corsairs that used to frequent the area. The Colombia lagoon is a popular place for catamaran tours.
Want to see all that Mexico offers but don't have a lot of time? Discover Mexico Park has it all. There is also a miniature model of Mexico's Metropolitan Cathedral and the Mayan ruins of Tulum along the coast south of San Miguel. As well as a chocolate factory and tequila tasting exhibit, the park provides insight into Mexican culture.
The marine life around Cozumel has recovered after decades of overfishing, thanks to conservation efforts. Fishing has become less of a priority today than observing their natural habitat. There are many beautiful reefs to explore on the island, making it an excellent destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. On the southwest end of the island, the Palancar Reef rises from a depth of up to 80 meters to shallows just below the surface. Some 17 meters underwater is a significant bronze figure of Christ. In pretty much every place you dive, you'll find exotic species such as angelfish, nurse sharks, sunfish, and sea turtles. Visiting the Palancar, Columbia, and Cielo reefs on a Cozumel snorkeling tour is one of the best ways to explore the area's reefs. Taking a boat ride to El Cielo, known for its sandy bottom and countless star fish, and snorkeling at Palancar Reef, a reef with dozens of colorful corals, are just two highlights of this half-day guide-led excursion. You may choose between morning or afternoon departures for your 3-reef experience with complimentary beverages.
It is one of Cozumel's most fascinating natural attractions, Laguna Chankanaab, a small freshwater lake in the National Marine Park just six kilometers from San Miguel de Cozumel. It's an enchanting place to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive due to its crystal-clear water, tropical fish, and underground channels that connect to the sea. Guests can participate in activities such as a sea lion show, a dolphin swim, and a crocodile exhibit at Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park, located around the lagoon. Visit an authentic Mayan home to sample traditional foods, zip-lining, and treetop climbing, among other things to do.
There are over 30 Mayan sites on Cozumel, some of them perched above pristine beaches or nestled in dense jungle. San Gervasio in San Miguel de Cozumel is by far the most historic, dating from AD 800. Nothing is more memorable than seeing the Temple of Ix-Chel the epicenter of religious life on the island for centuries and a pilgrimage site across the empire.
The nearby ruins of Santa Rita and Santa Pilar are also worth visiting, as are the ruins of Castillo Real a short distance further away. Cozumel's most extensive Mayan ruins are here. Mayan remains are also found in the south of the island at El Caracol and in the southeast corner at Buenavista.
Also, Read: Top 5 Best Beaches in Cozumel
From March to June is the best time to visit Cozumel. The island enjoys daytime high around 90-degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures in the mid-70s. Moreover, winters are slightly more relaxed, with temperatures ranging between the upper 60s and the lower 80s, so it is best to pack layers.
