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Arrecife Palancar ~ Isla Cozumel:
The reefs are where it's at
for prime scuba diving off this island. One of the best is the kilometres-long Arrecife Palancar (Palancar
Reef), where stunning coral formations and a 'horseshoe' of coral heads offer some of the world's finest down-under-it-all
at an amazing 70m (230ft) visibility. Underwater photographers should bring pleanty of film. The water around
the reef is about 24m (80ft) deep, providing pros endless opportunities for fantastic deep-water diving. The north
end of the reef, called Palancar Gardens, is shallower but just as gorgeous. There are caverns as well as plenty
of brightly coloured sea creatures.
The Palancar Reef areas
are popular, so their much-lauded coral is always vulnerable to attack. Be careful to leave the area no less pristine
than it was before your arrival. To get to this reef, which is over a kilometre (not quite a mile) off shore, you can
sign up for a day cruise or charter a boat from a tour agency.
El Cedral ~ Isla Cozumel:
This Mayan ruin, which functioned as a jail in the 19th century,
is the oldest on the island, dating way, way back to AD800. It's not a very obviously alluring attraction, but is the
most accessible of Cozumel's ruins; it's 3.5km (2mi) down a paved road that heads off to the left a kilometre or two south
of Playa San Francisco's access road. The ancient structure is only the size of a small house, so keep your eyes peeled
for it. El Cedral is thought to have been an important ceremonial site, and today there is a small stucco church sitting
next to the ruin.
Parque Chankanaab ~ Isla Cozumel:
This park on the bay of the same
name swarms with snorkellers, enjoying the brightly coloured fish admist the sunken artificial
objects. However, its beach is a stunner; walk 50m (164ft) inland to reach a limestone lagoon that is home to a host
of iguanas and turtles. You can't swim or snorkel here, but it's a pretty place to visit nonetheless.
Also on the park grounds are a small archaeological park containing
Olmec heads and Mayan artefacts; a small museum holding objects imported from Chichén Itzá, opportunities to swim with dolphins or watch sea lions strut their stuff (for a price); as well as a botanical
garden sprouting 400 species of tropical plants. Travellers with young adults will also appreciate the
children's playground.
Playa San Francisco ~ Isla Cozumel:
A 14km (9mi) jaunt from San Miguel
on Cozumel's west coast, Playa San Francisco is one nice sandy spread. And
with white sands running for more than 3km (2mi) it's a popular spot, where locals and daytrippers from the cruise ships go
to snorkel, relax and play beach games like volleyball. It's a great spot to picnic, or alternatively, pricey food is
available at one of several restaurants within reach. If dive shops get your heart pumping, you'll find plenty to keep
you occupied here.
A little more isolated in nature, Playa Palancar,
a few kilometres south, has calm jet-ski-less waters to its credit. It is a beautiful place for a swim.
San Miguel de Cozumel:
Isla Cozumel's only town is San Miguel
de Cozumel, and it is where you'll find many restaurants, bars, hotels, tour agencies, banks and other amenities.
It is well-equipped to deal with the global influx - you can chow down on food ranging from vegetarian to Mediterranean to
local mesquite-grilled chicken.
The waterfront Avenida Rafael Melgar
is generally bustling with cruise-ship tourists; wander off the track a little for a dose of the vibrant local
scene. But before leaving Avenida Rafael Melgar, check out the fine Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, which presents a clear
and detailed picture of the island's flora, fauna, geography, geology and ancient Mayan history. Well-scripted signs
in both English and Spanish accompany the exhibits. Get your lesson on Coral 101 here before heading out to the reefs.
Plaza Del Sol, the town's main square, is a popular spot for strolling,
hanging out and people-watching, especially on Sunday evenings when all of the locals seem to be out, soaking up the mexican atmosphere.
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