Outdoor Activities in Cozumel
When in Cozumel, dive. From the international cruise ship pier south to the island's southern tip are miles of offshore coral reefs that offer some of the most spectacular dive settings in the world. All of the reefs are part of a national marine park that includes the beaches and waters between Paradise Reef and Chiqueros Point. The entire area is governed by strict rules to ensure that the fragile environment remains protected at the same time it is enjoyed by visitors.
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Cozumel has many rewarding dive sites that are classified primarily by skill level and the depth of the dive. The reefs are all off the western (leeward) coast. Paradise Reef, a series of three separate reefs lying about 200 yards offshore, is the only reef accessible from the beach. The marine life here is abundant, and the shallow depth (40 to 50 feet) is suitable for novice divers. Another good location for beginning divers is Yucab Reef, where the swift currents attract barracuda.
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Tormentos Reef is suitable for intermediate divers. Colorful coral heads, valleys of sand and marine life that includes moray eels, angelfish, grouper and snapper can be found at depths of 50 to 70 feet. San Francisco Reef is the shallowest of Cozumel's wall dives—half a mile of reef broken into three sections that is teeming with sea life. The Santa Rosa Wall is a very popular deep dive; the wall begins at a depth of 50 feet and drops straight down, with sponge-covered coral overhangs and a myriad little caves and tunnels to explore.
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The peak diving season is June through August, when the Caribbean waters are calm and warm and hotel rates tend to be lower. A wetsuit top is recommended for winter diving, when water temperatures are slightly lower. Night dives, underwater photography or making a customized video are among the available options. A scale map of all of Cozumel's reefs, complete with water depths and other information, can be obtained from most of the local dive shops.
A variety of travel packages, which usually include airfare, accommodations and diving costs, can be booked in the United States. In addition, the island's dive outfits compete vigorously for both seasoned divers and beginners, offering equipment rentals, instruction, guides and organized expeditions that range from an afternoon to several days.
Many hotels organize their own dive trips as well, and their facilities, while likely to be more expensive, also are more convenient. If you're not on a packaged trip or making your own arrangements, take the time to investigate credentials, boats and equipment; if possible, get the inside scoop from a diver familiar with the area. It's customary to tip the dive crew, as they are responsible for your safety.
Aqua Safari has two locations: in the Safari Inn at Av. Rafael Melgar #429 (at Avenida 5 Sur), and at the Cozumel Palace all-inclusive resort in the southern hotel zone; phone (987) 869-0610 or (987) 872-9439, respectively. Note: Make certain the instructor you choose has PADI certification and is affiliated with one of the island's recompression chambers. The Costamed Cozumel Hyperbaric Center (Costamed Cámara Hiperbárica) is a modern facility located at Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 50 Sur (a block south of Avenida Benito Juárez, the trans-island road); phone (987) 872-5050.
Snorkeling is excellent in Chankanaab Bay, at Playa San Francisco and around the offshore reefs near Colombia Lagoon, at the island's southern tip. An upside-down plane, deliberately sunk for a movie production, sits on the sandy bottom a short distance from the El Cid La Ceiba hotel pier. If you want to see colorful marine life but don't want to get wet, take a glass-bottom boat trip. Snorkeling gear can be cheaply rented at Playa San Francisco, Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park or from the larger hotels, and dive shops offer guided snorkeling excursions to various reefs.
Sport fishing is superb, and Cozumel was an angler's paradise long before it gained renown as a dive destination. Catches differ according to the season. From April through June blue and white marlin, dorado, tuna and sailfish are hooked; fishing for amberjack, barracuda, bonito, mackerel, shark, snapper and wahoo can be done all year. Lagoon fishing yields bonefish, snook and tarpon.
Cozumel Charters excursions depart from the Club Abrigo and Caleta marinas. An all-day guided sport-fishing trip aboard a full-size cabin cruiser (maximum 12 passengers) runs around $1150 (U.S.); an all-day trip aboard a smaller vessel (minimum three passengers) runs around $275. Bottom fishing and snorkeling options are also available. For additional information phone (987) 869-8560, (987) 871-4868 (cell), 01 (800) 099-0293 (toll-free long distance within Mexico).
The Cozumel Country Club, on the north side of the island near the airport, has an 18-hole golf course, a pro shop, a driving range, and club and shoe rental. Carts are required. Greens fees are around $90-$160 (U.S. dollars are not accepted; payment is by credit card or cash in pesos only). Unlimited golf (only a cart fee per person per day) is available to guests staying at the Melia Cozumel all-inclusive resort, the Playa Azul hotel and the Coral Princess resort. For additional information phone (987) 872-9570.
Rancho Buenavista, a horse ranch on Cozumel's east coast, offers a 4-hour guided horseback riding trek into the interior jungle scrub, with stops at several Mayan ruins, which is a great thing for couples to do. The tours include round-trip transportation from any of the cruise ship piers in San Miguel; phone (987) 872-1537.
Carnaval is held in February on the 3 days preceding Ash Wednesday. Colorful float parades along the malecón, masquerade balls, street dances and the “burning” of Juan Carnaval (a Carnaval king) take place during this exuberant fiesta. Rodeo De Lanchas Mexicanas takes place in mid-May; this 2-day fishing tournament includes a catch-and-release option. Cozumel also celebrates the patron saint of San Miguel with a fiesta on Sept. 29.