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Cozumel is likely to be a port city in most cruise ship itinerary, I try to experience different excursion opportunity when planning our next stop in Cozumel. Since our recent visit occurred in February, I was nervous about the water temperature and the possibility of colder weather in Cozumel. We decided to visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park which offers everything from a beach, restaurant, lighthouse, museums and small ruins directly on site.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is the largest ecological reserve in Cozumel and is a great location for bird watching, checking out crocodiles and wild flora that are indigenous to that part of the world. Plus, the Navigation and Cultural Museum and Celarain Lighthouse is a great educational resource for your family.
The Celarain Lighthouse said to have been designed by Gustave Eiffel himself, famous for building Paris’ Eiffel Tower which explains the architecture’s french influences. Climbing the 133 steps is no easy feat! The light house is naturally very narrow but the views from the top are breathtaking!
The Navigation Museum by the lighthouse takes you in a journey through the island’s history and Mayan influence. The small museum shares pirate stories, hidden treasures, the Mayan culture but you’ll also learn how an authentic lighthouse keeper lived.
Cozumel’s Punta Sur Park is one of Cozumel’s natural treasures. With over 247 acres, the ecological reserve and park is also home to a Mayan Ruin site which is viewable from the top of the lighthouse and a short walk from the museum.
One thing worth noting is that while the eco park is affordable and well-priced, getting from the lighthouse/museum area to the beach and restaurant area is challenging. Since we opted to pay for a taxi ($35 USD each way) and our admission price ($50, 3 adults 1 child) on our own versus a tour company, we had trouble getting from to the beach area and restaurant once we spent time at the museum and lighthouse area.
The staff at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park was very understanding and found us a ride to the beach area free of charge but we did have to wait until they found availability. For those thinking about spending their port day at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, please be aware that a tour/excursion company will offer a stress-free excursion and maximize your port time in Cozumel.
Located in the southern point of Cozumel, Punta Sur’s 247-acre Eco Park covers reefs, beaches, lagoons, and tropical forest offers an adventure at every corner. My only disappointment is that 1 day is not enough! The eco park truly allows to enjoy the island’s biodiversity, relax on their pristine beaches and enjoy the panoramic views the island has to offer.
Side Note: I did not include beach or restaurant pictures within this post but the staff is friendly and courtesy. We kept a tab going during our visit and enjoyed swimming, snorkeling and more. They also called a taxi for us when we were ready to return to the port. Excellent service!
Have you traveled to Cozumel? What would be your ideal Cozumel Excursion?
I feel relaxed just looking at your beautiful photos. The array of blues is stunning! I’d love to take my family on this type of cruise.
I love all of the Primitive pieces in the home. Its so inviting.
I would thoroughly enjoy looking through all those relics. And of course, the ocean landscape is exquisite!
That is the one place I would really like to go–but I would like to spend a week or two there! I want to see everything you saw plus more!!
I would so love to visit here some day. It is so beautiful and the history is amazing. Thanks for sharing.
I would love to take a vacation here. Sounds like a place for me and the hubby to go see!