Facts at your fingertips: Rental Villas/ Condos Full listing of properties Reservation procedures, etc. See maps below Maps Island Map Yucatan Area Map Mexico Map Intown Villa Location Map Oceanfront and Beach Area Villa/Condo Map Island Fun Diving, Snorkeling Fishing Sailing Jet skiing, parasailing, glass bottom boats, Atlantis submarine Swimming with the dolphins Horseback riding ATVs, Wild Tours Golf Miniature Golf Go Karts Other Beach areas Turtle protection program Island Sightseeing Island museum Chankanaab Parque Punta Sur (south lighthouse) San Gervasio Cedral "The other side" of the island Turtle protection program Beach areas Mayan ruins and mainland excursions San Gervasio Tulum Coba-Pac Chen Chichen Itza Xcaret Xel-Ha Tres Rios Tikal Uxmal Kohunlich Palenque Merida Food & Nightlife Restaurants Nightlife Cook Service Regional Food Shopping Groceries, liquor, gifts, handicrafts Money Matters Pesos or $$$ Currency converter Transportation Ferry schedule Taxis Car, moped, bicyle rental Communication Telephone E-mail/internet Emergency #s Health, Medical, Misc. Info and Phone #s Holidays/Celebrations Calendar You Can Help! Cozumel Kids: Chrysalis Society Humane Society	Cozumel Sites of Interest
	There are many sightseeing opportunities on Cozumel. We recommend you rent a car and explore the island. Below are some of the highlights.
	San Gervasio
	San Gervasio is located on the cross island road between San Miguel and the east coast of Cozumel. There is an entrance fee and English-speaking guides are available at an extra charge. It is worthwhile to have a guide so you can learn about the history of this area. The Mayan ruins covers an area of approximately 10 acres in the jungle. You can visit San Gervasio on your own via taxi or rental car. Entrance fee is about 50 pesos ($5) per person. English speaking guides are available for an additional fee ($15 for groups of up to 5 people). It is worthwhile to have a guide so you can learn about the history of this area. The Mayan ruins cover an area of approximately 10 acres in the jungle. While there are no skyscraping pyramids or large structurs, you'll find the history interesting. Located on the cross-island road.
	Chankanaab
	Chankanaab is Cozumel's greatest natural landmark. In 1980 Chankanaab was declared a national park and refuge area for protectingmarine flora and fauna on the west coast of Cozumel. One of the main attractions at the park is the natural lagoon. In the Mayan language, Chankanaab means small sea. Hard coralas and limestone formations worn away through centuries have shaped Chankanaab making it a worldwide renowned ecosystem. Ocean flood streams allowed the growth of corals as well as the development of large communities of fishes, mollusks, crustaceans and marine gardens. Its survival depends on the sea that flows in through two underwater caves. There are 60 different types of palms, a garden of orchids and water lilies and bamboo in the botanical garden. Replicans of 60 famous Maya, Toltec and Aztec cultures are scattered throughout the park. Snorkeling is great in the lagoon and a statute of Christ and a virgin are submersed in the sea and said to be the protectors of Chankanaab. Enjoy lunch, drinks, shopping in the sourviner stores, snorkel, scuba or snuba dive at Chankanaab. Chairs, palapas, lockers and restrooms are available. Swimming with the dolphins at Chankanaab is an incredible experience of a lifetime. Dolphin Discovery program of Cozumel offers a one hour program available to anyone who can swim (8 years minimum age). Prior to swimming with the dolphins, you will have a 30-minute educational briefing instructions for swimming with these magnificent creatures. Then experience 30 minutes in the water with the dolphins. You'll have the opportunity of interacting with these naturally playful sea creatures as they pull you through the water, push you by your feet or leap over you. Don your snorkeling gear and complete your adventure during the freestyle portion of your swim. Race the dolphins across the water's surface or dive to the sandy bottom to enjoy their playful antics. Optional video is available to capture these magical moments. To make a reservation, go to dolphindiscovery.com Return to top
	Island Museum
	We recommend that you pay a visit to the island museum early in you stay. It is a good way to get a quick orientation to the island. The museum is not large, but you'll find interesting displays that will give you basic background on history, ecosystem and geography of the island, a typical Mayan dwelling and diving artifacts. The museum–Museo de la Isla de Cozumel–is located on the waterfront between 4th and 6th Streets North. Admission is US $3 and hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Restaurant on the second floor is a delightful spot for breakfast or lunch with spectacular views of the ocean; you do not need to pay an entrance fee if you are going to the restaurant, but you won't be able to enter the display areas of the museum unless you pay the entry fee. For information, call 872-1434 or 872-1475. Return to top
	Parque Punta Sur (south lighthouse)
	Parque Punta Sur, Celarain Lighthouse or southern lighthouse. We remember this place before it had so many names and you could drive down the dirt road along the beach. A local family lived in the lighthouse and you paid them a few pesos before you climbed to the top, then bought a few cold beers from them on your way down. Today, they've improved the road, put up a gate, declared it an ecotourist project and charge $15 per person (under 12, free). Of course, other amenities and services have been added. The park offers restrooms, restaurant, bicycle rental, small shops, an archaelogical site, bar, beach, showers, snorkeling, beach activities, swallow zone, crododile area, lagoons and flora.
	El Cedral
	This charming village is located inland off of the coast highway. Look for the large arched gate on the lefthand side of the highway as you head south. Located about 10 miles south of town is this pristine community of colorful cottages with thatched roofs and seldom-used narrow dirt roads. A visit to this off-the-bean track little village is like stepping back in time. The bungalows are picture perfect with delightful gardens with the flowers in brilliant shades. Stop in for a visit and stroll the paths. A small store sells cold drinks and a few basics, but otherwise, you won't find much commercialism here. Unless, of course, you happen to be here April 28-May 3 when the the annual Festival of Cedral takes place. The atmosphere changes dramatically during those few days when sleepy Cedral transforms into a Mexican version of the state fair. Beer gardens, carnival rides and games, horse races, bull riding, folk dancing and music take over the village. For more information on the Festival of Cedral, click here.
	"The other side" of the island
	Sounds like something akin to "the other woman" or possibly a forbidden fruit, doesn't it? Perhaps it should have that reputation as this is Cozumel's "wild side." Wave action is powerful, wind often brisk and the shoreline varied, from rocky and steep to wide expanses of soft white sand. This is the extreme side of Cozumel where you zip along in your open top jeep and let the wind fly through your hair while you get fried under the hot tropical sun (or, if you're older and wiser, you can enjoy the views in air conditioned comfort from your midsize car). Starting from the south and driving north up the coast, you can begin at Parque Punta Sur on up to Mezcalito's. Definitely pay a visit at Paradise Cafe where you can flop into a hammock and watch the waves while you have a cold beer. Continue up the coast to other beach areas where you'll find inviting little beachfront bars offering ice cold margaritas and snacks at Punta Chiqueros, Chen Rio or Punta Morena. Do not miss Coconuts, a cliffside bar/restaurant (limited menu), with a breathtaking view. From this lofty perch you can watch waves break all the way down the coast. Local surfers can often be seen riding– and wiping out–on the waves below. Enjoy the view at Coconuts from the cliffs! If you pass a large deserted hotel, you've gone a slip too far. NEW and now Second-to-the-last stop along the coast heading north is Senor Iguana. This brand new oceanfront restaurant and bar will give Mezcalito's some competition. Great views, cold beer and reportedly tasty –but pricey–food is offered here. Conveniently located next to "Target" so shopaholics have easy access to satisfy their buying needs. Last stop along the coast before cutting back across the island, is well known Mezcalito's which has been holding down the beach at this end of the island for years. Stop in for a brew (we really do hope you have a designated driver if you're taking our advice and drinking all that beer), join in a volleyball game, slink into the sand, or for god's sake buy some of those damn Big Mexican Blankets, which are "almost free," and "cheaper than Walmart". Mezcalito's is said to have some pretty decent food, but maybe that's because everyone's had a few beers before they get there. Now from here you have two choices, you can head back into town on the cross island road. Or, if you've had a few too many drinks you might consider taking a drive down Punta Molas Road. You may want to think again. Your insurance on your rental vehicle is null and void when you leave the paved road (UNLESS you are with an official guide). This dirt/sand path is a "jeep only" road that leads to the northern-most lighthouse. It passes several great beaches and some Mayan ruins along the way. Sounds really neat, huh? Well, do remember that you have no insurance if you choose to go this route. And don't be a cry baby when you end up paying big bucks to get your car out. If you wish to explore the north coast, take one of the tours available. We recommend the Pantera Connection tour which uses Trackers or Jeeps which are much better equipped to negotiate the terrain. Guides are equipped with radios, phones, first aid and emergency supplies for this off-the-road-adventure. Click for more information.
	Beaches (west coast)
	If you want to explore all of the many beaches, you better get busy! Start the beach tour at the north end in County Club Estates. Beach area is open to the public; just walk along the trail that has a small sign pointing to the playa. This is a very quiet beach area with no jet skis or boat traffic; just a lot of sand and plenty of it. Bring your own beer and snacks, there are no bars or restaurants. Make sure to pick up after you leave. Next, stop in at Playa Azul where you'll fnd jet skis, a restaurant, bar, volleyball and more. Playa Casitas is on the north edge of town and you'll see throngs of locals here on Sundays. They gather along with their families for a picnic on the beach. You're welcome to drop by. Heading south of town, you could stop at Mama Hog's (across the road from Papa Hog's), for a cold beer on their patio which overlooks the ocean. Not a beach area, but a good excuse to stop for a beer or a burger before you leave town. Continuing down the beach is Dzul Ha, where they serve drinks and lunch all day. Take a dip in the ocean. Snorkeling is fine! Another small beach area that is worth a stop is Uva's Beach Club, just past Fiesta Americana, but before Chankanaab. Kiros has a bar/restaurant and tables overlooking the ocean. This is a pretty private area, never too many people. NOTE: Last we were there, the restaurant was closed. Chankanaab is next along the line. You'll pay an entry fee into this national park area. Superb snorkeling, restaurants, bars, shops, botanical gardens, swimming with the dolphins as well as other activities are offered here. Try get here when there aren't too many cruise ships in. Playa Corona: A popular gathering point along the ocean. There is a pier in this area, snorkeling, a bar and restaurant . A raft is usually anchored not far off-shore. No admittance charge. San Francisco: Now we're getting into the major beach sites. Restaurant, bar, watersports and LOTS of sandy beach. Playa Mia (formerly Playa Sol): Sun, sand and creatures. There is plenty of powdery white sand, beach chairs, hammocks as well as a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. Activities include jet skiing, sea kayaks, snorkeling, water skiing, diving, volleyball, banana boat rides and more. Climb to the stop of the giant inflatable plastic "iceberg" and slide down into the warm waters of the Caribbean. If you're in the mood for a ride along the beach, horses are available. Entrance fee varies depending on which package you would like, from basic package, to all-inclusive package including all you can eat. There are bathroom and shower facilities. Also, look for the monkeys, alligators, and iguanas; no, they don't roam free, but are on display in the small zoo. If nothing else, stop in and name a monkey. Next beach playground is Mr. Sancho's which has most everything that Playa Sol has, without the entry fee. Great beach area with pool, jacuzzi, hammocks, bar/restaurant. You can get mighty comfy here! A DJ on the beach keeps things moving along if you want to join in the tug of war, limbo, volleyball or other activities. They now have a giant inflatible trampoline in the ocean (their answer to Playa Sol's iceberg, I guess). Nachi Cocom Beach: Another new beach area with swimming pool, jacuzzi, restaurant, pier for dive boats, watersports. This is a beautiful spot and a very pleasant place to spend a day. Not too busy, not too slow . . . picture-perfect views and long stretches of sand to leave your footprints as you take a long stroll in the warm sunshine. And finally, one of the nicest: Palancar with lots of sand and few people. Quieter than some of the other beach areas . . . and NO motorized water toys (jet skis, etc.). A very pretty area where you can take long walks along the beach without seeing many other people. You'll find a restaurant, bar and restrooms. One of our FAVORITE beach areas. Have a designated driver! Return to top
	Also see: Island Fun • Mayan Ruins & Mainland Tours
	Other questions? Don't hesitate to contact us! And check these areas: Akumal, Playacar, Xcalak Vacation Villas and Condos in Cozumel Ron and Sherrie White Tropical Island Connections. Call or e-mail 7 days a week: E-mail • 406-686-9169 Toll free: 1-866-564-4427 [Home Page] [Villas & Condos] [Restaurants] [Things to do] [Info--Maps--FAQs][Weather] [Other Stuff] [E-mail]