Mexico For Kids

Cozumel is a fabulous place for having fun with your kids. First of all, it's one of the safest vacation destinations in the world. Violent crime is almost unheard of on this tiny, friendly island, quite unlike some other destinations in Mexico and the U.S. Secondly, Cozumel offers such a variety of activities--from fun in the sun activities to explorations of the ocean, the jungle and , last but not least, the culture.

Cozumel is one of the top 5 dive destinations in the world and boasts spectacular coral reefs full of sea life. There's plenty of close-to-shore snorkeling too, making Cozumel a great place to introduce children to the beauties of the undersea world.

Parents of preschoolers won't want to miss the children's pool at beautiful Chankanaab Park, for example. This large, shallow pool is carved out of the beach and sheltered from the ocean. But smaller fish can still come in and out with the light wave action.

Above Left: The children's beach at Chankannab National Park. This is a shallow lagoon with easy sand access from the shore. In the foreground you can see the opening that leads out into the Mexican Caribbean. A very sheltered and lovely place for little guys to try out. Older kids and teens will enjoy the adult snorkeling areas on Chankanaab's main beach. Although the park doesn't have the best snorkeling on the island (older, experienced snorklers may get more out of beach clubs like Corona Beach and Dzul-Ha), Chankanaab's rails and stairs across the rocky ironshore into the water make getting in and out of the water easy for everyone snorkeling and swimming.

Deserted except for a few ramshackle but pleasant restaurant/bars, the "other side of the island" faces the open Caribbean. The prevailing easterly winds mean this side of the island is wilder than the sheltered west side with its reefs. You'll find beautiful white-sand beaches and crashing surf here as well as blowholes, tidepools and exposed coral shelves cut into arches by the sea action.

Chen Rio beach with it's knee-deep, close-to-shore tidepools is a particularly good choice for younger kids. Explore the rock caves. Riptides and powerful undercurrents make this side of the island best for playing in the shallows. Do NOT swim out.

Exploring the Ocean

WHERE TO GO:

West Side of the Island:

Chankanaab National Park Admission $12 per person, less for kids under 12. The baby pool is great for littlest ones.
Dzul-Ha--snorkeling for adults and older kids. Located just beyond Chankannab.
Far South Beaches like San Francisco or Playa Palancar--soft, sand beaches and gentle waves here are good for swimming and splashing in the light surf.
Punta Sur National Park $12 per person, less for kids. Climb a cool lighthouse, snorkel, feed the croc.s & birdwatch on a pontoon boat in Colombia Lagoon.
East side of the island:

The beaches here are lovely and wild. With children, however, stick to Chen Rio because there are little tide pool areas to play in. Undertows can be serious business on this side of the island so we don't advise taking kids swimming elsewhere on the island's east coast.
WHAT TO BRING: masks, snorkels, fins, snorkel vests, "sports cream" (non-oily sun screen as the oily kind is very bad for fish), surf booties (a good investment for everyone because the best snorkeling is near rocks and ironshore.) Basic snorkel equipment may be rented at Chankannab and Dzul Ha for $5/person.

Jungle Exploration

Cozumel island is still more than 96% wild, untamed jungle and there are several local outfits on the island that specialize in tours into the island's interior. Here you can view bat caves, swim in cenotes (natural ponds formed in the limestone) and view lots of wildlife from the ubiquitous iguana to white owls to coatis, armadillos, foxes, and crocodiles. You can even catch a Mayan ruin or two while you're at it.