If you are seeking a beautiful alternative in Mexico to the madness and partying that is prevalent in Cancun, try the little gem of Cozumel. The island has a distinct Caribbean flavor with a true Mexican flair, and honeymooners will find it a complete delight.
Snorkeling, scuba diving and water activities reign in Cozumel, and the coral reefs are truly something to behold. The beaches offer marvelous white sands that make for an amazing complement to the azure sea, and the only distraction you may experience is being hounded by vendors plying you with their wares or trying to get you to rent a jet ski.
The small port area is host to many cruise ships throughout the day, and makes for some lively activity in the little souvenir shops and restaurants. Jewelry, pottery and intricate trinkets made of sea shells can be inexpensive and worth bringing back home as a memento of your trip.
A rental car is outrageously expensive and completely unnecessary since the island is so small, so don’t even bother. Common bus service on the island is reliable and cheap, and some of the hotels will even transport you via shuttle service for no charge at all.
If you do desire to trek into Cancun for some partying or to check out a bullfight when they are in season, you simply go to Playa del Carmen and take a ferry there for under $10 US. You can also do a day excursion to Isla Mujeres from this point as well, which is a marvelous adventure where you can see Mayan ruins, swim with dolphins or snorkel with sharks.
Hotels of different price-points are plentiful, and if you can afford to splurge, I recommend the Wyndham Cozumel Resort and Spa. This all-inclusive hotel has everything you can possibly want in a stay in Mexico in a spectacular setting. The restaurants are solid, the pool is absolutely spectacular and you’re sitting on prime beach. If your pocketbook is a little lighter, the Melia Cozumel is a pleasant place to stay in a clean and simple setting.
Cozumel is a wonderful place to swim and soak up the sun and sunsets without the pressure to do anything more than relax.