Cozumel – A Romantic Beach Wedding Destination
Many couples consider Cozumel the most romantic wedding destination. Could it be the tropical surroundings, white beaches, and crystal clear water? Let’s find out for ourselves. Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island and is located 12 miles off the Yucatan coast. It stretches 32 miles long and nine miles wide. With more than 20 miles of reefs offshore, this has the most spectacular diving and snorkeling in Mexico. Jacques Cousteau, French oceanographer, considered this place among the world’s best diving sites with the second largest reef in the world just off the shore. Other water activities are parasailing, submarine excursions, sport fishing, windsurfing, swimming with dolphins, water skiing, sailing, jet skiing, and swimming. Now all we need to do is add the coral white beaches for relaxing, enjoying sunset walks and looking for shells to our to-do-list and you begin to get the idea that this island is a paradise for those that love the water.
It doesn’t have to stop with the water. You can enjoy horseback riding, jungle tours (dune buggies or ATV), golf, museum about Cozumel, Celarain Lighthouse, exploring the ruins, or renting your own vehicle and traveling around the island. After all this activity, you are bound to get hungry. You’ll find a variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste buds: Italian, Louisiana Cajun, Caribbean, International, American, and of course Mexican. Authentic Mexican cuisine is not just tacos, enchiladas, burritos and fajitas, although they’re available too, but you will find shrimp, fish and lobster prepared the Yucatan way. The diversity of the menus will astound you. Many of the restaurants are open air or air-conditioned. With prices that range from inexpensive to moderately expensive, you choose whichever one fits into your budget. One thing that needs to be pointed out is that the service you will receive will be top-notch – prompt, courteous and friendly.
When you are ready for a break from the sun and water, take advantage of the unique shops that San Miguel, the only city on the island, has to offer. Many of the shops offer items that are made in Cozumel or the Yucatan but there are goods made in other regions of Mexico as well. You can expect to see blankets, wall hangings, pottery, stoneware, Mayan art, silver, hammocks, perfume, jewelry, leather products and T-shirts just to name a few. Cozumel’s close proximity to the mainland offers many opportunities for day trips. If visiting Mayan ruins is on your agenda, there are several places to visit: Tulum, Coba, and Chichen Itza. Tulum is the only city of the Maya to be built along the coast; Chichen Itza has a spectacular view from the top of El Castillo, a pyramid rising over 24 meters; Coba is not as developed as the other sites but has the tallest pyramid on the Yucatan at 42 meters. Water attractions on the way to Tulum are Xel-Ha and Xcaret. Xel-Ha is an exceptionally beautiful place to snorkel and swim. Xcaret is a 150 acre developed nature park that has an underground river float, snorkeling, and dolphins. Playa del Carmen and Cancun are other cities worth a visit. Playa del Carmen is known for its beautiful beaches with a European flare and the commercialized Cancun is the party scene.
Nightly entertainment on Cozumel comes in many forms. In the evening, San Miguel comes alive with the sound of music from Rock n Roll to the soothing Mexican classics from strolling musicians. There are many bars/restaurants that offer live reggae and salsa entertainment. Others have disco and get the crowd going as their entertainment! There is also a sports stadium for fans to catch up on all the games. While strolling in the plaza, local spray paint artists will amaze you with their painting techniques creating unique pictures. On Sunday evenings, the local families, dressed in their best, and visitors gather in the central plaza to enjoy the live music and dancing.
Now it is time to ask yourself, “Is this the most romantic wedding destination?” Some couples want a destination that is full of activities and others seek the relaxation of a beach and a lovely hotel. Cozumel has all of this to offer. Romance could simply be a stroll along the water’s edge holding hands as you soak in the memories of the day. Fall in love with eating at a waterfront or open air restaurant. Race your horses down a secluded beach and then have a picnic just for two. Discover for yourself how you can create a simply romantic experience. Cozumel, with all of its varied attractions, is truly unique among all islands in the Caribbean. This island of Maya/Spanish culture has managed to provide couples with all of these options while maintaining the tranquility, peacefulness and safety of a small, unspoiled island paradise. This truly is the most romantic wedding destination.