How to Have Fun in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is the third-largest island in Mexico, and the largest Atlantic Mexican Island at 30 miles north to south and ten miles east to west. Settled by the Mayans by 1000 A.D., ruins dot the island, which was discovered by the Spanish in 1518. Though small, the island has plenty of activities to keep visitors busy, especially important as tourism is the economy on the island.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Explore the ruins. To get a feel for the island, it's important to experience a variety of the island's offerings, including the Mayan ruins. The island has a large archaeological site and other Mayan ruins which include a castle, an old-style lighthouse, a small Mayan village, temples and observatories. Pretend you’re an archaeologist like Indiana Jones and start exploring.
2. Dive Into the water. Cozumel has a wide variety of water sports that tourists can partake in, including scuba diving, deep sea fishing, snorkeling, exploring the depths of the ocean in an Atlantic submarine, dolphin riding, swimming with the dolphins, parasailing and sailing. Visitors can also take a trip on a glass bottom boat or go kayaking along the shores. You can sign up for tours or find these activities through individual places. With these and other water activities, it's easy to find something for everyone. And those that want to stay behind can work on a tan – or simply swim along the islands' beautiful beaches.
3. Explore the rest of the island. Take a jungle tour, ride motorcycles across the island or enjoy horseback riding on the island. Other attractions include Discover Mexico, a Mexican-culture theme park, Chankanaab Park which has an indoor reef, Dolphin Discovery, where people can ride the dolphins and swim with them and explore Mexico's natural jungles – inside. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel allows visitors to explore the islands history as well as its natural environment, it sits so the Caribbean is easily visible and has a beautiful restaurant from which visitors can enjoy breakfast.
4. Go shopping. Cozumel has dozens of shops that are just waiting for tourists, from small retail stores selling one-of-a-kind t-shirts to exquisite jewelry stores selling silver and dozens of other shops selling anything your heart desires – crystal, china, cameras, perfumes, leather, pottery and wooden furniture. And, if you really want something but feel the price is too high, don't be afraid to barter. You never know, the price might get to where you can afford it.