Cozumel - Playa del Carmen: The Darling Duo of the Caribbean
Playa del Carmen and Cozumel have become the darling duo of the Western Caribbean. As continually popular cruise ship destinations, these tropical treasures have become the enchanting sister cities of southeast Mexico. In addition, these sun-drenched siblings have become the perfect ports-of-call for 12 hours of superb shopping and dining, to-die-for dive sites, and mysterious Mayan ruins.
Located on Mexico's southeast coast, Playa del Carmen lies approximately 45 miles south of Cancun. Its island neighbor, Cozumel, sits just 12 miles off the Yucatan coast. It is here, in downtown San Miguel, Cozumel, that most cruise ships dock. So if you're a shopper, simply step out your back door and prepare to bargain. Black coral jewelry is the item of choice here, but don't pay top peso; ignore the chants of "best deal - best deal," and haggle your way to your own "best" price.
If dining's your idea of adventure, a wonderful selection of restaurants awaits you. Everyone simply must check out Ernesto's Fajitas. Located near the pier with an excellent view of the water, Ernesto's has great atmosphere, good service, and reasonable prices. Ernesto's caters to the "American apple pie" crowd by supplying Mexican food with an American flair. If you simply "must-a have-a your pizza pie-a," Pizza Rolandi on main street "is-a de place-a." However, if you're into seafood and food with more of a Mexican flair, try La Choza, just south of town square.
Aside from the shopping and dining, these sister cities still have plenty to offer. One "must see" for Cozumel is snorkeling or diving at Chankanaab. Located just 10 miles south of San Miguel (via a short taxi ride for approximately 40 pesos), this crystal clear lagoon is bathed in color with over 60 species of tropical fish and fabulous coral formations. For approximately $7 US, visitors can enter the park and gain access to the lagoon and the surrounding botanical garden. The park also houses several dive shops offering equipment rental, instruction, and even certification. The park's only drawback is the occasional snorkeler traffic jam. If the park fills up and you'd like to venture out on your own, try snorkeling just outside the park via the rocky beach area. The diving is just as good, and you won't end up bumper to bumper - or should we say fin to fin.
Another great snorkeling site that's also known for its fabulous beach is Playa San Francisco. Restaurants and bars as well as various businesses offering equipment rental, excursions, and even glass bottom boat trips surround this 3-mile, white-sand beach.
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