Cozumel, MX

Cozumel is a favorite destination of ours. It is our home away from home. The island offers great diving, great food, an unlimited range of photographic opportunities, and a relaxing laid back atmosphere.

Exposed In Cozumel (click the play button and give it about 10 sec to load)!

Places To Stay

• Coral Princess-Our favorite hotel on the island. The staff makes you fell like family. The rooms are nice, the food is good, and the beach is great. Make sure to get an ocean view. The hotel is located on the quiet north end of the island about 1.5 miles from town. Either a short walk or a $5 taxi ride will get you to the heart of town.
• Hotel Cozumel – If you are a diver, and want to operate with Dive Paradise, I would suggest you stay at the Hotel Cozumel. It is a nice place with a newly renovated beach. It is on the busier south side of town but you can relax quietly in their secluded courtyard. It is also within walking distance of the Cineopolis, Cozumel’s only movie theatre.

Things To Do:

• Explore The Island – Rent a car or a scooter for a day and take a trip around the island. The above footage is from our day of exploring the island by scooter.
• Museum – The Cozumel museum is actually pretty cool. It is small, informative, and air conditioned.
• Cineopolis – Some of my friends make fun of me for wanting to see a movie on vacation. However, vacation is the only time I have the time to see a movie. The Cineopolis offers about 80% of its movies in English with Spanish subtitles. It is also a great way to learn the language.
• Conversation – Spend time getting to know the staff at the hotel, the taxi drivers, the waiter and waitress, the jeweler, the dive master, etc. Everyone you meet has an interesting perspective and a wealth of information to share with you.
• The Mainland – There is a ferry that runs between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel. Check the internet for its schedule. The cost is nominal and it makes for a great ocean voyage. On the mainland you can explore Playa or rent a car and head south. If you do rent a car and you are into ruins make sure to visit both Tulum and Coba. You should be able to do both in a day assuming you get an early start.

Restaurants:

• La Veranda – In my opinion this is the best food on the island. La Veranda not only offers a culinary treat, it also offers the most beautiful setting. The gardens are unique and intimately lit making for a perfect romantic evening. http://www.restaurantelaveranda.com/
• Primas- For those of you that have visited the original Primas near the plaza, it has moved to its new roof top location. I will argue that the food is just as good if not better. The prices and menu stayed the same, but here you can get a bird’s eye view of the entire city and coast. Bring your tripod and have breakfast, lunch, or dinner on the terrace!
• La Chosa – If you are looking for great Mexican food and reasonable prices make sure to visit La Chosa. They also make signature salsa that is worth the visit.
• Guidos – The best italian food on the island. Make sure to order their signature sangria. Note, it is close to the plaza and could fill up if the cruise ships are in port so make sure you have a backup plan.
• Especias – Rooftop Argentinian food in a small relaxing setting.
• Casa La Mission – You will have to take a taxi to Casa La Mission but it is worth the ride. Here you will eat fine mexican and seafood while surrounded by the gardens of the old mission.

Shops

• Sergios – The best jeweler on the island. Sergio is originally from Taxco and his family run business offers great jewelry at fair prices. Make sure to ask about his dog Fransecsas. You can find him here if you would like to order on line. http://www.sergiosilver.com.mx/contacts/

Diving

• Dive Paradise- Dive Paradise is the oldest dive outfitter on the island. It is run by a woman who graciously gives back to the community and its people. Make sure to ask for Emilio or Matin (short) as your dive masters. You are in good hands with this team.
• Columbia Shallows- This is the dive site for photographers. At its deepest you are probably around 25ft so you can spend 90mins exploring this incredible reef. Here you will find the most abundant sea life of the island. It is simply amazing. Last time we were there, 4 dolphins swan through our dive group within the first 5 minutes of hitting the water.

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