WATER SPORTS
Snorkeling/Scuba—Jacques Cousteau introduced the
world to the underwater life of Cozumel in the 1960s, and despite some
damage from overuse, the reefs that ring the island remain wo nderful places
to snorkel and scuba dive. The best spots are off the south shore, which has
more than two dozen reefs—some are close enough to swim to from shore. Dive
shops are plentiful—the Cozumel Association of Dive Operators
includes more than 50 certified dive shops, many of which operate out of the
resorts (phone 25955, fax 25966).
The most accessible place to snorkel is the Chankanaab National Park, about 6 mi/10 km south of San Miguel. Another possibility is Airplane Flats in front of the La Ceiba Hotel, where a plane was sunk in shallow water for the filming of a movie.
Divers generally can expect visibility of 100 ft/30 m, but it’s even better than that at Palancar Reef, at the southern end of the island. Expect to see coral of every color of the rainbow. The rest of the marine life is colorful, too: anemones, starfish, octopuses, lobster, crabs and, on a larger scale, graceful rays and dolphins.
San Francisco Reef is popular for its plentiful fish, while the Santa Rosa Wall and the Colombia Pinnacles rate high for sheer excitement as well as for bountiful sea life.
Diving trips can be arranged by Caribbean Divers (phone 21145), Diver House (phone 21953) and Aqua Safari (phone 20101), among others. You can also find other dive shops along the malecon and at some of the sites. Cave diving also is offered through Yucatek Expeditions, which takes small qualified groups of cave divers to mainland caves called cenotes (phone 24618).
Snorkeling gear rents for about US$10 a day. Expect to pay about US$50 for a two-tank dive from a boat. You must be a certified diver and present your C card to rent tanks and go diving, although some shops offer a supervised “resort course dive” (check locally). Some ships offer classes for beginners (check with your ship’s activity director).
Fishing—Although no fishing is allowed near Cozumel’s protected reefs, the waters around the island have some of the best fishing in the Caribbean, particularly at the drop-off near Playa del Carmen. Catch includes swordfish, blue and white marlin, dolphin (the fish), shark, wahoo and barracuda, depending upon the time of the year. On the flats you can catch bonefish, snook and tarpon. Expect to pay around US$200 per boatload for half a day and as much as US$500 for a full day. Contact Yucab Reef Diving and Fishing Center (phone 21842) or Club Natico Cozumel (phone 38701).
Windsurfing—Most beachfront hotels rent windsurfing equipment. Expect to pay US$25-$35 for up to two hours.
OTHER SPORTS
Tennis—Most resorts have tennis courts, including the Melia Mayan Cozumel (phone 20072) and the Stouffer Presidente (phone 20322). Court fees are about US$12-$25 an hour.
Horseback Riding—The Rancho San Manuel, about 3 mi/5 km south of the cruise-ship piers, offers day trips on horseback along jungle trails. (Most travel agents can arrange this experience in advance.)