Cozumel: Heaven on Earth - Cozumel Consultant Program

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Cozumel: Heaven on Earth
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Introduction
Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican
Caribbean, is situated near the eastern tip of
the Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana
Roo. Cozumel’s appeal lies with its combination
of the best of Mexico: friendly people, reasonable prices, great dining, shopping and nightlife,
and cultural sightseeing combined with the allure
of vacationing on a Caribbean Island. This
combination makes Cozumel one of Mexico’s
most unique destinations.
one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on
the planet. The island’s surrounding sea is teeming with
undersea life, colorful reefs, and the slumbering hulls of
Spanish galleons.
For non-divers, the island has something for everyone (in
fact, only 30% of visitors are divers). Sightseeing includes
archaeological sites, eco-adventure parks, beach clubs,
The island measures 48 kms/30 miles long and 16 a deserted eastern shore, museums, and the pleasant
kms/10miles wide and sits just 19 kms from Playa city of San Miguel (pop. 80,000). The town is an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. The charms
del Carmen on Mexico’s mainland. A 3,000 foot
of island life are infused with a pronounced contempodeep channel separates the two. Running paralrary Mayan culture. Most of the residents are native to
lel to the mainland’s Riviera Maya resort region,
the island and those working seasonally are from nearby
Cozumel offers both proximity to Quintana Roo
Mérida.
attractions (35-minute ferry crossing to Playa del
Carmen), and blissful isolation from the mainCozumel is the world’s most popular cruise port,
land crowds. Its jungle-clad interior and limedrawing over four million visitors each year. Mid-day visistone shore are surrounded by one of the most
tors from Playa del Carmen join the lively cruise crowd
spectacular diversities of coral reefs in this hemisphere. Caribbean turquoise water of exceptional in and around San Miguel. These day-visitors enliven the
clarity and powdery white sand (most of the pop- San Miguel atmosphere while leaving the island’s outand-about attractions relatively un-crowded. Mornings
ular Corona beer commercials are filmed here)
and evenings in San Miguel are quiet and laid-back, givmake this one of Mexico’s most eye-pleasing
ing overnight-visitors easy access to the city’s restaurants,
destinations.
bars, shops and friendly Mayan hosts.
The area’s diving and snorkeling are legNature lovers come to Cozumel not only to explore
endary. Following a 1959 visit and 1961 docuthe 200-foot underwater visibility, but also to learn about
mentary by Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel earned
giant sea turtles (laying their eggs May to September)
a worldwide following of divers who ranked it
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COZUMEL: Heaven on Earth
Introduction continues
Cozumel Tourism Contacts
and to observe the island’s variety of exotic
migratory bird life. Eco-adventure parks recount
and interpret the island’s colorful past and rich
ecology.
Cozumel’s history is a unique collage of episodes
of outside confrontation interspersed with long
periods of total obscurity. The island boasts a rich
Mayan heritage, and was settled as early as
300 A.D. It later flourished as a commercial port
for Mayan sea trade and as a ceremonial center.
Cortés landed here in 1519 en route to his conquest of the Mexican mainland. Later, the island’s
coves provided sanctuary for marauding pirates.
Interestingly, the growth in popularity of chewing gum in the U.S. led to the island’s resurgence in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cozumel was a port-of-call on the chicle (gum)
export route. Belize and Quintana Roo harvests
of an elastic sap from the chicosapote tree fed a
global passion for chewing gun. During WWII, a
U.S. Air Force base was built (today the island’s
international airport) from which the Allies
launched aircraft to hunt for German U-boats.
Cozumel Promotion Board
Calle 2 Norte No. 299-B
con 15 Avenida
Cozumel, Quintana Roo,
Mexico 77600
Tel: 52-987-872-7585
Email: info@islacozumel.com.mx
www.islacozumel.com.mx
Director: Raul Marrufo
Cozumel Hotel Association
Tel. 52-987-872-3132
Fax. 52-987-872-2809
Email: info@ahcozumel.com.mx
www.ahcozumel.com.mx
Area Code: 987
With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul,
Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, nature and
comfort come together. Your clients will always
find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make
their stay an unforgettable one. With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal
destination where honeymooners, couples, families and eco-enthusiasts can enjoy colorful and
breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on secluded
beaches, a swim through crystal clear blue waters
and the best of Mexico and the Caribbean in one
experience.
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Quintana Roo
Map TOP
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Quintana Roo
Map BOTTOM
© 2009 Arduinna, S.A. All rights reserved. Contents can not be
reproduced for commercial purposes.
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Why Cozumel?
Cozumel is rich in history, island traditions
and natural wonders. While mainland resorts
like Playa del Carmen and Cancún have sprung
to life in the last 30 years, Cozumel’s history goes
back generations. Isla Cozumel has been inhabited since pre-Conquest days. Our island’s ancestors built and then abandoned some three-dozen
archaeological sites (nearly all of which are open
to visitors). When Spaniards first explored this
region in 1511, Isla Cozumel has been inhabited since around 100 AD. It served during Classic
and post-Classic periods as a Mayan sanctuary for
women courting favor from the fertility goddess
Ixchel.
Isla Cozumel celebrates a mixture of Mexican,
Catholic, Yucatecan, Mayan, and Caribbean
traditions. Our annual Carnaval celebration is
one of the Caribbean’s livelier fiestas. Some Isla
Cozumel families trace their island roots back
to colonization program from the 1840’s, when
the Yucatan province sent families for the mainland city of Valladolid to establish a farming economy. You’ll hear Mayan spoken in our traditional
downtown markets. You can purchase traditional
Mayan products (organic honey, chile powders),
and handicrafts. Or spend Sundays on afternoon
strolls around our main plaza accompanied by
island music and folkloric dancing.
Cozumel is home to many nature preserves,
including the Cozumel Reefs National Park,
Chankanaab Park and Lagoon and Faro
Celerain Eco Park at Punta Sur. The botanical
gardens at Chankanaab showcase 350 types of
tropical plants from more than 20 countries. Faro
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Celerain is an ecological reserve for visitors interested in learning about the island’s native flora
and fauna. Encompassing a region known as the
Colombia lagoon, Faro Celerain is a unique environment of mangrove jungle, white sand beaches
and colorful reef formations.
Riviera Maya a bit too sprawling, Isla Cozumel
will delight your clients with the right balance of
amenities and ambiance. Or as we like to call it,
“Heaven on Earth.”
Ideal Clients
You probably have existing Mexico clients. And
existing Caribbean island customers. With an
Isla Cozumel vacation, show them how to enjoy
Mexico’s iconic attractions together with a unique
Mayan-Caribbean ambiance.
Don’t think we are a “divers-only” destination. In
fact, most of our visitors are seeking the comforts
of our oceanfront resorts, our idyllic Caribbean
beaches, unsurpassed water sports, an authentically charming main town, and the amenities that
befit a global cruise ship port of call.
We attract honeymooners, destination weddings, families, and sports-enthusiasts. For
singles, there’s an active and diverse social scene.
Those seeking seclusion can hole up and lay
low at one of our 50 resorts, condos, or bargain
accommodations. Luxury travelers can enjoy
our growing collection of 5 star resorts.
Value seekers will find
all-inclusive resorts in
various price ranges.
Our affordable, familyfriendly eco-parks, beach
clubs and dining establishments are sure to
please. If Cancún is a bit
to commercial, and the
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Cozumel Almanac
(See ferry schedule below).
Arriving & Getting Around
Airport Name: Cozumel International Airport;
code CZM.
Location: 3 km northeast of San Miguel.
Facilities: The airport has duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and rental car/tour counters. The
airport underwent a total renovation in 2006 and
looks better than ever. American, Continental,
Delta, Frontier, United and US Air have non-stop
flights to Cozumel from their respective hubs.
Aeromexico flies from Mexico Cty, while Mayair
flies from Cancún to Cozumel – a short 15-minute flight. (www.mayair.com.mx)
From the airport, frequent van transfers (“colectivo”) are available at reasonable rates. Rental
cars are also available at the airport and at many
hotel locations. Airport Transfer Rates to most
hotels: $8.50 US per person. To the southern
hotel zone the rate is around $30 U.S. per person. The return trip to the airport will cost about
$12-20 US per vehicle depending on your hotel
location.
If you arrive via the Cancún airport, there are
new, modern buses to Playa del Carmen for your
trip south to Playa del Carmen. From here you’ll
take a 35-minute ferry across to the island. Fare is
about $10 US each way.
Buses run from the Cancún airport to
downtown Playa del Carmen in both directions. The Ferry pier is a couple of blocks away
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To get around the island, affordable
taxis run regularly. Average fare from
the northern hotel zone to San Miguel
is about $7 US and $20 US from the
southern hotel zone. Consider renting a car (or open air jeep) since cab
fares add up quickly. Note that many
downtown streets are closed to vehicular traffic and parking spaces can be
scarce.
The entire island has essentially two
roads: the “carretera costal” connecting with the carretera transversal. This road technically begins from
a spot just up the coast from the Costa
Norte hotel zone and the Cozumel
Country Club. The route hugs the
western shore, running past the airport and along the San Miguel seafront. It continues south past resorts,
two cruise ship enclaves and numerous beach clubs. At Punta Sur the road
loops around the southern tip and
continues northward as a simple twolane road that runs parallel to the gorgeous windward coast. The road turns
inland (moving west) at Mezcalitos,
returning across the Island to San
Miguel at the island’s midpoint via the
carretera transversal. This enters San
Miguel as Ave. Benito Juárez.
permitting. The ride takes about 35 minutes each way.
There are two operators: UltraMar www.granpuerto.com.
mx and Mexico Waterjets http://www.mexicowaterjets.
com/eng Both operate modern air-conditioned vessels.
Ferries depart from Playa del Carmen on mainland Mexico
and from the passenger ferry pier in downtown Cozumel
(across from the main square).
A car ferry is also available and departs from Calica, which
is 10 kms. south of Playa Del Carmen. The trip takes one
hour. Service is provided by Transcaribe, which operates
four times a day. Priority is sometimes given to cargo over
automobiles.
Cozumel Ferry Schedule (Subject To Change)
TO COZUMEL
6:00 AM
2:00 PM
5:00 AM
1:00 PM
8:00 AM
4:00 PM
7:00 AM
3:00 PM
10:00 AM
6:00 PM
9:00 AM
5:00 PM
11:00 AM
8:00 PM
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
12 NOON
10:OO PM
11:00 AM
9:00 PM
Mainland Ferry
Ferries run 365 days a year, weather
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TO PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Cozumel Almanac
Cozumel for Cruisers
Want to get away from the typical cruise passenger stereotype? Want to help your clients stretch their pesos, get
away from the crowd, and really get a feel for the island?
To have a higher quality experience and go for a day tailored to your own needs and interests, here are some
suggestions.
1. Strike out on your own. There are plenty of cabs,
or how about renting a car? This island is flat, there is not
much traffic, and the roads are well maintained. There are
locations by the Maritime Pier, the Carnival Cruise Dock,
and the Punta Langosta Cruise ship Dock.
2. Walking Tour of San Miguel: the town of San
Miguel is very pedestrian friendly. There is a broad malecon
or seaside promenade as is customary in traditional Mexican
towns. If you stroll along the malecon choose the ocean side
of the street thus avoiding all the other cruise passengers.
You might stop at the Island Museum the pretty Museo de
la Isla Cozumel on the waterfront 4 blocks north of the ferry
pier. There’s a charming, open-air restaurant on the second
story overlooking the water, displays of art by local artists
and a small but very tasteful exhibit on Cozumel’s history
and heritage. There is a nice gift shop, too.
3. El Mercado Want to see a slice of authentic Cozumel
life? If you’re in town between 6 AM and around 1 PM,
you’ll want to check out El Mercado, the island’s traditional
market. The main building is on the corner of Avenida 25
and Rosado Salas. To get there from the waterfront, turn
back into town on Salas -- which is the first cross street
south of the downtown ferry pier. Walk 5 blocks into town
and there you’ll be. The main building is full of shops selling
food. (Try the fresh squeezed bottles of OJ, grapefruit or carrot juice!). This is a wonderful spot for people watching and
for photos.
4. Shopping-if you want the best prices, more variety
or one-of-a-kind items step away from the waterfront to
the shops two three and four blocks into the town of San
Miguel.
Again, we just can’t stress enough how safe and friendly
the downtown area is. Do not be afraid to explore the
town away from the waterfront.
From www.cozumelmycozumel.com
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continues
During any seven-day period an average of 18 different cruise
ships dock at one of Cozumel’s three cruise docks. Punta
Langosta Terminal is walking distance to San Miguel’s
main square. Further south are the International Docks
(Muelle Internacional in Spanish) and Muelle Puerta Maya.
Companies weighing anchor at Cozumel including Celebrity,
Crystal, Carnival, Disney, Holland America, NCL, Princess, Royal
Caribbean and Windstar. You can find weekly cruise schedule
for Cozumel by going to:
www.cozumelinsider.com/Cruiseships.
Climate
: The average daily air temperature in Cozumel is 80
degrees. In July and August, the highs range from the upper
80’s to the low 90’s. In December and January, the daytime
temperatures average in the mid-70’s.
Average Daily Temperature & Rainfall
MONTH
TEMPERATURE
F°
TEMPERATURE
C°
RAINFALL
(inches)
RAINFALL
(mm)
January
71°/45
21°/7
2.5
64
February
73°/48
23°/9
3.6
91
March
77°/52
25°/11
.9
23
April
79°/54
26°/12
1.9
48
May
81°/55
27°/13
3.8
97
June
77°/55
25°/13
7.5
191
July
77°/54
25°/12
5.1
130
August
73°/54
23°/12
5.9
150
September
73°/54
23°/12
8.8
224
October
72°/52
22°/11
10.6
269
November
72° /50
22°/10
6.8
173
December
72°/46
22°/8
5.1
130
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Cozumel Almanac
continues
Currency
: due to cruise ship visitors, US dollars
are widely accepted, however your money will go
further by converting to peso either at a bank or
ATM.
The ocean-facing main plaza (fully renovated in
2009) attracts locals and visitors. It is most peaceful during early morning hours or early evenings
once the cruise ships have pulled anchor.
Geography
•South Coast
: our other main hotel area
and is also where the most popular beaches are
located. This area has an abundance of resort
hotels of all sizes. You’ll also find in this zone the
Puerta Maya dock complex, most of our ecoadventure parks and Isla Cozumel’s most important archaeological zones. The Punta Sur area
straddles our western and eastern shoreline. This
region has vast ecological and archaeological
significance.
Cozumel as a land area of 477.961 km² (184.54
sq mi) and includes several islets or cays. Cozumel
is a flat island based on limestone resulting in a
karst topography. The highest natural point on
the island is less than 15 meters above sea level.
Similar to the adjacent mainland, Cozumel has
cenotes. However they are under very restricted
access and only available to qualified cave divers
with appropriate registration. The majority of the
island is densely forested. The northwest shore is
lined with mangroves and lagoons and the uninhabited Isla de la Pasión.
•East Coast
Isla Cozumel Regions
There are five distinct areas making up Isla
Cozumel. Each offers its own unique features. All
development on Cozumel is on the west or leeward side of the island -- facing Playa del Carmen
and the mainland. The windward of eastern side
of the island contains archaeological sites, remote
beaches, and some great dive spot for advanced
aficionados.
•North Coast: one of two main areas where
Cozumel hotels are located. The hotels of Costera
Norte are primarily located on the oceanfront.
There are also a number of new condominiums in
this area, along with the island’s Jack Nicklaus
golf course. As the main road heads north is a
dead end, traffic is generally lighter than areas in
town and further south. At the north end of the
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road a boat can be taken to the uninhabited Isla
de Pasión (Isle of Passion). Still further north is
Punta Molas with its lighthouse and beaches.
•San Miguel
is the island’s only town.
The main road running through San Miguel is
Avenida Rafael Melgar. The main atmosphere is a
Caribbean-Mexico-Mayan town garnished with
modern conveniences to accommodate cruise visitors and day-trippers from the mainland. Worth
checking out is the malecon or seaside promenade which has sculptures, monuments, an interesting museum, commercial areas and beaches.
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: almost entirely uninhabited.
Stretching from Punta Sur until the coastal
road bends westward and back to San Miguel,
the windward side of Cozumel is dotted with
beach clubs offering bars and daytime dining. At
Mezcalitos, a bumpy dirt road continues north
along the eastern shore and takes in some remote
beaches and small archaeological sites, and provides access to Punta Molas.
•Interior
: home to wild, thorny scrub forest and the majority of our Mayan archaeological sites, the interior of Isla Cozumel is untouched
and pristine. Cozumel’s mostly undeveloped center is covered by jungle and a few cenotes. Road
and trail access is limited, however there are some
adventure-oriented tours
to explore this region.
Cozumel Almanac
continues
History
The Ancients
Cozumel derives its name from the Maya Indians
who settled the island approximately 2,000 years
ago. According to Maya legend, Cozumel was the
home of the goddess Ixchel, devoted to love and
fertility. Religious temples were dedicated to the
goddess and in return she sent her favorite bird –
the swallow – as a sign of gratitude. For this reason, the Maya named the island “The Land of the
Swallows.”
In the early 16th century, Maya women seeking
to ensure a fruitful marriage would travel to the
sanctuary of Ix Chel on the island of Cozumel.
There, a priest hidden in a large statue would give
expectant women “oracles”. 16th century Priest
and chronicler records that Ixchel is refereed to as
“the goddess of making children”, and also mentions her as the goddess of medicine. The goddess’s two principal qualities (birthing and healing) were known to both Classic and post-Classic
Mayans. An entwined serpent serves as Ixchel’s
headdress, crossed bones may adorn her skirt,
and instead of human hands and feet, she sometimes has claws.
Ixchel’s importance to Cozumel is seen today in our
sanctuary for lovers, newly weds and those renewing vows. We stage over 300 destination weddings
each year. (More about this in our next lesson).
Colonial to Contemporary
Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva first visited the
island in 1518. A year later, Spanish Conquistador
Hernán Cortés, arrived, stayed briefly and
destroyed many of the Maya temples. He
departed Cozumel, headed around the Yucatán
Peninsula and eventually landed near present
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day Veracruz City
– thus beginning the end of
Mesoamerica’s
grand indigenous
civilizations.
By 1525 Francisco
de Montejo made a request to the king of Spain
to authorize the conquest and development of
the Isla Cozumel (Montejo was one of the captains that arrived with Cortés in 1519). Don
Francisco de Montejo returns to Cozumel on
September 29 of 1527 and gave the Christian
name of San Miguel de Cozumel.
Following the Spaniards 1519 arrival, an outbreak
of small pox ravaged Cozumel, killing thousands
of people and leaving the island nearly desolate.
Between 1519 and 1570, the island’s population dropped from 40,000 to 30. By 1700 it was
finally uninhabited.
19th Century
A long-brewing conflict between the Yucatan’s
Mayan and wealthier yucateco residents set in
motion the War of Castes in 1848. A Mayan led
army had pushed Spanish and mestizo settlers to
retreat behind the walled cities of Campeche and
Mérida. This same year Isla Cozumel was resettled by Yucatan governor Miguel Barbachano
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y Tarrazo in an attempt to quell the uprising.
Wealthy families from the city of Valladolid arrived
first. Mainland Mayan farmers followed, and
wealthier families began agricultural pursuits. The
two groups were separated -- with San Miguel
home to the wealthy class and El Cedral (to the
south) occupied by poor Mayan workers. From
mid-19th century to the beginning of the 20th,
Cozumel´s economy boomed and it become an
important port handling trade between Central
America and the U.S. Chicle sap (used to create
the global chewing gum empires of the Adams,
Wrigley and Beeman families) was a major export.
20th Century
The population was still small in the Quintana
Roo Territory (formed in 1902). A mere 9,100
inhabitants were identified in the 1910 census.
However, the Mexican Revolution of 1910 triggered land reforms and eventually led to freedom
for the Mayan isleños or islanders. The depression
(1930´s) seriously affected the island economically, it bounced back during World War II putting
Cozumel on the map. The U.S. built an air base
for planes hunting U-boats in the mid-Atlantic
and an airport was built.
Drawn by the clear waters, frogmen came to train
and returned home with stories of magnificent
underwater vistas. Jacques Cousteau’s declarations in 1960 about the richness of the coral reef
surrounding the island
made underwater
enthusiasts aware of
Cozumel’s existence.
Cozumel Almanac
continues
Hospitals & Health Care
Cozumel enjoys a health care system that is
patient-centered and not predatory towards
tourists. Cozumel’s conservative and timehonored approach has created a reliable
health-care system, and very good caregivers. Two private hospital/clinics in particular, have been reviewed and recommended
by the Doctors of medtogo.com
1. Centro Médico de Cozumel (CMC)
is operated by Dr. Ricardo Segovia and
his dynamic wife Jenny Segovia, originally from Indiana. The hospital/clinic
is staffed by English speaking personnel, has state of the art equipment, and
requires that its staff physicians be board
certified in their field of practice. They
have established relationships with U.S.
hospitals and medical evacuation companies. (987) 872-3545 Calle 1 Sur #101
(at the corner of 50 Ave Sur)
2. Médica San Miguel (MSM): For
Spanish speakers MSM would be the
first choice. All doctors are board certified and have excellent training back-
grounds. Facilities are neat, clean and modern and
the staff is polite and professional. Costs here are
about 25-30% lower than at CMC. The director
Dr. Pascual Piccolo speaks English. (987) 872-0103
Calle 6 Norte #132 (between avenida 5 and avenida
10) www.medicasanmiguel.com.mx/
cozumel_hospital.shtml
There is also one hyperbaric medical facility:
• Buceo Médico Mexicano: This facility is part
of the SSS Recompression Chamber Network, an
international network of respected dive centers in
Mexico, Belize and Thailand with PADI and DAN
affiliations. Both staff physicians are board certified
and have many years experience as health-care providers as well as divers. (987) 872-1430 Calle 5 Sure
#21 (between avenida 5 and R.E. Melgar)
While travelers will receive good health care at either
clinic, CMC is run like a North American Hospital
and, therefore, may feel more comfortable to North
American travelers.
Internet
: Most resorts have either wi-fi or an in-room
high-speed option. Fees normally apply. There are also
on-property “business centers” with computers and
internet access (again, fees sometimes apply). In downtown San Miguel head to VigoNet just south of the
Punta Langosta Mall.
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Island Delights and Discoveries:
Heaven on Earth
Beyond the island’s water activities (diving, snorkeling, swimming, kiteboarding, windsurfing), there’s plenty to see and do away from the shore.
Since only about 6% of Cozumel’s territory has any development, exploration centers on natural attractions (beaches, lagoons, jungle-like forests),
Mayan archaeological sites, and the relaxed city of San Miguel.
San Miguel Attractions
This colorful, relaxed town is the island’s center attraction. Its grid layout
makes navigating easy. People congregate around the Benito Juarez Park,
the city’s seaside main square. The square and surrounding commercial
areas were extensively renovated in 2009. Surrounded by pedestrian-only
walkways, the square has benches, shade trees, a stone gazebo and a tall
white clock tower with turquoise accents.
A complex of cruise ship docks are a short walk south from the square
(Punta Langosta Terminal). Cruise visitors mingle with day-trip visitors
from the mainland, arriving at the newly renovated ferry pier that faces
San Miguel’s main plaza.
Mid-day can be hectic and bustling. The usual assortment of T-shirt shops,
cafes, jewelry stores, arts and crafts shops fan out from the Plaza. Most of
the island’s eateries are here, offering something for every taste and bud-
ALL PASS Ease
Cozumel’s Museums and Parks Foundation offers the ALL PASS that lets
tourists visit the ecological parks of Chankanaab and Faro Celerain, as well
as the Cozumel Museum and Discover Mexico on an unlimited basis for
seven days. The $35 adults/ $18 kids 3-11 US ALL PASS, which is available
at the island’s parks and hotels, offers unlimited entrance for seven days at
any of these four island attractions. www.cozumelparks.com
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get. Several well-stocked duty-free shops line Cozumel’s seaside promenade
(malecón in Spanish).
The malecón makes for pleasant morning or evening strolls past fountains,
monuments and public art. Pangas line part of the shore, ready to whisk
visitors to outlying beaches or nearby reefs. Evenings, the city comes to life
once again when town residents and visitors shop, dine and stroll. Sunday
evenings are extra special. The city’s families congregate around the main
square for casual conversation, people watching, and an occasional children’s skit or musical performance.
Mornings tend to be a quieter time, when day-to-day village life unfolds. The
island’s residents, most of them born and raised here, are cheerful, friendly
and easy going. A subtle indigenous flair drapes the city, as many residents
are of Mayan descent.
Try to explore beyond the seafront. Heading inland
you can find the city’s municipal Mercado (at the
corner of Avenida 25 and Rosada Salas); five blocks
up from main square) and the charms of island life.
You won’t find historic buildings, but rather color-
Island Delights & Discoveries
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fully painted clapboard wooden houses from the
early 20th century.
Museum of the Island of Cozumel
Located in downtown San Miguel, this attractive
two-story museum is housed in a former turn-ofthe-century hotel. It offers a complete overview of
the island’s anthropological and cultural history.
Dioramas portray the island’s wildlife, native vegetation, reefs and undersea critters.
More than a museum, the facility serves as the
island’s cultural center, offering Mayan language
instruction, artisan demonstrations and live
drama. Admission is 33 pesos; open 8am to 5pm
daily (Tel.987-872-1434). An upstairs cafe offers
sweeping views of the Caribbean.
Another must see is Isla Pasión. This is a small ,private
island offering all-inclusive daytime excursions to the
white sand, hammock-strewn slice of paradise. There
are activities for kids and adults alike.
www.isla-pasion.com
Island Attractions
North of San Miguel
A handful of hotels and the Nicklaus designed
Cozumel Country Club golf course are the most
popular attractions north of San Miguel. But
there are a few more sights worth exploring. The
Punta Molas lighthouse, at Cozumel’s northernmost point, is an excellent destination for exploring the island’s wild side. The jagged shoreline
and open sea offer magnificent views, making it
well worth the trip. However there are only two
ways to get here:
1. Using a 4 wheel drive vehicle
2. Kiteboarding (http://tinyurl.com/ylm7fn3)
The road was closed after Hurricane Wilma struck
in 2005, and even now vehicles and dune buggies may not be able to make it all the way to the
lighthouse. The scenery is awe-inspiring no matter how far you’re able to go.
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Island Attractions
South of San Miguel
Discover Mexico
Discover Mexico is a cultural theme park about Mexico,
where the entire family can truly experience this rich
country trough its different historical periods and amazing culture: pre-Hispanic, Colonial and modern. This
park is truly spectacular, as you will enjoy an exterior
walk of Mexico’s most important archeological sites and
colonial buildings, on site museum with temporary and
permanent exhibits, as well as a state-of-the-art video
experience room to view award-winning videos. Give
yourself 90 minutes and let us show you what Mexico is
really about.
Chankanaab Park
Completely rebuilt and restored in 2006, this beachfront park, just 9 km south of San Miguel, offers
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Island Excursion and
Ground Operators
Area Code 987
Aviomar
872-0942 • www.aviomar.com.mx
Fantasy Travel
872-4081 www.fantasytravelexperts.com
Fiesta Holidays
872-0433 • www.fiestaholidays.com
Ferinco Travel
872-1781 • www.travel.ferinco.com
InterMar Viajes
872-1535 • www.tours-cozumel.com
Lomas Travel
872-3609 • www.lomas-travel.com
Olympus Tours
872-2454 • www.olympus-tours.com
diverse attractions in a lovely setting. The
main beach is studded with palapas for
sunbathers, while just off shore there’s outstanding diving and snorkeling (equipment rental and
dive shop available). Back from
shore is a fascinating Archaeological
continues
Park, complete with winding jungle trails, replicas
from sites throughout Mexico, a typical Mayan
village, and free guided tours. There’s also an
excellent tropical garden with over 600 plant species from 22 countries. Topping things off is the
site’s beautiful lagoon -a sinkhole filled from the
sea by underground tunnels. A dolphin encounter program, a sea lion discovery program, and a
manatee encounter program are now open. Enjoy
lunch at La Laguna restaurant. There are several shops, snack bars, and a and a Maya Zone,
a modern-day reproduction of a Maya village, in
which visitors can learn about this ancient culture’s building and farming practices. Open daily.
Admission is $16 US
(children under 3 are
free; 3-11 yrs $8 US).
www.dolphin-discovery.com
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El Cedral Archaeological Site: Just beyond
Playa San Francisco, a paved highway heads
inland 3.5 km to this, the oldest structure on the
island. Traces of original Mayan wall paintings are
visible. (See sidebar page 17 for more details.)
Faro Celerain
Faro Celerain Eco Park is an ecological reserve at
Punto Sur enclosing a variety of natural wonders
and covering an area of over 1000 hectares and
five separate eco-systems. The park offers visitors
a variety of ecological attractions such as coastal
dunes, mangroves, reefs, lagoon systems and
beautiful beaches. Specialized guides as well as
internal transportation are available.
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Celarain Lighthouse at Punta Sur hosts, in
what it used to be the lighthouse keeper’s house,
a museum dedicated to navigation. Its five rooms
display information from Maya navigators, buccaneers, marine navigational signs and a setting
from the 1930’s on how light house keepers used
to live.
Faro Celerain has archaeological vestiges
from the Mayas from the VII through XII centuries, as well as areas to watch crocodiles. Take a
catamaran ride (up to 30 people) at Colombia
Sur lagoon to observe the abundance birds and
mangroves. Faro Celerain has 2 km of beautiful
beaches that are a sanctuary for sea turtles that
arrive every year to deposit their eggs. It also has
one of the most beautiful coral reefs with extensive biodiversity in flora and fauna.
The coastal Mayan ruin dating back to 1200.
You will also get the chance to snorkel the rare
reef Micro Atolls with giant coral heads that
reach the surface of these blue waters (weather
permitting).
The park also has a snack bar, craftworks
store, and a restaurant. Entry fee $10 USD. Free
entrance for children under eight years old.
Catamaran rides $3 USD per person. Located at
Km 27 on South Coastal Road.
Excursions on Four Wheels
: A number of local
operators offer tours of the island including Mayan
ruins, Punta Sur Eco Park, and various jungle excursions using jeeps, ATV’s, all-terrain Xrails, Hummers,
and Polaris Razor 4x4 off-road vehicles. Many of
these combine snorkeling, or relaxing at a beach
club as the perfect way to end a day of adventure.
www.allcaribbeanservices.com
www.aviomar.com.mx
www.wild-tours.com
www.allprotours.com
www.isla-pasion.com
Excursions on Two Wheels: Explore the sce-
nic Cozumel waterfront on a Segway Tour, or how
about exploring the island on a Harley Davidson?
www.sanddollarsports.net
www.allprotours.com
Island Attractions
Interior and Eastern Shore
San Gervasio Archaeological Site
: San
Gervasio, the largest archaeological site on the
island of Cozumel, features centuries-old structures that depict the ancient Maya civilization and
serves as a sanctuary of the Goddess of Fertility,
X’chel. This is the island’s best-preserved, mostvisited site. Take the trans-island road heading
east from San Miguel. Turn left at the small sign
and head north about 9.5 km. Visitors have the
opportunity to explore the four distinct historical
districts:
• Manitas, the first visible area of the archaeological site
• Central Plaza, featuring administrative
civic buildings and temples
• Murcielagos, an observatory building
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• El Ramonal, the oldest district.
Individuals can choose to walk through San
Gervasio on their own, or bilingual tour
guides are available for informative excursions through the archaeological site.
Admission to the park is $6 per person.
Entrance free for Children under the age of
11. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information on San Gervasio
archaeological site, visit:
The official Cozumel Web site:
www.islacozumel.com.mx
The Foundation of Parks and Museums
Web site: www.cozumelparks.com
In the digital library you can access a document describing 33 different excursions currently available in Cozumel for your client’s
enjoyment. Here is a quick overview of the
options:
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Horseback Tours
: How about a ride along a
secluded sandy path through the brush and along
the beautiful coastline. Throw in a Mayan ruin or
two, crocodiles and a 20th century lighthouse.
www.allprotours.com
On and Under the Water Tours
: ever been on a
submarine outside of Disneyland? We have Atlantis
Subs that take you up to 100ft under the ocean. Or
a mini-sub you can pilot yourself?
www.atlantisadventures.com
www.aviomar.com.mx
On top of the water
choose from glass bottom
boat tours, cataraman
trips, kayaking, or power
snorkeling on a motorized
scooter. Or how about a
blast through the color-
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Snorkel, Snuba or SeaTrek
: Would your clients like
to fly through the air on a choice of 6 different
adventure towers?
www.mexicoadventureguides.com
www.cozumelflyhighadventures.com
: Cozumel tour
operators offer dozen’s of different snorkel trips to
enjoy the largest barrier reef in the western hemisphere. If your clients aren’t certified divers, they
can still get “up-close and personal” with the
incredible marine live surrounding Cozumel using
snuba or helmut diving equipment.
www.seatrekcozumel.com
http://furycozumel.com
www.mantasports.com
www.snubacozumel.net
www.aviomar.com.mx
Swim with Dolphins or even Stingrays:
Fishing: We offer bone fishing for red snapper or
ful Caribbean waters with thrilling 360° turns and
sudden acceleration on the Twister.
www.isla-pasion.com
www.aviomar.com.mx
Zip Line Excursions
with a choice of various programs for adults and
kids alike.
www.dolphinaris.com
www.stingraybeach.com
www.dolphindiscovery.com
Cozumel’s El Cedral Pays
Tribute to Mayan Traditions
Located off of Cozumel’s main island road,
about 10 miles south of downtown, the
Maya Site of El Cedral is known as the location discovered by Spanish explorers on
May 3, 1518 and the site of the celebration
of La Santa Cruz, the Holy Cross, each May.
El Cedral, now a quaint village, was once
a place to worship idols and offerings to
the gods. Visitors are invited to explore
the archeological site of El Cedral, nestled
among Cozumel’s lush jungles, and can see
the area by guided tour. Tours are available via horseback or a four-wheel drive
vehicle. By venturing to El Cedral, travelers
will experience a piece of ancient history as
they go through the church’s structure and
intricate arch that remains. Inside
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If you want even more activities, or island fever
puts you in the mood to look around, head to
the mainland via a 35-minute ferry ride to Playa
del Carmen. From there you can rent a car and
head out exploring the area’s eco-adventure
parks hidden beaches, coastal towns and cenotes. Once in Playa del Carmen, you are within
an hour’s drive of the amazing archaeological sites at Tulum and Cobá. Chichén Itzá (a
UNESCO World
Heritage Site) is a
four-hour drive.
grouper, bottom fishing and even deep sea fishing for marlin, tuna, sailfish sierra, dorado, wahoo
and barracuda.
www.cometocozumel.com
the ancient structure, paint and stucco that
were used by the Maya to adorn the walls
are still visible.
Each year the festival of El Cedral is typically celebrated from April 29 to May 5 to
commemorate the Day of the Holy Cross.
During the “War of Castes” in 1848, inhabitants of Sabán, a small town on the mainland of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, were
driven out by the natives who attacked the
population and demolished the town’s only
church. Casimiro Cardenas, one of the survivors, was holding a small wooden cross
when he awoke, thus believing that it was
the cross that saved his life. Eleven families of Sabán fled to Cozumel in search
of refuge, taking with them the small
wooden cross. Once on Cozumel, Casimiro
Cardenas and the other refugees swore an
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oath to pay homage to the holy cross. They
vowed that if saved from torment and sickness they would celebrate God’s grace during the same time every year for the rest of
their lives and the lives of their descendants.
At the fair, both residents and visitors
can enjoy the many food stands, games,
dancing and shopping displayed throughout the week-long festival. Cozumeleños
dress up in formal Maya attire and perform
traditional folk dances in the main square
on the final evening of the celebration,
May 3, the day of the Holy Cross (Día de
la Santa Cruz). Particularly of note are the
“Head of the Boar” and “The Ribbon” traditional dances that are performed. The
event also features cattle exhibitions, races,
rides and bullfights.
Sports & Recreation
Friendly atmosphere, crystal clear water, great
views. Good shore snorkeling at nearby reef. Day
packages available. The Miramar Terrace offers a
romantic spot to watch the sunset on the island.
Cozumel Beaches
Isla Cozumel is surrounded by white sand
beaches, limestone coves, and turquoise water.
The West coast (leeward side) of Cozumel features both rocky coves and long stretches powered white-sand beaches overlooking calm
Caribbean water. Many coastal zones are characterized by jagged limestone boarding soft white
sand. If seeking broad sandy beaches, you’ll be
best served along our southwest shore.
The eastern shoreline offers a mix of white-powder beaches, rock-strewn shorelines and windy
promontories. The east coast seas often produce
strong waves and undertows. Eastern shore spots
such as Punta Morena, Punta Chiquero, Playa
Bonita and Chen Rio are generally less crowded
than the beaches on the west side of the island.
Las Uvas Beach Club: A new location where
you can kayak out to the reefs in transparent kayaks, go snorkeling from the shore and then enjoy
a great buffet lunch and relax around their swimming pool. It’s called UVAs, and it’s quite close to
Chankanaab National Park. These are clear kayaks
so as you go along you can see the underwater
life. A “dry snorkeling experience” …well, kind of
dry at least.
Playa Mia Distance from downtown approx. 9.5
miles (15 km) Entrance $15 including beach snorkel tour and most facilities. $38 includes domestic open bar too, or $49 to add a buffet, towel
and snorkel gear as well. Facilities: swimming
pool, showers, lockers, toilets, kayaks, hobbie
cats, paddle boats, volleyball, ping-pong, floating sun mats, trampoline, banana boat, parasailing, climbing iceberg, Spacewalker bungie, jet
skis and more.
Some beach clubs are free to enter if you spend
money during your visit. Others offer package
Distance from downtown approx.
deals with activities, food and drinks included. At
10.5
miles
(17
km). Cozumel beach bar and resmany you can even enjoy a massage in the shade,
taurant
with
gift
shops, horseback riding and ATV
while feeling the breeze of the Caribbean.
tours. Facilities: snorkel rental, ATV and horse-riding tours, showers and toilets. Free entrance.
Here’s a review of the most popular beaches:
Mr Sanchos
Playa Azul Distance north from downtown
approx. 2.5 miles (4 km). Small, white sand
hotel beach with free entrance. Bar and restaurant with excellent menu - a favorite amongst
Cozumel beaches.
Playa San Francisco Distance from downtown
approx. 9 miles (14.5
km) Recently rebuilt
family fun beach. Soft white sand entry into the
water, swimming pool and bar. There are two
other Cozumel beach clubs next door: Paradise
Beach and Carlos ‘n Charlie’s Beach Club.
Entrance, $8, includes use of umbrellas, chairs,
showers, bathrooms, floating mats, inflatable
hubs and swimming pool. Or, for $40, get lunch
and free domestic drinks too.
Alberto’s Beach -Distance from downtown
approx. 11.5 miles (18.5 km) Cozumel beach
bar and restaurant with rustic palapa thatch roof.
Fantastic grill with fresh seafood straight from
the fishing boats on the beach. Facilities: snorkel
rental, showers and toilets. Free entrance.
Palancar Beach Distance from downtown
approx. 12 miles (19 km). One of the quieter
white sand Cozumel beaches with great local
atmosphere. Boat-trips to snorkel the island’s
nearby southern reefs. Facilities: snorkel rental
($10), snorkel boat-trips (1.5 hrs $30), kayaks ($10 per hour), showers and toilets.
Free entrance.
Dzul-Ha Beach Distance from downtown
approx. 3 miles (5 km) New Money Bar Beach
Club bar and restaurant at Dzul-Ha beach.
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Sports & Recreation
continues
Punta Sur Distance from downtown
approx. 17 miles (27 km). Stunning white
sand beach with reef for drift snorkeling
and crystal clear water. This Cozumel beach
is part of Faro Celerain Eco Park. Entrance
to the park also includes the historic lighthouse, where you can climb up to see some
amazing views, a small maritime museum
and eco-bus transport to the beach. A boat
trip on the lagoon is also available for the
chance to see crocodiles and other wildlife. Facilities: showers, toilets, small cafe at
lighthouse, Only water and sodas sold on
the beach. Entrance is $10, lagoon boat
trips $3.
Freedom in Paradise Raggae Beach Bar
– about 20 miles south of downtown.
Cozumel’s most laid-back bar and restaurant. Hammocks, food and drink on
the beach on the island’s windward side.
Reggae music and beach grub in the middle
of no-where - this place will seduce you!
Playa San Martín – approx. 30 min drive.
Roughly located mid-island on the eastern shore. Long stretch of wild, unspoiled
white sand beach with a restaurant and bar.
Stunning views across the Caribbean on the
windward east side of the island. A spot with
basic facilities but truly outstanding natural
beauty. Ask about conditions before entering the water - the sea can look inviting but
there are often strong currents in this area.
Not recommended for swimming. El Galeón
bar and restaurant is just across the road for
well-priced food and drink.
Diving
When renowned underwater researcher Jacques
Cousteau first visited Cozumel in 1959, it didn’t
take long for him to declare it one of the most spectacular scuba diving areas in the world. Since that
time, the island has gained an international reputation as one of the premier diving destinations in the
Western Hemisphere, attracting thousands of divers
and snorkelers to its underwater panorama. Cozumel
is rated as one of the top five dive destinations in the
Caribbean based on value, visibility and advanced
diving; and Cozumel is among the top ten dive destinations for its marine life, exceptional wall diving
and advanced diving. Cozumel dive operators and
hotels also placed high on lists for “Most Popular
Land Based Dive Operator”s and “Most Popular Dive
Resorts.”
Home of the largest reef system in the Western
Hemisphere, Cozumel is ringed by more than 40
dive sites teaming with tropical fish and a kaleidoscope of multi-colored coral reefs. The exceptionally clear aquamarine waters are virtually transparent, providing divers with up to 200 feet of visibility. Contributing to the island’s allure is the bathtublike water temperature, which ranges from 77 to 82
RIPPING CURRENTS
Cozumel Is Not Just for Beginners
Anymore by Betsy Archer
(reprinted from Scuba Times)
Like so many divers, I got my sea legs in
Cozumel. After the cold and murky lake in Atlanta
that served as the location for my checkout dives,
it was a welcome change. The reefs and walls in
Cozumel opened my eyes to a world I had only
imagined-- a far cry from that cold lake. I was
entranced by the coral caves, huge moray eels
and my first night dive. As the years went by, my
diving experiences matured. I thought Cozumel
was just for beginners – a place to earn your flippers and move on to more exciting things. I
was wrong. There was so much I had missed in
Cozumel. Reefs, like Punta Sur and Barracuda,
can make any diver’s heart race. These reefs,
reserved for advanced divers, spice up the diving. And, along with the rest of the diving
community, Cozumel is maturing. Technical
diving, in the form of cave and mixed-gas diving, is now available to those who want to
push their limits its or just try something new.
Beach descriptions courtesy of
www.thisiscozumel.com
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Sports & Recreation
continues
degrees year-round. Topside, the island is embraced by an
average temperature of 76 degrees.
Cozumel’s coral reefs are sprinkled with limestone caves, tunnels, and rare trees of black coral. More than 30 reefs, ranging in depth from 15 to 90 feet, team with marine flora and
fauna – moray eels, sea turtles, nurse sharks, giant anemone,
great groupers, queen angel, hermit crab, parrotfish, giant
sponges, cactus coral, gorgonian fans, multicolored globes
of brain coral, and the “Splendid Toad Fish”, endemic to
Cozumel.
Exploring the Reefs
Los Atolones – Mini atolls approximately 15
ft. tall. Varied marine life. Depth: 15-30 ft.
Bajo de Molas -Coral heads, rays, sharks
and sea turtles. Caution: strong currents.
Depth: 40-80 ft.
Barracuda -Large angelfish, nurse sharks,
rays and other large fish. Mountainous coral
ridges with peaks at 70 ft. that slope into an
abyss. Caution: strong current.
Palancar- consists of several groupings
of reefs, each with its own characteristics and each with its own name: Palancar
Bricks, Palancar Caves, Palancar Horseshoe
and Palancar Gardens. On each of these
reefs you will see plenty of fish, corals and
sponges up to 100 feet deep.
Cardona -Varied coral and bountiful marine
life, excellent for snorkeling too. Depth:
18-20 ft.
Chankanaab Park-Coral heads and scattered coral. There’s a 14 ft. statue of Christ
and smaller statue of the Virgin Mary surrounded by abundant sea life. Excellent
shore dive. Depth: 20 ft.
Chankanaab Reef -Coral heads, sea turtles, rays, grouper, amberjacks and more.
Depth: 50-90 ft., then slopes into an abyss.
Chankanaab (Shallow) -Several coral species including soft coral. Lobster and large
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The island offers a plethora of underwater adventures. Divers
can explore great mounds of coral “Bolones” at Chankanaab
Park, face off with great grouper and moray eels at Tormentos
or plunge 120 feet into the brilliant green abyss of San
Francisco. The most famous dive site is the magnificent
mountain of coral known as Palancar. Monstrous heads of
coral climb to a height of 80 feet, crowned with red gorgonian fans and enormous yellow sponges. Internal fissures create dramatic passages between the masses of coral, which
plummet abruptly into the depths below.
crabs. Excellent night diving. Depth
30-50 ft.
Colombia Deep - Voted #1 among dive
masters, featuring giant pinnacles of coral
that reach up as much as 60 to 70 feet from
the bottom, great dive anywhere between
70 and 130 feet.
Chun Chancaab – Scattered coral on sand
bottom. Large fish. Caution: strong current.
Depth 80 ft. then slopes into an abyss.
Punta Morena – Scattered coral and varied
marine life. Depth: 40 ft.
Punta Sur (Deep) – Large coral formations
on sand bottom. Varied marine life. Large
sharks and rays. Depth: 70 ft. then slopes
into an abyss.
Punta Sur (Shallow) – Abundant coral
and marine life. Excellent for snorkeling.
Depth: 18-30 ft.
San Francisco Wall – Small coral on sand
bottom. Abundant marine life includes rays
and sea turtles. Depth: wall starts at 40 ft.
then slopes into an abyss.
San Juan – Endless hills of finger coral.
Abundant marine life. Nurse sharks, rays and
other large reef fish. Caution: strong current.
Depth: 35-70 ft.
Santa Rosa Wall – Coral ridges, caves and
abundant marine life. Caution: strong current and fire coral. Depth: wall starts at
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40 ft. then slopes into an abyss.
Santa Rosa (Shallow) – Coral formations on a sand bottom. Nurse sharks, rays,
sea turtles. Caution: strong current. Depth:
30-60 ft.
Tormentos – Varied coral and sponges.
Abundant marine life. Morays and groupers
hover near a great sand bank. Depth: 30-60
ft.
Tunich Wall – Tunich is Mayan for “rocks.”
Small ridges, various species of sponges.
Green morays, rays and sea turtles. Caution:
strong current. Depth: 35 ft. then slopes
into an abyss.
Villa Blanca Wall – Huge abundance of
sponges and gargonians with varied marine
life. Depth: wall starts at 35 ft. then slopes
into an abyss.
Wreck C-53-A 1000-ton, 40 foot tall,
Mexican minesweeper that boasts three
decks with a beam 33 by 184 feet in length.
Sunk on a sandy area by Chankanaab Reef
at a depth of 80 feet, which allows divers
to enter and leave the sunken ship safely.
[Depth 80 feet]
Yucab – Varied coral and sponges on a sand
bottom. Morays, grouper, lobster and crab.
Excellent for night diving. Caution: fire coral.
Depth: 35-60 ft.
Dive Operators - U.S.
Bay Adventures
888-599-3483 • www.bayadventures.com
Caradonna Caribbean Tours
800-328-2288 • www.caradonna.com
Caribbean Dive Tours
800-786-3483 • www.cdtusa.com
Island Dreams
800-346-6116 • www.islandream.com
PADI Travel Network
800-729-7234 • www.padi.com
Poseidon Ventures
800-854-9334 • www.poseidontours.com
Scuba Travel Ventures
800-298-9009
www.scubatravelventures.com
Ultimate Dive Travel
800-737-3483
www.ultimatedivetravel.com
World of Diving
800-463-4846 • www.worldofdiving.com
Sports & Recreation: Diving
guides add a margin of safety and can help pinpoint otherwise hard-to-find diving sites. There are more than 50
certified dive operators on the island. Most hotels also
have on-site dive operators for the convenience of guests.
Snorkeling
continues
Known as the drift-diving capital of the world,
Cozumel’s constant South to North water current
allows divers to jump from the boat, explore the
dive site while adrift with the current, and ascend
to find the boat waiting at the surface. An offshore current of about 2 to 4 knots runs northward
throughout the year and forms the beginning of
the Gulf Stream. Although the current poses very
little risk, divers are urged to use support boats
when diving farther from shore. For those divers venturing into
the coral
canyons,
knowledgeable
Cozumel
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Many of Cozumel’s best spots are within splashing
distance from shore. Equipment rentals are available
throughout the island ($5-8 U.S./day). Full-day and
half-day snorkeling excursions can be easily arranged
upon arrival, and often include equipment and lunch.
For non-snorkelers there are glass-bottom boat trips,
arranged at most resort hotels.
The western side of the island is dotted with dozens of
excellent sites. Here are a few suggestions…
Chankanaab Park: teeming with fish and calm, clear
water; several limestone caves and tunnels make for
great fun.
La Ceiba Beach: a sunken aircraft wreck lies 150 yards
off shore in about 25 feet of water, home to a plethora
of colorful fish, coral, and sponges.
Playa San Francisco: calm water and close-to-shore
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undersea delights. This beach has full-service amenities (dining, equipment rentals).
Fishing
The area’s exceptional diving often overshadows Cozumel’s excellent fishing. Billfish, including marlin and sailfish, are
caught within 1/2 km of shore (season:
March through June). Dorado, bonita,
barracuda, amberjack and wahoo are
caught year-round. Trips depart from the
Puerto de Abrigo Marina, located about a
mile north of downtown.
A popular billfish tournament
comes to the
island every May.
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” by the
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS).
In 2010 they again retained their designation as a
Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, making it
one of only two courses in Mexico and 735 courses in
the world to receive the honor.
Sports & Recreation
continues
Local operators include the 41-foot Nauti Girl
Charters (tel 987-872-3270. The Cozumel Anglers
Fleet (tel: 987-872-1113) is another option.
Charters range from $400-700 US for a full-day
outing.
Other Water Sports
Windsurfing, sailing, kiteboarding, and jet skiing
are also popular on the island’s western shore.
Nearly all resorts have water sports rentals. Playa
San Francisco, Playa Mia, Playa Palancar,
Mr. Sancho’s and Nachi Cocom all offer a wide
range of water sports equipment.
Golf
With attractive challenges for players of every
level of skill, this lovely golf course has been
carefully crafted out of the surrounding mangrove marshlands and tropical rainforest to
preserve its environmental resources. The
Nicklaus Design Group has successfully balanced strict requirements to build a first-class
championship golf course, with the need to
preserve the delicate ecosystem of the area.
Along the course are channels built beneath
cart pathways and bridges to provide safe
passage for blue crabs, iguanas and other
wildlife that call this habitat home. The result
is a design masterpiece woven through
the jungle and around the native red mangroves that allows each player the illusion
of solitude. In 2006, the Cozumel Country
Club achieved designation as a “Certified
Four sets of tees provided for golfers of all skill levels.
The golf course is not overly long, with 6,734-yard
black tees and 6,247-yard blue tees. Since it is cut
right out of the jungle, hits need to be very straight.
Most talked about holes are 16 and 18, where players
must hit two shots, first over the fairways and then
over the mangrove swamps.
Although players get a sense of isolation from the rest
of the world, the Cozumel Country Club is located
almost in the heart of the northern hotel zone. It’s a
short taxi ride from the cruise ship dock, ferry landing and downtown shopping area, about 10 minutes from the airport, and a
long walking distance from
some of its partner hotels.
The palapa clubhouse, decorated with native mahogany wood, has a pro-shop
with the latest in golf merchandise. Nicklaus clubs
and Footjoy shoe rentals,
Since opening in 2001, the Cozumel
Country Club and its Nicklaus Design Group
18-hole golf course have been steadily attracting more travelers to Cozumel. Members of
other ClubCorp clubs in the U.S., Australia and
Europe have Signature Gold privileges with the
Cozumel facility, allowing them preferred rates
and tee times.
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Cozumel Country Club
GREENS
FEES
$169 per player, includes shared golf cart. Special
package rates available at member hotels (see list
below). Rate includes tax and is subject to change.
TEE TIMES
Reservations must be made three days in advance.
Tee times are available at member hotels up to two
years in advance.
HOURS
EQUIPMENT
LESSONS
Golf club rental available for $45 per player, per 18
holes. Shoes are $13 per player, per 18 holes. Club
storage is available for players at no additional cost.
Range balls are available for $4, $6 and $8 for a
small, medium or large basket.
Non-player cart rental is $25.
Instruction is available with state of the art video
equipment from qualified PGA Golf Professionals.
Please contact the Cozumel Country Club for
pricing.
Complete practice facilities are available including
Practice Tee, Practice Bunker, Practice Putting and
Chipping Greens.
DRESS
CODE
Collared shirts are required. No tank tops, bathing
suits or T-shirts allowed. Shoes must be golf shoes
or smooth soled sneakers. No boots.
MEMBER
HOTELS
El Cozumeleño Beach Resort
Meliá Cozumel All-Inclusive Golf & Beach Resort
Playa Azul Golf·Scuba·Spa
Presidente Inter-Continental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa
(offering
discounted or
all-inclusive
rates)
CONTACT
23
6:30 a.m. to sunset.
Phone: 52-987-87-29570
Fax: 52-987-87-29590
Email: info@cozumelcountryclub.com.mx
www.cozumelcountryclub.com.mx
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as well as overnight bag storage, are available. A practice area
features a putting green as well as a chipping green with a
practice bunker. The wide two-tiered practice tee allows plenty
of room for practice or just to warm up. Golf instruction is
available from PGA golf professionals. Besides beverage carts
on the course, players can also enjoy superb lunch and breakfast options, or a drink at the bar. Tel.52-987872-9570;
www.cozumelcountryclub.com.mx
Shopping
A duty-free zone, Cozumel is recognized for its wide variety of jewelry, including
sterling silver, gold, precious and semi-precious stones, and brand-name watches.
Village shops and retail boutiques in the hotels offer a wide selection of fashions,
casual attire, perfumes, Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Several downtown specialty
shops feature indigenous black coral in the form of jewelry and sculptures. (Note:
Cozumel adheres strictly to regulations governing the preservation of black coral.)
San Miguel’s waterfront boulevard
(the malecón) and the main plaza are
the centers of Cozumel’s shopping.
Thanks to the island’s duty-free status
and discriminating cruise ship clientele,
Cozumel has well-stocked stores selling
quality Mexican and imported items.
Centro Comercial Joaquin: modern
store with department store inventory.
Cinco Soles: large selection of jewelry,
pottery, glassware, embroidered clothing. On the waterfront.
Diamonds International: fabulous
custom jewelry designs; mountings while you wait.
Mexican Handicraft Market: big variety of souvenirs
from all over Mexico.
Shopping
continues
Mi Casa: quality Mexican-made items for the home including non-leaded
ceramic tableware.
PAMA: imported perfume and fine gifts. Downtown on malecón.
Plaza del Sol Mall: a two-story mini mall featuring jewelry and craft items.
Punta Langosta Shopping Center: connected to the Punta Langosta
cruise pier, and houses American food chains, jewelry/perfume outlets and
a Carlos ‘n Charlie’s.
A Touch of Gold: fine gems, gold designs.
Dining & Night Life
Like shopping, dining centers around San
Miguel. Expect a casual atmosphere and
friendly service. The island’s 90-plus restaurants and cafés cater to every budget and
taste. There is a surprising variety of ethnic
dining, from Italian to French and Lebanese
to Japanese. Most menus are in U.S. dollars.
There are more than 90 restaurants
and cafes, offering a wide choice of cuisine, including Mexican, International,
Mediterranean, Italian, Caribbean and seafood. There
also are several U.S.-based fast-food outlets and chain
restaurants, including the Hard Rock Café, Carlos´n
Charlies and Sr. Frogs. In addition to its many beachfront, downtown and hotel bars, the island provides
evening entertainment.
New Restaurants
New to Cozumel’s dining scene is the famous
MargaritaVille, located in downtown. Also new is
Rolandi’s Restaurant, located next to 1.5 Tequila
Lounge. Last summer brought to Cozumel the internationally- renowned Alfredo di Roma restaurant,
originally from Rome, Italy, which opened at the
Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
and is famous for its original Fettuccine Alfredo recipe.
Local Favorites
La Choza: a local favorite offering a fun and casual
experience. New location
with the same great Mexican
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Dining & Night Life
CUISINE
RESTAURANT
PHONE
(987)
Mexican/
Caribbean
www.tikitokcozumel.com
Tiki Tok
869-81-19
Prima Trattoria
869-15-17
Italian Seafood
International
Mexican
Mexican
Mexican
International
Seafood
Mediterranean
Mexican
Swiss-Italian
International
www.thewynston.com
RESTAURANT
Thai Noodle Bar
www.rocknjavacozumel.com/
noodlebarenglish
International
869-16-50
Parrilla Mission
869-24-63
Casa Mission
872-16-41
Mission Downtown
872-63-40
Bar & Grill
872-16-41
Margarita House
& Restaurant
www.senorfrogs.com
www.parrillamission.com
www.missioncoz.com
www.lamissioncozumel.com
Margaritaville
La Conchita Del Caribe
www.laconchitadelcaribe.com
La Cocay www.lacocay.com
869-19-23
Guido’s
872-09-46
www.guidoscozumel.com
Carlos’n Charlie’s
www.carlosandcharlies.com/
charlies/cozumel
Pepe’s Grill
Mexican Bistro
869-05-44
Rock’n Java
872-44-05
www.rocknjavacozumel.com
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Caribbean
Cuisine
Asian Cuisine
Mexican
869-16-46
La Kinta
www.kintacozumel.com
Mexican
872-55-33
La Casa de La Morena
www.lacasadelamorena.com
Restaurant Bar
872-58-88
www.pepesgrillcozumel.com
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CUISINE
Señor Frogs
Steak/ Seafood
House
Caribbean Bar &
Grill
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Hard Rock Cafe
www.hardrockcafecozumel.
com
Pancho’s Backyard
872-21-41
www.panchosbackyard.com
Coconuts
www.coconutscozumel.com
Wet Wendy’s
www.wetwendys.com
La Veranda
www.restaurantelaveranda.
com
Chi
www.chicozumel.com
Ernestos Fajitas
www.restaurantelaveranda.
com/ernestos.shtml
872-49-70
872-41-32
869-81-56
857-09-24
Albertos Beach Bar
Mexican/Cuban
www.tropicports.com/
lacandela/index.htm
EXIT
872-52-71
872-51-30
http://
albertosbeachbarcozumel.
blogspot.com
Italian
869-27-94
Fat Tuesday Cozumel
www.fat-tuesday.cozumel.net
Seafood
872-02-13
PRINT
Rock´n Java
PHONE
(987)
La Candela
Alfredo di Roma
www.alfredodiroma.com.mx
878-44-71
872-95-00
cusines, such as shrimp
Veracruz, great soups, guacamole flan, and more. 15th
Ave.
La Kinta Mexican Bistro:
The food, service, presentation and ambiance are all
excellent. 5th Ave. between
Calle 2 and Calle 4.
Sorrisi: wonderful Italian cuisine in a rustic yet elegant setting. Fantastic fish Carpaccio,
home made pastas and rissotos, and home made gelato to
die for. Just off the main seafront promenade on 3rd Ave.
Sur.
Dining & Night Life
CUISINE
RESTAURANT
French Quarter
International
www.cozumelfrenchquarter.
com
Italian Cuisine
International
Mexican
International
International
Mexican
Mexican
Mexican Grill
International
Sushi
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872-63-21
The Money Bar
869-51-41
Las Tortugas
www.casadenis.com/index_
tortugas.htm
Tony Romes’
www.tonyrome.com
Ambar
www.ambarcozumel.com
La Choza
Restaurante Del Museo
Sonora Grill
Especias Restaubar
Sushi Midori
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Cuban
La Casa Del Mojito
El Turix
La Perlita
La Yucatequita
El Capi Navegante
Plaza Leza
Mariscos Camilo´S
La Laguna
El Bucanero
Palmeras
Olive Enoteca
Le Chef Le Bistro
La Palapita Denmedio
Viva Mexico
Los Dorados De Villa
Los Girasoles
Los Otates
El Foco
Kelley´S
Fellinis Pizza
International
Seafood Mexican
International
Seafood
Freedom In Paradise
Casa Denis
RESTAURANT
Regional Cuisine
www.bobmarleybar.com
www.casadenis.com
CUISINE
Seafood
869-09-60
www.moneybarbeachclub.com
Regional
PHONE
(987)
Sorrisi
www.sorrisicozumel.com
Mexican &
Seafood Beach
Bar
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International
International
872-00-67
International
International
872-12-42
International
International
872-01-31
International
869-19-55
International
872-09-58
Mexican
872-08-38
Mexican
872-36-20
Mexican
872-44-83
International
878-84-56
Pizza
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PHONE
(987)
111-41-24
872-52-34
872-34 52
872-12-23
872-17-30
872-10-41
872-61-61
872-07-47
876-05-75
872-05-32
878-43-91
120-10-75
869-14-06
872-07-99
872-01-96
869-19-32
869-10-59
872-59-80
869-35-95
878-47-94
of Cozumel with thrilling tours and attractions
provided by land, sea and even through the air.
Niche Markets
The number one key to success in niche marketing is to speak the language. You will likely be
more successful at selling family travel if you’ve
traveled the world with your kids. To sell scuba,
you need to understand the sport and even better, be a diver yourself. In the meantime below is
detailed information about Isla Cozumel’s many
niche markets, what they have to offer, and local
operators you can trust.
Eco Adventure
For eco-minded travelers in search of an
untouched, naturally beautiful destination laden
with adventure, but still secluded, the 300 square
mile island of Cozumel, off Mexico’s Yucatan
Peninsula, is a perfect place to visit. From
sparsely populated stretches of virgin shoreline to
lush national parks in the island’s interior, visitors
to Cozumel will find themselves surrounded by
natural wonders. Travelers will find a wide range
of options available for exploring the natural side
Visitors can journey through Cozumel’s jungles
via ATV and jeep tours, to explore more of the
island’s interiors. Horseback is another means of
getting close to the natural wonders of Cozumel.
At Buena Vista Ranch, on the island’s east
coast, visitors ride on Western saddles along
guided trails. As they clip-clop along the tropical terrain, they are likely to encounter a variety of
wildlife including iguanas, herons and other birds.
Explora Tours provides an educational ecoadventure above and below the sea with the
Punta Sur’s Faro Celerain Eco Park Mayan Ruin
and Snorkel adventure, which combines the best
of both worlds. Visitors are taken on a personal
tour through Faro Celerain Eco Park to learn more
about the island’s fascinating history and cultural traditions and enjoy the natural beauty and
wildlife of the park. Visit the lighthouse and nautical museum, a Maya site and a jungle lagoon
where you may spot iguanas, white cranes, flamingos and crocodiles. After the land portion
of the adventure is over, individuals head down
below to explore Cozumel’s fascinating underwater environment.
Visitors can also take to the air to experience
Cozumel’s natural beauty with the island’s newest zip line and eco-park attractions. Fly High
Adventures showcases magnificent views of
the island’s jungle on one side, while taking in
breathtaking ocean views on the other, all while
effortlessly gliding through the air. Mexico
Adventure Guide offers zip-line, snorkeling and
a climbing wall.
Water adventurers can also try Sea Trek and
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Snuba at Chankanaab Park. SeaTrek provides
the easiest and most comfortable way to explore
underwater. Undersea visitors wear an oxygensupplying helmet, similar to what astronauts
wear during a space walk, to go underwater for
extended periods of time and experience the
reefs and their thousands of aquatic inhabitants.
Sea Trek excursions, for ages 8 and older, are led
by professionally trained, experienced guides.
Snuba offers another
means of enjoying
Cozumel’s underwater
life without surfacing for
air. Snuba allows snorkel-
Niche Markets
continues
Private Island Dream with
Diamond Orchid Weddings
ers to dive down as far as 30 feet deep, where colorful fish and spectacular reefs are found. Snuba is
only for undersea visitors 8 and older.
Diamond Orchid Weddings transports you
and your guests from you resort or cruise
ship directly to a tiny island just off Cozumel’s
northern coast, Isla de la Pasión, for your private island wedding. The Pearl Rose package includes décor, china and glassware, cake,
champagne, photography service and even
your groups own personal bartender! A seasoned Cozumel planner will help you to
make it all come together. Packages start at
$1560 USD. Begin planning and visit www.
diamondorchidweddings.com or by calling
52-987-872-5858.
Travelers wanting to stay dry, can still explore
Cozumel’s famed reefs with Atlantis Adventures
submarine ride. Visitors enter a real submarine
and dive to depths of 100 feet as the sub journeys
to Chankanaab, an environmentally protected
marine park that is home to spectacular coral reef
formations and a large variety of marine animals.
Participants also learn more about the underwater
they are visiting through an informative live narration provided during the 40-minute tour.
More information on Cozumel’s outdoor adventures can be found at:
‡‡ Buena Vista Ranch: 52-987-8721537 or 52-987-872-4374, Email ranchobuenavist@hotmail.com
‡‡ Fly High Adventures: 52-987-872-0844
‡‡ Sea Trek and Snuba: 52-987-872-1389,
e-mail: alfredo.alcerreca@fiestaholidays.
com.mx or www.fiestaholidays.com.mx
‡‡ Atlantis Adventures: 1-866-546-7820,
e-mail reservationsczm@atlantissubmarines.
com or visit www.atlantisadventures.com
‡‡ Explora Tours: www.explora-tours.com
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Destination Weddings
The Mexican Caribbean island of Cozumel has made
tying the knot in your dream tropical island destination a
whole lot easier. In addition to offering stress free planning, incomparable value and an instant honeymoon,
Cozumel now only requires three steps to officially be
married on the island, and no longer requiring a sealed
birth certificate from your birth country.
In the past, a passport or valid id as well as a sealed birth
certificate from your place of birth was required to be
married on the island, now couples only have to follow three simple steps to make their magic day a reality. These steps include supplying a copy of your passport, providing the tourist visa you receive upon entrance
to the country and a blood test for the bride and groom.
Cozumel’s experienced island wedding planners and
coordinators are ready to help you complete these steps
to ensure flawless planning. Here are some sample wedding packages offered by Cozumel’s most respected
wedding planners:
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Niche Markets
Cozumel Hotel Weddings
continues
Mayaland Weddings offers Packages for Every Budget
Let Mayaland Weddings orchestrate your special
day with one of their many personalized packages. Packages range from $700 USD to $1500
USD, and include all the planning, ceremony,
tables and linens, marriage certificate and more.
Mayaland also offers add-ons including videography, horse and carriage, and live mariachi music
for incomparable prices. Visit www.mayalandweddings or call 52-987-87-29870 to get the scoop.
HOTEL NAME
DESCRIPTION
WEB
TEL.
Allegro Cozumel
Free with group
booking includes
underwater scuba
ceremony.
http://tinyurl.com/yc4b736
1-800-858-2258
Presidente
InterContinental
Beachfront ceremony
www.CozumelWedding.com
cozumel_weddings@interconti.com
1-800 593 5434
El Cozumeleño
Sunset Weddings
www.elcozumeleno.com/english/
romance.asp
1-800-437-3923
El Cid La Ceiba
Free with group
booking
www.elcid.com/weddings/
cozumel.cfm
1-866-796-5571
Iberostar
tinyurl.com/ydj3omq
rrppczm@iberostar.com.mx
1-888-923-2722
Cozumel Palace
www.palaceresortsweddings.com
877-Pal-4-Wed
Coral Princess
www.coralprincess.com/eng/
weddings.cfm
1-800-253-2702
Occidental Grand
http://tinyurl.com/ydfzj46
1-800-858-2258
Wedding with a View by
The Cozumel Wedding Planner
Local Cozumel wedding coordination company,
The Cozumel Wedding Planner, has been planning Cozumel destination weddings for many
years and definitely knows the ins and out of the
island. The company can tailor packages for your
needs and is also offering a once in a lifetime
deal, $900 USD for an island beachfront wedding package including private beach location,
minister, processing fees, flowers and décor, seating, cake, waiter and more. Make it a civil ceremony for $1200 USD. For more information
visit www.cozumelweddingplanner.com or call
630-233-8469.
Caribbean Weddings
for Every Budget
The folks at Caribbean Weddings in Cozumel
know what you envision when you think of a
Caribbean Wedding, and they are skilled to give
you just that. Packages start at $650 USD and
range from a simple ceremony with up to 12
guests to a big family and friends gathering. For
more information email ceciliacaribbeanwedding@hotmail.com or call 52- 987-872-1750.
Family Travel
The first thing you need to know about traveling anywhere in Mexico with your children is that the entire
culture is extremely family-friendly. Family is everything in Mexico and both you and your children will
feel this right away. The hotel staff often learn your
children’s names within a day or two. And all restaurants are family friendly. Cozumel is no exception.
Additionally, Cozumel has all the ingredients to satisfy
familes of all ages and sizes.
‡‡ There are great beaches
‡‡ Surf is calm
‡‡ There are all-inclusive resorts
‡‡ You can rent condos and homes
‡‡ Most resorts have kid’s clubs and some have special teen clubs
‡‡ There is a wide range of things to do for children of all ages.
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ACQUA SPA
Day Spa
Spas
Vacations are designed for de-stressing, discovering and
regrouping. Enter Cozumel. While travelers leave their
busy schedules behind, a spa visit can help achieve an
inner peace that leaves one refreshed when it’s time to
pick it all up again. What’s not to love about a spa session? These sanctuaries for mind, body and soul are
poised to pamper beyond belief. Upscale facilities finetune their menus to include signature services as well as
more traditional choices.
In Cozumel, those craving a relaxing massage or invigorating salt scrub will find a selection of resort spas and
day spas catering to all tastes and needs. Many hotels
will also arrange for in-room or beachfront massage sessions. Here is a list of what Isla Cozumel has to offer your
clients…
MANDARA SPA
Resort Spa
Presidente InterContinental
Cozumel
Resort & Spa
Opened March 2007, the Mandara Spa
is located at the Five-Star, AAA Four-Diamond Presidente
InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa. Offering an array
of exotic spa treatments and luxury services, the full-service
spa provides new locally influenced treatments and native techniques. The Spa also offers fine
Balinese treatments as well traditional and classic techniques from
Europe and Asia.
Tel: 1-800-327-0200 or 52-987-87-29500
Email: cozumel@interconti.com
www.intercontinental.com
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ISLANDER SPA – Resort Spa
The Islander Spa is located at the
Wyndham Cozumel Resort & Spa and
offering 8,000 sq. ft. in space, it is the
largest spa facility in Cozumel. More
than just a spa facility, the Islander Spa
was carefully created to provide a balanced environment that is not only relaxing but one that actively contributes to
the renewal process. The full-service spa
has a fully trained staff certified in a wide
variety of modern spa techniques and
therapies and offers an extensive
spa menu for both individual and
couple treatments.
Tel: 1-888-293-0293
www.wyndhamcozumel.com
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Acqua Spa, Cozumel’s
premier day spa, is
located 5 minutes south of Cozumel downtown. The spa offers a complete range of treatments including seven types of massage, body
wraps, facials and other specialized services
dedicated to help relax and revitalize the mind
and body. Using Murad professional skin care
products, Acqua Spa applies the world’s latest spa techniques and offers specialized treatments including Endermologie. Guests at the
spa are provided with robes, sandals, and towels and can enjoy use of the spa’s eucalyptus
steam room and fitness center. Acqua Spa is
open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am 7:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00
pm. Advance reservations are strongly recommended. It is requested that guests check in 20
minutes prior to appointment.
Tel: 52-987-872-7192
Email: reservations@acquaspa.com.mx
www.acquaspa.com.mx
Niche Markets
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Following is a list of additional hotels
that offer spa or massage services
on property; please contact the
hotels for special spa package that
may be offered:
Coral Princess Hotel & Resort
Tel: 1-800-253-2702
Email: reservations@coralprincess.com
www.coralprinces.com
Iberostar Cozumel Hotel
Tel: 52-987-872-9900
E-mail: cozumel@iberostar.com.mx
www.iberostar.com
Occidental Grand Cozumel
Tel: 1-800-858-2258 or
52-987-87-29730
Email: info@grandcozumel.com
www.grandcozumel.com
Playa Azul Golf·Scuba·Spa
Tel: 52-987-872-0033
Email: playazul@playa-azul.com
www.playa-azul.com
Cozumel Palace
Tel: 1-800-215-1400
www.palaceresorts.com
Melià Cozumel All-Inclusive
Golf & Beach Resort
Tel: 1-800-336-3542 or
52-987-87-29870
www.solmelia.com
Park Royal Cozumel
Tel: 52-987-87-20700
www.parkroyalhotels.com
El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel
Tel: 1-800-435-3240 or
52-987-87-872-0844
Email: cozumel@elcid.com.mx
www.elcid.com
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Heavenly Hospitality
Hotels and resorts are scattered along Cozumel’s long
western coastline with San Miguel near the midpoint.
Isla Cozumel offers accommodations for every budget,
from stylish five-star hotels and all-inclusive resorts to
easy-on-the-pocketbook villas and bungalows. There are
more than 4,000 rooms on the island – all within a hop,
skip and jump of the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the
Mexican Caribbean. Despite Cozumel’s popularity, its bed
base is considerably smaller than what’s found on the
mainland. This is due mostly to a lack of drinking water
and restrictions on large developments that might impact
the island’s ecology.
“Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting on
the ocean, a rollicking all-inclusive resort, or a beachfront hotel near downtown San Miguel, we have a
hotel to suit every guest,” said Gaston Cantarell Diaz,
president of the Cozumel Hotel Association.
Let’s explore some of the PROS and CONS of each of the
three lodging zones on Isla Cozumel.
Northern Zone
San Miguel
PRO’s: many affordable lodging options, walking distance
to downtown attractions and
close to the airport and ferry
pier.
CON’s: city noise can be an
issue at some properties; there
are no Five Star/Grand Turismo
resorts; in-town beaches are
not the island’s best and often have boat traffic.
Southern Zone
PRO’s: largest concentration of large resorts and allinclusive properties; easier access to prime diving
sites and most popular reefs; island’s best beaches
and popular beach clubs are mostly here.
CON’s: can be up to 30-minutes to get to airport,
marina, golf course. Expense of taxi’s into town can
add up.
PRO’s: close to golf, marina, airport, and downtown
attractions. Nice assortment of both large resorts and
smaller properties.
CONS’s: several properties have a “limestone ledge” rather than a sandy beach.
It’s easy to plop into the water, but you
won’t find many wide sandy beaches in
this region.
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HOTELS & RESORTS
Aura Cozumel Wyndham Grand Bay
equipment rinse, onsite wet storage and
beach club, Nachi Cocom.
Carretera Costera Sur, Km. 12.9 Interior “L”
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Phone: 1-866-551-AURA
Website: www.auraresorts.com
Type of Property: All-inclusive
Accommodations: 96 rooms
Opened January 2008, the new
Aura Cozumel Wyndham Grand Bay
is a Preferred Boutique property and
offers the latest in ultra all-inclusive
amenities. Situated along Cozumel’s
southwestern coast, the luxury property
provides spectacular views of the Mexican
Caribbean with one- and two-bedroom
suites range from 750 to more than 2,000
square feet in size. With seven room
categories, guests can customize their
luxurious stay by selecting rooms with
private balconies or solariums, or indulge
themselves with a stay in one of 20 lavish
swim-up suites.
Casa Del Mar Cozumel
Costera Sur Km. 4
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, México
Phone: 1-800-235-5892 or
52-987-87-21900
E-mail: sales@casadelmarcozumel.com
Website: www.casadelmarcozumel.com
Type of property: European plan / Meal
Plan available
Accommodations: 98 rooms, 8 deluxe
duplex cabañas
Located just 10 minutes south of
downtown and 15 minutes from the
airport, Casa Del Mar faces the spectacular
waters of the Mexican-Caribbean.
Designed for the sun lover and sports
enthusiast, guests can enjoy scuba diving,
snorkeling, windsurfing and much more.
The full service dive shop operates an
in-house scuba/snorkeling/water-sport
center equipped with freshwater showers,
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Casa Mexicana Cozumel
Av. Rafael E. Melgar
No. 457 Sur Entre
5 Y 7, Apartado Postal No. 286
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, México 77600
Phone: 1-877-228-6747 or
52-987-872-9090
E-mail: reservaciones@
casamexicanacozumel.com
Website: www.casamexicanacozumel.com
Type of property: European Plan
Accommodations: 88 deluxe ocean- or cityview rooms
In the heart of the downtown Cozumel,
Casa Mexicana Cozumel is the architectural
centerpiece of the island. The modern,
spacious and colorful lobby provides a
perfect meeting place for friends and a
spectacular view of the Caribbean Sea.
Guests will enjoy the hotel’s choice of
deluxe city or ocean view rooms and can
also enjoy the reclusive outdoor second
floor swimming pool with beautiful ocean
view.
Coral Princess Hotel & Resort
Carretera Costera Norte Km. 2.5
Phone: 1-800-253-2702 or 52-987-8723200 / 52-987-87-25122
E-mail: reservations@coralprincess.com
Web: www.coralprincess.com
The Coral Princess Hotel & Resort is
located just five minutes from downtown
and seven minutes from the airport.
Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the
hotel provides majestic views of Mexico’s
mainland and nearby Playa de Carmen
and is just a few steps away from the Punta
San Juan Reef. Rooms are decorated in
Contemporary Mexican style and offer
ocean or jungle view. Currently, it is the
only hotel on the island that offers one,
two and three bedroom suites with fully
equipped kitchenette, dinning and living
area. The family friendly property offers
babysitting services and has a bilingual
staff.
Cozumel Palace
Av. Rafael E. Melgar Km. 15
Colonia Centro
Phone: 1-800-346-8225 or
52-987-872-9430
Website: www.palaceresorts.com
Type: All Inclusive
Only 10 minutes from the airport,
Cozumel Palace, invites travelers to enjoy
the facilities and amenities of an allinclusive property with great friendly
service in an ideal location. The hotel offers
various cuisines at its three restaurants,
has a swim-up bar and provides 24-hour
room service. Each guestroom is equipped
with a balcony area with a hammock.
A kids club, children’s playground and
pool are provided to keep the little ones
entertained. The property also has a spa
facility.
continues
El Cid La Ceiba Beach
Carretera a Chankanaab, km. 4.5
Phone: 1-800-435-3240 or
52-987-872-0844
E-mail: reserve.cozumel@elcid.com.mx
Website: www.elcid.com
Type of property: European Plan, and All
Inclusive plan available.
Accommodations: 60 ocean-view rooms
Located in the Southern hotel zone,
just minutes from downtown San Miguel,
the hotel offers some of the best snorkeling
and shore diving in Cozumel. Newly
opened is the property’s Mayan influenced
“Cocai” spa that offers ancient herbal
treatments. Guest can enjoy beautiful
sunsets and margaritas, while relaxing
in hammocks looking out towards the
Mexican Caribbean.
El Cozumeleño Beach Resort
Playa Santa Pilar
Km. 4.5, Zona Hotelera Norte
Phone: 1-800-437-3923 or
52-987-872-9530
E-mail: reservas@elcozumeleno.com
Website: www.elcozumeleno.com
Type of property: All-inclusive
This all-inclusive resort has recently
been remodeled. El Cozumeleño offers
spectacular sunset and ocean views and
is located along a powder-white sand
beach just three miles from the airport
and downtown San Miguel. This familyoriented property provides a variety of
activities for both children and adults. The
hotel is also wonderful for weddings and
romantic honeymoons. In addition, the
hotel offers guests 40 percent off at the
Cozumel Country Club Golf Course located
right across the street.
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Hotel Fontan Cozumel
Fiesta Americana Cozumel
Carretera a Chankanaab Km. 7.5
Phone: 1 800 345 5094 or
52-987-872-9600
E-mail: reservinter@posadas.com
Website: www.fiestamericana.com
Type of Property: European plan / All
Inclusive plan
The Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive
Resort is located at one of Cozumel’s most
prized areas for diving and snorkeling,
enjoyed by pros and amateurs alike. Guests
can relax on the resorts beach or enjoy
the full range of water sports offered that
includes everything from jet skiing to
world-class diving. The Fiesta Americana
Cozumel Dive Resort has everything
one needs for an unforgettable vacation
adventure in one of Mexico´s classic resort
destinations.
Hacienda San Miguel
Calle 10 Norte # 1500
Entre 5ª. Ave. & Ave. Rafael E. Melgar
Phone: 1-866-712-6387 52-987-872-1986
E-mail: info@haciendasanmiguel.com
Website: www.haciendasanmiguel.com
Hacienda San Miguel is located in
downtown Cozumel, within short walking
distance from the main square and only half
a block from the waterfront. Inspired by
colonial Mexican architecture, this quiet and
cozy hotel is ideal for divers, honeymooners,
and travelers looking for a tranquil retreat
with personalized service. The hotel has a
beautiful garden filled with exotic flowers
and tropical plants for guests to enjoy.
Carretera a Playas San Juan
Km 2.5, Zona Hotelera Norte
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
77600
Phone: 52-987-872-0300
E-mail: reservaciones@hotelesfontan.com
Website: www.hotelesfontan.com
Type of Property: European Plan
The Hotel Fontan Cozumel is located
only a few minutes from the center of
the city and 5 minutes from the airport.
Recently remodeled, the hotel offers rooms
with spectacular ocean views, adult and
children’s swimming pool, Jacuzzi by the
sea, mini-market, dive shop and private
pier, providing additional convenience
for divers. It is a charming property that
provides personalized attention to each
guest.
Hotel Cozumel & Resort
Costera Sur Km. 1.7
Phone: 1-877-454-4355 or
52-987-872-9020
E-mail: reserv@hotelcozumel.com.mx
Website: www.hotelcozumel.com.mx
Type of property: All-inclusive or European
Plan Accommodations: 181 rooms
Only a mile away from downtown
San Miguel, this beach and dive resort
is located just minutes by boat from
Cozumel’s main reefs. A perfect place for
families, friends, couple and divers, the
hotel offers a wide variety of activities for
individuals of all ages. The property also
boasts the largest swimming pool on the
island.
continues
Iberostar Cozumel Hotel
Carretera Costera Sur Km. 17.782
Paraiso El Cedral CP. 77600
Phone: 52-987-872-9900
E-mail: cozumel@iberostar.com.mx
Website: www.iberostar.com
Opened in December 1999, this allinclusive property is situated along the
western side of the island and offers
spectacular views of the Riviera Maya and
Playa del Carmen. Located 20 minutes
from the town of San Miguel and the
airport, the hotel is right next to the famed
Palancar Reef. The hotel offers bungalowstyle guestrooms with private terraces and
easy access to pool areas. The property has
been fully renovated and offers new buffet
and beach restaurants, refurnished rooms
and refreshed beach bar.
sunbathing and simply relaxing. Providing
easy access for golfers, the Cozumel
Country Club is located right across the
street from the hotel.
Melía Cozumel All-Inclusive
Golf & Beach Resort
Occidental Grand Cozumel
Carretera Costera Norte, Km. 5.8
Phone: 1-800-336-3542 or
52-987-872-9870
Website: www.solmelia.com
Meliá Cozumel is located on the
northern end of the island, just a few
minutes from
downtown San
Miguel and 10
minutes from
the airport.
Situated on the
longest expanse
of natural beach
in Cozumel, the
Meliá Cozumel
is a great spot
for water sports,
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Occidental Allegro Cozumel
Km. 16.5 Carretera Costera Sur
El Cedral, San Francisco Palancar
Phone: 1-800-858-2258 or
52-987-872-9770
E-mail: internet@
drcozmel.allegroresorts.com
Website: www.occidental-hoteles.com
Opened in December 1992, this allinclusive property at the South end of the
island is just five minutes from the famous
Palancar Reef and 30 minutes from the
airport.
Kilómetro 17.5 Carretera Sur Cozumel
El Cedral, San Francisco Palancar
Phone: 1-800-858-2258 or
52-987-872-29730
E-mail: info@grandcozumel.com
Website: www.grandcozumel.com
Opened in October 2002, the
Occidental Grand Cozumel is fashioned to
reflect Mexican Colonial architecture. The
hotel is only a five-minute boat ride from
the renowned Palancar Reef, one of the
world’s most beautiful dive attractions. The
Occidental Grand Cozumel is the perfect
place for those wishing to relax in the
peaceful charm of an all-Inclusive resort
and for divers looking to experience the
beauty of Cozumel’s underwater.
Park Royal Cozumel
Playa Paraíso Km. 3.5, Costera Sur
Phone: 52-987-872-.0700
E-mail: info@parkroyalhotels.com.mx
Website: www.park-royalhotels.com
Along with its spectacular setting,
the Park Royal Cozumel is within
walking distance of main shopping and
entertainment centers and is only seven
minutes away from downtown San Miguel.
The hotel is also located right in front of
Playa Paraíso, one of the largest barrier
reefs in Cozumel.
Playa Azul Golf, Scuba, Spa Hotel
Carr. a San Juan Km 4
Zona Hotelera Norte,
Cozumel, Q. Roo 77600
Phone: 52-987-869-5160
E-mail: playazul@playa-azul.com
Website: www.playa-azul.com
Conveniently located, just 10 minutes
away from Cozumel’s International Airport
and downtown San Miguel, the Playa
Azul lies along the northern beaches of
Cozumel. A charming boutique hotel with
contemporary Mexican architecture, it
recently received Caribbean Travel & Life
magazine’s Readers Choice Award. Noted
as “The Best of the Caribbean 2006” the
Playa Azul was voted as one of the top
small hotels in the Caribbean. An ideal
choice for honeymoons and weddings,
the property is perfect for golf enthusiasts
as well, it is the only hotel that offers
unlimited complimentary green fees for all
its guests. The hotel features a dive shop,
brand new Savia spa, two restaurants,
and two bars,
including a
beach bar.
Heavenly Hospitality continues
Presidente InterContinental
Cozumel Resort & Spa
Carr A. Chankanaab, Km. 6.5
Phone: 1-800-327-0200 or
52-987-872-9500
E-mail: cozumel@interconti.com
Website: www.intercontinentalcozumel.com
Accommodations: 220 rooms including 37
suites
Set in the Cozumel National Reefs
Marine Park, home to one of the world’s
largest and richest reef systems, the
Presidente InterContinental is located
seven minutes from downtown San
Miguel and 15 minutes from the airport.
The newly renovated resort offers some
of the best facilities in the Mexican
Caribbean, while maintaining the charm
and tranquility it is famous for. The hotel
provides a unique hideaway, secluded
on a half mile of private sandy beach,
and attracts world travelers who seek
first-rate accommodations, exceptional
service, fine-dining, outstanding watersports and magnificent beaches. Each
room is equipped with a private terrace or
balcony that overlooks the waters of the
Mexican-Caribbean or tropical gardens.
The newly redesigned rooms and suites
feature luxurious furnishings and plasma
televisions. The resorts new deluxe “Ocean
Suites” offer more than 755 square feet
of space with unparalleled views of the
Caribbean Sea. New facilities include an
additional swimming pool, a putting green
and a scuba
certification
center.
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Suites Bahía
Av. Rafael E. Melgar X Calle 3 Sur
Phone: 1-877-228-6747 or
52-987-872-9090
E-mail: reservaciones@suitesbahia.com
Website: www.suitesbahia.com
Conveniently located in downtown
Cozumel, Suites Bahia is surrounded by
a mix of restaurants, boutiques and local
entertainment. Ideal for divers, couples
and groups looking to get the most value
from their Cozumel vacation. A favorite
among divers, the hotel sits right across
from the downtown piers which act as the
key meeting point for many of the dive
boats that depart daily to Cozumel’s worldfamous reefs.
Suites Colonial
5ª Avenida Sur #9
Phone: 1-877-228-6747 or
52-987-872-0211
E-mail: reservaciones@suitescolonial.com
Website: www.suitescolonial.com
Located in Cozumel’s main square, in the
middle of all the action and entertainment
of downtown San Miguel, the hotel is ideal
for value-minded vacationers looking for
a true Mexico experience and for divers
interested in exploring the wonders above
and below the sea.
Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel
Carretera Costera Sur, Km. 3
Phone: 1-800-DIVE-MEX or
52-987-87-20730
Fax: 52-987-872-08-65
E-mail: info@villablanca.net
Website: www.villablanca.net
Surrounded by beautiful gardens
and the island’s natural jungle, this quiet
hotel is located just minutes away from
downtown and the airport and sits right
along the southern reefs of Cozumel, which
are great for snorkeling and diving. In
addition to standard rooms and suites, the
hotel offers three villas and a penthouse. All
units are equipped with a refrigerator and
satellite TV. The hotel is handicap accessible
and offers an abundance of amenities
including wireless Internet. Tennis courts,
beach club, dive shop, gym and minimarket are located on property.
Vista del Mar Boutique Hotel
Avenida Rafael E. Melgar # 45
Entre calles 5 y 7 Sur
Tel: 1-888-309-9988 or 52-987-872-0545
Email: info@hotelvistadelmar.com
Website: www.hotelvistadelmar.com
Located along the waterfront in the
heart of downtown San Miguel, overlooking
the magnificent Bay of San Miguel, the hotel
is a short walk from the main square and is
surrounded by a mix of restaurants, bars,
entertainment
and dive shops.
Carretera Costera Sur, Km. 12.9
Phone: 1-888-293-0293
Website: www.wyndhamcozumel.com
The all-inclusive property is located
on the southwest coast of Cozumel, 15
minutes from downtown San Miguel, 20
minutes from the airport and only a few
minutes by boat to all of the island’s main
reefs. The property boasts more than 2,000
feet of beach, 8 swimming pools and the
largest spa facility in Cozumel. Ideal for
families, divers, groups and golfers, the
resort also features a uniquely designed
adult-only section, “Sabor,” perfect for
couples and honeymooners.
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Additional Accommodations in Cozumel
HOTEL NAME
PHONE
ROOMS
B&B Villa las Anclas
987-872-5476
7
cozumel@lasanclas.com
Caribe Blue
987-872-0188
22
caribebluecozumel@hotmail.com
Hotel Aguilar
987-872-0307
32
haguilar@cozunet.finred.com.mx
Hotel Almarestel
987-872-0822
24
almarestel@prodigy.net.mx
Hotel Barracuda
987-872-0002
44
barracudahotelczm@prodigy.nt.mx
Hotel Bello Caribe
987-872-6520
30
bcaribe@prodigy.net.mx
Hotel Costa Brava
987-872-1453
22
cosbrava@prodigy.net.mx
Hotel Caribe
987-872-0325
14
Hotel Cozumel Inn
987-872-0314
27
Hotel del Centro
987-872-5471
14
Hotel El Marqués
987-872-0677
39
Hotel El Pirata
987-872-0051
27
Hotel Flamingo
987-872-7060
20
tom@hotelflamingo.com
Hotel Flores
987-872-1429
26
tqroo@cozumel.com.mx
Hotel Kary
987-872-2011
29
gongoramanuel@hotmail
Hotel López
987-872-0108
30
Hotel Marruang
987-872-1678
16
Hotel Mary Carmen
987-872-0581
27
Hotel Maya Cozumel
987-872-0011
32
Meson San Miguel
987-872-0323
96
Paraiso Caribe
987-872-0740
18
Pepita
987-872-0098
26
Plaza Cozumel
987-872-2700
55
Posada Eden
987-872-1166
15
Safari Inn
987-872-0101
12
Saolima
987-872-3255
16
Scuba Club
987-872-1133
61
Zuanayoli
987-872-0690
15
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E-MAIL
hotelmarquez@hotmail.com
hmeson@prodigy.net.mx
hotplaco@prodigy.net.mx
dive@acuasafari.com
HOTELS & RESORTS LOCATIONS
CORAL PRINCESS
PLAYA AZUL
EL COZUMELENO BEACH RESORT
MELIA COZUMEL
San Miguel
IN TOWN PROPERTIES
• Hotel Cozumel Inn
• Hotel Caribe
• Suites Colonial
• Suites Bahía
• Hacienda
San Miguel
Cozumel Palace
Park Royal Cozumel
Scuba Club
Casa Del Mar
Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel
El Cid La Ceiba
Presidente Inter-continental
Fiesta Americana
Cozumel Dive Resort
SABOR RESORTS
WYNDHAM COZUMEL
AURA WYNDHAM
REEF RESIDENCE
OCCIDENTAL ALLEGRO
HOLIDAY VILLAGE
OCCIDENTAL
GRAND COZUMEL
IBEROSTAR COZUMEL
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• Meson San Miguel
• Vista Del Mar
• Barracuda
• Casa Mexicana
• Palma Dorada Inn
PRINT
EXIT

Cozumel: Heaven on Earth - Cozumel Consultant Program

Transcription

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