EXCURSIONS IN COZUMEL

Beyond the island's waterside activities (diving, snorkeling, swimming, windsurfing), there's plenty to see and do away from the shore. Since only about 5% of Cozumel's territory 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 mainland across from Cozumel.  You may rent motorcycles, bicycles or jeeps for transportation or take a taxi.

Cozumel is known as one of the great diving destinations in the world. The spectacular combination of its pristine coral reefs located on the southern shore of the island, and its exceptional water clarity has transformed Cozumel into a diver's paradise. For those who want to enjoy the corals and multicolored fishes the option of snorkeling is there. Diving is not the only way to have an adventure in its crystal waters; during your visit you may enjoy some others sea sports as well as a horse ride along the beach. Making a stop in your nautical activities, a tour to the San Gervasio ruins, located in the middle of the island jungle, is a great adventure. Keeping on your cultural and historical tour, a visit to the museum is a journey through the course of time.

Cozumel, like many of the resort cities in Mexico, has excellent fishing. The waters off Cozumel swarm with over 200 species of fish, including all of the major sportfish that anglers have come to expect from Mexican waters.  Sport fishing is performed in two different ways in Cozumel: the deep sea fishing, where you can catch very appreciated species like white and blue marlin, sail fish and many others. The other is shallow water fishing that is practiced mainly in the lagoons located on the northern part of the island.

San Miguel:
This colorful, relaxed town is the island's center of attraction. Its classic grid layout makes navigating easy. People congregate around the Plaza del Sol, the city's seaside main square. The usual assortment of T-shirt shops, cafes, jewelry stores, arts and crafts shops fan out from the Plaza. Most of the island's eateries are here, offering something for every taste and budget. Several well-stocked duty-free shops line the malecon, Cozumel's seaside promenade. By mid-day the town is brimming with cruise ship passengers and sightseers from Cancun.

Evenings, the city comes to life once again when town residents and visitors shop, dine and stroll. Sunday evenings are extra special. The city's families congregate around the main square for casual conversation, people watching, and an occasion-al children's skit or musical performance. Mornings tend to be a quieter time, when day-to-day village life unfolds. The island's residents, most of them born and raised here, are cheerful, friendly and easy going. A subtle indigenous flair drapes the city, as many residents are of Mayan descent.

Archaeological Sites:
The island's scattered, crumbling ruins are testimony to Cozumel's role as a Mayan ceremonial and commercial center. Most ruins are small, low-to-the-ground square buildings (don't expect giant pyramids).

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.