The year 2017 marks the 46th edition of Cozumel's biggest fishing fiesta!

Whether you are a fisherman or a circumstantial visitor to the island, you cannot let this event pass.

The upcoming weekend of May 13th and 14th, 2017, will feature the 46th edition of the “Rodeo de Lanchas Mexicanas”; the Cozumel’s major fishing tournament. The renowned event is, without a doubt, the oldest and most important fishing tournament, out of a circuit of 21 annual events developed in 9 ports along the shore of the eastern state of Quintana Roo, México. The tournament is also the best payout, this year the overall winner can reel in a Mercedez-Benz car.

The states' governor, Carlos Joaquin, will shoot the traditional blank to initiate the competition, which attracts participants from Mexico, the USA, and the Caribbean. It is a thrilling experience to attend to the departure of 170 roaring boats as it was the last year. 200 fishing boats are expected to participate this year.

 The departure is scheduled this coming Saturday, May 13th at 8:00 hrs on the San Miguel pier (downtown’s). Different activities will take place on the southern docking side of the pier along the day until 18:00 hrs. when the organization closes the weighing and registration of the day’s catch.

Johonce Bawkston from Texas, onboard Gotcha! became the overall winner of the tournament with 39,850 points with a magnificent blue marlin prize weighing 398.5 lbs. He set a new “record of all times” for the biggest marlin ever caught in the tournament, and for the largest general score. He left the mark definitely high for this year’s edition. The second place followed him with 30,400 points, almost a 10,000 points gap.

Since the 2013 edition, the tournament organization modified the old scoring system to a Catch and Release method, utterly detailing how the released catch is officially registered. As it is a billfish tournament, the rules give the best points to such kind of fish, this is, 1000 points for a Sailfish, 2000 points for a white marlin and 3000 points for a blue marlin. An extra 1000 points may be earned for a “grand slam” which is to catch an individual of the every three species formerly noted. The Sea Queen, winner of the 2^nd place in the 2015 edition scored the first grand slam sportfishing as a sustainable activity.

since the implementation of the new rules. Minor points are given to other game fish: Mackerel 50, wahoo, tuna and other related tuna fish 40, mahi-mahi 30, and barracuda 20. Any other species gets meager 15 points. The catch and release modality contributes to ensuring

Even than detailed rules help to avoid the old fishing practice of “when in doubt, exaggerate” they still cannot get rid of the well-known “nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught!” he, he, just kidding.

If you are a lousy fisher but quite a party animal, I’ll see you by the pier!

For more info check out : http://www.rodeodelanchasmexicanas.com

Cozumel for Cruise Traveling Toddlers

Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Cozumel: Cruise Travel with Toddlers

Cruising to Cozumel with the family this year? You’ll find plenty of fun diversions on the island designed for young children. Discover the top things to do in Cozumel with a toddler, including the special play area at our beach and water park.

Make family memories to last a lifetime when you travel to Cozumel with a toddler. Our tropical island paradise is the perfect destination for tiny tots. Discover our favorite things to do in Cozumel with toddlers.

·        ● Buccaneers’ Bay – With spray cannons, animal slides, and a pirate ship playground, our kids lagoon is the best destination on the island for families with small children. There’s also a special pool just for toddlers!

·         ● Glass Bottom Boat Tour – Explore Cozumel’s magical underwater world without getting wet. Glass bottom boat tours feature underwater windows with 360-degree views.

·          ● Beach Fun – Gently lapping waves and plenty of sand for castles is all a toddler needs to be happy on the beach. Our amazing beach is a beautiful setting for a relaxing day with your family.

·          ● Atlantis Submarine – Dive deep into the ocean on this recreational submarine – no scuba mask required! Kids can watch out the windows to discover the fish and coral of Cozumel’s coastal reef.

·          ● International Buffet – Is your toddler a picky eater? Lunch is easy with the expansive selection of kid-friendly items on our all-you-can-eat buffet.

Will you be visiting Cozumel soon? Our amazing water park features more than 20 free attractions included in the entrance packages. Relax in the sunshine and discover the ultimate family vacation at Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park.

Tequila, a proud spirit

Foodie Things to Do in Cozumel: Tequila Tasting Tours

Distilled from the blue agave plant, tequila is a proud spirit – and the most iconic drink of Mexico. Learn all about this traditional libation during your visit to Cozumel on a Flavors and Traditions of Mexico tasting tour.

While tequila was first brewed in the region of modern-day Jalisco, you’ll encounter plenty of the distilled spirit on the island of Cozumel. The Aztecs first brewed a fermented beverage from the agave plant, and the Spanish conquistadors adopted the process in the 16^th century. Tequila is one of North America’s first indigenous distilled spirits.

Whether you like your tequila in a cold margarita or straight up with a slice of lime, you can explore this iconic treat on a Flavors and Traditions of Mexico tasting tour.

This delicious tour is one of the most popular add-ons at our water park, and it begins with a stop at Mexico Lindo. You’ll learn about the traditional distillation process during a “Tequila 101” course, discovering the secrets of the blue agave plant. Try an assortment of fine tequilas and savor the nuances of flavor – and take a few samples with you for “homework.”

But the tequila tasting is only the beginning. The tour also includes a trip to a chocolate workshop followed by a creative cooking class where you’ll create a fabulous three-course meal. Pricing is $99 per person – book today and explore the proud spirit and rich culinary heritage of Mexico.

Exciting Things to Do in Cozumel: Water Sports Adventures

Fun water sports adventures and beach activities in Cozumel.

Whether you like to play in the water, on the water, or by the water, Cozumel has you covered. This island is a water sports paradise, and you can try out some of the top activities at our beach and water park.

Put on your swimsuit and slap on the sunblock – it’s time to hit the water! Surrounded by some of the Caribbean’s most gorgeous ocean waters, Cozumel is one of the world’s top destinations for snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports. Learn about all the fun activities you can try while you’re here, and plan an amazing beach vacation today.

·         ● Scuba Diving – Cozumel’s renowned coral reef and colorful sea life attracts divers from all over the world. Your visit is the perfect opportunity to finally get certified to dive.

·         ● Snorkeling – No certification is necessary for snorkeling, and you’ll find an incredible underwater Mayan city to explore right here at our beach park.

·       ●  Sailings – Take the reins and set sail! Our easy-riding sailboats have enough space for the whole family.

·         ● Water Bicycles & Paddle Boats – Even young children can power these pedaled watercrafts, which make it easy to explore the crystal clear Caribbean waters.

·         ● Kayaking – Glide across the top of the ocean on a two-person kayak. Our user-friendly kayaks are very user-friendly.

Would you like to know more? Discover 20 free attractions at Playa Mia, plus awesome add-ons like dive trips and catamaran tours. Contact us today to learn more about the biggest beach and water park in Cozumel!

Fun Things to Do in Cozumel on a Day Trip from Cancun

A day trip to discover what's all the fun about at this renowned world's cruise ships destination.

Enhance your Cancun vacation with a day trip adventure to the island of Cozumel. Frequent ferry service from the mainland makes it easy to explore the many attractions off the coast of Mexico on a day trip. 

Are you staying in Cancun on vacation? Venture away from the mainland and book a day trip to Cozumel – it’s one of the most popular things to do for vacationers in Cancun. You’ll find that the two destinations have very different personalities. Both have beautiful beaches, some of the best in the world. But Cozumel trades the glittering shopping malls, high-energy parties, and crowds of Cancun for a more laid-back lifestyle.

Less hectic and busy, the island of Cozumel is known around the world as one of the top destinations for snorkeling and scuba diving. You’ll still find plenty of restaurants and shops, but on a smaller scale than Cancun – think local dining spots and funky boutiques. Discover all kinds of fun things to do in Cozumel. You can rent a scooter and cruise around the island, sign up for a snorkeling expedition, or spend the day at our award-winning water park.

Playa Mia Beach and Water Park is the most visited beach location on the island and the largest water park as well. Enjoy more than 20 free attractions included in the cost of admission, including with the tallest and longest water slides, a fun floating challenge track, and a special pirate-themed area for kids.

Getting to Cozumel from Cancun is easy; ferries leave frequently all day, every day. Book one of our packages and we’ll provide roundtrip transportation to and from the ferry terminal here in Cozumel. It’s the perfect way to make the most of your day trip to the island. Book your package today!

Thrilling Things to Do in Cozumel: Parasailing at Playa Mia

 A distinctive perspective

Have you ever dreamed of flying? You can at Playa Mia when you add parasailing on to your beach experience. Soar high above the sand and surf while safely harnessed to your parasail wing, and enjoy the epic view of the island and sea.

Parasailing is always an exciting adventure – but in Cozumel, it’s coupled with spectacular Caribbean island scenery that will truly take your breath away. You’ll never forget the day you went parasailing at Playa Mia, and you’ll earn bragging rights for crossing this one off your bucket list.

First, you’ll strap on a harness that’s triple-checked for security, sitting beside a friend or family member. Next, you’ll be attached to the parasail wing, a parachute-like contraption designed specifically for this experience. The speedboat starts its engine, and then you’re ready to fly: up, up, and away, high above the beach below.

Surprisingly peaceful, parasailing provides a bird’s eye view of beautiful Cozumel and the surrounding sea. See the world from a new perspective – and don’t forget to take pictures! After your sky cruise above the beach, you’ll return to the ground with a soft landing and easy touchdown.

Parasailing is just one of the fun add-on activities that we offer at Playa Mia, along with 20 additional free attractions that are included in the price of admission. Visit us during your stay on the island, and discover why we’re one of the top things to do in Cozumel. Plan your adventure today!

Exciting Things to Do in Cozumel – jet skiing at Playa Mia

Speed across the Caribbean Sea and feel your heart racing when you rent a jet ski at Playa Mia. Soak in the island scenery and jump the waves on an exhilarating cruise where you’re the captain.

No experience is necessary to rent a jet ski at Playa Mia – just a bold spirit and a craving for thrills and adventures. Also known as wave runners, these personal watercraft are a great way to enjoy the island – and it’s no surprise that the watersport is one of the most popular things to do in Cozumel.

Each jet ski fits one or two adults and is easily maneuvered with the handle controls. Speed up, slow down, race towards the horizon – pilot your own watercraft and discover the freedom of the sea. Jump the waves and wipe out just for fun – or keep it calm and relaxing, on a slow ride near the shore.

Rentals of wave runners are just one of the add-on activities that you’ll find at Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park. You can also upgrade your island experience to include a snorkel tour, fish spa, lunch buffet, open bar, and more.

And of course, you’ll have access to twenty amazing attractions that are included in the cost of admission. From our floating challenge track to the swim-up bar, the water slides to the underwater Mayan city, the fun never ends at our blissful beach park. Do you feel the need for speed? Book your Playa Mia adventure and add on a jet ski rental today. Please contact us for more information!

Kids Things to Do in Cozumel – Buccaneer’s Bay

Discover high-seas adventure at Buccaneer’s Bay, the colorful family area at Playa Mia. Kids will have a blast pretending to sail on our pirate ship, shooting water cannons, and playing in the sunshine like a modern-day pirate.

Kids are free to be kids – and pirates! – at Buccaneer’s Bay. Designed just for children and their families, this unique area ignites the imagination and provides endless hours of fun. With small-sized water slides, waterfall features, and water-blasting cannons, it’s a wet, wild way to spend the day having fun.

The centerpiece of Buccaneer’s Bay is our miniature pirate ship, complete with crow’s nest, cannons, and sails hosted and ready. But you’ll never walk the plank on this ship – there’s a slide instead, so mini pirates can disembark at will.

Surrounding the pirate ship is a collection of colorful play characters: a friendly sea turtle, jumping dolphin, purple octopus, and cheeky parrot. A bright green palm tree rains down a refreshing cascade of water. Kids will find plenty of play spaces to dream, splash, and have the time of their lives.

Buccaneer’s Bay is just one of the twenty attractions and activities that are included in your admission to Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park. Spend a day with us playing in the sunshine, and discover why we’re one of the top things to do in Cozumel for families. Want to know more? Please contact us for more information and to purchase tickets. Make plans for an island adventure today!

Fun Things to Do in Cozumel – Fish Spa at Playa Mia

Garra Rufa, the tiniest masseur on earth

You've been to a spa before – but have you been to a FISH spa? Relax at Playa Mia with Ictiotherapy – one of the world's ultimate wellness treatments – and enjoy a foot treatment provided by tiny fish.

Sit back, relax, and let tiny little fish nibble on your toes. Do you dare try Ictiotherapy – aka the fish spa? One of the trendiest health and beauty treatments around, the fish spa utilizes freshwater fish with no teeth called “Garra Rufa.”

Also known as Doctor Fish, these tiny little therapists nibble on your toes, feet, heels, and ankles to remove dead skin cells and clean your pores. This improves your blood circulation, making your feet look beautiful and clean. It’s a natural spa treatment that doesn’t hurt at all – but it might tickle just a bit.

At Playa Mia, you can relax with a fruit smoothie or cold cocktail and enjoy the magic of fish spa – a bucket list experience that you can definitely brag about back home. The fish spa is one of our add-on experiences, which can be attached to any package at our vacation park.

With a giant beach and dozens of attractions, it’s easy to see why our water park is one of the top things to do in Cozumel. We’re the most visited beach location on the island; over half a million guests each year discover our water slides, underwater attractions, and blissful beach.

What are you waiting for? Make plans to kick back at our beach park and fish spa today.

STARFISH SANCTUARY and PALANCAR REEF SNORKEL / COZUMEL, MEXICO

Cozumel Carnival a 143-year tradition of fun and fantasy.

Facts and tips of a 143-year tradition of fun and fantasy.

An old, old tradition. A hint of history.

On his way to conquer the Aztec Empire, Cortés, the Hispanic explorer, never imagined that a brief stopover on the island was going to be enough to bring to an end a busy Mayan pilgrimage center for fertility goddess Ixchel. In less than 40 years, smallpox, brought by Cortés army, erase population on the island. It eventually became a hideaway for pirates and buccaneers until 1848 when 29 Spanish families from Yucatan came to settle and thrive on the island. 26 years later, in 1874, the very first known mention of the carnival party on Cozumel appears in the travel memories of Mr. Claude Luther Goodrich Noble, printed in Missouri USA. This likely means Carnival tradition were born with the very beginning of Cozumel modern history.

Cozumel Carnival is among the 3 best carnivals in Mexico, however, it is one of the best in terms of carnivalesque thematic as other ancient carnivals in central Mexico are rather oriented to remember historic events of the Mexican independence or war battles.

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Cozumel is the only Mexican Carnival member of the Caribbean Carnival Network to share research, experiences and a virtual museum.

The island festivity is pretty well-consolidated thanks to its organization and integration of the society. As Mr. Luther once wrote about Cozumel: “All Classes and ages are fond of music, dancing, gambling a little… (and) innocent revelry … (all is part of) the parade and pomp of the Carnival.” (Goodrich, C. L. Travel Memories, Powell & Maynard, USA, 1874).

Carnival is the most expected event of the year, costume and dancing contests and prizes urge families, children, youngsters and persons with disabilities, to participate; everyone is welcomed. No doubt, Cozumel carnival is a cornerstone of local identity.

"Cozumel carnival is a cornerstone of local identity."

The good times start rolling way ahead

Despite the fact, pre-carnival takes a month and actual carnival lasts a week, the “parade and pomp” starts long before. Designing costumes, float decoration, and choreographies, take months before they become a reality. Some of the most well-reputed krewes start working on it as early as august. By November krewes rehearsal their choreographies. An unruly cacophony covers the town; relentless drums seem to be all over.

Pre-Carnaval

By late November, local authorities and the Carnival Organization Board release a calendar and the rules to participate for candidates officially register their participation to one of the different contests and categories. Before Christmas, every candidate, wrapped in showy costumes, is presented to the audience in a formal ball.

Afterwards, campaigning involves a creative, warm and fierce full competence among contenders through dances and shows along the multiple events orbiting the carnival.

Traditionally, a month before the Carnival week, a heavily concurred ball is the frame for the “Fantasy Costume” contest. Candidates of the different categories have the last chance to impress judges and supporters by boasting truly spectacular dressings to lure more followers.

A couple Saturdays, before the Carnival week, is election day, the King and Queen of the carnival are formally elected, as well as the King and Queens of Happiness and the king and Queen of Fantasy.

A week before is also election day but for The king and Queen of Sex Diversity, the King and Queen of Youth, and The King and Queen of persons with disabilities.

The children Kings and Queens are elected in the afternoon with all correspondent revelry.

The City and the Carnival Board dress with related decoration the ocean front street. Intense activity, music, and dancing are all over the town creating a unique ambiance of festivity. Now everything is set to start the Carnival Week.

Carnival week

The main week of activities starts on Wednesday with the Coronation of all Kings and Queens by the authorities. And it all ends a week later with the fat-Tuesday parade, which is actually the largest parade of the week; upon 8,000 people come to the main street to celebrate it.

Wednesday: Coronation of the Carnival Sovereign

Thursday: Coronation of Infants

Friday: krewes, and first Gala Ball

Saturday: second carnival ball and first parade

Sunday of tradition: second parade

Monday of regional pride: 3rd and last Ball

Tuesday of apotheosis: 3rd Parade.

Ash Wednesday: burning of “Juan Carnaval” and lecture of his Will for the upcoming year which is actually a declaration of good wishes for the year to come.

The last four days of the carnival week are quite something; the city is almost paralyzed with the ups and downs of the krewes in different sites of the city as the tradition take them to dance hopping from door to door. It is also the time for “La huaranducha” to show up. It is an inherit Cuban tradition; a kind of ambulant trial with defined funny characters who read rhymes to mock of the politicians and some other members of the society who have been involved in dubious affairs. This goes on along the whole day until the time for the parade at 7 pm.

Is Carnival worth to experience?

It is definitely a tradition worth to experience. If your concern is about security, it is safe; if you stay really late, you may see some unruly drunks scattered all over, but nothing to be worried about. Until today, no major incident has been reported for carnival days. In terms of transportation, if you come by ferry for those days you can find an extra run to go back to the mainland. Ask at the ticket booth for you not to miss it.  
There are plenty options to drink and eat at the main square and along the parade too. These days the law is a little bit relaxed if you are for a refreshing drink right at the street. 

"Join the krewe in the 143rd #cozumelcarnival and let the good times roll!"

Cozumel's mardi-gras, let the good times roll!!!

Cozumel Carnival: Celebrate Mardi Gras in Mexico February 22-28

Celebrate Carnival, or Mardi Gras, in Cozumel with costume contests, masquerade parties, dancing, live music, and colorful processions along the seafront.

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Cozumel and let the good times roll! Also known as Carnival, this colorful festival takes place this year from February 22-28 and features masquerades, dancing in the streets, and parades along the downtown seafront. 

Wild costumes. Dancing in the streets. Drummers. Masquerades. Carnival in Cozumel is one of the biggest celebrations of the year! From February 22-28, you’ll find colorful parties and parades all across the island. Live music fills the air, free public dances pop up at parks, and the 2017 Carnival King and Queen will be crowned. Eat festive Carnival food and watch bands perform exciting Mexican music.

You’ll also find dancing competitions around the city, along with the highlight of the festival – the big Carnival parades. Spectators line the streets, dancing with the performers and catching gifts that are tossed from the floats. It’s truly a unique experience.

Some of the Carnival events in Cozumel require tickets, which can be purchased at City Hall – however, most of the activities are free. City Hall Park is the epicenter of the parties and performances, and the parades take place along the downtown seafront. You’ll find events every night, but the most exciting parties occur on Friday, February 24, Saturday, February 25, and Tuesday, February 28 – aka Fat Tuesday.

Experience this year’s Mardi Gras celebrations on Cozumel and make the most of your vacation at our giant beach and water park. Do you want to know more about things to do in Cozumel? Please contact us today!

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