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Geography, Flora & Fauna |
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The island of Cozumel lies 12 miles offshore the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and is the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean as well as being the most populated island of Mexico.
With water the color of imperial jade and edged with white-sand beaches and craggy black castles of limestone and coral, Cozumel is the largest of 3 islands off the east coast of the state of Quintana Roo.
The island is approximately 29 miles (48 kilometers) long and 11 miles (17.5 kilometers) wide at its widest point, with the highest elevation point measuring a mountainous 45 feet above sea level.
Cozumel temperatures are warm year-round with daytime highs averaging 81 F (27°C). In the Caribbean, hurricane season officially begins June 15 and runs through November 15th each year. Do not let this deter your planning because INSIDERS know that these are some of the best months to enjoy the Cozumel. Yes, there is always the chance of a tropical storm or hurricane coming in but typically there is a warning period and time for preparation or departure from the island if needed.
The heaviest rains begin in June and last through October. It's possible for rain to fall almost every day during that time but the usual afternoon shower is brief and causes minimal interruption of travel or activities. Occasionally, however, the skies can open up and let loose torrents. During wet months, expect high humidity. November - May is generally balmy, with daytime highs averaging 80 F lower humidity and an occasional cool evening. Always remember, tropical climes can change from mellow to miserable and back again very quickly.
July/August - High 80's to low 90's°F (32°C)
December/January - Mid 70's°F (24°C)
Water temperatures range from 77°- 84°F (25°-29°C) throughout the year.
The tropical forests of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo are home to many exotic trees, flowers, plants, and animals. Along with the many mangroves, bamboo, and swamp cypresses, ferns, vines, and flowers slither throughout the various trees to create a dense jungle. On the highest of limbs, orchids and air ferns can be seen stretching towards the sun.
The Southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula hosts classical tropical rainforests that are the home of tall mahoganies, campeche, zapote, and kapok, all of which are covered by jungle vines.
Los Arboles (The Trees)
Perhaps the most recognizable of trees in the area are the many types of Palm trees. These trees, vital to the survival of the people and region, come in many varieties- tall, short, fruited, and oil-producing. Some specific types of palms include Royal (tall with smooth trunks), Queen (used for landscaping and bearing sweet fruit), and Thatch (used extensively for roof thatch).
At one time, the Coconut palm served the Yucatan very well as it is used for producing oil, food, drink, and shelter. The tree matures in 6 to 7 years and then bears coconuts for the following 5 to 7 years. Unfortunately the "Yellow Disease" , a condition that has struck the coconut palm from Florida to Central America, has taken away the coconut palm as a source of income.
Henequen, which is a cousin to the Palm tree, is used to form twine, rope, matting, and other products. The Calabash tree provides gourds that Mayan Indians have used for years as containers.
A tall tree known as the Ceiba is known as the Mayan tree of life, and tied very close to the Mayan religion.
The beautiful Framboyanes (royal poinciana) have wide-spreading branches covered in clusters of brilliant orange-red flowers when they are in bloom during the summer months.
Las Frutas (The Fruit)
In addition to the trees, there are many delicious fruits that grow in the this region of Mexico. Sweet and sour oranges, limes, and grapefruits can be found, as well as the presence of the papaya, and avocado. The mamey tree, which grows to 15-20 meters in height, provides a brown avocado-shaped fruit with a sweet salmon-pink flesh in the middle (a flavor similar to the sweet yam). A lanky evergreen known as the Guaya produces small, green, leathery pods that grow in clumps like grapes. These pods have a sweet, yellowish, jellylike flesh.
Las Flores (The Flowers)
In remote areas of the state, the orchid can be found on the highest limbs of tall trees. There have been 71 species reported on the Yucatan of which 20% are terrestrial, and 80% are epiphytic, meaning that they are attached to host trees and deriving moisture and nutrients from the air and rain. Both types grow in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors- some subtle and some brilliant.
In the spring, flowering trees are the gathering place for hundreds of singing birds that come together for the mating season in the treetops. Here in a natural environment you'll see a full spectrum of flowers that display wild colors and appealing scents. White and Red Ginger are among the most exotic of herbs, in addition to Plumeria which has a wonderful scent and can be found in many colors. Hibiscus and bougainvillea bloom in the forests and are of the most colorful sort that you will find. In addition to these exotic flowers, the more common Morning Glory is prevalent as it endlessly creeps and climbs over trees and bushes.
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Some Activities of Interest
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Cozumel Butterfly Sanctuary Tour & PalMar Snorkel Beach Club |
Visit Cozumel's only Butterfly Sanctuary! Merged in 2018 with the Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens, see multitudes of colors, learn about butterfly habits and the miracle of metamorphosis. Take photos and then stay to enjoy snorkeling and the other ammenities of the PalMar Snorkel Beach Club. Great family fun & excellent value!
Starting at US $8.00!
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Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour |
You'll see more in one day than others see in a lifetime!!!
Starting at US $75 Adults / US $60 Kids
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PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary |
Bring your group and spend the day at our PalMar small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowds here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site! Plus Patas & Atlas Butterfly Sanctuary which, in 2018, merged with Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens is now included when open (seasonal)!
US $19 Adults / US $8 Kids - Includes FREE Drinks!
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Just wanted to thank COZUMELINSIDER for getting us booked for our activities while we were in Cozumel. The dolphin swim was fantastic! I'd do it again in a minute. We didn't get to do the SNUBA diving ..... we ended up doing the Helmet dive instead for the same price. We plan on visiting Cozumel again possibly next year and will be contacting you to book some excursions prior to our vacation. We saved a significant amount of money booking the excursions through COZUMELINSIDER instead of the cruise line. Thanks again! S.Forgette and G Wichtowski ~ Not Given
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LITTLE PARADISE - We arranged a package tour for our large group (14 people) that included an afternoon here (it might have been through the proprietor). Next to a large hotel and a large bar, this is a quiet little oasis. A beautiful pool and shady gardens, with lots of seating are right across the street from the sea. Drinks, delicious food (great guacamole) and very helpful and friendly service. The people were extremely nice helping us into the sea to snorkel. There really isn't a beach here, it is very rocky, so they put out mats to make it easier for us to walk into the water. They stood by and helped us in and out, they even practically carried my 86 year old grandmother in, out, and brought a chair down for her to sit in. Snorkel, mask and flipper rentals are $12 (other places were quoted at $40+). There are some lounge chairs on a sandy area overlooking the sea so those who weren't snorkeling could sit comfortably and watch. The snorkeling was great, lots of sea creatures to admire. Free Wi-Fi. Since it is a small place, none of the cab drivers at the port (we were getting off a cruise ship) knew where it was. Ask for The Money Club and it is just before it, right next door. J. Edgington - March 2016 ~ Johns Creek, GA USA
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(01/29/2019) - We are staying in Playa del Carmen for 6 weeks. We really wanted to do some snorkeling and although the options in Playa are numerous, they were not always economical. After doing a lot of research, I found the website, Cozumelinsider.com (a great information source by the way) and found out about PalMar. We were really happy we found it. A smaller beach club, nothing pretentious, but great service, snorkeling and food. A great day. The day we were there, there were a few Mexican families enjoying the spot. It was nice to be among locals and not just tourists. For the price, this really is a special gem. The $14 US per person includes 2 beer/beverage, towels, beach chairs, beach service, swimming pool, showers, lockers and several other things that we didn’t use. The snorkeling was great. It was interesting seeing all of the charter boats bringing people to the exact same spot we were and I am sure they spent more than $14 US to snorkel in the same place as we were. It really is with mixed emotions that I write this review as I don’t want people to find out about it as they limit the daily amount of people that can book here due to space and enjoyment, if it gets too popular, there won’t be space for us next time. We still have 3.5 more weeks in the Mayan area and we will definitely be visiting PalMar again. Thanks for the great day. We will see you soon. Cheers. L. MacLeod & G. Neufield ~ Kelowna, British Columbia, CAN
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Just wanted to sayThank You for your webcam. We Love Cozumel and miss it so much. It is nice to be able to look at the webcam every day and see what is happening and the beautiful water. Your website has also been very helpful when planning our trips. Keep up the good work. amy ~ southern Utah
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Hello, I want to let you know that I visit your website all the time! I love it, so much information. I used you as a resource when I came to Cozumel for the first time about 2 years ago. Although my soon-to-be wife was there before, I needed to do some of my own homework. As for her, she and I will be getting married on June 22 at Hotel Cozumel and we are both really excited about it. I am so happy that you are able to put this website together for people like us who love Cozumel and can't be there as much as we want to be. Thanks again! John DeMaio ~ Milford, CT, USA
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