Parks and the outdoors in Cozumel

Parks and the outdoors in Cozumel

1. Eat

   Alberto's Beach Bar

   This isolated beach-side bar and restaurant distinguishes itself by catching its own seafood daily. The grilled Mahi-mahi filet is a definitely a worthy experience. Tables are literally setup on the beach, so it's also a great place to watch the sunset. Atmosphere is very informal, with a live DJ most nights. (Although not officially recommended, it's possible to walk the 1.6-2.4 km (1-1.5 miles) up the beach from Playa Palancar if you're not afraid of a small hike.).

2. Eat

   Casa Mission

   Corner of Avenidas Benito Juarez and 55. Casa Mission offers superb food, however the real attraction here is not the food, but the setting. Located off the beaten path, the restaurant is the veranda area of a large hacienda style Mexican home. It is surrounded on all sides by an extensive garden that combines perfectly with the colonial hacienda ambiance. There are no longer any lions or monkeys, but there still are a number of beautiful caged birds. One of the most romantic spots on the island for cocktails or dinner. One margarita is sufficient.

   Daily 08:00 - 22:00·M$150

3. Do

   Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

   Eco park with lighthouse and critters like raccoons and alligators in an estuary/sea environment.

   Mon-Sat 09:00-16:00·$19.95

4. Eat

   Rasta Bar

   Isolated beach bar with a delightfully dumpy laid-back atmosphere where the beers are always cold and the music is always by Bob Marley. Never crowded, even when 6 cruise ships are in port on the same day. Good place to spend a day, exploring the beach and waves or hiking to the nearby caves.

5. Drink

   Skyreef Beach Bar

   Beach bar catering to day-trip visitors with "all-in" packages that include food and drink as well as a beach chair and snorkling gear. Food includes good ceviche and fish tacos.

   Daily 08:00 - 19:00·US$1.50 beers

6. Do Not mapped

   Aldora Divers

   Training, certification and fast 6-person boats with high capacity steel tanks and long surface intervals, usually at Palancar Beach Club. Rental equipment. Night Dives. Nitrox available. Villa Aldora room and suite rentals.

7. Do Not mapped

   Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

   It protects the offshore reefs along the western and southern sides of Cozumel, it includes dozens of popular dive sites where you can see tropical fish, coral formations, and other kinds of marine life at depths from 30 feet to more than 150 feet. Many of the sites visited by local dive shops are part of the national park.

8. Do Not mapped

   Bottom Time Divers

   Training, certification and 6 pack diver fast boat are available from this very popular family run dive op. Owner/instructor with excellent local knowledge, beach SI's and dive gear overnight wash and rinse etc. Private groups accepted.

9. Do Not mapped

   Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park

   The park includes a beach, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, walking trails, crocodile enclosure, and a lagoon with a large iguana population. Activities include snorkeling & diving, swimming with captive dolphins/manatees/sea-lions, kayak, snuba, and Seatrek. $2 coupon and packages available at their website. The dolphins are kept in cages on the beach which are at sea temperature. Cameras are strictly prohibited and photographs are available for a predictably extortionate fee after the swim.

   Daily 07:00-19:00·approx. US$21 for adults

10. Do Not mapped

    Ocean Tours Scuba and Water Sports

    At Cozumeleño Beach Resort & Hotel

    Since 1986, Laura and José De la Fuente have been hosting and diving with Cozumel´s visitors. PADI scuba dive operation, fully equipped with top of the line gear available. Dive Trips for certified divers, scuba school all levels, equipment rental, repair and retail. Deep sea fishing charters.

    Daily 07:00-19:00

11. Do Not mapped

    Paradise Beach

    Free admission, beach chairs US$2. Beautiful sandy beach, one of Cozumel´s largest swimming pools, an US$18 FunPass is available for unlimited access to over 14 land&ocean activities, including snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, waterslides, water trampolines, bungee trampoline, coconut tree climb, a 14-ft climbing iceberg, and more. Fabulous food and drinks served right on the beach or at the restaurant. Clean bathrooms, showers, change rooms and lockers. Beachwear boutique, parasailing, waverunners, massage, etc. also available. 14 km (9 mi) south of San Miguel (Downtown) - Cozumel, 5 miles south of the International Cruise Ship Pier.

    Daily 09:00-17:00·Free entrance

12. Do Not mapped

    Playa Palancar

    This west-side park features a quiet white-sand beach, lounge chairs and hammocks under shady palm trees, and a well-stocked bar and restaurant. It's about a US$20 taxi ride south of San Miguel, but you'll be free to spend the day with the purchase of food. Equipment for shore-based snorkeling can be rented for US$10, and it's not difficult to find schools of colorful fish even in the shallow waters.

    Daily 10:00-17:00

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Cozumel (CC BY-SA 4.0).