Cozumel, a popular cruise port in the Caribbean Sea, is an island located off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. This island was one of our port calls on a cruise we took back in 2009, and it was one of my favorite stops in the Eastern Caribbean.
My family enjoys getting out to experience a little of the culture of the places we visit on our cruise, which is why we opted to take a driving tour of the island that took us through Punta Sur Eco Beach Park before doing a little snorkeling.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Also known as Faro Celerain Eco Park, this park is located on the southern tip of the island is around 2,500 acres. Inside this park, you can find a variety of indigenous species, including exotic birds, crocodiles, and sea turtles.
Faro Celerain
On Punta Celarain, the southern-most tip of the island, sits the Celarain Lighthouse that was built in 1934. The 127 steps lead you to one of the most incredible panoramic views of Cozumel. In addition to seeing the sights from above, be sure to check out the museum on the property for a little history or simply hang out in one of the hammocks around the base.
El Caracol Mayan Ruins
Also inside Punta Sur, you’ll come across a Mayan Ruin just to the northeast of the lighthouse. Tumba del Caracol, Shell Tomb, was built during the post-classic period and no one is sure of its purpose. There are two prominent myths. The first is that it functioned as a weather warning system that would whistle with strong winds. The second myth is that it served as an early lighthouse. Either way, it’s a pretty cool structure.
Snorkeling at Palancar Beach
Palancar Beach is one of the best all-around beach spots in Cozumel. Before we headed back to the ship, our little tour gave us the opportunity to swim the crystal waters of the Cozumel Channel.
