Port Of Call Cozumel, Mexico
The Tiny Island Just South of Cancun, Mexico
By Lena Hunt
From south Florida’s cruise ports, you can easily cruise to the very popular Cozumel, Mexico. The tiny island just south of Cancun, Mexico is a favorite cruise destination as it is international travel that is close by and very affordable. The sun-soaked island has crystal clear
Port Of Call Cozumel, Mexico
The Tiny Island Just South of Cancun, Mexico
By Lena Hunt
Southern Florida Cruise Port Specialist
Tampa - Miami - Port Canaveral - Ft. Lauderdale
July 4, 2010
Caribbean waters, tropical sea life of every color, cheap duty-free shopping, and an excellent chance to soak in the culture, history, and language of another country.
Several top cruise lines offer great discounts to Cozumel and these include Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Crystal Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Princess. The cruise lines offer their western Caribbean cruises where Cozumel, Mexico is the featured destination. Once a yawning village of fishermen and their families, the isle has become renowned for its world class diving after Jacques Cousteau recorded many documentaries and aired them to the world. After Hurricane Wilma took her toll on the island's reef and sea life, it still boasts 250+ visibility. When snorkeling in the water, you will see a conch shell and dive under to get it only to realize that it isn't just within arm's reach but further, further down then you imagined. As for now, it will take some time for the reef and sea creatures to get back to how it once was but the culture, food, and shopping still keep folks coming.
If you look deep enough, you'll still be able to find some of the older-than-2000-years temples that were built in honor of the Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility that they believed in.
From locally-made indigenous products such as braided jewelry to diamonds and Roxy swimwear in the American-style malls, it's easy to lose yourself in all of the shopping and forget that you are on an international island.
You'll find all kinds of food here. Miss the United States while traveling? Well have no fear. McDonald's and the World's Smallest Hard Rock Cafe can serve up a burger and fries in no time. Yearning to try something new and different? Many Mexican restaurants from every price range can be found and right next to them are small stands and family-owned eateries that
You'll see children munching on green mangos drizzled with jugo de limon (lime juice) and sprinkled with the red hot pepper. Tamales fresh from their steaming pots are usually saved for special Sundays. And as always, “Hot Dog Man” is around just about every corner to serve you the most delicious hot dogs you've ever tasted with a bun so light and airy that, along with the cost of just a few pesos, will keep you coming back for this snack. There's also “Bread Man, “Furniture Man”, “Gas Man”, and more as many wares are hauled around by bicycle.
The Mayans also believed that the goddess sent the swallow, which was her favorite bird, to thank them. The islanders gave their isle the Mayan name “Cuzamil” which means “Land of the Swallows”.
Shopping is a favorite amongst tourists and locals as the island's only town San Miguel (well, there is a ghost town which will be featured in another article to come). From locally-made indigenous products such as braided jewelry to diamonds and Roxy swimwear in the American-style malls, it's easy to lose yourself in all of the shopping and forget that you are on an international island.
One third of this spit of sand is populated and the rest is miles of untouched jungles and beaches. Because I have lived in Cozumel and have been traveling there for nearly two decades, I've come to know just about every little spot on this island and the pristine areas are my favorite. It is recommended that you rent a jump or a scooter to see the rest of the island where you go can go from beach to beach and if you don't like the amount of waves, then just move on. For those fitness buffs, rent a bicycle. It's a great ride, one that will have you dipping into the sea here and there as so many little spots are so tempting. Be sure to bring plenty of water and some Gatorade!
will serve authentic Mexican cuisine for a fraction of the price of these larger places.
Sundays are extra special as that is the day that most Mexicans rest. Their favorite past times are to dip in the few local beach hot spots during the day and then dress up in their finest and enjoy the happenings in the middle of town. This is when vendors bring out all their delectable goodies.
While seeing the “back side” of the island, if you want a different scenery or experience, then move on a little further. The beaches range from pure white sand and flat “lake” water to even softer and whiter sand with jagged rocks and waves crashing violently. Miles of jungle and a few refreshment and souvenir shops and stands can be found but just know that once you leave the downtown area, there is no place to fill up on gas so make sure you have a full tank before you go.
Cozumel is the perfect day excursion so when your ship docks, be sure to do your shopping and all your downtown stuff but make sure that you get to the other ¾ of the island which is uninhabited. That's where you'll have the most memories. Viva Mexico and make sure your photo collection from your western Caribbean cruise isn't just of you shopping! There's so much more to the island of Cozumel.
