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Destinations » North America » Mexico » Estado de Quintana Roo » Cozumel » City Guide: Entertainment

Cozumel, Mexico » Entertainment Things to Do, Nightlife, Performances

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As one of the world's premier vacation destinations, Cozumel offers visitors a variety of things to see and do. In addition to a vibrant nightlife, visitors can entertain themselves by shopping, dining, playing mini-golf, visiting ruins, sunbathing, surfing, bird watching, fishing, horseback riding and, of course, scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nightlife


Most of Cozumel's nightlife is in its only city, San Miguel. There is no nightlife on the east coast since the few restaurants there close at dusk. Downtown bars open until the wee hours include the Hard Rock Cafe with its great music and bar along with Carlos 'n Charlie's and Fat Tuesday. Both open-air bars are known for their loud, party atmosphere. Smoke Cuban cigars while listening to hot jazz at The Havana Club. Enjoy the Sunday Fiesta at Plaza Central, a live open-air concert with Mexican or Caribbean song and dance. The island's oldest disco Neptuno Dance Club is opened on the weekends and is quite popular with the locals as well.

The Casa del Cultura offers local programs of music, dance, theatre and art. Every Thursday evening at the Feria Mexicana there's a folkloric dance performance. If you are lucky enough to be on the island during Carnaval (mid-February to March), you are in for an explosion of music, dance, parades and parties that fill the streets.

Shopping


Shoppers can get easily get their fix at a variety of stores selling Mexican handicraft art, souvenirs, clothing, and diamond, gold or silver jewelry. There are plenty of bargains to be found at the open-air markets just off the square. Both Viva Mexico and Los Cinco Soles are popular souvenir stops, especially with the cruise ship crowd. Cozumel is famous for its jewelry stores. Among the most visited are Diamonds International and Rachat and Romero, which offer excellent choices in diamonds, gold and silver jewelry. Because Cozumel is a duty-free shopping zone there are some great bargains to be found on luxury items.

Outdoor Fun

With 285 days of sunshine a year, Cozumel offers endless hours of fun in the sun. There is something for everyone to enjoy on the island.

The Atlantis Submarines adventure is an amazing exploration of the reef, but is very expensive. A more reasonable alternative is a trip aboard the glass-bottomed Principe. Tours that explore the island's northern end on ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) can be arranged with Wild Tours.

Deep-sea fishing is also a popular activity. Marathon Deep Sea Fishing will give you a chance to snag a blue marlin or swordfish.

Scuba divers will find plenty of underwater sites to explore. The most popular reefs are on the southwestern side of the island. Paradiso Reef, Chan Kanaab Reef, Villa Blanca Wall, Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Reef and Plane Wreck are just a sampling of what you can expect to find beneath the turquoise waters. There is no shortage of scuba diving companies and tours. There are also none that could be considered inexpensive. Aqua Safari, Caballito del Caribe and Eagle Ray Dive School are some of the more experienced companies on the island.

On the mainland, popular tourist attractions include the famous Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza, the natural aquarium Xel-Ha and the 250 acre, eco-archaeological park Xcaret.

Two inexpensive attractions are the San Gervasio ruins and Parque Punta Sur. You will find the most expensive part is the transportation out there. Parque Chankanaab is an excellent bargain since your entry fee includes an archaeological park, botanical garden, a museum, a free dolphin show and great snorkeling. A fun family evening can be had at Cozumel Mini-Golf, an 18-hole miniature golf course. For a more educational family experience visit Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, which has historical and natural exhibits about the island. For those on a budget, there is still plenty to do in Cozumel, provided you bring your own snorkel gear. You don't have to pay any entry fee to get onto the beaches since all beachfront is Federal Property with free access to everyone. Plaza las Glorias allows visitors to snorkel as long as they buy something at the bar. Playa Corona has few crowds but good snorkeling. For lots of action you can visit Playa San Francisco or Playa del Sol. You won't find as many swimmers along the eastern beaches due to much heavier surf and a strong undertow. Surfers like to gather at Punta Morena, where the waves are high and burgers are cheap. (Families should take their children to the west coast beaches where the surf is much calmer.) You can also hike along the northern road that starts where the Costera Este Highway ends. The beaches there are wild and beautiful and camping is permitted.

Windsurfing, kayaks and jet skis are available on most of the beaches. However, renting them turns free fun into expensive fun.

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