Cozumel Points Of Interest Travel Tips

Archaeological Sites:

• El Cedral Just beyond Playa San Francisco, a paved highway heads inland 3.5 kms. to this, the oldest structure on the island. Traces of original Mayan wall paintings are visible.
• San Gervasio The island's best preserved, most visited ruins. The site is a group of small shrines and temples honoring Ix-Chel, the Mayan goddess of medicine, corn, weaving, love, and fertility. Take the trans-island road heading east from San Miguel. Turn left at the small sign and head north about 9.5 kms. Admission is about 18 pesos. Open daily 8am-4pm.

Snorkeling
Many of Cozumel's best spots are within splashing distance from shore. Equipment rentals are available throughout the island. The western side of the island is dotted with dozens of excellent sites.

Here are a few suggestions:

• Chankanaab Bay: teeming with fish and calm, clear water; several lime stone caves and tunnels make for great fun. You can also swim with dolphin's at a marine park here.
• La Ceiba Bay: a sunken aircraft wreck lies 150 yards off shore in about 25 feet of water, home to a plethora of colorful fish, colorful fish, coral, and sponges.
• Playa San Francisco: calm water and close-to-shore undersea delights. This beach has full-service amenities (dining, equipment rentals). Full day snorkeling and half day snorkeling excursions can be easily arranged upon arrival, and often include equipment and lunch. For non-snorkelers there are glass-bottom boat trips are arranged at most resort hotels.

Sportfishing
The area's exceptional diving overshadows the island's excellent fishing. Billfish, including marlin and sailfish, are caught within .5 km. of shore (season: March through June). Dorado, bonita, barracuda, amberjack and wahoo are caught year around. Most excursions leave from the Club Abrigo Nautico de Cozumel, located north of town near the airport. A popular billfish tournament comes to the island every May. Water Sports Windsurfing, sailing , jetskiing and waterskiing are also popular on the island's western shore. Nearly all resorts have water sports rentals. Playa San Francisco offers the widest range of watersports equipment.

Excursions
Beyond the island's waterside activities, there's plenty to see and do away from the shore. Since only about 5% of Cozumel's terrritory has any development, exploration centers on natural attractions (beaches, lagoons, jungle-like forests), Mayan ruins, and the relaxed city of San Miguel. The island's Mayan ruins and beaches can be seen easily in a day. There are also some "must-see" attractions on the main-land across from Cozumel. Some other land-based activities on the island include minature golf, tennis, scooter & mountain bike rentals, and exploring the Cozumel's fine museum.

Shopping:
San Miguel's waterfront boulevard (the malecon) and the main plaza are the centers of Cozumel's shopping. Thanks to the island's duty free status and discriminating cruise ship clientele, Cozumel has stocked stores selling quality Mexican and imported items.

Dining:
Restaurants range from simple beach eateries to deluxe establishments. Chefs, cooks and waiters are sincerely eager to please and take pride in the quality of their fare -- seafood is pre-eminent and meticulousy fresh. Dining centers around San Miguel. Expect casual atmosphere and friendly service. There is a surprising variety of ethnic / international dining, from Italian to French and Lebanese to Japanese, and of course you must try authentic Yucatecan specialties.

Nightlife:
Evening entertainment begins and ends early in Cozumel, compared to the rest of Mexico. Restaurants are full by 8pm and start to wind down by midnight. Most discos, clubs & larger bars can be found here, mainly in the hotel zone or in the marina. Some of the larger resorts have there own discos. Live tropical music is easy to find in many hotel lobbies.