Share The Article

Formerly viewed solely as a cruise destination intermixed on a laundry list of Caribbean paradises, perhaps Mexico’s most well-known island has become one of the country’s trendiest beach escapes.

Arguably belonging in the same category as Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, which recently entered the chat, Cozumel has soared to new heights as more travelers not only continue booking cruises but also opt to fly in and take day-trip ferries.

Home to lush tropical jungles, captivating ancient ruins, and pristine beaches wrapping the island, Cozumel is a draw for all types of travelers, but has become more of a mainstay rather than a place to stay at a hotel on water docks for the day.

Not Just A Cruise Port: Cozumel Is So Much More Than A Stopover

A new Cancun Sun report reports 1.5 million travelers entered Cozumel’s postcard shores via cruise, but that’s just scratching the surface.

The truth is that Cozumel has become an adventurer’s dream, as many of those 1.5 million tourists go telling the same stories and bringing home the same souvenirs. There’s only so far you can go when you have to get back on board, unless you want to become a viral “pier runner”—and nobody wants to live that nightmare!

Although a household name for many, Cozumel still holds undiscovered gems that cruise passengers would never know.

Take the island’s east side, for example. The open, rugged coasts and secluded coves are a far cry from the curated shores near the port, where pesky vendors swarm like mosquitoes interrupting your brief downtime as a port-of-call cruiser.

Or take Playa Palancar too, a quieter, yet more accessible white-sand beach on the south side where you can relax on your own terms or live it up at the Beach Club’s bar where frozen margs never stop flowing.

But if you want a true postcard experience, you gotta visit Cozumel Pearl Farm on the north side where ‘only fisherman go’.

This white-sand haven boasts a perfect score on Google, where one recent visitor said, ‘100% recommended; an obligatory activity to discover the beauty of Cozumel in the northern part of the island’.

Here, you can find a truly unique excursion. The farm claims they are ‘the only pearl farm in the world cultivating pearls with our species of oyster’.

Additionally, the owners offer insightful tours, overnight stays for stargazing and sunset beach strolls, and a secret lagoon!

This is the exact type of place cruisers tend to miss out on. The photos look incredible! Check them out here.

Cozumel’s Lush Jungle Excursions & Ancient Mayan Ruins

Remember the end of Apocalypto when the ships arrive? Well, that’s essentially what Cozumel was like back when this stunning island was a sacred haven for the Mayans.

Many moons ago, the Mayans’ home was known as Ixchel, but numerous remnants have stood the test of time — perhaps no more than the San Gervasio archaeological site in the middle of Cozumel, which according to park’s official website is the ‘most important and well studied prehispanic site of all the documented settlements’.

One fun activity to do while visiting this site is to rent a scooter and ride the scenic, palm-tree-lined roads, ultimately reaching this portal to the past.

The hike isn’t treacherous, and there are insightful guides to enrich your experience and show you even more sites you might miss, such as El Cedral.

As cool as visiting Mayan ruins may be, Cozumel is a classic case of the famous quote, “It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

The jungle is calling throughout the island with fun drop-top Jeep tours, ATV rentals, and discovering hidden cenotes.

And that’s just the jungle. Beyond being a famous cruise destination, Cozumel is a legendary diving destination since the island’s crystal-clear waters are brimming with colorful reefs and an array of aquatic life.

Cozumel’s (Few And Far Between) Luxe Resorts

Cozumel isn’t Cancun; let’s get that straight. That being said, it’s certainly not a bad alternative, especially since the island is speckled with luxurious stays, including all-inclusive resorts.

So, let’s start there. Here are some notable names to consider for your next all-inclusive stay:

• Meliá Cozumel
• Cozumel Palace
• Occidental Cozumel
• Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa
• Allegro Cozumel
• Secrets Aura Cozumel

As for posh beachfront stays without all-inclusive packages, check out these household names:

• The Westin Cozumel
• InterContinental President Cozumel Resort & Spa
• Wyndham Cozumel Hotel & Resort

Or, if you’re ballin’ on a budget, check out the sleek Kinta Kan Hotel Boutique Cozumel for only $45 this summer.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Източник за тази статия

Наши спонсори са:

Български трактори на добри цени при изключително качество