Our first visit to Cozumel was over 25 years ago and we have seen many changes since then, but one thing has remained constant....the residents of Cozumel are some of the nicest and helpful people you will ever encounter. If this is your first visit to the island, these are some of the businesses & places that have enhanced our visits.
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✴Dive Ops:
Scuba Planet.......Hernan, the owner is terrific. Very flexible on schedule & dive sites. Currently has
two boats & should soon be adding a third. Just opened a new storefront on
Melgar before you get to the Intl. Pier
Blue XT Sea .......One of the premier ‘valet’ style ops on the island. Has 2 boats.
Dive w/Martin.......Has large fleet of boats. Located adjacent to the Intl. Pier. Can arrange private
boat & D/M with 3 or more divers.
Babieca...............Small with just one boat. Usually no more than 6 divers. Located at El Cid la Cieba.
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✴Restaurants: We have tried all these recently and have received excellent service & meals.
Kinta Alberto’s on the Beach Jeannie’s Waffle House
Casa Mission Alberto’s on Melgar Rock n Java
La Mission Wet Wendy’s La Choza
Parilla Mission The Thirsty Cougar Camilo’s
Le Chef El Coctelito
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✴Beaches:
The closest public beach to the condo is Playa Calititas. Located about 1/2 mile south, by the lighthouse and the new car ferry pier. Has man made beach, grassy area, palapas & showers.
A little further, by the Villa Blanca Hotel is Sunset Beach. Past the Intl. & Puerto Maya Piers is the Money Bar Beach Club. These two areas have some of the best snorkeling on the island.
As you head further south, there are a number of large Beach Clubs and of course Chankanaab Park. Some of these clubs charge admission, while some are free as long as you purchase food or beverages. These include Playa Corona, Uvas Beach Club, Carlos & Charlie’s, San Francisco, Paradise, Mr. Sancho’s, Nachi Cocom, Playa Mia & Playa Palancar.
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✴The Wild Side:
No trip to Cozumel would be complete without a trip to the east side of the island. Beautiful beaches & some funky beachside bars. If you go into the water, just be cautious of riptides. Some of the must stops along the way, from north to south are Mezcalito’s, Coconut’s(take a t-shirt or koozie to hang on the ceiling) Caution....women have a tendency to remove the shirt they have on. As you proceed further south you will pass Chen Rio and finally Bob Marley’s. Watch for the blowhole between Chen Rio & Marley’s. As you turn back west, stop at Punta Sur & visit the lighthouse & maybe see some crocodiles.
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✴Mayan Ruins:
There are two that are easily accessible.....San Gervasio, off the East/West transverse road on the north end of the island and El Cedral to the south by all the beach clubs. While they will never be mistaken for Tulum or Chichen Itza, they are still an interesting side trip.
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✴Ironman Cozumel
The first Ironman Triathlon was held two years ago. It was so successful, the organizers have announced a 4 year partnership to hold the event in Cozumel. This event has been held in November. This event has also led to improved roads on the Eastside of the island.
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✴Carnaval
If you can ever schedule your trip during Carnaval, it is a must do for Cozumel visitors. It is Cozumel’s Mardi Gras that concludes with 4 evenings of parades & partying. The dates vary each year depending on Lent and Mexican holidays.....usually late February or early March
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✴Swimming with the Whale Sharks
An amazing experience you will not forget! Between late June & early September, Isla Mujeres and Holbox experience the migration of Whale Sharks thru their waters. There are many Tour Operators that you can arrange this with.
