By Saul Garpe

After our journey from San Miguel de Allende to San Miguel de Cozumel, we have passed through Cancun and partied in Playa del Carmen. Now we are ready to enjoy one of the «Best Nature Destinations of the world.» This declaration was made by Tripadvisor in the Travelers Choice awards at the beginning of 2023. On the Island of Swallows, it is estimated that there are at least 27 types of endemic vertebrates, such as the pygmy raccoon, the island coati, the lizard Picasombra, and the mockingbird of Cozumel. The great underwater world is visited every year by hundreds of divers.

What to do in Cozumel?

One of the most amazing places is “El Cielo,” a set of shallow banks of fine white sand, crowned by crystal clear waters. It is a unique place in Mexico that makes every minute traveled to get there, worth it. Do take a guided tour. Don’t worry, they are all over the island, so you can compare prices and services. One recommendation is to get off the boat, take your snorkeling equipment, and enjoy the marine fauna. It’s everywhere. Multicolored fish, turtles, rays and the iconic red stars adorn the seabed.

After «touching» Heaven, it’s time to «let go.» I love walking the boardwalk at sunset, and taking a seat facing the sea. I lose myself in the beautiful colors of the horizon. The best sunsets I have seen in my life have been here. Believe me, there is no better way to end a great day. The next morning you can see a great success in Cozumel: the preservation of most of the territory in its natural state. Hundreds of kilometers of beach on the other side of the island, remain in a semi-virgin state. You can visit them for days. Beaches like Chen Río, San Martín, and El Mirador await you with their crystalline waves, in the open sea.

You will also remember for a long time the characteristic white sand, without those big hotels around. Another great option is to take a boat tour to Isla Pasión, a spectacular sandbank with dreamlike settings, where weddings and events are held.

Finally, you should know that Cozumel is one of the most recognized tourist destinations in Mexico, because it is a spectacular place to dive. It is visited every year by hundreds of international divers, and you should not leave without trying it. Rental equipment and facilities are everywhere, as are the instructors. An excellent resource for all of this is «Beach Best Cozumel.” Look for it on social media. Ready to be wowed? Let’s go to Cozumel!