Monday, October 14, 2013
What to do in Cozumel
Who
comes to Cozumel? Scuba divers in search of thrilling dive sites in
crystal-clear waters. Families looking for an affordable Caribbean beach
holiday with a Mexican tang. Eco-tourists intent on exploring protected
areas, both on land and in the sea. Cozumel is in the business of
tourism and the island knows how to extend a welcome. Its people are
friendly. There's luxury for those who seek it, but there are reasonably
priced hotels and restaurants for those on a budget. Island life
encourages people to be good neighbors. In fact, Cozumel was named
"Island of Peace" in 2009 by the International Committee for the Banner
of Peace.
Cozumel has been landing on Top 10 diving lists for years now. The destination ranks high for the visibility of its waters and its colorful coral reefs teeming with a variety of fish that include nurse sharks, sea turtles and moray eels. Cozumel also stands out for the sheer number of dive sites — more than 40. These range from a sunken Spanish galleon to Palancar's huge mounds of coral studded with red gorgonian fans. The island has about 50 certified dive operators; the larger resorts or small dive-dedicated hotels have on-site dive operators, too. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses are also available for novice divers. While dive conditions are relatively safe, guides are recommended.(If nothing else, they'll lead you to prime sites to explore.)
Tip: For an all-out scuba holiday, schedule a visit during the annual Cozumel Scuba Fest in December. Divers fly in from around the world to share their knowledge and to learn about Cozumel's unique ecosystem.
Much of Cozumel remains undeveloped and protected, ensuring the island's natural beauty will flourish. Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park contains Chankanaab National Park, which contains an inland coral reef, the only one in the world. In order to protect the lagoon environment, where 60 species of fish live, swimming is forbidden.
Travelers wanting to stay dry can still explore Cozumel's famed reefs with Atlantis Adventures submarine ride. Visitors board a U.S. Coast Guard-certified submarine and dive to depths of 100 feet. The 40-minute underwater journey takes the sub to Chankanaab, to view coral reef formations and the denizens of the reef.
The operator Underwater Adventures offers traditional snorkeling and dive excursions. They also make it easy for non-divers to replicate the experience of scuba with Sea Trek and Snuba, which allows participants an experience similar to scuba. SeaTrek provides visitors with an oxygen-supplying helmet which allows them to walk underwater and experience the reefs much like a diver would. Snuba is a little different because users will be swimming underwater without having to surface for air, since they'll be connected to the surface via an air tube. Both of these underwater activities can be enjoyed by kids as young as 8 years old.
Dolphin Discovery offers up-close encounters with dolphins, from a simple pat on the dolphin's head to an experience that puts them in the water with these beloved sea mammals. There's also an educational component to the program.
COZUMEL'S MAYA PAST
The island has several ancient Mayan sites. The largest is the pre-Hispanic settlement of San Gervasio, the largest archaeological site on the island of Cozumel. The ancient Mayan site of El Cedral is tucked away in the jungles of Cozumel and can be explored via four-wheel drive vehicle or — for an Indiana Jones touch — on horseback. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel centers on the island's Mayan heritage, wildlife and pirate past. Maya Zone is a replica of a Mayan village where visitors can learn about the Maya's intriguing ancient culture and see first-hand how they farmed centuries ago.
Buena Vista Ranch is located on the island's rugged east coast. Here vacationers can ride horseback through Cozumel's lush countryside.
Golfers can tee off at the Cozumel Country Club's championship 18-hole, par 72 golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.Practice tees, a practice bunker, chipping greens and a putting green give golfers plenty of space to warm up. The course has the distinction of being singled out as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary." The Playa Azul Invitational Cozumel Golf Tournament is held at the course during the last week of April. The two-day event invites local players and visitors to square off in five categories: Men's A, B &C; and Ladies A & B.
Tip: Tee time reservations at Cozumel Country Club must be made three days in advance.
Annual events beckon visitors to join in the fun. Unlike Rio or New Orleans, Cozumel's pre-Lenten Carnival is a five-day family-friendly event with parades, music, lots of dancing and the chance to indulge in regional food and drink.
The island's port town of San Miguel is packed with boutiques, nightclubs and more than 90 restaurants and cafes, including popular tourist traps like the Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos 'n Charlie's and Señor Frogs The town hums with activity seven days a week but takes it down a notch on Sundays, when locals promenade through the town square in their Sunday best, dancing to a live band. Visitors are invited to join in, making it a wonderful opportunity to mix with the locals.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/caribbean/cozumel/things-to-do/2013/10/11/cozumel-activities-guide/2948899/
Cozumel has been landing on Top 10 diving lists for years now. The destination ranks high for the visibility of its waters and its colorful coral reefs teeming with a variety of fish that include nurse sharks, sea turtles and moray eels. Cozumel also stands out for the sheer number of dive sites — more than 40. These range from a sunken Spanish galleon to Palancar's huge mounds of coral studded with red gorgonian fans. The island has about 50 certified dive operators; the larger resorts or small dive-dedicated hotels have on-site dive operators, too. PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification courses are also available for novice divers. While dive conditions are relatively safe, guides are recommended.(If nothing else, they'll lead you to prime sites to explore.)
Tip: For an all-out scuba holiday, schedule a visit during the annual Cozumel Scuba Fest in December. Divers fly in from around the world to share their knowledge and to learn about Cozumel's unique ecosystem.
Much of Cozumel remains undeveloped and protected, ensuring the island's natural beauty will flourish. Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park contains Chankanaab National Park, which contains an inland coral reef, the only one in the world. In order to protect the lagoon environment, where 60 species of fish live, swimming is forbidden.
Travelers wanting to stay dry can still explore Cozumel's famed reefs with Atlantis Adventures submarine ride. Visitors board a U.S. Coast Guard-certified submarine and dive to depths of 100 feet. The 40-minute underwater journey takes the sub to Chankanaab, to view coral reef formations and the denizens of the reef.
The operator Underwater Adventures offers traditional snorkeling and dive excursions. They also make it easy for non-divers to replicate the experience of scuba with Sea Trek and Snuba, which allows participants an experience similar to scuba. SeaTrek provides visitors with an oxygen-supplying helmet which allows them to walk underwater and experience the reefs much like a diver would. Snuba is a little different because users will be swimming underwater without having to surface for air, since they'll be connected to the surface via an air tube. Both of these underwater activities can be enjoyed by kids as young as 8 years old.
Dolphin Discovery offers up-close encounters with dolphins, from a simple pat on the dolphin's head to an experience that puts them in the water with these beloved sea mammals. There's also an educational component to the program.
COZUMEL'S MAYA PAST
The island has several ancient Mayan sites. The largest is the pre-Hispanic settlement of San Gervasio, the largest archaeological site on the island of Cozumel. The ancient Mayan site of El Cedral is tucked away in the jungles of Cozumel and can be explored via four-wheel drive vehicle or — for an Indiana Jones touch — on horseback. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel centers on the island's Mayan heritage, wildlife and pirate past. Maya Zone is a replica of a Mayan village where visitors can learn about the Maya's intriguing ancient culture and see first-hand how they farmed centuries ago.
Buena Vista Ranch is located on the island's rugged east coast. Here vacationers can ride horseback through Cozumel's lush countryside.
Golfers can tee off at the Cozumel Country Club's championship 18-hole, par 72 golf course, designed by Jack Nicklaus.Practice tees, a practice bunker, chipping greens and a putting green give golfers plenty of space to warm up. The course has the distinction of being singled out as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary." The Playa Azul Invitational Cozumel Golf Tournament is held at the course during the last week of April. The two-day event invites local players and visitors to square off in five categories: Men's A, B &C; and Ladies A & B.
Tip: Tee time reservations at Cozumel Country Club must be made three days in advance.
Annual events beckon visitors to join in the fun. Unlike Rio or New Orleans, Cozumel's pre-Lenten Carnival is a five-day family-friendly event with parades, music, lots of dancing and the chance to indulge in regional food and drink.
The island's port town of San Miguel is packed with boutiques, nightclubs and more than 90 restaurants and cafes, including popular tourist traps like the Hard Rock Cafe, Carlos 'n Charlie's and Señor Frogs The town hums with activity seven days a week but takes it down a notch on Sundays, when locals promenade through the town square in their Sunday best, dancing to a live band. Visitors are invited to join in, making it a wonderful opportunity to mix with the locals.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/experience/caribbean/cozumel/things-to-do/2013/10/11/cozumel-activities-guide/2948899/
0 comments:
Post a Comment