A Week in Cozumel & Riviera Maya

Our Local Expert Says:

This small but very well designed museum offers excellent bilingual exhibits that offer introductory glimpses into the ecology, archeology, history and arts of Cozumel.

Description:

Housed in what was once Cozumel's first luxury hotel, this museum has exhibits on the history and natural environment of the island. Displays on the ground floor explain Cozumel's ecosystems including the mangroves and coral reefs as well as local conservation issues. Upstairs, ancient artifacts found at local Mayan ruins are juxtaposed with relics of the Conquistadors. Native pottery and stone tools augment this historical exhibit. Another presentation on the second floor examines Cozumel's cultural and economic development throughout the 20th century. The museum also has the excellent Del Museo cafe. Guided tours are available.

Description:

This quiet secluded beach located on the west side of the island is a great spot for a walk under the stars. This is not a mainstream tourist area. It is located just off the main island road about three and a-half miles north of San Miguel. The sign for the beach is small and rustic, so you may have to look to find it at night. The path to the beach is south of the first villa in Country Club Estates. All beaches in Mexico are open to the public. Admission is free.

Description:

El Foco (the Light Bulb) is your basic taco place. No fancy art work, no posh table settings, and colorful graffiti on the walls is what passes for decor. Regardless, there is no better place to sit down for a few cold beers and delicious tacos stuffed with pork, chicken, cheese, seafood or beef. Ravenous diners will be happy with the gargantuan portions of delicious ribs and steaks. At night, this place becomes a popular watering hole with a mix of locals and tourists tipping Coronas and toasting one another.

Description:

The reef surrounding the southern half of the island has been declared a national marine park covering 85% of Cozumel's dive sites. Second largest in the world, this reef starts in Mexico and extends down to the Gulf of Honduras. There is no better place for diving in the Western Hemisphere. When diving look but don't touch the reef or disturb the sea life.

Description:

This is a little jewel of beach about nine kilometers outside of San Miguel. It has the same magnificent snorkeling found at Parque Chankanaab but with fewer crowds. You can have a relaxed visit, rent some snorkel gear to check out the tropical fish and underwater plant life, drink beer and feel like a local. A small shop on the beach sells snacks and rents snorkel equipment.

Description:

Paraiso Reef is 330-feet offshore from the International Cruise Docks, just south of San Miguel. With a maximum depth of 30-feet, weak current and clear water, it is the preferred spot for dive operators to take beginners. This reef has endured increased diving activity and pier construction. Nonetheless, aquatic life still flourishes. Sea fans, sea cucumbers, moray eels and queen trigger fish frolic about the huge formations of brain and star coral. It's an excellent location for night diving. Those visiting the reef must pay a small fee (cash only) to the Parque Marino de Cozumel.

Description:

Palancar Shallows and Gardens is another part of the famous Palancar Reef in the Parque Marino de Cozumel. Novice divers will enjoy this shallow dive with its coral mountain that gently slopes to 70 feet. Two broad reef beds are filled with valleys, "finger canyons," where there are whip and brain corals alongside plenty of fish including nurse sharks. There is a lot of traffic to this site, but it remains in good condition and visibility is excellent.

Description:

The western beaches of Cozumel offer much safer swimming and Playa Sol is one of the best beaches around. Unfortunately, this makes it the most popular beach on the island. The Playa Sol Beach Club now charges a small fee to join the party. Water sports facilities, an open bar and buffet, pool, hammocks, kid's club, zoo and games. This is not the beach to come and be solitary and meditate.

Our Local Expert Says:

Romantic place for dinner

Description:

This is a romantic setting for couples and families that locals and tourists frequent and love. They serve fresh seafood dishes, meats, and pastas. The carpaccio changes daily depending on the local catch and is one of the best I've tried. The garlic bread is also a local favorite and is like an Indian flatbread. For meat lovers, their cuts are superb. Their house wines change depending on their menu, and their sangria is not-to-be-missed. If you like sweet liqueurs and have luck, you may get there on a day when they have limoncello.

Description:

There aren't many restaurants along the Eastern Highway, the only paved road that skirts along the island. Coconuts is located right off this road on Cozumel's only hill next to Playa del San Martin . They serve traditional American favorites like burgers and fries as well as some Mexican entrees. To make up for the regulare fare, patrons get breathtaking views of the ocean. Coconuts is also famous for its 'full moon parties' with great live music and dancing. Other than party nights, Coconuts closes at dusk.

Description:

Charter either the the 27-foot Catalina Kaylee Ray, 23-foot Newport Venture Pelicano or the 22-foot Jeanneau Jenna Lynn. Each ship can accommodate up to eight passengers. Captain the boat yourself or hire a crew. Snorkel or dive trips can be arranged from their associates at Caballito del Caribe dive shop.

Description:

There are many artists living on Cozumel who display their work in stores throughout the island. In fact, the island is making a name for itself with the amount of original art that can be bought at reasonable prices. Greg Dietrich is one of the ex-patriot artists who have settled on the island. He specializes in cameo engraved blown glass with marine or nautical themes. It's worth visiting his studio gallery if only to look at his amazing workmanship.

Description:

This tiny island just off Cozumel's northern coast is part of the state-sponsored wildlife refuge located in the Abrigo Bay. The beaches are filled with birds and wildlife. Fishing is permitted. It is possible to make day tours, and visitors can also hire boats to get to the island. For the hearty hiker in search for an adventure there are trails leading from the North Punta Molas Road to the island. Contact the tourism board for more information.

Description:

Take the shiny elevator to the second floor and step into one classy place. Saunter up to the bar and select one of the best Cuban cigars. There is also a good choice of high-quality handmade Mexican and Dominican Republic cigars. Prices run from the high to low for the selection of stogies available. Relax at a table and enjoy a smart cocktail while listening to one of the jazz bands.

Description:

This small, charming, and centrally located hotel offers Cozumel stays at reasonable rates. Guests who don't mind being a short walk or taxi to the beach can experience a wonderful vacation in a small hotel with intimate atmosphere, surrounded by beautiful architecture, tastefully decorated rooms, and friendly customized service.

Description:

This company takes guests to the best snorkeling spots aboard a fast moving catamaran. Snorkelers follow experienced guides on an underwater tour of coral formations and colorful aquatic life. Fury offers a "Two Reefs Snorkel and Beach Party". Beer and margaritas greet guests back on the beach after a snorkeling trip to Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef. A fee includes snorkeling equipment, food and cocktails. Call or check website for times and reservations.

Our Local Expert Says:

Great full moon party.

Description:

There aren't many restaurants along the Eastern highway, the only paved road that skirts along the island. Coconuts is located right off this road on Cozumel's only hill next to Playa del San Martin . They serve traditional American favorites like burgers and fries as well as some Mexican entrees. To make up for the regular fare, patrons get breathtaking views of the ocean. Coconuts is also famous for its 'full moon parties' with great live music and dancing. Other than party nights, Coconuts closes at dusk.

Description:

This restaurant housed in Museo de la Isla de Cozumel has one of the best views to be found downtown. The breakfast menu includes traditional Mexican egg dishes such as Huevos Rancheros (sunny-side up eggs with tortillas and tomato sauce) as well as pancakes, waffles and an array of fresh fruit. Lunch is sandwiches, salads and fresh juices. Enjoy the wonderful exhibits in the museum after your meal.

Description:

This rock-and-roll chain bar is one of the first places you see when you arrive at the ferry docks. It's been designed to resemble a quasi-Maya ruin with a marine fresco inside. Memorabilia includes guitars once owned by Kiss and Radiohead and clothing from Peter Gabriel, Elton John and Elvis Presley. The food is okay -- the usual burgers, ribs, chicken and pasta. The big draw here is the excellent drinks along with the great music and late hours. The boutique sells a variety of Hard Rock products including t-shirts and watches.

Description:

This popular tourist destination is surprisingly traditional and creative. Pancho's offers fun patio and garden dining. For those of you who love a classic margarita, try the regular flavor, and for the more adventurous, try the hibiscus. The latter is my favorite margarita on Cozumel. The best thing on the menu is the bean soup and is the best I've had in Mexico. They also have great tequila liqueurs for dessert. Speaking of dessert, try the fried ice cream.

They are open for lunch and dinner, and have live Mexican music from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They share a plaza with Los Cinco Soles store which has an extensive collection of tequila and Mexican arts and crafts from all over the republic. If you have any questions regarding Mexican crafts, this is the place to go - it's like touring an art gallery.

Description:

Enjoy your cup of Joe here at simple wooden tables or at the casual coffee bar with its high back chairs. Mocha, hazelnut, espresso, cappuccino, vanilla bean, dark roast and Irish cream are just a sample of the gourmet blends served. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the Black Forest Cake, cream pies, muffins, cookies, brownies and ice creams that go great with hot beverages. Lunch and dinner hours feature quiches and an assortment of freshly made pot pies.