Cozumel insider tips
To visit Cozumel is to discover the third largest island in Mexico. This place is according to Unesco, a Biosphere Reserve, and one of the best diving destinations in the world. But you can live its full potential like a local. Here are some Cozumel insider tips.
The Reserve of Punta Sur
Punta Sur, on the southern tip of Cozumel, is a nature reserve of 2500 acres. It stretches between white sand beaches, lakes and palm trees. It is the largest ecological reserve in Cozumel and home to a multitude of amphibians, reptiles, exotic birds and mammals.
The star of the place is the crocodile, which can be observed from a viewpoint or with a guided boat tour that is included in the entrance fee. There is also the archaeological site of El Caracol (1200-1400) and the Celerain lighthouse, which can be reached by climbing 133 steps to have an exceptional 360 degree view of the beaches and the sea.
Cozumel insider tips: Chankanaab
This beautiful park and beach club is one of Cozumel’s main attractions. It is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy both nature and the beach, with a cultural angle. You can easily spend a day here because there is so much to do and see: Snorkeling in one of the most beautiful reefs in the area and seeing its submerged statues of the Virgin and Christ, admire the crystal clear water of the Chankanaab lagoon with its 60 species of tropical fish and coral, or discover the 60 replicas of Mayan, Aztec and Toltec sites.
Diving in Cozumel
Of course, the best activity to do in Cozumel is diving. Simply because the island is known to be one of the best places to dive and snorkel in the world. The Cozumel Reef National Park covers the south of Cozumel and is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the 2nd largest in the world. There is an impressive biodiversity (turtles, 26 species of corals and 300 species of fish) and water that offers very good visibility.
This is where you can find some of the most famous spots of the island, for all levels: the reefs of Palancar, Columbia, Paraiso, Punta Tunich, Chankanaab, Santa Rosa, the Garganta del Diablo (an underwater cave) and the wreck Felipe Xicoténcatl.
Cozumel insider tips: El Cielo
El Cielo is one of the most beautiful places to see in Cozumel. It is a 800m long sandbank on the coast of Cozumel, surrounded by beautiful transparent and shallow water. In order to protect this little paradise, it can only be reached by boat or catamaran, and it is mandatory to take an organized excursion of about 4 hours. The excursion takes you first to the reef of Palancar to snorkel and observe the marine fauna. Then you arrive at El Cielo with its crystal clear water of barely 1m where you can see rays, turtles and several starfish. Hence its name, “The Sky”.
