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Geography, Flora & Fauna |
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The island of Cozumel lies 12 miles offshore the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean as well as being the most populated island of Mexico.
With water the color of imperial jade and edged with white-sand beaches and craggy black castles of limestone and coral, Cozumel is the largest of 3 islands off the east coast of the state of Quintana Roo.
The island is approximately 29 miles (48 kilometers) long and 11 miles (17.5 kilometers) wide at its widest point, with the highest elevation point measuring a mountainous 45 feet above sea level.
Cozumel temperatures are warm year-round with daytime highs averaging 81 F (27°C). In the Caribbean, hurricane season officially begins June 15 and runs through November 15th each year. Do not let this deter your planning because INSIDERS know that these are some of the best months to enjoy the Cozumel. Yes, there is always the chance of a tropical storm or hurricane coming in but typically there is a warning period and time for preparation or departure from the island if needed.
The heaviest rains begin in June and last through October. It's possible for rain to fall almost every day during that time but the usual afternoon shower is brief and causes minimal interruption of travel or activities. Occasionally, however, the skies can open up and let loose torrents. During wet months, expect high humidity. November - May is generally balmy, with daytime highs averaging 80 F lower humidity and an occasional cool evening. Always remember, tropical climes can change from mellow to miserable and back again very quickly.
July/August - High 80's to low 90's°F (32°C)
December/January - Mid 70's°F (24°C)
Water temperatures range from 77°- 84°F (25°-29°C) throughout the year.
The tropical forests of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo are home to many exotic trees, flowers, plants, and animals. Along with the many mangroves, bamboo, and swamp cypresses, ferns, vines, and flowers slither throughout the various trees to create a dense jungle. On the highest of limbs, orchids and air ferns can be seen stretching towards the sun.
The Southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula hosts classical tropical rainforests that are the home of tall mahoganies, campeche, zapote, and kapok, all of which are covered by jungle vines.
Los Arboles (The Trees)
Perhaps the most recognizable of trees in the area are the many types of Palm trees. These trees, vital to the survival of the people and region, come in many varieties- tall, short, fruited, and oil-producing. Some specific types of palms include Royal (tall with smooth trunks), Queen (used for landscaping and bearing sweet fruit), and Thatch (used extensively for roof thatch).
At one time, the Coconut palm served the Yucatan very well as it is used for producing oil, food, drink, and shelter. The tree matures in 6 to 7 years and then bears coconuts for the following 5 to 7 years. Unfortunately the "Yellow Disease" , a condition that has struck the coconut palm from Florida to Central America, has taken away the coconut palm as a source of income.
Henequen, which is a cousin to the Palm tree, is used to form twine, rope, matting, and other products. The Calabash tree provides gourds that Mayan Indians have used for years as containers.
A tall tree known as the Ceiba is known as the Mayan tree of life, and tied very close to the Mayan religion.
The beautiful Framboyanes (royal poinciana) have wide-spreading branches covered in clusters of brilliant orange-red flowers when they are in bloom during the summer months.
Las Frutas (The Fruit)
In addition to the trees, there are many delicious fruits that grow in the this region of Mexico. Sweet and sour oranges, limes, and grapefruits can be found, as well as the presence of the papaya, and avocado. The mamey tree, which grows to 15-20 meters in height, provides a brown avocado-shaped fruit with a sweet salmon-pink flesh in the middle (a flavor similar to the sweet yam). A lanky evergreen known as the Guaya produces small, green, leathery pods that grow in clumps like grapes. These pods have a sweet, yellowish, jellylike flesh.
Las Flores (The Flowers)
In remote areas of the state, the orchid can be found on the highest limbs of tall trees. There have been 71 species reported on the Yucatan of which 20% are terrestrial, and 80% are epiphytic, meaning that they are attached to host trees and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Both types grow in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors- some subtle and some brilliant.
In the spring, flowering trees are the gathering place for hundreds of singing birds that come together for the mating season in the treetops. Here in a natural environment you'll see a full spectrum of flowers that display wild colors and appealing scents. White and Red Ginger are among the most exotic of herbs, in addition to Plumeria which has a wonderful scent and can be found in many colors. Hibiscus and bougainvillea bloom in the forests and are of the most colorful sort that you will find. In addition to these exotic flowers, the more common Morning Glory is prevalent as it endlessly creeps and climbs over trees and bushes.
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Some Activities of Interest
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Cozumel Butterfly Sanctuary Tour & PalMar Snorkel Beach Club |
Visit Cozumel's only Butterfly Sanctuary! Merged in 2018 with the Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens, see multitudes of colors, learn about butterfly habits and the miracle of metamorphosis. Take photos and then stay to enjoy snorkeling and the other ammenities of the PalMar Snorkel Beach Club. Great family fun & excellent value!
Starting at US $8.00!
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Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour |
You'll see more in one day than others see in a lifetime!!!
Starting at US $75 Adults / US $60 Kids
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PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary |
Bring your group and spend the day at our PalMar small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowds here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site! Plus Patas & Atlas Butterfly Sanctuary which, in 2018, merged with Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens is now included when open (seasonal)!
US $19 Adults / US $8 Kids - Includes FREE Drinks!
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Last year we visited your Palamar beach club while on a cruise. We felt like we were in a true paradise. We are really into snorkeling so your location is tops on our list. You took the time to talk with us and tell us a bit about your self and the businesses you have. It was very good to meet and talk with you. We felt like we were visiting family and were treated as such. I am pleased to say that we are again coming in on a cruise and can't wait to return to paradise. I hope you are there so we can stop by and say hi if you are not too busy. T. Lemons ~ Cruise Passenger
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Our family of four had several hours at Cozumel as part of our Carnival cruise. We wanted a place to snorkel and enjoy the oceanfront, but without the crowds. After our planned morning excursion, we caught a taxi to Palmar and only a few minutes drive from the cruise port. We expected some people to be there, given the cruise traffic, but it was only us and an older couple. My kids immediately took advantage of the pool, and we got a locker and were given snorkel gear and drink tickets (to turn in for beverages). The staff was courteous, friendly and helpful. It is a residence, but the house is on the back of the property, and the "clubhouse", pool, changing area and lockers are closer to the road. The cordoned off beach area is across the road and where we spent the majority of our time, sitting under the palm trees, enjoying the view mixed with some decent snorkeling (the location provides direct access to Chankanaab National Park, and snorkel boats were dropping off customers in the same areas you can swim out to from shore). We ordered ceviche (delicious!), and they brought it out to us, oceanfront. We all felt this was a great place to hang out away from the crowds of tourists, and it was a good value. Don't come expecting an Americanized sports bar playing loud English, and dozens of young people drinking as much as they can. You're not going to get that here. If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful oasis, this is a nice, convenient place to consider. Tim M. - July 2017 ~ Raleigh, NC USA
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We really enjoyed our time at PalMar. Had a wonderful, enjoyable relaxing time at PalMar both in the water and sitting around the pool. It exceeded our expectations. Staff were helpful. Snorkeling was wonderful and to see many tour boats approach validated our decision. Would definitely return or recommend to friends. It was very relaxing even for members of our party that did not snorkel as our guests also enjoyed themselves away for crowd. We would highly recommend your facility and would return again. . D. Smith - November 2016 ~ Markham, Ontario, CAN
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(11/14/2018) - So this was our first trip ever to Cozumel and it was almost as good as advertised! We got to go in the off season so that made it nice also. Less traffic and less hectic. We took our taxi ride from the port to PalMar and expect to pay $10 for every 4 people in a taxi. Once we arrived it seemed very quiet but then the party started. The guys who take care of you all came out and made us feel at home. The beers were cold, the mango daiquiris the ladies said were on point (fresh mangos) and the food, WOW! Chicken tacos and nachos wonderful, but the Ceviche!!! Holy moly the guacamole is to die for!! And don’t forget to ask for the HOT sauce! Snorkeling was amazing in this spot as we saw so many different species of fish. The water was clear and the perfect temp! I can’t emphasize enough how great the guys were who took care of us! The private beach area was just big enough to keep us happy and feeling safe! I recommend them and I will go back! J. & A. Alvarez ~ Oatmeal, TX USA
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Sherri - Thanks for a wonderful day. It was also very nice of you and Mauricio to drop us off downtown. We like what you are trying to do on the island and we wish you all the best in your battles with the developers! Our thanks also to Enrique who was ever the knowledgeable and hospitable guide - Sandra, Bernie, Alex & Larry L. Pinto - February 2016 ~ Mississauga, ONT CAN
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