Weekend in Cozumel

Stay in a bungalow along the water at Iberostar Cozumel, which is one of Cozumel's most elegant resorts but also embraces the local landscape, with lots of local plants and wildlife (iguanas galore!) around the property. Located on the west side of the island along the reef, the private beach opens up to a cove that's snorkeling heaven. There's also a great dive operation on the grounds that offers hotel pool scuba certification and can take you out for dives....read more

Stay in a bungalow along the water at Iberostar Cozumel, which is one of Cozumel's most elegant resorts but also embraces the local landscape, with lots of local plants and wildlife (iguanas galore!) around the property. Located on the west side of the island along the reef, the private beach opens up to a cove that's snorkeling heaven. There's also a great dive operation on the grounds that offers hotel pool scuba certification and can take you out for dives. Since Cozumel is known as one of the premiere diving locations in the world, it's best to get certified ahead of time, but they also have a short novice introductory course that allows you to get in some dive time in the reefs without committing to a full open-water certification course. Either way, make sure you are able to get to enjoy the experience of diving Cozumel's reef system, the second longest in the world. There are a number of reefs in the Parque Marino de Cozumel along the western coast that are perfect for divers of any experience level, including the Paraiso, San Francisco, and Tormentos reefs. After you've had a whole day of exploring the western reefs, a sunset sailing trip with Cozumel Sailing is the ideal way to wind down and relax. Have a late dinner at French Quarter, which offers incredible cajun classics in a beautiful open-air upstairs patio setting.  hide

Since the island is so small, there are a number of easy ways to get around. Renting a car is probably the most convenient and is relatively inexpensive, especially if you can communicate a little in Spanish. Taking cabs around is also convenient and is a bit pricier but you don't have to worry about driving yourself (and can enjoy the occasional afternoon beer or cocktail). Scooters and bicycles can also be fun, but with such a short stay, you may want to...read more

Since the island is so small, there are a number of easy ways to get around. Renting a car is probably the most convenient and is relatively inexpensive, especially if you can communicate a little in Spanish. Taking cabs around is also convenient and is a bit pricier but you don't have to worry about driving yourself (and can enjoy the occasional afternoon beer or cocktail). Scooters and bicycles can also be fun, but with such a short stay, you may want to stick to vehicular transportation. Whatever your choice, head to the Parque Chankanaab for the morning. Located on the coast, this ecopark has tons to do, but particularly enjoyable are the archaeological artifacts and museum, swimming with dolphins, and snorkelling or snuba (a fun activity halfway between snorkeling and scuba diving) off their beach area, where there are several fascinating wrecks and caves to explore, as well as beautiful sealife, of course. Pack up in the early afternoon and drive (or ride) up the eastern side of the island, and stop for lunch at Coconuts, a Cozumel institution. In a beautiful spot overlooking the rougher waters of the eastern shore, this is an ideal place to enjoy fresh fish and a cold beer in the afternoon. Continue on north afterwards to San Gervasio, Cozumel's most significant Mayan archaeological site. A place of worship, many Mayans pilgrimaged here to pay homage to the fertility goddess. There are guides around to hire for a tour, but this place is just as well explored on your own, as there are signs describing the larger structures and there's plenty to discover if you take some time to walk around the larger site. Finish your trip with the freshest seafood in town for dinner at El Capi Navegante, one of Cozumel's lesser-known gems.  hide