Isla Cozumel
Right in front of Playa del Carmen is Isla Cozumel, the third biggest island in Mexico. It's famous for its' beautiful beaches, clear waters and because it's one of the top three places in the world to go diving!!!! We didn't though.... And I feel deep regret. Maybe even ashamed. I don't even know why we didn't do it...
What we did do was to rent a scooter!! After taking the fourty minute long boat ride out (to those who get sea sick - bring a bag) we arrived to the little town on the part of the island heading towards Playa del Carmen. We had been told to rent a vehicle of any kind and had already booked a scooter, the cheapest and - for us - best alternative. But they have everything - Jeeps, boogies, bicycles... They say it's cheaper to book it off the island but I don't know. And so we took off.
Now these scooters that you rent here are not at all like the 45 km/h kind of ones I'm used to in Sweden. And the helmets probably wouldn't even save you if you fell walking. But if it's one thing I learned during my travels it's that you will never be satisfied if you expect to get your standards from anything similar to Sweden. So we went on, happy as ever.
There is only one road to follow on the island and it goes around it all. There is only one part of it that you can't access on a scooter. For that you need a Jeep or a boogie. It's more jungley and has some mayan ruins. But the other part follows the coast and lets you stop on any beach you like. Our first stop was one on the Lonley Planet list of things to do; Palancar beach. A calm beach with crystal clear water and restaurants that tell you to not eat your picnic on their beach.
Then we headed off along the coast again and reached the southern point and the Bob Marley bar.
And then the next beach...
And the next...
Until we returned to the town at night and took the boat back.
You defenitly need the whole day to see the island (I mean, it's the third biggest island in the country). Some of the people who try to rent you cars and scooters offer them for the day or for one hour. I don't think you see anything really if you rent for one hour. Neither if you rent bicycles. Even if you go here to stay in a hostel/hotel I totally recommend exploring the island on some kind of vehicle. Not just to see all of the island, but also for the sensation of riding super fast with the wind and the sea at your side (you know... just like in the movies). Try to get out of the town, which is just like Playa del Carmen. Acutally, if you plan on going just to stroll around in the area where the boat takes you, you will be dissapointed.
And go diving. Or snorkeling. Don't be a fool like us.
Lots of love from Vanessa