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Self Guided "On Your Own" Island Tour |
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Step 1: Book a rental car now ...
Since Cozumel has few paved roads around the island, you can rent a car and strike out on your own island tour with very little chance of getting lost. Circling the island via paved road can take as little as 2 hours or as many as you want depending on how many stops you decide to make at the beaches and points of interest.
Step 2: Order an Island Map now ...
Step 3: Print the Beach Chart and review it along with the map to familiarize yourself with the area.
Step 4: Pick points of interest to you
from the beach chart or these other points of interest in Cozumel. This
trek outlined assumes you head SOUTH first from downtown.
Step 5: Have fun & enjoy your day in Cozumel!!
Cozumel Island Museum
- The history of Cozumel is represented by its museum, which is located in the building that was originally the first luxury hotel opened on the island in 1936. Four large exhibition rooms take residents and visitors into daily life on the island and in the waters around it, from the past to the present. The Museum is located on the corner of Melgar & 8 Norte
Central Lighthouse
- Located just past Hotel Cozumel at Playa Calatita, this is the island's newest lighthouse completed in 2000. There are 2 other lighthouses as well around the island: one inside Punta Sur Ecological Park and one on the far north end of the island called Punta Molas.
| Heading Southward out of San Miguel Downtown |
Be sure to take the old highway turn-off where a sign says CALETA because this road stays close to the sea for beautiful views and beach access.
Palmar Estate Beach Club and Patas & Alas Butterfly Sanctuary
For snorkeling and to see Cozumel's butterflies!
- Without question the first great place to get your snorkel fins wet!! Noted by SKIN DIVER Magazine in Summer 2002 as the "#1 Snorkel Spot" in the Caribbean this lovely small beach area offers pristine water and thousands of colorful reef fish to enjoy!
There is a snack / beverage bar at PalMar as well as a big freshwater pool to enjoy between snorkel times. And then to really cool off, step back into the cool, garden shade of Cozumel's only butterfly sanctuary and try to get some pictures of these colorful flying jewels!
Click to Read More about PalMar !
Click to Read More about Patas & Alas (Wings & Feet) Butterfly Sanctuary!
 Chankanaab
Park
- The principle attraction of the park is Chankanaab Lagoon, which
means "small sea" in Mayan. A result of rain and seawater eroding
the porous limestone, the lagoon is considered to be a unique ecosystem
on a global scale. The influence of the nearby ocean causes the formation
of petrified coral in the lagoon and a large community of fish moves
between the ocean and the lagoon through two underground caves.
- Explore the cultural past of Mexico in the archeological park
where 60 exact replicas of works of art in stone take you on an extraordinary
magical tour of Mesoamerica. A lush and aromatic botanical garden
surrounds the lagoon.
- The beach at Chankanaab is the best place to try water sports
such as snorkeling and diving. On-site shops provide everything you
need to explore the marvelous coral reefs and watch the multicolored
fish. The beach offers fun for everyone as well as lounge chairs,
palapas, restaurants, stores and bathrooms.
- Dolphin Encounter, Swim, Snorkel and Scuba are also featured inside
the park along with Sea Lion shows. Read more/book
dolphin activities!
Visit Various Beaches at Leisure for activities outlines on the Beach Chart!
Cedral ~ Off tour path on interior island road across from Mr.
Sancho's beach.
- This small village in the southern interior of the island is the
agricultural and farming center of Cozumel. There is also a small
Mayan Ruin in the area. Another easy way to see this area is on the
horseback
riding tour.
| Southern Tip of the Island |
 Island scenery changes dramatically as you reach the "windward" side
of Cozumel. The east side of the island from south to north is desolate,
pristine beach where turtles nest each year due to the lack of development
and activity.
Paradise Cafe
- Make like a "local" ~ hang in a hammock and enjoy the tradewinds,
an order of ceviche mixtos and a cerveza!
Punta Sur Ecological Park
-
 The
ecological park called Punta Sur is located in the southernmost point
of the island. Here nature shows its unity and diversity in the interaction
of various elements like Columbia Lagoon, mangrove swamps, birds,
reptiles, fish and vegetation.
- People have inhabited this area since Prehispanic times. A Mayan
ruin in the shape of a shell was probably used as a lighthouse. This
unique structure has shells imbedded in its walls that whistle in
different tones depending on the direction of the wind.
- The Punta Sur Ecological Park is dedicated to the preservation
of local flora and fauna. Tour the park's museum, whose theme is
the history of navigation around the island. There are various beaches
for swimming and organized excursions into the jungle.
- Past the museum, closer to the beach, are the remnants of a 19th
century masonry structure with a circular staircase leading to a
rectangular tower which would have been equipped with a lantern to
warn ships of the hazards of the coral infested coast. It would also
have served to indicate the entrance to the safe harbor of Columbia
Lagoon and the piers of the hacienda of the same name, which exported
the agriculture produce of the island.
- On the way back to Celarain Point along the access road bordered
by white sand dunes,
 the
remains of the small temple "El Caracol" continue to resist time
and weather.
A Prehispanic Mayan structure probably built in the 12th or 13th
century, this temple appears, from its technologically advanced architecture,
to have been used for navigational as well as religious purposes.
This building would have played an important navigational role during
the height of Mayan maritime commerce, which, at the time, extended
to other parts of Mexico and Central America.
This fortunate combination of architectural elements led the Cozumel
Foundation of Parks and Museums to focus the thematic content of
the marine museum on bringing the memories and cultural heritage
of the island to life. The museum is housed in what was originally
the lighthouse keeper's residence.
- Thus, the Celarain Lighthouse Museum unites several functions:
preservation and conservation of the lighthouse keeper's home and
nearby ruins, information and education; while maintaining the monument
in its original state. The museum incorporates bilingual material
and displays directed at various age groups and comprehension levels
in order to provide an interesting and enriching experience for each
visitor.
 Use
the beach chart and/or drive and stop along the way at your leisure for
photos of beautiful beaches that inspire you!
Coconuts and a big Photo Op
- Don't miss this highest vantage point on the island for a great
photo of Cozumel's undeveloped, pristine, beaches that stretch as
far as the eye can see.
Mescalito's Bar
- The official turning point of the highway as you head back into
downtown San Miguel.
 Punta
Molas Road
- Check your rental car contract before taking this "jeep only" sand/dirt
road because most agencies prohibit rental cars from leaving paved
surfaces. This road behind Mescalito's Bar leads to the northern
lighthouse and passes several great beaches and a Mayan Ruin (Castillo
Real) along the way. AGAIN, most all rental agencies prohibit passage
on this road with their vehicles. Typically the best way to see this
region of the island without getting in trouble with rental car agency
contracts is to do the incredible Jungle
Jeep Tour!! If you happen to get stuck in the sand on this
tour at least you have help getting out!!
| Heading West Toward Downtown San Miguel |
Mayan Ruins at San Gervasio
- Pronounced san-her-BA-see-o, this is a major excavation site of
a Mayan Ruin covering about 10 acres. Experience first hand the mysteries
of Mayan culture by visiting San Gervasio, the largest archeological
site on the island.
 A
strategic location from both a commercial and political point of
view, San Gervasio was also a sacred place for the Maya.
Inhabited from 200AD to the Spanish conquest, San Gervasio was the
sanctuary of the Goddess X'chel as well as an important commercial,
political and cultural center.
Engravings at the site relate to events all over the Mayan world.
The ruins are located off the transversal Highway between Mezcalitos
& San Miguel.
The Foundation’s new "Passport card"available at Chankanaab, Punta Sur or the museum, allows you to visit all four locations listed above for the low price of just US $20.00.
Sounds fun but .... don't want to drive yourself around?
Prefer to just enjoy the view?
Relax and let some else drive with our guided island tours (LISTED BELOW)!
~ ~ After all, you ARE on vacation!
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For those that need a little guidance ... on their vacation!
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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. 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 can stop by and say hi if you are not too busy. T. Lemons ~ Cruise Passenger
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We just returned from our 7th visit to Cozumel and we visited the butterfly sancturary with our six year old and we absolutely loved it! We know the island very well and this was our first vist to the beach club and now we have a new favorite to add to our island list. We don't do alot of touristy things when we are on the island, but this place is worth it. Beautiful, educational and relaxing! What more could you ask for! We will return to Cozumel in November and we will definitely head for the butterfly sanctuary and PalMar beach club! Michele Borzeka ~ Chicago, Illinois
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I read about your beautiful beach club and would like some information. We have 7 in our party and would like to reserve as indicated on the INSIDER website. M. Denobrega ~ N/A
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Sherri, We had the most wonderful time with you in May 2013. You and your staff made our weekend there in Cozemel with your great hospitality. The grounds are beautiful, food was great and the snorkeling ~ well my group just could not get enough and were amazed by the tropical sealife there off your beach. We look so much forward to coming back and seeing you again very soon. Tell the staff thanks again and say hello to the family for us as well. Take care:0) ....Happy Cruise Passenger J. Wellborn ~ Alabama
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Dear Sherri -
I just wanted to tell you how much my friend and I enjoyed spending the day at Palmar when we were on a cruise last week. Juan and Enrique are 2 of the most gracious, polite, and accommodating gentlemen I have ever met. This was my second visit to Palmar and the first for my friend. She was overwhelmed by the hospitality, and we both enjoyed Enrique's tour and explanation of the butterflies. Thank you again for a wonderful day at Palmar. Sincerely, JG J Gourley ~ N/A
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