Top 7 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico

One of the most popular diving and snorkeling spots in Mexico, Cozumel has become an extremely popular cruise ship destination in the recent years. The island is by far the largest island of Mexico and boasts of a vast variety of unique sights and activities that can be found nowhere else. The turquoise waters, plenty of adventure activities, the presence of ancient Mayan Ruins and exciting marine life viewing activities help transform Cozumel into a tourist magnet. A few of the Things to Do in Cozumel include –

07. Have a blast at the Discover Mexico Cozumel Park

The Discover Mexico Cozumel Park, the one and only theme park of Mexico, is extremely popular for offering an exciting insight into the country’s rich and varied history, traditions and culture. While the museum aspect of the park is quite amazing, one of the best experiences are offered on the Jose Cuervo Tour. This is by far the best place to taste and learn how to make the most exquisite tequila in the Caribbean. The entry fee also includes an authentic taco lunch along with a shot of tequila to help complete the perfect day in Cozumel.

 

06. Explore the town of San Miguel

San Miguel is the only town of Cozumel and boasts of a laid back atmosphere and the charming remains of colonial Mexico. The most popular destination in town is the Parque Benito Juarez (also known as Plaza Central or Zocalo), the centre plaza of the town. The area is surrounded by a wide variety of shops, hotels and restaurants and is an extremely pleasant place to go for a walk as well. The best time to visit the Zocalo is on a Sunday when locals gather around the plaza to enjoy open air concerts and exotic dances. The Avenida Rafael Melgar, the main stretch of town, is another popular tourist spot due to the presence of a vast variety of top end boutiques, designer jewelery shops, department stores and fabulous restaurants. The Malecon, a boardwalk which runs parallel to the Avenida Melgar, is quite popular for its beautiful sculptures that commemorate various events in the history of Cozumel as well.

05. Swim with the Dolphins at the Dolphinaris Cozumel

The Dolphinaris Cozumel offers one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences of the Caribbean. Nestled on the shores of a turquoise sea, this natural dolphin habitat is an ideal place for tourists to meet, greet and interact with these beautiful creatures. The Dolphinaris also allows guests to swim with the dolphins, learn how ride them and understand dolphin behavior.

 

 

04. Sunbathe at the Stingray Beach

The Stingray Beach allows tourists to feed the stingrays, kiss them for good luck, learn about their behavior and habitat and snorkel with them as well. The best part is that the staff who maintain the stingray program are extremely courteous and completely professional which ensures that tourists have a gala time every time they visit the Stingray Beach. A word of caution for nature enthusiasts – make sure that you stay away from the barrier fences as they have some really sharp coral that might lead to cuts and bleeding.

 

03. Embark for the Jean Laffite Pirate Dinner Cruise

The Jean Laffite Pirate Dinner Cruise may seem to be plain and boring in those simple brochures, but it is anything but so. Not only is the Jean Laffite Cruise among the best pirate shows of the Caribbean, it is one of the most authentic ones as well. The ship that meets and greets tourists and picks them up from the pier is actually a pirate ship which is full of pirates! As soon as it sets sail, the show begins and the pirate actors to a commendable job to enthrall and captivate their audience. The best part is that no guest is ever without a drink which keep coming around. There are a number of games, dancing and music as well. To top it all, the cruise also serves some of the best lobsters and steaks in the Caribbean.

02. Discover ancient Mayan Ruins in Coba

Coba, once a prosperous Mayan civilization with about 500,000 inhabitants and a commercial center of the Mayan empire and among the largest Mayan Cities of the Yucatan Peninsula, is now an ancient ruin amid a beautiful rain-forest. However, this site still manages to offer plenty of thrills to the tourists. The best part is that tourists can climb on top of one of the pyramids and get to watch the fascinating views of unexplored ruins, captivating scenery and shimmering lakes. Another attraction of the ruins is the ballpark (a site where the Mayans sacrificed lives to their gods during the game of Pok Ta Pok) that is about the same size as a modern day football field. The mesmerizing butterflies, chattering monkeys and exotic tropical birds also offer the perfect backdrop.

01. Snorkel in the Palancar Reef region

Topping the list of the Top 7 Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico is snorkeling in the Palancar Reef region. Made immortal by Jacques Costeau’s TV show, the Palancar Reef is the main attraction of the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel, also known as the Cozumen Reefs National Park. The reef actually consists of 4 different coral reefs which are home to a wide variety of marine life such as moray eels, nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, lobsters, barracudas, exotic tropical fish and crabs. The Palancar is also famous for its swim through corals and huge brain corals, though this site can only be accessed by expert divers.

 

Cozumel, Mexico is the final port-of-call on the Jade Lee cruise. Lots to see and do! If you can’t wait until June, Cozumel is a wonderful winter escape destination. You’ll want to book early as it’s a hot spot for those wanting to getaway from the cold. Have you ever been to Cozumel?