Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is always one of the most popular destinations for Royal Holiday go-getters – and for many of them – that annual trip is still not quite enough. A paradise island on the Caribbean, Cozumel is close enough to be easy to get to and yet still miles and miles from everything you know. Here’s a list of seven things you probably didn’t know.
1. Cozumel is one of the most environmentally protected tourist destinations anywhere. Nearly half the island is made up of natural reserves and national parks. Off-shore, the protection continues and nearly everything underground is carefully monitored, preserved and protected.
2. Beaches are as plentiful as anywhere on Earth. There’s Chiquero, Chen Rio and Punta Morena, just for a start. Waters are calm, nearly crystal clear and perfect for a day out with the kids. For snorkeling, head to San Francisco beach, where the reefs are among the most accessible in the world.
3. For SCUBA diving, head to La Herradura, Palancar, Punta Sur, Paraíso Chankanaab, Paso del Cedral, Tunich and Santa Rosa. The island has some of the best service anywhere for servicing the needs of divers who really do arrive from every corner of the planet.
4. Chankanaab National Park invites visitors to one of the most complete ecosystems in the entire Caribbean. Visitors can explore wildlife onshore and off, and it’s also a very popular with some of the island’s friendliest dolphins.
5. Cozumel is also an Extreme Sports Destination! Nearly perfectly flat, the island is ideal for mountain biking, though it’s just about as big as you’d want to cover in a day. For those attached to their four wheels, Jeeps and quads are widely available and make even some of the less accessible parts of the island fair game. In fact, the Ironman Cozumel triathlon has turned into one of the island’s most popular annual events.
6. Cozumel has been a favorite spot for centuries! The archaeological site at San Gervasio has ancient ruins, including the Temple of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility – and it’s basically at the center of the island.
7. Up to Eleven Cruise Ships a Day? Yup. That’s a lot of boat. Royal Holiday guests at the Park Royal Cozumel get a front door view on the comings and goings of some of the world’s most spectacular cruise ships.
In fact, under certain circumstances, guests can even arrange to arrive on Cozumel – direct from Florida or Texas – on board one of these magnificent vessels! They generally fly home from Cozumel after a few days – or a week – enjoying the Caribbean’s friendliest and warmest island retreat.
