Spring Break in Cozumel, Mexico

So can Spring Break and history mix?  Well, no if you're a true blooded college kid who can't wait for the sea and sand to have fun, but if you're going to Cozumel in Mexico, you better take this chance to experience the area which once flourished under the ancient Mayas.  Or at least take the time to see her in all her sun-kissed glory.

Cozumel is Mexico's biggest island, featuring 29 miles by 12 miles of beautiful sand on the lovely Yucatan Peninsula.  The winds that blow in Cozumel are courtesy of the Yucatan current, the swift flowing, north-headed part of the Gulf Stream.

The beaches

The beaches of Cozumel are blessed with balmy winds, allowing a lot of roaring good fun on the sand.  The island is sun-drenched 365 days of the year, although it does have its best moments when partying can go on all night.  Cozumel is best for careful and strong swimmers, though because the waters may be lovely but they are a bit of a challenge.  You don’t have to look too far out of the water for a good time, however because parties begin spontaneously right there on the beach.

Diving

There are inclusive dive packages offered in Cozumel that are quite affordable, some of which cost less than $60 for two dives, boat fees excluded.  If you're doing more dives on the second and third tries, you can even get special discounts.

The winds driven in by the Yucatan current may be enjoyable while you're on land, but they make for some dangerous diving in Cozumel's waters.  The drift of the currents that flow from the reefs in San Juan and Barracuda are rather swift, especially when they're returning to open waters. 

Best go diving in the southwestern part of the island, where waters are calmer and the reefs are less dangerous.  The waters here are clearer, with visibility as deep as 200 feet, allowing you better view of the famed coral reefs that are thousands of years old.  The living sponges and reefs give way to breathtaking underwater sand chutes, canyons and caves while the explosion of marine life is spectacular: stingrays, morays, butterfly fish, angel fish, snappers… the number of species that can be found here is staggering. 

If you're a beginner, try the snorkel sites found in the Palancar and Columbia Shallows.  The Columbia is a lagoon that is enclosed by a mangrove area.  This is where the sea turtle comes to visit from April until September.  This is a well-preserved swimming and diving site, thanks to its relative distance from the more popular areas.  Diving and snorkeling here is an adventure though, because the visibility factor is reduced due to the nutrient-rich waters. 

The Palancar is beautiful because of the live corals and reefs but the best thing about this site is that you can swim along the sand chute and find the Palancar Caves at the end.  The drop off is just at 20 feet and this is one of the safest areas to enjoy.  The scuba equipment and snorkel gears are available for rent locally so you don’t need to bring your own stuff.

Dive boats are not just for snorkeling and diving – they are also for partying.  Parties on board are common in Cozumel, featuring at least 3 snorkeling trips and some good times thrown in.  These trips cost about $80 for a whole day trip and just under $50 for a half-day trip.

Where to stay

Accommodations in Cozumel are concentrated on the hotel zones north to south of San Miguel.  The north zone features mostly all-inclusive hotels and villas, quite expensive due to the extra privacy.  If you're looking for more moderately priced digs, stay within the town of San Miguel or those that are nearest the town pier.  These places are strategic as well because they are often the pick-up point of many diving trips.

The goddess connection

The Mayas were a multi-deity civilization, worshipping several gods who lorded over different aspects in their life.  However, it is Ixchel, the goddess of the sea, the moon and of fertility who has Cozumel as her sanctuary.  That places a lot of mystic connection on Cozumel and once your feet touch its shores, the magic of Ixchel will hover over you for the rest of your stay.

If you’re looking for a lot of fun on your spring break, visit Cozumel, Mexico!