First Time in Cozumel

Description:

The art of painting on feathers is a Mexican art that is dying. This gallery/shop is the only one on this coast still producing oil paintings on the feathers of indigenous tropical birds. Well-executed paintings can be as small as a hummingbird's feather or as large as an Eagle's. Style and skill change according to the artist but there is a great deal of fine choices, all framed. This is an unique souvenir and buying one of the painted feathers helps keep this craft alive.

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.

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Cozumel's main church, Iglesia de San Miguel, continues to be a central meeting point for the predominantly Catholic locals. More than 100 years ago, farmers digging up a field found a beautiful ivory statue of St. Michael the Archangel brandishing a gold sword and crown. It is thought to be a gift from Juan Grijalva who landed on Cozumel in 1518. The statue was found on Sept 29th, the holy day of San Miguel, and Cozumelenos took that as a heavenly sign to name church and town San Miguel. The statue now rests on the church's altar.

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 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:

During the sailing & snorkeling adventure tour, we start with some sailing, then go snorkeling for a bit, have some guacamole and fruit, snorkel again, followed by a nice lunch and a sail back. Snorkel equipment is available at no charge. Beer, water & soda is free flowing throughout the trip. It all revolves around what you enjoy. What is great about our trip is that the boat is not packed with people! Our departure time is flexible too, so let us know if there is a time that suits you better. The trip lasts 4 hours. We can take up to 20 people if you have a large group. Normally though, our trips are smaller and more intimate. We are not the cattle boat motorsailing along! We really sail on our single hull sailboat, named the Adelaide. It is truly a grand adventure! The sailing sunset tour sets sail under a dreamy setting sun. We'll have guacamole & fruit, and the beer, water & soda will be flowing. Hear the splashing of the ocean or choose to listen to some music. The trip lasts 3 hours. We can take up to 20 people if you have a large group. Come aboard, relax and enjoy a spectacular sunset. We always try to sail, however at times the wind doesn't always cooperate. In the event the... read more

Description:

This humble blue and white restaurant is another Cozumel delight that has the basics down: good food, good drinks and good service. They serve only the best and freshest seafood and fish. Enjoy the Snapper, Caribbean Lobster or the huge sea food platter. If you are craving something more exotic try the Oysters Rockefeller or the Stuffed Squid. The prices are excellent here and the wait staff are a treat.

Description:

While not officially a night spot, this bar serves up cold beer and ceviche beachside, with Bob Marley playing in the background. Relax. You're in Mexico.

Description:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

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:

For Mexican food, I like this place, and so do a lot of locals. Platters of poblano chiles stuffed with shrimp, grilled brochetas (kebobs), and pollo en relleno negro (chicken in a sauce of blackened chiles) are among the specialties. The table sauces and guacamole are great, and the daily specials can be good, too. This is an open-air restaurant with well-spaced tables under a tall thatched roof. Breakfasts are good as well.

Description:

In operation since 1984, this small diving operation (NAUI, PADI and IANTD certified) offers courses for beginners and advanced divers. Three two-tank dives leave daily at 8am, 10am and 1:30pm. Night dives and cenote (sinkhole) dives are also available and the naturalist on staff can answer any of your questions about the marine life you may see. All dives are restricted to six or less divers. Excellent dive packages are offered in conjunction with the Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel. Call or e-mail for package details.

Description:

Naturally, this reef is located just off the shores of Playa San Francisco (the beach is actually named after the reef). This one kilometer reef has a wall of coral that is only 35-50 feet deep but with strong currents. Many dive operators take beginning divers here when they are ready for their first wall dive or drift dive. Visibility is excellent and there is spectacular coral and brightly colored sponges along with plenty of angelfish, clown fish and grouper. This is a good spot for marine photography; it is part of the Parque Marino de Cozumel.

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:

Providing fine dining with a nautical theme, this restaurant's large bay windows provide an excellent view of the waterfront and sometimes a breathtaking sunset. The menu is quite extensive, a few of the house specialties include Chateaubriand, Prime Rib, T-Bone, Caesar salad and flambe desserts. Some dishes are prepared table side. Casual dress is acceptable, but reservations are strongly recommended because the lines get long when cruise ships are in the port.

Description:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

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:

Fly High Adventures is an eco-park where the first attraction is it Zip Lines, it has 12 platforms with 6 trails. They are located 10 minutes away from downtown and 5 minutes from the international pier at the south part of the island. The main building is a Mayan palapa with bathrooms, lockers and a snack-bar with a deck covered from rain and sun where you can also buy snacks or drinks. It is surrounded by jungle that has all kinds of wild animals and plants. The excellent view from the top of the towers makes it unique, with all the different Caribbean colors of the ocean on one side and the horizon of the jungle on the other. The equipment that they provide is the latest on the market with the highest quality and comfort, which is mainly harness, pulleys, gloves and helmet. Their first concern is and all their guides are first aid and rappel-rescue certified. Each trail has a double line for double security. All the towers have emergency stairs that are communicated with a path that takes to the main palapa.

Description:

You can opt to sit on the veranda or in the tropical garden at this handsomely understated eatery, but either way, the fusion menu of Mexican and Caribbean flavors is sure to delight you. La Veranda starters include French Onion Soup or Caesar Salad prepared at your table. For entrees try the fish marinated in strawberry beer, shrimp curry or jerked chicken. Or, if you were out fishing, bring in your catch and they will cook it up for you. Waiters put on quite a show with the flambé desserts and drinks, which, of course, are divine.

Description:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

Description:

Located at the southernmost tip of Cozumel, this 247-acre nature reserve opened in 1999. Its focus is on conservation of local flora and fauna, so no cars are allowed into the park. If you're lucky you may spot crocodiles, egrets, foxes, herons, iguanas and other wildlife. You can also visit the Mayan ruin El Caracol and the navigational museum in the Punta Celerain Lighthouse. The Balneario el Caracol restaurant serves excellent meals and rents out snorkel gear. The beach here is quite pristine.

Description:

El Moro is an out-of-the-way place that has been around for a long time and has always been popular with the locals, who come for the food, the service, and the prices -- but not the decor, which is orange, orange, orange, and Formica. Get there by taxi, which will cost a couple of bucks. Portions are generous. Any of the shrimp dishes use the real jumbo variety when available. For something different, try the pollo Ticuleño, a specialty from the town of Ticul, a layered dish of tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, crispy baked corn tortillas, and fried chicken breast, topped with shredded cheese and green peas. Other specialties include enchiladas and seafood prepared many ways, plus grilled steaks and sandwiches.

Description:

They have a tongue-in-cheek slogan "Second Best Dive Operator In Cozumel ! (The Other 110 say that THEY are the Best)" but have been rated in the top 5 dive operations since 1977. Owner Cesar Zepata takes divers of all levels out to explore the reefs. They offer training at all level and speciality dive packages include cave diving in Akumal and a week long dive trip to Cuba. Ask about their excellent hotel/dive packages.

Description:

The average depth of this reef is 50-70 feet making it a great reef for the second dive. It is rich with coral, sponges and sea fans as well as sea cucumbers, eels, snapper, eagle rays and other species that dwell in its coral valleys. The swift current makes it best for drift dives where you relax and let the current carry you along. Tormentos is one of the best places for underwater photography and divers flock here to snap photos of the amazing marine life. It is part of the Parque Marino de Cozumel.

Description:

This ship was deliberately sunk by the Mexican government in an attempt to create an artificial reef that would lure some of the tourist traffic away from the natural coral reefs thereby preserving them. Its addition to the Parque Marino de Cozumel was mired in controversy as many worried the ship would unbalance the delicate reef ecology. The 184 feet long, 33 feet wide ship rests in 80 feet of water between the Chankanaab Reef and Tormentos Reef.

Description:

Blown up and then sunk for the 1977 Mexican disaster movie Survive 11, this 40 passenger Convair airplane has become one of the more popular diving and snorkeling spots on Cozumel. Located a mere 300 feet off the La Ceiba pier, you can easily swim out to see the plane 30 feet below. Divers enjoy exploring the coral configurations and the hordes of tropical fish that find shelter under the wings of the plane. The nearby dive shop rents snorkeling equipment. It is part of the Parque Marino de Cozumel.

Description:

You won't have any trouble making up your mind on what to eat, lobster is your only choice! This whole restaurant is done up with a maritime theme. You walk a plank to get inside and sit amongst nets and shells adorning the palapa (thatched) roof. Yes, it's hokey but the lobsters are incredibly fresh and succulent with a taste similar to Maine lobster only saltier. Lobsters are sold by weight, salad, bread, a beverage and soup are included with your meal.

Description:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

Description:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

Description:

Located south of San Miguel, this park offers a combination of history, archeology and recreation. There is excellent snorkeling and diving at the underwater park where you can spot sunken ships, anchors, statues and tons of tropical fish. You can also swim with dolphins at the Dolphin Discovery or find out more about Maya ruins at the Parque Arqueologico. The museum has exhibits on marine life, while the botanical garden has more than 450 species of regional plants. Children of all ages will enjoy the sea lion park and its daily shows.

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:

Palatial in scale and modern in style, the Presidente spreads out across a long stretch of coast with only distant hotels for neighbors. Rooms come in three categories -- pool view, ocean view, and beach front. A terrace or a balcony offers the indoor/outdoor mix that's so enjoyable in a beach hotel. Downstairs rooms are beach front, ocean suites, and reef rooms (larger and practically right up to the water), upstairs are ocean view. Rooms are oversize and have large, beautifully finished bathrooms. A long stretch of sandy beach, dotted with palapas and palm trees, fronts the entire hotel. This property is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World.

Facilities: 3 restaurants; 4 bars; babysitting; 24-hr. butler service in reef section; children's club; concierge; access to golf club; fully equipped fitness center; 2 outdoor pools; wading pool; room service; smoke-free rooms; spa; 2 lighted tennis courts; watersports equipment rental; dive shop.

Description:

This quaint restaurant has over 90 years of history. It's been in the Angulo family for three generations, serving the very best in Yucatecan specialities. Denis Angulo oversees the operation but his Juanita Angulo is the real genius. Enjoy her huevos rancheros, pollo pibil and the pork brochette. Inside the walls are covered with photos of the family alongside famous people who have eaten there (can you can find Jackie O's picture). You can also dine outdoors under an ancient mamey tree. Prices are very reasonable. His grandson runs the excellent Las Tortugas restaurant.

Description:

Nestled between Playa Chen Rio and Punta Morena on the eastern coast, Playa de San Martin is the place where sea turtles come to lay their eggs in May and June. The government is quite serious about preserving this endangered species and soldiers are deployed to prevent poaching. During the nesting season, tourists are not allowed on the beach. When the turtles have finished their breeding season, this beach is ideal for privacy. To take in the panoramic views of the ocean with a cold beer in hand, visit the nearby Coconut's Bar and Grill.