Vacation Guide to Cozumel, Mexico

Traveling in Mexico can be much more than a wild Spring Break fling. Some of the most beautiful beaches and best dive sites in the world are located in Mexico. Cozumel, Mexico, for example, is a beautiful tropical island surrounded by exquisite Caribbean waters that hosts quaint boutiques, tropical jungles and archeological sites, all in one easy to see location. Moreover, Cozumel can be a relatively cheap vacation.

Accommodations on Cozumel can be as luxurious or as simple as you desire. One reasonably priced, budget resort that offers an all-inclusive option is the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort. The Fiesta Americana is located in a tropical forest set across the road from a private beach. However, the beach is unique because the access to the Caribbean Sea is via a set of stairs. While the view is beautiful and the beach is serene, it may not be up to every beach-lover's standards. Nevertheless, the Fiesta Americana does overlook a coral reef and features regular dive trips. In addition, the Fiesta Americana offers a pool, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. By catering to the more adventurous see lovers, the Fiesta Americana the choice of many divers and casual snorkelers on a budget.

The food at the Fiesta Americana is relatively average for an all-inclusive resort, but the all-inclusive option is great for travelers on a budget. We found the service rather slow but well-mannered and friendly. The staff was always very helpful and willing to help us in any way, and the swim-up bar is an added bonus. If you happen to catch an early flight and get to the Fiesta Americana before check-in, be sure to tell the staff that you have the all-inclusive package. Even if you cannot get into your room, you will be able to get a drink and something to eat at any restaurant or bar on site. If you plan to do a lot of drinking, you can do so cheaply on the all-inclusive plan.

If you get tired of the pool or the beach and want to venture into town, it is easy to catch a cab. The fair was cheap at only about $12 round trip. If you want to shop, be sure to pick a day when the cruise ships are not in port. You will find the atmosphere much more relaxing and restaurants much more accessible. The hotel staff were happy to arrange any trips for us that we wanted, and the prices are negotiable. In fact, you will find that most prices for most things on Cozumel with the exception of restaurant meals and cab fees are negotiable.

Cozumel offers its share of tourist shopping like t-shirts and towels, but also has some unique boutiques that are worth visiting. One shop, Stanza Regalos, offers home décor items including pillows, frames, and vases. Another interesting shop is Casa Bella, which sells original, hand made arts and gifts. You may find yourself besieged by offers for snorkel cruises or other day trips if you venture into town, particularly at the town square. We found that if we firmly but politely declined these offers quickly that we were left alone to enjoy the day.

When you are ready for dinner, one of Cozumel's more unique choices is its sunset lobster cruise. Pirate Ship Adventures offers a sunset lobster dinner onboard a 105 foot replica of an 18^th century Spanish Goleta. The dinner entertainment includes professional dancers engaging in pirate fights as you sail to and from the dock. The cruise is a bit of a splurge, but if you have dined on a budget or through an all-inclusive plan for the rest of the trip it is worth the extra money.

Many of our fellow travelers in Cozumel were divers and that the atmosphere on the island was fairly relaxed. If you are looking for a livelier crowd, ferries are available on a regular schedule to and from Cancun. The trip only takes about 45 minutes each way.

Finally, Cozumel is the home of a ecological parks, including Chankanaab National Park. Chankanaab is an ecological refuge that is home to several hundred species of tropical plants and trees. Entrance to the park is fairly cheap at about $10 per person. In addition, Chankanaab offers a dolphin experience for about $100. The price is well worth the experience and cheaper than many other dolphin experiences I have seen. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and dive on Chankanaab's beaches.

Overall, Cozumel is a beautiful island. The real treasurers on Cozumel are the people who made our experience so enjoyable.