COZUMEL
The following pictures were taken at Cozumel by
Paul
Chilton
COZUMEL
Cozumel is an island paralleling the mainland of Mexico
running north and south off the eastern coast of the Yucatan
Peninsula. Even though the island is only 30 miles long and 10
miles wide it boasts all the advantages of the mainland plus the
clear, teal blue waters of the Caribbean.
This is a diver's paradise with waters that are sparkling clear
and numerous reefs, and a diversity of restaurants and
accommodations to fit every budget. Atmosphere and splendid
reefs, an extensive watersport program including windsurfing,
jet skiing, parasailing and sunbathing makes this island have
something for everyone. Any scuba diver would say Cozumel is
world famous for its reefs and visibility is exceptional. The
island of Cozumel is separated from Playa De Carmen by a 11-mile
channel. You can take a ferry at various times across the channel
and then a bus to Cancun. Because of the friendly people and
perfect diving conditions Cozumel is a popular stop for the
cruise ships and has numerous flights available from any city.
The inhabitants of this island are from the Mayan empire. They
are furiously proud of their home and will be glad to answer your
questions. I would suggest seeing the entire island either by
rental car or taxi. You can bargain with the taxi drivers for «
or one day tour. Make sure to see the south side of the island.
You may use one of the beaches that are improved or go off on
your own.
There are numerous shattered ruins in the middle of the island
located in the thick dense jungle and swamp. One of the ruins,
Dan Gervasio, is located northeast of the City of San Miguel. If
you have time, Chichen-Itza is the most famous of the ancient
Mayan cities. It is only a one hour plane ride from Cozumel. Here
you can see the 75-foot pyramid named Kukulkan, El Characol
observatory and the ritual hall courts. Tulum is another Mayan
city that can be reached from Cozumel by taking the ferry to
Playa Del Carmen and then by bus or taxi. I enjoyed the
picturesque sandy beach located just below the cliffs of the
ruins.
In the center of San Migel you can stroll along the town plaza or
the adjacent waterfront and enjoy live entertainment from the
colorful mariachi bands playing the rhythms of salsa music dance.
Street vendors line the cobble's streets selling fruits, deserts,
and others items. The stores along the street contain numerous
items such as silver, onyx, copper, pottery, ceramic items,
leather goods, necklaces, black coral, cotton goods and other
Mexican arts and crafts where you can bargain on the price of the
item. Many of the restauranteurs bring their food and drinks out
on the sidewalks. It is a relaxing walk along the plaza. I would
recommend eating at La Mission and La Choza. Both are located in
the city. El Mora is a good restaurant but you must go by taxi.
After 6:30 P.M., you will probably have to wait to be seated at
all three mentioned restaurants. Pepe's Grill and Ernestos for
Fajitas are two other excellent restaurants.
In the early morning, you can see the local fisherman selling
their fish catch for the day. You can see the fisherman using
strips from the palm leaves to tie the fish together for their
customers. About 9:00 A.M., you can see the procession of diving
boats cruising to the dive site at the southwest of the island.
The boats will stop along the way to pick up divers at the
various hotels.
To the North, far south and eastern part of Cozumel is some of
the most fabulous and picturesque beaches. However, in the city
and to the south where majority of the hotels are located, the
shoreline consists of craggy ironshore rocks. Many of the hotels
have man made beaches. All beaches are open to the public. If you
decide to visit the island, on the way to the south, stop by San
Francisco Beach or Palancar Beach. Both areas have bars and
restaurants. All the beaches are reached by driving down small
dirt roads. If you continue going south until you almost run into
the sea, to the right is a dirt road leading to the southern
lighthouse, Punta Celarain. Pay the lighthouse keeper a few
Pesos, you will be allowed to walk to the top, 127 steps. The
360-degree view from the top is impressive. On the way to the
lighthouse along the dirt road, look for the Tumba Del Caracol
ruins. It was built as a navigational aid and ceremonial temple.
After visiting the lighthouse, continue to the windward, eastern
shoreline. You will see numerous romantic, charming and deserted
beaches. Stop along the way at one or more of the restaurants for
food or drink. The food is excellent.
Chankanaab Park is a national park and is located 5 miles south
of town or 3 miles south of the international pier. The cost to
enter the park is five dollars. There are dive operators,
restaurants and beach facilities on the premises. It is a great
snorkeling area and a good checkout dive. You can see anchors,
sunken boat, cannons, and many species of marine life. To the
south, you will find several openings in the rock leading to a
cave system. Inside the cavern, you will see schools of minnows
and several tarpons. Only cave certified divers should proceed
past the entrance room.
Another good snorkeling spot and checkout dive would be the DC3
twin engine plane wreck, located just behind the La Ceiba Hotel
near the international pier. You gained access by going through
the La Ceiba hotel. Another great spot is Playa Corona located
just south of Chankanaab Park. There is a dive shop and
restaurant on the premises at both locations.
Most of the diving is done by boat since the major reefs are well
offshore. The current usually goes from the south to the north
and constantly washes the island with clear rich nutrient water.
You will be drift diving over the reefs where you will see
seafans, gorgonians, bright colorful yellow and orange sponges.
You will see french and gray angels swimming in pairs, blue and
yellow queen angels, moray eels, sergeant majors, and groupers
within touching distance, expecting handouts from the divers. The
variety and abundance of marine life are exceptional. The drop
offs are dramatic at several locations and swimming within a
lbyrinth of interconnecting caves and tunnels.
The most famous reef in Cozumel is Palancar Reef. The reef is
more than three miles long and about one mile offshore. Palancar
Reef is a conglomeration of many different coral formations with
names such as Palancar Gardens, Little Caves, Horseshoe, Palancar
Caves, and Deep Palancar. Santa Rosa Reef is probably the second
most popular reef. This is a wall dive starting at 50-60 deep nd
drops off into the deep blue. This is an outstanding spot to see
interconnecting caves and tunnels.
Two of my favorite shallow dives are Paso El Cedral and Punta
Tunich. Both areas have an abundance of marine life. he groupers
and angels approach the divers within touching distance. In fact,
on my last dive, I saw an eagle ray, two green morays, several
spotted morays, and a nurse shark inside a small cave.
E-mail me at Paul Chilton (pchilton@insight.rr.com)
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