Relax and enjoy the slower paced lifestyle most dream of on vacations.  Snorkel, sun, meet people from all over the world, that prefer a more laid back environment.  Unlike Cancun, which is hustle and bustle, more like Las Vegas, the natives of Cozumel are very gracious, polite and helpful while sightseeing or just lounging by the pool.  Most areas are extremely clean and manicured.  

If you happen to be thinking of traveling to Cozumel in February or March you may want to time your visit to coincide with Carnaval (also known as Mardi Gras in many areas). Carnaval is a big celebration in Cozumel, having parades on several days plus many local activities leading up to the parade week. Before the week with the parades there are contests for picking the king & queen and the equivalent of a royal court. There are also many childrens activities, with countless great photo ops. Because Easter is not celebrated on the same date each year nor is Carnaval, it is usually however timed to end on the Tuesday that precedes Ash Wednesday, the beginning of lent in the Catholic church. With the idea of lent being to abstain from the luxuries of the good life, Carnaval allows over enjoying what you will give up. Besides the parades there are nightly concerts in the park at 11th Ave S. and Ave Rafael Melgar (near the Chedroui store) that run almost until dawn, along with what can be considered a small amusement park set up (like at a country fair) also there. Parades start in the area around the Chedroui and convention center, run all the way to the airport road, and then turn around and come back. This provides a rather large area along the main street to observe the parade, but the best place is near the Langosta mall area, where it will almost be on time. Be warned, it frequently runs off schedule, as almost everyone in it constantly stops to allow the onlookers to get good photos.

Not to try and take the icing off the cake, there is one small problem about Carnaval. and it relates to staying in one of the resorts close to the park that the concerts take place in. The concerts seem to start at about 11:00 PM and end around 5:00 AM, and they are at a volume level equal to any good rock concert. Because of that, staying in one of the hotels or resorts close to the park at that time can mean some sleepless nights.

  

The parades last for hours and the costumes can be most elaborate!  Cozumel Carnaval 2008.

 

These are the crazy Dancing Hombres....a big hit in every Caranval parade. Cozumel Carnaval 2008.