November 12, 2020. Cozumel is a great option during the pandemic. There is a mask mandate on the island, temperature checking, a lot of hand sanitizer, and a feeling of safety.
If you are looking to vacation in the Caribbean, there are many destinations to choose from. Most have beautiful beaches, clear water, and plenty of sunshine, so how do you choose? Islands are like people, and they all have different personalities. What makes Cozumel so special? Well, let me tell you all about it!
1. What Lies Beneath the Blue Water. Cozumel is a diving and snorkeling mecca, a true paradise discovered in the 1960’s by Jacques Cousteau himself. As a diver, I can highly recommend Cozumel for its astonishing clarity, visibility of 100-150 feet, and the glorious “drift”. The current is usually a comfortable, pleasing force, allowing one to drift along, whether snorkeling or diving, to see the beauty and color of the reefs. The fish are varied and colorful, and most snorkels and dives fall into the relaxing category. If looking for more excitement than a lazy drift, check out Punta Sur, The Devil’s Throat, and other faster current, deeper dives. The reefs of Cozumel offer both beginners and experts beautiful and exciting diving.
2. The Laid Back Atmosphere. Sure, you can go to the Caribbean and go to locations where there are late night clubs, dressy venues, and flashy casinos. If that is your desire, find another vacation spot. Cozumel is not flashy, and more often than not, it is quiet after 10 p.m. It is an island of families, and actually has the highest standard of living in Mexico. The island has a breezy, easy, and very laid back feel to it. The Mexican standby of, “oh, let’s do it tomorrow” (manana, manana) is present on the island. No one is in a rush, there is no hurry scurry in Cozumel. Take it easy…and while you are at it, take a siesta. Everything will still be there when you wake up.
3. Amazingly different Eco-Systems. Often, one wonders if the East Side of the Island of Cozumel (the windward side) is the same island as the West Side (facing the mainland, and leeward). The East side of Cozumel has endless sandy beaches, gorgeous blue waters crashing into shore, and low lying, succulent vegetation. It appears to be a different island from the lush, rainforested West side where the waves gently lap onto land. Visit the North Side of the Island with its lagoons and rare birdlife, a place where roads do not exist and cars cannot go. The interior of the island is still wild, heavily forested, and untainted by civilization. The only developed side of the island is the West Side, though the East Side has a few bars and beach clubs. Cozumel is also a labyrinth of cenotes and underground rivers, though most of them are not readily visible, and only expert cave divers venture in.
4. Access to the Mainland is easy, as ferries run every hour to Playa del Carmen. It only takes 30-40 minutes to get across the channel. The ferries make access to the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza easily available, and a day on the mainland at the Natural Parks of Xelha (shell-ha) and Ixcaret (Shka-ret) is always fun. Stepping from the ferry onto the dock at Playa del Carmen one can feel the difference in the atmosphere. The mainland crowds are bigger, the shopping is more intense, and the beach is a busy place.
5. The Foodie Restaurants. Cozumel has grown and gained in amenities, such as the Jack Niklaus Golf Course and the Country Club, but one of the best changes in Cozumel is the quality of the restaurants. It’s not just tacos and chips and salsa anymore. There have always been nice places to have dinner in Cozumel, but now there is true culinary artistry for traveling Foodies to enjoy. Restaurants such as La Cocay, Buccano’s at Night, Guido’s, and Kinta’s are blossoming on the island. La Cocay’s Mediterranean ambiance, and their Florentine and Napa Salads are so beautifully presented it seems a travesty to disturb them, but they are too delicious not to. The Lobster Tempura at Buccano’s at Night is delectable, Guido’s Garlic Bread is legendary on the island, and Kinta’s serves local art along with their fantastic Mexican foodie dishes. The food is worth a trip in itself!
How to Get There
Cozumel has an airport so you can fly directly to the island, or you can fly into Cancun, Mexico and take a Cancun Airport Transportation to Playa del Carmen to catch a ferry to the island. There is also a car ferry to the island, so you could do a car rental, Car Rental Cancun. However you get there, you’ll be happy to get to Cozumel.
Ah, Cozumel. I shall leave you with a few lyrics from the Cozumel Song, performed in this YouTube video by Luis, a rather well known guitarist on the island:
Navegando por el mar caribe,
Bella isla que yo encontre
Paraiso que todos admiramos,
La bella isla de Cozumel.
Son sus playas divinas tan hermosas.
Es su gente de buen Corazon.
Es la isla mas hermosa del caribe,
Asi es la isla de Cozumel.
Cozumel, Cozumel, bienvenidos a Cozumel!
Cozumel, Cozumel, Welcome to Cozumel!
PS: www.vrbo.com/368692, our second home, Villa Coronado, vacation rental!
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I have been to Cozumel twice, once on a cruise many years ago and once just last year. It is a pretty island and once you get away from the touristy area then you can enjoy the island so much more. I went snorkeling there and loved it, would definitely like to give diving a go. As for easy access, I wouldn’t want to make too many trips across on the ferry, we found that to be very expensive.
Love your photos from under the sea and your beautiful sunset, they are so crisp and clear.
The easy access is a one day only thing….I prefer to stay on my island. But, a trip to Tulum and Chichen Itza is worth the time. The ferry round trip is about 30.00 or so….
I’ve only passed through Cozumel briefly. Our cruise ship stopped there, but we immediately went to the main land to tour Tulum. The brief glimpse I saw made me think I should go back some day. As does your post.
Donna Janke recently posted…Los Algodones
Heading across to the mainland for me is very infrequent, been there done that. I can’t seem to get off of MY island!
I love diving in Cozumel. It is always different and always spectacular. Hey, I know that turtle!
Gorgeous, isn’t she!?
You need to work for the chamber of commerce. And I need to eat some of that food!
Carol Cassara recently posted…Why quality means more than quantity
I know, right? I just love the place.
Cozumel is my most favorite spot on the West coast. Beautiful beyond belief. But I’ve never seen it quite like this. Thanks for that.
Tammy recently posted…Those Were The Days, My Friend ….
Cozumel is on the East Coast of Mexico, the Caribbean side. Warm water, instead of cold!
BEAUTIFUL PICS!!!! If I could hop on a flight this minute I would be there. Thanks… I think… I might just be sad now!!!
Oh don’t be sad! Just book a flight!
Sold! Now if I can convince my husband to bid on the trip at Shamrock!
Hope Randy is getting better everyday! You are on our minds and in our hearts!
Jess
Jess is referring to Shamrockin’ for a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis in Atlanta, March 7! Randy and I always put our home, Villa Coronado, on the auction block for such a good cause!
those pictures are beautiful, I would go tomorrow….
Me too!
I just came in from 20 degree weather. Your photos are gorgeous, Cozumel looks like Heaven. I visited once and fell in love.
Doreen McGettigan recently posted…Writing Wednesday/Social Media Manners
Yes….it is love at first sight!
Oh wow looks amazing! We never been but sure would love to go. I think I just might have to book a flight soon!
Carolann recently posted…The Artcademy A Premiere Place for Creative Entrepreneurs
come on down!
That coral is gorgeous! I don’t know why we haven’t gotten to Cozumel yet – we live in Southern California!
Lois Alter Mark recently posted…4 easy ways to boost your savings
Hm. Well, that’s no excuse! I once flew my son from LAX to Cancun (and hence to Cozumel) for $229.00!
I know the interior and Pacific coast of Mexico fairly well, but the Caribbean side never seems to be on my radar. Your pictures and post make me realise I should correct that – particularly the Villa Coronado! 🙂
I agree…and the Caribbean side is so spectacular! And the water so warm! Villa Coronado is my happy place!
My sister and I are going to a destination wedding in Playa del Carmen on the 4th of July. We plan to swim with whale Shaka off Holbox and then want to do a good snorkel. I’d heard that there has been reef damage in Cozumel and the snorkeling wasn’t good anymore. Your post makes me think that was bad info and maybe we should go after all. Hmmm
Kay Dougherty recently posted…Dear Abbey (the one in Melk, not the advice columnist)
There are plenty of great areas to snorkel. Some spots were damaged 7 years ago by WILMA, but things are growing and coming back.
Cozumel looks like paradise. I especially enjoyed your image of the jump-for-joyers, though all are beautiful and enticing. I’ve never been but like that it is near a place I have been and liked very much, Playa del Carmen, and it is on my list to visit.
Carole Terwilliger Meyers recently posted…Good Eats: Keste Pizza & Vino, NYC
Life is short so enjoy it by traveling and see more beauty than you already do.
Agreed!