One Week in Cozumel

Did you get a look at the color of that water? Unbelievable. Look again. It's perfect for swimming, diving, overall enjoyment at the beach. You're in Cozumel, Mexico. One the hottest spots in the Caribbean, loaded with plenty to do and so much to see.

This fine island is located just off the coast of the tropical Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel mixes traditional culture from Mexico with the crystalline waters and - of course - the laid-back lifestyle of the Caribbean. Sound like paradise?

It did to us.

It was here Jacques Cousteau came again and again to scuba dive in the 1960's which help put Cozumel on the map, and if you come and don't dive, or at least snorkel, you leave without experiencing the main tourist attraction.

There's a long string of coral reef along the west shore here with more than a dozen world class dive sites. Those extreme walls divers love to explore and short tunnels - the best shallow diving is found right here. We found nurse sharks and eagle rays, lobsters and manta rays.

Once you're above the surface, we recom- mend mingling with the locals in San Miguel's town plaza. For more information on diving, visit any local dive shop, but know we had problems with Cozumel Undersea Adventures.

Next, let's take a look at where to stay in Cozumel. NEXT! >>

Playa San Francisco - The Best Beach

Further south lies Playa San Francisco, an inviting 3-mile stretch of sandy beach that's considered the longest and finest on Cozumel.

Playa San Francisco is actually two beaches, Playa Maya and Santa Rosa. One tip: During high season (winter USA), this beach can get crowded with cruise ship passengers.

You know you’ve found the best when the locals also join you at the beach. They’ll be there on Sunday, eating fresh fish and enjoying live music. Now because of the popularity, it's the most expensive beach on the island.

Playa San Francisco offers all the amenities: two outdoor restaurants, a bar, dressing rooms, gift shops, volleyball nets, beach chairs, and a variety of water-sports equipment for rent.

You will see divers using Playa San Francisco as their jumping-off point for the San Francisco reef and the Santa Rosa wall.

The abundance of turtle grass in the water, however, makes this a less-than-ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.

Resort construction in the area is changing the face of this one-time idyllic beach.

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - medium to large grain white/gold powder, soft
• Facilities - full-service
• Shade - some palm huts, umbrellas, palms
• Sports - full-service equipment rental
• Notes - something for everyone, can be crowded - visit early