Cozumel, which gets its name from the Mayan term for “island of swallows,” is a wildly popular vacation destination. As Mexico’s largest Caribbean island and it’s largest permanently inhabited island, Cozumel is unique in many ways. The mangrove trees that cover Cozumel are home to multiple species endemic to the island. Many cenotes are found through the island, thanks to the abundance of limestone, and are restricted to only the most qualified cave divers. The coral reefs in Cozumel are one of the island’s main attractions, and nature’s too. Exceptionally clear waters and magnificent reef formations, not to mention the effortlessness of the dive itself are just a couple reasons to dive there on your vacation. Most of the reefs found on the south side of the island are a part of the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park. Ranging 46 sq. miles these marine park contains many popular diving and snorkeling sites, as well as the MUSA Museo Subacuatico, a reef art installation with pieces from artists popular in the area. Some of the more popular diving sites within the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park includes Devil’s Throat at Punta Sur, a dive that has been described as “must dive” experience by other scuba divers; it gets its name from the narrow tunnel that drops through the red coral. Plancar Reef, which is divided into several different sections based on the formation and depth of coral, is another popular dive spot found within the marine park.Although there are an array of activities to partake in during your stay in Cozumel, one of the qualities that really sets the island apart as a place with never-ending possibilities is the proximity to many other activities and learning experiences off the island.
Taking a day trip to one of these abundant experiences is popular among visitors, and there are a vast amount of day tripping options for each and every type of traveler out there. Holbox Island, located approximately 80 miles from Cozumel, is a location to spend a day exploring while on vacation. With fishing being one of Holbox Island’s main industries you can’t go wrong enjoying some fresh seafood at El Chapulim, a restaurant known for their daily changing menu and island fusion flavors. One of the main attractions on Holbox Island during the summer months are the Whale Shark tours, as the largest aggregation of whale sharks in the world are found off the coast of Holbox Island. You can not only swim with these creatures side by side in the beautiful waters of Holbox Island, but you might even encounter turtles, manta rays, and even dolphins! If swimming with sharks is not your thing, do not worry; Holbox Island has beautiful sand beaches to take your breath away too.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park might still be located in Cozumel, but once you set foot on its properties you will feel like you have been transported to a whole new island! You can snorkel and see some of the colorful fish, and explore the underwater statues found through the vibrant reef area. Take a stroll to the Crocodile Pond and learn all about the protected species; or, for a little more lighthearted fun, spend the afternoon hanging out with dolphins in the dolphin discovery program the park offers! For more knowledge and culture, take a walk through the scenic botanical gardens featuring replicas of Mayan buildings. Be sure to take the family to the sea lion show, which is fun for all ages. Surrounded by magnificent fauna and beautiful beaches is great, but an added bonus is that there are several restaurants and other attractions found within the park.
If you are looking for the luxury of a resort, but the ability to spend time exploring history and learning, then Cozumel is a great place to vacation. With so many day trip options, as well as activities on the island, Cozumel is an exciting adventure for all. We always recommend our partner ShoreTrips when not booking with the cruise line. Please use a reliable choice.
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