About Cozumel . . .

Largest island in Mexico, Cozumel features lush green plants and palms, vast jungle areas, long stretches of sandy beaches and the brilliant blue and turquoise waters of the Caribbean. The botanical gardens of Chancanaab (pictured at left) are one of Cozumel's popular sites.

The islanders are warm and friendly and many speak English, especially those who work in areas that tourists frequent.

San Miguel, located on the western coast, is the Island's largest city. There are several large supermarkets, over 60 dive shops, dozens and dozens of restaurants and hundreds of shops. There are several locations for internet access and long distance calling stations. The ferry pier is located in town with almost hourly service each day between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the mainland (it takes about 35-minutes to cross).

The central plaza in town is the setting for the weekly fiesta each Sunday evening. Live music, local foods, dancing and festivities are enjoyed by all. This has been a local custom for years as Cozumel families gather each week in the plaza. Gringos are welcome, too, so join in the fun.

Cozumel is paradise for watersports enthusiasts! Divers come from all over the world to experience the crystal clear waters, abundant fish life and incredible coral formations on Cozumel's impressive reef system. This is world class diving with dozens of sites for beginners to advanced. Watersports and activities in Cozumel include:

• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling
• Parasailing
• Wind surfing
• Sailing
• Fishing
• Submarine
• Jet skiing
• Swimming with the dolphins
• Lobster cruise
• Catamarans

You'll find many diversions ashore as well. One of your first stops on the island should be the Cozumel Museum, open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (admission fee is $3). Displays provide information about Cozumel's history as well as a the island's ecosystem. A restaurant on the second level overlooks the ocean and is a delightful spot for breakfast (no admission fee is charged if you are only going to the restaurant).

Get out and about and explore the island. Cars, jeeps, mopeds and even bicycles are available for rent by the day or week. Drive around the island. Driving south, you'll want to stop and play at some of the great beaches toward the southern end of the island: Playa Sol, San Francisco, Nachi-Cocom, Mr. Sancho's, Palancar, etc. As you reach the southern most point of the island, the road swing to head up the eastern coastline. The island's southern light house would be south of this area; this is now an ecological park and you can visit and climb to the top of the lighthouse.

Then, continuing north along the coastal road you'll find several beachfront restaurants/bars. These are casual, hop-in-the-hammock spots where you can stay an hour or spend the day. As you reach the northern point along this road (Mezcalito's), the road will turn inland and lead you back into San Miguel. The entrance to San Gervasio is along this road; San Gervasio is the site of what's left of the Mayan ruins on the island. While not nearly as grand as Tulum or Chichen Itsa, it is worth a visit if you use one of the English-speaking guides. You'll learn much about the history of the island.

Other activities or sites of interest on the island, include:

• Horseback riding
• Jungle tours by dune buggy, ATV or jeep
• Miniature golf
• Go-carts
• Golf (new course to open January 2001)
• Horse and carriage rides
• Shopping
• Turtle watching (in-season)
• Chankanaab Botanical Park
• Cedral (small village in central park of the island). There are several ruins near. Every year there is a huge festival held in Cedral. From May 1-3 you can join the celebration with food, games, dancing, endless beer, bull fights and more!

Should you run out of things to do in Cozumel you can take the ferry to Playa del Carmen. There are many restaurants and shops there. You can also do day trips to the Mayan ruins at Tulum or visit one of the ecological parks such as Xpu-Ha, Xcaret, Xel Ha or Tres Rios.

Cozumel has an abundance of wonderful restaurants offering everything form fast food to world class gourmet dining. Choose from small homey cafes to elegant fine dining; dress is casual for all restaurants. Here are just a few of the recommended restaurants on the island:

• Lobster House offers succulent lobster in a romantic setting amidst an exotic tropical setting.
• La Cocay features gourmet dining in a pleasant atmosphere just across from the Corpus Christi church plaza
• Prima's is an island favorite with dynamite Italian specialties as well as seafood, salads and tasty desserts

Cozumel is a blend of Mexico and the Caribbean; the perfect destination for your tropical island vacation. Palmas Reales is an ideal choice for your stay in Cozumel. Contact us and we'll help you with the best vacation ever.