This time I really saw Cozumel
Mexican adventures on land and in the water
By Phyllis Steinberg
 I have visited the island of Cozumel by ship many times,
but really never saw it. I, along with millions of cruise ship passengers, made
a beeline from the port to the downtown San Miguel shopping area. Dozens of
shops, many with clerks standing at the entrance stores, invited me in to their
world of diamonds, precious stones, local craft items and touristy t-shirts.
And somehow, when the day was done and the ship pulled out
to sea, all that I had seen of Cozumel were the myriad of stores in the downtown
area and perhaps enjoyed a drink at a local pub.
 But not this time! I booked a room at the Park Royal
Cozumel, a lovely all-inclusive hotel with a view of the cruise ships and a five
minute cab ride to the downtown shopping area. Here, I sipped margaritas,
enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine, magnicient sunsets and beautiful beaches.
This was the first time I noticed the ocean with its many
shades of blue and green.
 The hotel had a beach overlooking the port and a hot
tub where I could sip a cocktail and view the ships in port.
I also enjoyed the many flavors of the Caribbean at the
Park Royal. The Resort’s La Veranda Restaurant served up the taste of Mexican
and international cuisine while the El Mirador restaurant was a tempting taste
of the Caribbean facing the ocean.
 Still more, there was an Italian restaurant
and a buffet restaurant where the breakfast buffets served Mexican as well as
American offerings and an assortment of fresh fruit and an omelet station where
your eggs were cooked to order.
I didn’t need to pull out my credit car every time I wanted
a drink, either, The all-inclusive program included domestic and imported drinks
in several bars located throughout the resort.
After, I enjoyed my first day at the resort and lounging
pool side, I decided to take a tour of the city and there were several
available.
 I opted for the island jeep tour and driver’s license in hand, took
to the wheel.
You don’t have to have a road map. A line of jeeps follows
a tour around the island with experienced guides who point out all of the
beautiful scenery and tourist attractions. They stop periodically and let
tourists take . Cozumel is home to many nature preserves. I got up close
and personal with an alligator at the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve, a
picturesque stop on the jeep city tour where native birds, turtles and fish
flourish.
 Along the way our jeep tour guide stopped at a beach and
many of the tour participants went snorkeling. Cozumel has one of the world’s
largest reef networks and people on my tour said they saw spectacular reefs and
were in arms reach of many species of colorful fish.
The botanical gardens at the Chankanaab Park and Lagoon are
not to be missed. The botanical gardens showcase 350 types of tropical plants
from more than 20 countries. Another attraction is Dolphin Discovery, which
treats visitors to a close encounter with playful dolphins.
 The island has more than 90 restaurants and cafes, offering
a wide variety of cuisine and fresh seafood. Most people know about the Hard
Rock Café, Carlos’ n’ Charlies and Sr. Frogs. However, I found an eatery that
had delicious seafood and pizza cooked to order on a wood burning oven. It’s
called Guido’s and it is in the downtown area. The restaurant manager said
Guido’s has been there for 20 years, but I guess I was too busy shopping for
bargains in this tropical paradise to notice.
by Phyllis Steinberg
Wild Tours,
reservations@wild-tours.com
Punta Sur Ecological Park,
www.islacozumel.com.mx
Chankanaab National Park,
www.cozumelparks.com
Park Royal Hotel Cozumel,
www.park-royalhotels.com
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