Once you have nailed down your means of transportation, a new island full of virgin beaches, amazing archaeological sites, great food, and wildlife will suddenly open up.
As on the Yucatán Peninsula mainland, Cozumel is chock-full of Mayan archaeological sites, the largest and most visited of these being San Gervasio. The site features impressive temples and beautiful grounds ideal for birding and exploring surrounding caves and cenotes. Smaller sites also dot the landscape, including the admittedly difficult to get to Castillo Real near the island’s northeast tip.
The best beaches on Cozumel can be found on the island’s eastern side, facing the open Caribbean. Finding a large stretch of beach entirely for yourself is easy, and the combination of white sand, coral reefs, and the calm ocean breeze makes it hard to keep track of time.
This far side of the island is also home to several small restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood at much better prices than in town in a highly laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. Some have run away with their Caribbean identity and resemble more the places you may expect to find in Jamaica or Barbados, but they have plenty of Mexican food on the menu.
Cozumel is also jam-packed with wildlife, including wild boar, deer, and several species of birds, including the island’s iconic swallows and sea hawks. The island is also famous for scuba diving within one of the most spectacular sections of the great Mesoamerican barrier reef.
Another thing that the eastern side of the island has going for it are real cycling lanes, so if you are feeling adventurous and have the time, traveling by bike is a great option,
Spending the night in Cozumel is lovely, as the late evening and early morning offer some great views and calm, cool breezes,
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