In my previous articles I have mentioned that the dive center I work for in the Caribbean has a very wide area of operation. Mexico is within this area. Starting from this article, I will write a few articles on diving and traveling in Mexico, especially in Cozumel.
Cozumel, located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, is one of my favorite locations with its very pleasant underwater life and rich natural and cultural heritage. If you like island life, Cozumel is big enough to meet many of your needs and small enough to keep you out of the city life.
There is an airport where you can fly directly to Cozumel from the USA, Canada and Mexico, but I think the most enjoyable way of transportation is to arrive at the island after a 45-minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen.
Most of the tourists in Cozumel are day visitors and cruise ships. For this reason, after a certain time in the evening, many places in Cozumel close and the island becomes quiet. Most of the island visitors prefer to stay on the mainland, in Playa Del Carmen, and make daily visits to Cozumel.
The main activity you can do in Cozumel is scuba diving. Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Coral Reef are among the famous diving spots and you can also explore the protected coasts by snorkeling.
You can also visit the archaeological site of San Gervasio on the island and learn about the Mayan culture, how the ancient inhabitants of Cozumel lived, worshipped and celebrated.
The center of Cozumel is generally a place that generates income from tourism and is shaped accordingly. You can get out of all this and rent a bicycle and head to the southernmost tip of the island, Pubta Sur Eco Beach Park. At this southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse known as Faro Celarain is a must-see.
Doing nothing and sitting on the beach all day is also an option. Cozumel beaches are ideal for those looking for a quiet environment towards the afternoon. However, since most of the shores are taken over by hotels, you may have to search a bit until you find a quiet spot. If you want to watch the sunset with some music, the places along the shore are just for you.
You can already find all of these with a simple google search. Now let’s take a tour from my point of view. We usually prefer to do our dives in the early hours because our students want to spend their afternoons doing other activities.
Our dives are over and we take a walk from the dive center to the city center. There are many dive centers along the shoreline. Most of the dive centers also have small cafes inside where you can have something to eat and drink.
As you get closer to the city center, the traffic starts to get heavier. Cozumel’s biggest market, Mega Market, is right at the entrance of the city center. If you want to shop like the locals and taste a little bit of that atmosphere, you should definitely stop by here.
As you go a little further, you will notice the increasing density of tourists. There are many shops along the coast selling souvenirs and touristy local clothes. If you are going to shop, be sure to bargain. You will be profitable for sure.
You can’t come here without tasting Mexican cuisine. Since Cozumel is a tourist destination, you will see many restaurants and buffets. But my advice is to get off the main street and enter the side streets. The streets get quieter as you go inside. Aunts sitting in front of their houses or children entertaining themselves by throwing their ball against the wall. And all of a sudden we hear music. That’s how we discovered one of our favorite restaurants in Cozumel, following the music, not the smell.
But what we really love is the Blue Truck that sells tacos, which we found on the recommendation of a friend. It’s a place that makes really delicious tacos at a much cheaper price than the tacos you would eat outside. Definitely add it to your list.
Cozumel is a fascinating destination that blends natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. Whether diving in its crystal clear waters, savoring its delicious cuisine or exploring its historical sites, Cozumel promises an unforgettable trip.
