The island of Cozumel is just a 30-minute ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. The diving and cruise ship resort was heavily hit by Hurricane Wilma in late 2005 and is making giant strides towards returning to its original splendor. Here's an update on the current status:
Hotels
The majority of the island's hotels are open. Some have open rooms but are not fully operational. Visitors are encouraged to confirm reservations and ask specifically about hotel features that are important to them, such as beach bars, restaurants or pools.
Cozumel Country Club
The course re-opened in early February and is in playable condition, with only a few areas still suffering from being inundated by the storm surge and heavy rains associated with the hurricane. The course's greens, sand traps and water features are all in good condition.
Chankanaab National Park
The destination's main ocean and beach park, located on the southwest side of the island, is being reconstructed, with new thatched-palm beach huts, water access points, snorkeling platforms, walking paths, underwater trails, cavern diving facilties, and Mayan culture learning centers.
Cozumel History Museum
Just a few blocks north of the town square, the Cozumel museum is open daily and charges only $3. It offers a host of displays covering the island's history, the pre-Columbian era and the indigenous Mayan culture.
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
The ruins are located in the center of the island, just off the cross-island road between the town square and the eastern coast. Though many treelimbs were broken and there were heavy rains, the ruins themselves survived unscathed, just as they have for centuries. Entrance fee is $5.50.
Punta Sur Ecology Preserve
Since it faces the open ocean, the park and its beaches were heavily damaged by the hurricane. The Eco Jeep and Snorkel Adventure Tour operates daily, allowing visitors to explore the park and view the lighthouse on the island's southern tip.
Restaurants & Bars
The majority of the island's restaurants and bars are open. Though many establishments are not operating at full capacity, there are plenty of services available for all meals and nightlife activities.
Tours & Activities
There are a plethora of tours and recreational activities available in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, including fishing trips, snorkeling tours, ATV tours and nature tours. For more information, visit the Riviera Maya Reservations Center.
