One Week in Cozumel

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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 Juan

One would think palm trees and turquoise water would mean world’s best beaches, but that’s not what you’ll find in Cozumel. There are fine strips of white sand, but not many.

Cozumel developed on the side of the island with reefs, and the best beaches, we might add. That coast is sheltered by its proximity to mainland Mexico (12 miles to the west).

There are beaches on the eastern side of the island, but you’ll need a rental car to get there.

Playa (meaning “beach” in Spanish) San Juan runs along the northern hotel strip and is rock along with sand. It’s just to the north of the Melia Mayan Hotel. Loved by families, this favorite has plenty of shade, calm water, excellent windsurfing, and restaurants.

What this means is that there is full-service here. So even if you forget something, chances are one of the shops will have it.

Snorkeling is good off the beach along the rocky areas. Because of the sand runoff, coral does not grow except near the rocks.

You can rent snorkel gear at the beach.

There are some retaining walls built by the hotels in the area, but remember, in Mexico all beaches are public. Feel free to walk around the walls if the sand is better there.

BEACH INDEX

• Sand - fine grain white/gold powder, some coral pieces
• Facilities - full service, restaurants close by
• Shade - mature palms trees, huts, umbrellas
• Sports - all water sports
• Notes - not too crowded

Next, the lagoon visited by more people than any on Earth. Here >>

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 >>

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