Fun in the Sun

Cozumel’s delightfully tropical climate means that you can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. It’s no wonder this island, located in the Caribbean off of the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula, ranks as one of Mexico’s top tourist destinations. At thirty miles long and almost ten miles wide, it weighs in as Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, an idyllic playland both on the coast and inland.

Snorkeling, diving, charter fishing and a wide variety of other water-fun doings rank among the top attractions in this resort paradise. And, of course, the island boasts plenty of beautiful beaches for all kinds of beach play and quiet relaxation. Most of the more challenging diving spots are in the waters off the northern part of the island whereas in the south, you’ll find more tranquil beaches and shores.

Palancar Beach is one of the best places to go for all kinds of water sports or to loll on the sand and read a good book. It’s free if you’re just going to plop yourself on the beach, however, bring your wallet in case you want to rent a kayak, line up some sailing or a dive charter. Know that for the latter, it’s a good idea to hire an expert. Aldora Divers is a reputable company that will help you explore the renowned reefs of Cozumel.

For a small fee, you can enjoy the amenities of Paradise Beach, a soft, sandy beach on the western side. They also have a pool, restaurant and shops and for an additional charge, you can access snorkeling gear, SUPs, water trampolines and lots of other accoutrements for recreating. It’s a popular destination for the cruise ship crowd, so know that it can become very busy.

The beach scene in Cozumel really goes off and for one of the most exciting of all, go to Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. In addition to all kinds of complimentary activities, you can have fun with add-ons such as splashing down their 200-foot long Twin Twisters water slides. Or, you can just relax at their pool bar–that would be a bar with seats right in the pool!

It’s worth bumping along on a narrow, unpaved road to discover Punta Molas, on the cape at the northernmost part of Cozumel. Take in its old lighthouse and then park yourself on one of the beautiful beaches in this most eastern part of Mexico. This is what’s called getting away from it all.

Whether you’re snorkeling, diving, fishing or just sight-seeing, it’s terrific to find your way out onto the turquoise-blue waters surrounding Cozumel on a boat. There are many companies that can make this happen for you including Cozumel Water Sports who provides fishing tours, glass bottom boat and snorkel ours, a locally-owned boat charter and tour company, that organizes fun and safe excursions in the waters surrounding the island. More adventuresome types can even find outfits to organize kite surfing or parasailing.

Or how about going to Stingray Beach? Yeah, you guessed it. Located in San Miguel de Cozumel, the main town on the island, this facility allows you to be up close with these amazing marine life creatures. Let yourself be transfixed with their ease and grace as they float along the bottom of the sea; there’s no reason to worry about being hurt because the rays’ barbs have been clipped.

Perhaps swimming with dolphins is more your speed. Well, that’s possible to do in Cozumel as well. Check out Dolphin Discovery, a company that has facilitated human/dolphin interaction in a bunch of locales throughout the world for more than twenty years.

With the help of Mobilitrip Accessible Tours & Mobility Rentals, getting around outdoors (and indoors!) is possible for all, including those that have a disability. Whether you’re looking for a wheelchair, a mobility scooter, a beach chair or just information about where to go, Mobilitrip can very likely help you out.

Ever hear of a cenote? You will once you come to Cozumel. They are natural pits, or sinkholes, that expose the groundwater underneath. In ancient times they were used by the Maya during sacrificial ceremonies (ouch!) and today they serve as great places to explore for experienced divers. (One can only imagine what they find there.) WildTours offers a Jade Cavern Tour to a cenote that also combines ATV and swimming fun.

Chankanaab National Park, an eco park that’s a great place to go for all kinds of recreation. In addition to their diving and snorkeling tours, they have a nice beach, a zip line, gardens, nature trails and even a spa. It’s also home to dolphins, manatees and sea turtles, marine life integral to this part of the Caribbean.