Friday, March 9, 2012

Can't Miss Cozumel

      

        One of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations is Cozumel, Mexico!  It offers pristine beaches, family-friendly adventures, relaxing beach hideaways, and one-of-a-kind ocean life and reefs.  Cozumel is the perfect place to learn the rich history and culture of Mexico.  With so much to offer, we decided to put together a list of the top ten things to do while in Cozumel!  Be sure to check out these great excursions on your next Carnival Cruise!

10.  Mexican Cuisine and Cooking Tasting

            Whether you’re an avid cook, an avid eater, or simply want a break from the water, this is an excellent excursion for you! 

What could be better than learning to cook a 3-course Mexican meal while overlooking the ocean, especially with complimentary drinks?  After your meal is prepared and you’ve gotten a special course on plate-decorating (a must for all foodies) you’ll feel like a four-star chef.  The best part of the excursion?  Enjoying your meal with complimentary wine and music!

Finish the day on the pristine beaches of Cozumel or shopping in the local market.


9.  Amazing Race Cozumel

            This is the perfect excursion if you want to truly experience Cozumel.  This race guides you away from the beaten path! 

            Active and social travelers will enjoy this fun and challenging tour of the city while exercising both your mind and your body.  You and your fellow racers must interpret clues that will guide you throughout Cozumel.  Have no fear!  A guide will be there to help you if you’re stumped and keep you on the right path!

            Once you reach the finish line you’ll find a delightful reward and a true taste of Cozumel’s rich history.

One word of advice, this isn’t for the smallest of travelers.  The clues may be too advanced and the race too long for them.  We recommend this one for travelers ages 10 and up!



8.  Cozumel 12 Meter America’s Cup Sailing

This excursion will have your adrenaline pumping!

            Guests are divided into two teams who will compete in a race, designed to mirror a true regatta, on board real America’s Cup-champion sail boats.  The expert crew will assign jobs for those who want hands-on sailing experience or you can simply relax and enjoy the complimentary refreshments.  Once you cross the finish line you’ll enjoy a rum punch party!

            Perfect for seasoned sailors or first-timers.  Experience a true sailing tradition on the azure Caribbean waters!



7.  Amazing Secret River

Discover the most unique and beautiful location in Cozumel!

            This is the perfect excursion for nature-lovers!  With the help of a guide explore several unmarred caverns connected by waterways.  You won’t find a show cave here!  There are no lit walkways or designated paths.  Guests will be outfitted with wetsuits, life vests, and headlamps.  Make your way to a crystal clear cavern pool where you will enjoy a swim like none you have ever experienced!  Enjoy refreshments and shopping at the end of this one-of-a-kind tour.

            Because of the unique nature of this tour space is limited.  Book early!  Children must be at least six years of age.



6.  Dolphin Push Pull and Swim at Chankanaab Park

This excursion goes far beyond most dolphin experiences!

            At the Dolphin Discovery in the breathtaking Chankanaab Park, you’ll receive personal training from fun and experienced dolphin trainers.  This dolphin encounter offers more interaction with dolphins than any other including a ride on a dolphin-propelled boogie board and the infamous dolphin kiss which many encounters leave out.  Another great feature of this excursion?  It includes admission to Chankanaab Park and all of its activities and shows!  Great for kids of all ages and ocean-lovers alike!

Don’t forget your water-proof camera!

5.  Adventure Park, Zip Line, and Snorkel

This excursion is fun for all-aged adventurers!

            You’ll enjoy thrilling zip lines, towers, and suspension bridges in an ocean-side park.  A guide will walk you through this exciting course as you sail through the air from tower to tower.  Be sure to keep your eyes open!  You won’t want to miss out on the incredible ocean views.  After zip lining you’ll have an opportunity to relax on Buccanos Beach or snorkel in the pristine waters of Cozumel. 

Another reason we love this excursion…it has something for everyone!  For those who want a little less adventure, the Adventure Park pool is the perfect place to relax and sip complimentary beverages!
4.  Snuba

            Perfect for those who want the thrill and excitement of scuba diving without the necessary certification and experience!

            If you’re not familiar with snuba, let me tell you a little about it.  Snuba allows you to dive 15-18 feet while connected to an air supply floating on the surface.  It is much less intensive than scuba diving because you aren’t required to train and regulate your own air supply.  It takes all the hassle away.

            Receive snuba training in shallow waters, test your skill level, and then head out to deeper waters where you will explore the Villa Blanca Reef.  Here you will experience the world-renown dive waters of Cozumel and its unmatched marine life!


3.  Certified Two Tank Dive at Arrecifes de Cozumel

We can’t mention Cozumel without throwing in scuba diving!

            Divers have long flocked to Cozumel’s crystal clear waters and unmatched marine life. Experience two unique dives, including a famed wall dive, through Cozumel’s world-renown National Marine Park.  Dive masters will fit you for equipment before heading out to open water.  The dive master will take you on a swim-through of your dives.  Then you’ll head underwater to discover breathtaking reefs, colorful fish, lobsters, nurse sharks, sea turtles, and more!

            We recommend this experience because of the value!  Two dives in one!

Certified divers ages 10 and up welcome!


2.  Chankanaab Day Pass and Discover Mexico

            For this one, we head back to Chankanaab Park.  We thought it deserved multiple spots on the countdown because it has so much to offer!  If you want to learn about the heritage of Mexico and discover its culture, this is the excursion for you!

            Experience Mexican art dating back to the ancient civilizations that inhabited the area long ago.  You’ll feel as though you’re walking back in time as you explore the replica pyramids of the Mayan, Aztec, Olmec, and Totonac civilizations.  For those looking to discover Mexico’s natural history, you’ll enjoy interactive dolphin and sea lion shows, snorkel with hundreds of colorful fish, sea turtles, and more!  You can also take a guided tour through the botanical gardens. 

            We loved this excursion for many reasons, the first being it’s wealth of information!  You’ll leave Cozumel feeling as though you’ve gotten to experience its true culture.  The second reason is that it’s perfect for all ages!  And lastly, a guide will stay with you during your entire trip.  You can take their recommended tour or he will stay with you as you explore the area on your own, offering information and cultural facts that bring the artifacts to life!


1.    Deluxe Sail, Snorkel, and Beach Party

We’ve saved the best for last!  This excursion is perfect for the whole family!  You’ll depart directly from the Carnival pier, board a 65-foot catamaran (if you’ve never been on one, you’ll LOVE IT!), and sail to Fury Beach.  Here you’ll find activities to suit every personal style!  For the fun at heart, head out to the aquatic park, featuring a giant aqua slide!  Active travelers will enjoy kayaking and snorkeling with the all equipment provided.  Beach bums aren’t excluded either!  You’ll love the pristine private beach!  Guests will enjoy an open bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.  Food can be purchased for a nominal charge.

We love this excursion because of its exceptional value!  It’s really four excursions in one:  a catamaran sail, snorkeling, kayaking, and a trip to the aquatic park!  Not to mention that the drinks are free and the beach is spectacular! 

This is why we voted it the can’t-miss activity in Cozumel!

1 comment:

  1. I agree with all of your comments, especially about the diving in Cozumel. I still have a great video made during a diving excursion on Carneval cruise. The amount of marine life I saw amazed me and that video is still one of my most treasured souvenirs.

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