Cozumel, Mexico

San Hervasio Ruins

In Cozumel is located the archaeological site of San Gervasio, whose construction dates back to the 1st century BC. This place is very popular among tourists from all corners of the globe. San Gervasio is believed to have been a sanctuary of Ix Chel, the Mayan goddess of fertility, childbirth, and medicine. Here is the temple of the ancient goddess of fertility, a pilgrimage to which every Mayan woman aspired to undertake at least once in her lifetime. Unfortunately, the clay images of Ix Chel were long ago destroyed by Spanish conquistadors.

Beaches

On Cozumel beaches, many people sunbathe and few go swimming: the shoreline is rocky, and the winds create quite sizable waves. In general, the western (windward, sheltered) side of the island is better suited for a calm beach getaway. On both the western and eastern sides of the island, you’ll see advertisements for “beach clubs”. A “beach club” is a seaside spot with palapa (sun shelters with a thatched roof) offering soft drinks, beer, and fried fish. Some beach clubs provide a full range of activities, from banana boat rides to flights on water parachutes. As a rule, they have changing rooms, a swimming pool, and food. The largest of them is Mr. Sancho's. Popular parks also include Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar.

Chankanaab National Park

A famous landmark of the island and a source of pride for the local residents is Chankanaab National Park. At its center there is a small lagoon that is connected to the sea by an underwater tunnel and translates as “little sea.” Here you can swim with a snorkel and mask and enjoy excellent sunbathing-because the beach is considered one of the best on the island-as well as take a walk through the gardens around the lagoon, which are home to subtropical plants from 20 countries of the world (about 450 species). You can also swim with friendly, affectionate dolphins here. Chankanaab National Park is located about 9 km south of the city. It is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Punta Sur Eco Park

The southern tip of the island has been transformed into the Punta Sur Eco Park. Here you can find the Faro Celerain lighthouse with a small maritime museum inside. Another highlight of the park is the Laguna de Colombia, home to crocodiles and many resident and migratory waterfowl. In Punta Sur Park, there are the ruins of the Maya temple of El Caracol. This is a great place to get away from the crowds and find a calm spot on the island of Cozumel.

Paradise Beach

A ticket to the Paradise Beach provides guests with unlimited access to various types of leisure, including the use of snorkeling tubes and masks, kayaks, water slides, water trampolines, bungee trampolines, climbing a coconut tree, climbing an iceberg, access to the pool, and much more. Food and drinks are served right on the beach or in the restaurant. Clean showers, changing rooms, lockers. Water parachutes, water motorcycles, massages, and other services are also available. Paradise Beach is located 4 km south of the center of San Miguel, open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 17:00.

Underwater world of a coral reef

The underwater world is the first and most important thing to mention among the local attractions. In order to see it, you do not have to be a diver or have experience with underwater dives. A dive aboard a submarine with a glass bottom to a depth of 30 meters will allow you to observe all the richness of marine life around Cozumel. The excursion is interesting not only for adults, but also for little travelers.

Guided city tour for cruise passengers

The sightseeing tour will begin in the port, where you will head to the Museum of the Island of Cozumel. Here, in four exhibition halls, dioramas, sculptures, archaeological finds, charts, maps, and interactive installations present the island’s history and geography-its pirate past, its amazing flora and fauna, as well as the process of coral reef formation, which are considered among the most beautiful in the world. Next, you will visit the San Gervasio archaeological zone. The tour will continue with a visit to the Tequila Museum, including a tasting of this famous Mexican drink. The museum features more than 400 bottles of tequila in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and varieties, the oldest of which is almost 200 years old. Your introduction to Cozumel will be completed with an active time at the water park.

Trip to Xcaret

Xcaret offers a wide range of eco-attractions: an aquarium, a bird aviary, a mushroom farm, an orchid garden, a lagoon, natural beaches and crystal-clear pools, an aquarium with sea turtles, a butterfly pavilion, a bat cave, a botanical garden, a bird aviary. In addition to all this, there is also a Maya village, museums, and archaeological sites. For an additional fee, dolphin swimming and spa salons are available. But the most unique feature of Xcaret is an underground river; most guests travel through its underground channel.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can view it after booking your cruise in your “Customer Personal Account”.