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What better way to see Cozumel, than on a guided tour of the island?  The first thing you need to do, is find a taxi driver who you can understand.  We were lucky in that on one of our trips to get a bite to eat, we hired a taxi driver who spoke Mayan as his first language and then learned Spanish and English.  We commissioned him to pick us up the next morning at 9:00am and take us for a guided tour around the island, finishing at the airport so we could catch our flight home. 

COST FOR AN ISLAND TOUR: $50.00 but if you are lucky enough to hire a knowledgeable tour guide, tip him well.

If you do not plan on taking a tour, you can live vicariously through ours.  Here's an outline of what we were able to see in our 3 hour tour traveling south from Agua Azul, turning back up North, and then cut East across the island to see the ruins, and ending at the airport:

1. Dolphinaris - one of the newest attractions to the island.  It opened in late 2007 and here, you can swim with the dolphins and snorkel with stingrays.
2. Parilla Mission Sur - You should eat breakfast before you head out on your tour so that time can be used sightseeing.  However, when you are on vacation, you may forget.  Stop here for a quick breakfast.  We ordered quesadillas with cheese and ham, accompanied with a red and green sauce, and two orange juices for $7.  It was a quick bite to eat and well worth it.
3. Chankanaab - this translates to "small ocean" in Mayan.  It is a natural aquarium, boasting with many activities including swimming with the dolphins.
4. Discover Mexico - We have now traveled about 4.5 km on our tour.  Discover Mexico is where visitors will learn about the culture, view videos, explore replicas of Mexican wonders, be amazed at the art museum, taste traditional cuisines, and finally visit a souvenir shop to purchase arts and crafts not found anywhere else in the Caribbean.
5. Caleta - At this "marina," you can rent boats, go snorkeling, and fishing.
6. Money Bar / Dzul Ha - This is a free beach area where the snorkeling is great along the shallow reefs.  If you need snorkel gear, you may rent it.
7. Atlantis Submarine - Our tour guide pointed out the Submarine in the distance on our tour.  For those who want to venture underwater and are not scuba divers, this adventure would be ideal.
8. Playa Corona - Just like Dzul Ha, the snorkeling is free and amazing and rental gear costs extra.
9. Playa San Francisco - This beach club, founded in 1970, has no entrance fee, and offers parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, a trampoline, palapa restaurant, pool, bar, massage, and handicrafts.
10. Paradise Beach - This beach also has no entrance fee.
11. Playa Mia - Our tour guide recommended we avoid this beach.  They are partnered with the cruise ships as a "shore excursion" so a $15 entrance fee is assessed.  It's more cost effective to visit the free beaches like Play San Francisco, Mr. Sancho's and Paradise Beach.
12. Mr. Sancho's - Open from 8:00am - 5:30pm, this beach is popular amongst weddings.  There is horseback riding and ATV tours here as well.
13. Nachicocom - Yet another beach with a pricey entrance fee.
14. El Cedral - We have now traveled about 18 km on our tour.  We had visited this site the night before and attended the Fiestas de la Santa Cruz,  a weekend long party with bull fighting, cultural dances, and a lot of local cuisine. 
15. Playa Palancar - Open from 9:00am - 5:00pm, this is a great diving spot with no admission fee.  Amenities abound at this beach club.
16. Punta Sur - This is the southernmost point of the island.  Spend a day at this ecological park.
17. Rasta's Restaurant - At Punta Sur; if you are a Bob Marley fan, you may choose to dine at this Reggae themed establishment.
18. East Side of the Island - Our tour guide pointed out that if you are visiting sometime during June, July, or August, you may catch a glimpse of sea turtles along this side of the island.
19. El Mirador - This is a very rough and rocky area with no reefs.  They sell cold coconuts and soft drinks.
20. Rancho Buenavista - A four hour horseback riding adventure awaits you here as they take you through the flora and fauna of the island.
21. Playa Bonita Chiqueros - A restaurant you may want to try.
22. El Galeon Restaurant - Yet another restaurant you may want to try.
23. Chen Rio - Our tour guide recommended this restaurant for great seafood (note: they ONLY serve seafood).  If you are not a seafood fan, you can bring your own food and sit in the restaurant and enjoy the view.  There is no power nor water at this restaurant.
24. Coconuts - This restaurant offers beautiful views of the water as it sits atop the highest place on the island. 
25. Ventanas Al Mar - This hotel has no electricity but for those who want privacy, peace, and quiet, it's the place for them.
26. Punta Morena - A restaurant and a beach known for surfing.
27. Mescalitos St. Iguana's - Standing at this point, you are approximately 95 miles from Cuba and 180 miles from Florida.
28. Tequila Tour / Hacienda Antigua - For a $10 admission fee, learn about the history of tequila and view the agave plants from which it is derived.  Some say you can purchase tequila here for a better price than in town.
29. San Gervasio - These ruins are the largest archaeological site on the island.  It was a sanctuary to Goddess Ixchel.  Bring your walking shoes!
30. Airport - Arrive 2 hours early to check into your flight.  If you have a chance to grab lunch before your flight, do so as there is only one restaurant in the airport and it serves just burgers, chicken sandwiches, and other "American" cuisine.