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! >>

Chankanaab Lagoon Beach

Chankanaab (meaning "small sea") Lagoon offers a beautiful beach, but what you’ll stop here for is the snorkeling (or diving). You can jump right in and explore limestone caves which lead to the lagoon. Chuck full of thousands of tropical fish, Chankanaab is a must see. While one of you makes use of the full-service beach, the other can snorkel till their hearts content. There’s a botanical garden here as well.

Make sure you plan at least half a day at Chankanaab. Since the cruise ships bring bus loads of passengers here, make sure you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

You can rent snorkel and dive gear here. There’s a reef a few hundred feet out (almost too far and too deep for snorkeling). A ship was sunk here to create an artificial reef a few years ago.

Cozumel is very sunny, so bring plenty of sun screen. Don’t spoil a great vacation with sunburn.

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - medium grain white/gold powder, soft, very clean
• Facilities - full-service with restaurant on-site
• Shade - mature palm trees/huts
• Sports - all water sports
• Notes - can become crowded with cruise ship passengers

Where do the locals go and which beach has live music?

It's also the best in Cozumel. Next >>