Cozumel Activities
One of the main Cozumel activities and attractions is certainly diving, since this island features the second largest coral reef in the world. Cozumel sightseeing offers beautiful sceneries and various activities visitors can delight in, such as water-sports, boat tours, sunset cruises, an ecological park, duty free shopping and a few archaeological sites as well. Semi-submersible subs and real submarines are available to take you to see the undersea wonders, unique to Cozumel; or venture on horseback through the jungle. Here we let you know some of the main Cozumel attractions that you can enjoy on your next visit to this gorgeous island.
Horseback Riding
This is the perfect way to enjoy Cozumel sightseeing. Ride on horseback through trails that will take you deep into the dense tropical jungles where the Mayans once lived. Explore the ceremonial caves and sculptures. Trip includes round-trip transportation to the ranch, horse, soft drinks, beers and bilingual guide. The ride takes approximately 3 1/2 hours long.
Punta Molas
Where tourists can watch the arrival of cruise ships and yachts from the lighthouse and visit the Snail Tomb, a little archaeological jewel which beauty speaks for itself.
San Gervasio Ruins
One of the most popular island excursions on Cozumel is to San Gervasio. A road leads there from the airport, or you can continue on the eastern part of the island following the paved transversal road. This site was once an important ceremonial center where the Mayan people gathered, coming from the mainland. The important deity here was Ixchel, known as the goddess of weaving, women, childbirth, pilgrims, the moon and medicine.
Reefs and Scuba Diving
Cozumel is a paradise for divers and sun lovers. San Miguel's diveshops outnumber the reefs, but those with less experience can also enjoy themselves at following points: Chankanaab Lagoon, where botanic gardens, a small museum, restaurants and a man-made beach line a bay which offers prime snorkeling.
Divers from around the world come to Cozumel to experience the infinite variety of underwater life. Every texture and color you could ever imagine. A certification ID will be required in order to take the advanced dive tours, such as the Palancar Reefs, Paradise, Santa Rosa, Colombia and Tormentos. At these reefs the average visibility ranges from 35 to 50 m.
Silver bate fish, eels, angelfish, grouper, techni-color parrot fish, sergeant majors and four eyed butterfly fish are among the residents you may find. . Experienced divers should head for the reefs bordering the southern point of the island (Colombia and Maracaibo), requiring and hour boat trip from San Miguel. These offer spectacular natural environments. The famous wall of Maracaibo is formed by coral covered tunnels which descend to depths of 40m, while in the 20m shallows there is a dazzling wealth of reef and marine life.
Carnaval (similar to Mardi Gras) is Cozumel's most colorful fiesta. It begins the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, with daytime street dancing and nighttime parades on Thursday, Saturday, and Monday.