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I have read in some posts that there has been reef damage to many of the beaches in Cozumel. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the severity?

In particular I am interested in Chankanaab or Paradise beach. I plan to visit in late Feb 07, but I am mostly interested in snorkeling from the beach. (Please, no suggestions for a great off-shore trip, thanks anyway )

Keith

Try asking your questions at http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/ I found the people on their forums very helpfil when I wen down earlier this year.

Keith

blondlady

Ditto to above. The people on cozumelmycozumel web site live on the island and can answer all questions with confidence.

TC

We were in Cozumel last Feb. The shore snorkeling reefs were seriously damaged by the hurricane. Chankanaab was totally wiped out -- although I think the park has reopened now. Paradise reef was likewise wiped out. Our favorite, Dzul Ha, was flattened. The wall at our condo, which had always been some of the most beautiful coral on the island, is blank now. While there are still lots of fish to see, the coral and sponges (at least last Feb) are all gone. Our dive master/marine biologist said it will take decades for the corals and sponges to return. The deeper reefs - those seen by divers - were spared because the water is deeper. Unfortunately, the near shore reefs really took the worst of the damage.

queue

Thanks TC.

This information is helpful. I'm only visiting Cozumel for one day as part of a cruise stop. This information will help me decide whether to bother snorkeling at this port versus some of the others.

I'm trying to balance my itinerary for the girls, so this may be a shopping day!

TC

Shopping is fun in Cozumel for a day. Go directly to Los Cinco Sole to see a sample of all the island has to offer. Its a no nonesense place with beautiful jewelry at reasonable prices. The other good silver jewlry place is Silver Emporium. I like both of these places because they don't play that bargaining game on pricing. Just a stated price with a discount for cash. They also offer high quality silver with good modern designs.

Another beautiful item is the Mexican pewter.  It looks so much like silver and comes in an amazing array of styles in tableware, candle holders, etc.  I use this often as wedding gifts.

Or look at the Talavera tableware. Lovely colorful designs. Buy serving plates or the like. I've found that pitchers, flower vases or tumblers aren't really watertight.

Two other nice items for shopping on Cozumel are the hammocks (I bought two of the chair style for my deck) and the handmade baskets sold by a little old man or his little old wife. They usually sit somewhere on the north side of the main square. His work is amazing and I've bought from him year after year.

A fun place for a casual lunch and people watching is Casa Denis on the back side of the main square. You can sit outside. I love the watermelon liquadas they do there. Or you could have a brick oven pizza at Guido's in the indoor courtyard. For breakfast (if you get in that early) you can't beat the Museum upstairs restaurant for a beautiful view.

Have a lovely day in paradise.