Without a doubt, Palancar is Cozumel's most famous reef. First introduced to the world in 1954 by Jacques Costeau, this reef is a very popular dive spot. Palancar is actually a giant coral mountain with more than 40 different locations, so divers can explore the crevices, ravines, canyons, caves and tunnels. The Palancar Horseshoe is the most popular site. More than 100 dive operations offer trips to the Palancar Reef.
San Gervasio was once a Mayan ceremonial center for worshipping the fertility goddess, Ixchel. It was continually occupied from 300 CE until the 16th Century. Look for the "Temple of Hands," named for the small red handprints decorating its walls, and for the remains of an altar underneath a graceful Mayan arch where offerings to the "Rainbow Goddess" were placed. To get to the ruins, follow Avenida Benito Juarez east, seven kilometers out of town to the San Gervasio Access Road.
Cozumel's main church, Iglesia de San Miguel, continues to be a central meeting point for the predominantly Catholic locals. More than 100 years ago, farmers digging up a field found a beautiful ivory statue of St. Michael the Archangel brandishing a gold sword and crown. It is thought to be a gift from Juan Grijalva who landed on Cozumel in 1518. The statue was found on Sept 29th, the holy day of San Miguel, and Cozumelenos took that as a heavenly sign to name church and town San Miguel. The statue now rests on the church's altar.
Situated facing the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, Coral Reefs Monument is a beautiful structure adorning the coast of San Miguel de Cozumel. This beautiful work of art depicts two divers exploring the coral reef of Cozumel. Water flowing from top to bottom at this arch monument adds to its overall charm.
Curated and owned by Keith Wenner, a graphic artist himself, every exhibit at the 3D Museum of Wonders is an epitome of optical illusion. These painstakingly done paintings are sure to perplex you as well as leave you in awe. From deep valleys that reach the farthest depths to lions that seem to claw their way out of the walls, this museum is adorned with more than 60 impressive paintings that defy your visual senses. Visitors are encouraged to click pictures, so be sure to get creative and have fun with your cameras.
Defined by soft, white sand and turquoise waters, the Playa Punta Esmeralda is a must visit in Playa del Carmen. There are shallow pools dotted around the coastline, children can frolic in these; while elders soak in the bright Mexican sun. The water is perfect for a swim and the sand is the ideal place to get a tan. There are eateries and food stalls around, these take care of your appetite post a refreshing swim or a game of beach volleyball.
Without a doubt, Palancar is Cozumel's most famous reef. First introduced to the world in 1954 by Jacques Costeau, this reef is a very popular dive spot. Palancar is actually a giant coral mountain with more than 40 different locations, so divers can explore the crevices, ravines, canyons, caves and tunnels. The Palancar Horseshoe is the most popular site. More than 100 dive operations offer trips to the Palancar Reef.
As the name suggests, this reef is located just off the shores of Playa San Francisco (the beach is actually named after the reef). This one kilometer reef has a wall of coral that is only 35-50 feet deep but features strong currents. Many dive operators take beginning divers here when they are ready for their first wall dive or drift dive. Visibility is excellent and there is spectacular coral and brightly colored sponges along with plenty of angelfish, clown fish and grouper. This is a good spot for marine photography; it is part of the Parque Marino de Cozumel.
Located just northeast of its more famous neighbor, Palancar Reef, this area may have less traffic but is no less beautiful. While it lacks the dramatic cave formations of other reefs, its flat surface covered with underwater vegetation is home to lobster, sea turtles, eagle rays, grouper, eels and angelfish. There is no better place for underwater photography and its relatively shallow depth of 55-feet makes it a good reef for beginner divers. All visitors must pay a USD5 fee to Parque Marino de Cozumel to snorkel the reef.
Conducting dives since 1990, this dive company offers instruction in English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian and Swedish. Working in conjunction with many local hotels and resorts, the dive center caters to Cozumel's international visitors. Mos t of the dives and instruction are for beginning and intermediate divers. However, trips to the challenging Santa Rosa Wall or Punta Sur reefs or to explore the underwater caves on the mainland. Equipment rentals are available, and non-divers are welcome to hang out on the boat or snorkel.
Located just between the more popular Playa Corona and Playa San Francisco, this beach is often overlooked, so it tends to be quieter than the others. There are a number of private rental homes close by and some small roadside restaurants where you can grab a quick beer, but not much else. It's a nice beach to walk along and beachcomb, but it's not great for swimming. Keeping heading south to Playa San Francisco or north to Playa Corona for snorkeling and diving.
The Villa Blanca Wall is the closest reef south of San Miguel. It is a moderately deep dive starting at 50 feet and gradually extending down to 100 feet. This is a change from the usual stony coral buttresses and instead the sloping wall is covered with giant sponges and gorgonians (also known as sea fans). Adding to the location are the large schools of jacks and angel fish that swim in this area. Beginners can reach this dive site from a boat. More experienced divers can access it directly from the beach.