One of the Port Adventures We Selected--Cozumel Beach Break

We are currently on the countdown to our next Disney Cruise, a 7-night Western Caribbean voyage stopping at Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Jamaica, and Castaway Cay.  This will be our second time sailing the exact same itinerary and our third time on a Western Caribbean cruise--the first time we stopped in Key West, not Jamaica.

While in Cozumel, we have selected a port adventure that will take us to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park.

One of the reasons we selected this excursion was because of the floating obstacle course.  The boy is super excited about this part! 

The husband read the description of the excursion that included amenities such as buffet and open bar along with all non-motorized water sports.  He wants to give the water bicycles a try.

When reserving this port adventure on-line, we had two choices of times in which to gather for the excursion on board:  8:45 am and 9:45 am.  I initially chose the 8:45 time and when the screen updated, it indicated that we would return by 1:30 pm.  That would have been okay, but I cancelled that choice and opted for the 9:45 time with a 2:30 return.  This way we get to enjoy a leisurely morning on the ship.  The husband prefers excursions that have us returning to the ship in time to get cleaned up for dinner and relax a bit before the busy evening.  Our return time will work out for him, too.  

I'm predicting that our waterproof camera is going to get a workout! 

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Punta Sur, Cozumel (Part 2)

The Mayan ruin in the photo above is entitled El Carocal which in Spanish means spiral, like the conch shell. This relic located on Punta Sur, the southern most tip of the island of Cozumel, is located to catch the wind through the hole in the tower and make the same sound as blowing through a conch shell. This sound would warn sailors of the tip of the island, as traveling to Cozumel from the mainland was a coming of age pilgrimage for young or pregnant Mayan women. The island was know for promoting fertility.

Not far from the ancient "lighthouse" is a more modern, yet historic lighthouse. Housing a maritime museum at its base, visitors may climb the stairs and crawl through the doorway to get a view from the top.

Before heading to the white sandy beach of Punta Sur, one can take a siesta in a forest of hammocks.

The husband made his way to the top of the lighthouse as you can see in the photo above.

There is also a tower overlooking the fresh water/salt water tidal lagoon which is the home for crocodiles. Due to the fragility of the tower, only ten guests are allowed to climb at a time. The boy made his way to the top for the photo above.

Punta Sur, Cozumel (Part 1)

On the southern most tip of the island of Cozumel is Punta Sur eco-park. After entering the park and meandering the one lane road, you can see the waves change from giant crashers to lulling on the soft, white, sandy beach.

The water beckons!

Shells are in large supply as are water sports, including snorkeling. The world's second largest reef is within snorkeling distance, and while the boy and I frolicked at the beach, the husband snorkeled his way to the reef and shot some amazing underwater photos. (see below)

There is more to see at Punta Sur than the just the beach. Mayan ruins, a historic lighthouse, and museum are near the entrance to the park.

While snorkeling to the reef, the water temperature changes from warm to cold as an underground spring is nearby.

Another great underwater shot!