Point Reyes National Seashore: The Lighthouse

5 September 202223 September 2024

During a previous stay in San Francisco, I tried to reach the Point Reyes National Seashore to watch the sunset, but I had failed. Not anticipating the hour long, intense drive of switchbacks and winding roads, I knew I was not going to reach the lighthouse in time for the sunset. I was so disappointed and began the drive back in hopes to make this trek again in the near future.

A couple of months later, I found myself leaving from San Francisco driving north to Marin County. This is not a road for the faint of heart, but I was determined to make it this time, on time and with enough time to reach this spectacular view.

Having navigated through the challenging landscape, I turned into the entrance of the park. I was surprised to find that I was driving through private farmlands, but continued to stay on course. Posted signs clearly explained that the cattle farms were under the purview of the California government.

The roadway through the park continued until I finally arrived at the entrance to the park, a short distance from the lighthouse. The parking lot was practically empty with only a couple of cars and I noticed ahead there was a gate at the entrance to the lighthouse. I was confused but started my hike when I was welcomed by a herd of deer grazing alongside of the path.

I continued along the paved pathway noticing the spectacular view of the seashore to my right. Within a few hundred feet and around the bend, I noticed what appeared to be living quarters. Thinking that I may be trespassing on private property, I thought about turning back towards my car. At that time, a young girl was driving towards the house and mentioned that I was heading in the right direction to see the lighthouse.

It was turning out to be a great time to view the local wildlife. Within a few hundred feet, I noticed a hawk-like bird sitting on the power line.

As I edged closer towards the Point Reyes Light, I was reminded of why I love west coast sunsets. Having lived in Southern California, I couldn’t wait to head down to San Clemente pier each night to watch the sun disappear into the horizon. The reflecting colors of the sun through the cloudy sky creates a different experience each time.

Around the corner, I noticed a fenced off area and as I approached closer, there was a set of stairs leading to the lighthouse. While I had a great view through the fence, I wished I could have visited when it was open. I’m just not sure if I could handle a third attempt on those crazy roads, but it won’t be anytime soon.

Have you been to the Point Reyes National Seashore? Were you able to visit the lighthouse? I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Point Reyes National Seashore
1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Telephone: 415 464 5100

Admission Fee: There is no entrance fee to visit Point Reyes National Seashore.
Hours: Open all year from 6:00AM to 12:00AM; Bear Valley Visitor Center is open (March through October) on weekdays from 10AM to 5PM and on weekends and holidays from 9AM to 5PM. From November to February on weekdays from 10AM to 4:30PM and weekends and holidays from 9AM to 4:30PM
Amenities: Lighthouse, visitor center, parking, camping, boat-in camping, ranger-guided programs, habitat restoration program, yoga classes, salmon spawning (seasonal)
Scenic View: Gorgeous views of the coast from the hiking trails and this is the perfect place for watching the sunset.
Length of Visit: 1 – 2 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The road to reach Point Reyes National Seashore from San Francisco may affect those that are prone to car sickness. The length of the trip (1 hour each way) is long, so provide enough time if you are interested in watching the sunset. Bring plenty of water and snacks and ensure that your vehicle has plenty of fuel for the drive. You can take the hike to the lighthouse or an easier option to park near it and take the short trail. Summer is the best time to visit due to fog.

Where to Stay:

Tomales Bay Resort & Marina
12938 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1389

Where to Eat:

Saltwater Oyster Depot
12781 Sir Frances Drake Boulevard
Inverness, CA 94937
Telephone: 415 669 1244

Did somebody say oysters? I was ready for about a dozen raw oysters on the half shell! As if that was not enough, Peter and I split the Shellfish Risotto….crazy amazing!

Salem, Massachusetts: A City Bewitched

17 November 201716 September 2024

My visit to Salem took me back to high school when we studied the Salem Witch Trials in American History class. I remembered the terrifying stories about how a group of young women were accused of dabbling in witchcraft and later sentenced to death. What started out as a night of fortune telling ended up in the execution of twenty innocent lives. I imagined the fear that must have spread through the community and the mounting distrust among friends and family.

The accusations and devastating deaths during these trials continue to have a large influence in the city of Salem, Massachusetts. Several locations commemorate the events that draw curious visitors to Salem each year, especially during the Halloween holiday.

A number of museums document the historical aspect of the Witch Trials of 1692. Locals agree that these events are much more down-played today than twenty to thirty years ago when the trials were more prominent here.

The city’s identity is strongly reflected in the history of the witch trials. Neighborhoods have names such as Witchcraft Heights where the school mascot is the Witch and police cruisers even display the symbol of the witch on a broom on the side of their vehicles. During the Halloween season, Salem’s influx of visitors nearly doubles when witches and warlocks gather together in celebration of Hallow’s Eve.

Despite all of the superstition and witchcraft, I found Salem to be a city with so much more to offer than its past. In addition to its beautiful harbors and parks, the city is home to some of the finest restaurants in the state and quite a few landmarks that are worth a visit.

My friend, Dave and I were visiting his uncle during our trip to Salem, Massachusetts and since he grew up in Boston, he knew the area quite well. We started out in the early morning at Salem Willows Park.

Dave had visited here with his middle school class and vividly remembered the witch displays that had been set up close to the harbor. He was surprised that the historical events of the witch trials which once took center stage in Salem, seemed to be more down-played than when he was growing up in Chelsea.

Opening in the 1880’s, Salem Willows was a popular recreational area for the locals with a pavilion, an arcade and a number of businesses that lined up along its perimeter. There were several restaurants and entertainment venues that included a pool hall, bowling alley, and a shooting gallery.

The park is named for its beautiful white willow trees that were planted here in 1801. I imagined that they would provide perfect shade in the hot summer sun and a lovely location for a picnic.

By the 1920’s the Charleshurst Ballroom sponsored big band headliners such as Count Basie and Louis Armstrong. Entertainment continued in the ballroom over the next 20 years and amusement park rides were added to amuse the children.

During our visit, we learned that the Salem Willows had its own signature sandwich, the Salem Willows Chop Suey Sandwich. Made popular in the 1930’s, it can still be found today at nearby Salem Lowe Restaurant. Chop suey is a meat, such as beef, chicken, pork or seafood combined with vegetables to include cabbage, bean sprouts, and celery. Thickened with starch, the meat and vegetables are put on a bun making this the infamous Salem Willows Chop Suey Sandwich.

We completed our visit to Salem Willows. walking along the harbor. Passing the Clam Shack, we enjoyed the smell of the Atlantic Ocean and feeling the cool breeze of the autumn air.

With the whole day ahead of us to explore, we took the five minute drive from Salem Willows Park to the House of the Seven Gables. Salem native Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote about this family home which was owned by his cousin Susannah Ingersoll, who had lived here during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

The guided tour provided a lovely historical account of the home as it was owned by three generations of Turners and later the Ingersoll family. The guide also offered information about the 20^th century restoration and how the new features corresponded with the home in Hawthorne’s book.

We enjoyed strolling the property’s gardens and learning about the Counting House where spices from the West Indies were imported to the United States’ eastern seaboard.

Leaving Salem and driving back to Boston, I noticed the Bewitched statue out of the corner of my eye and tried to take a quick photo. Dave explained that the television show was filmed here in Salem on several occasions during one of its later seasons.

I began to think about how the time difference has changed so much to what Americans will find acceptable or even tolerate today. While 300 years ago even the mention of witchcraft was once punishable by death, it has become accepted and even celebrated in society today. Salem makes no excuses for what happened during the city’s witch hunt, but it is quite clear that it has thoughtfully paid tribute to the innocent victims and has made peace to the wrongfully accused. For a town with a name that comes from the Hebrew word shalom meaning peace, Salem has come a long way.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Salem? I would love for you to share your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below! Many thanks for reading my post about Salem and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Salem Willows Park
167 Fort Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: 978 741 4600

Admission: Free
Hours: Memorial Day to Labor Day 10AM to 11PM

The House of the Seven Gables
115 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: 978 744 0991

Admission: Adults $12.50, Students (5 – 12) $7.50, Seniors $11.50
Hours: 10AM to 5PM

Where to Stay:

The Hotel Marblehead
264 Pleasant Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
Telephone: 781 639 9999

Where to Eat:

Clam Shack
98 Restaurant Row
Salem, MA 01970
Telephone: 978 741 2526

I was dying to try a lobster roll but knew I had to have something with clams, so I ordered the clam chowder which was spectacular and you can’t beat the price of seafood in the northeast!

“Where witches fly and clams fry”

Salem Lowe Restaurant
197 Fort Avenue
Salem, MA 01970

Order the locally famous Salem Willows Chop Suey Sandwich

What to Eat:

Boston Baked Beans
Cape Cod Potato Chips
Chop Suey Sandwich at Salem Lowe Restaurant
Clam Chowder
Fluffernutters – sandwiches made of peanut butter and marshmallow fluff
Fried Clams
Griddled Blueberry Muffins
Hoodsie Cups – cups of vanilla ice cream with a paper lid
Lobster Rolls
Necco Wafers
Roast Beef Sandwiches at Kelly’s Roast Beef

What to Read:

Death of an Empire, by Robert Booth
A Patriot Lad of Old Salem, by Russell Gordon Carter
Suzanneh Morrow, by Megan Chance
I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem, by Maryse Conde
The House of the Seven Gables, Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Crucible, by Arthur Miller

Photo Guide for Salem, Massachusetts:

The Samantha Statue/Bewitched Statue
The House of the Seven Gables
The Witch House on Essex Street
Historic Salem Homes in the McIntire District
The Ropes Mansion (used in the movie Hocus Pocus)
The Salem Harbor
The Salem Willows

Cozumel, Mexico: The First Stamp on My Passport

1 January 20148 August 2024

Do you remember the day when you applied for your first passport? Had you already booked your vacation and were anxiously waiting for it to arrive? I remember how excited I was to travel out of the country for the first time and was thrilled when my passport showed up in my mailbox. I had just accepted a new job working for the cruise lines as an Assistant Purser, so I couldn’t wait to practice the few Spanish words I learned and explore the Mexican Riviera.

I had so much to learn before arriving in Cozumel. This popular tourist destination is a well-known hotspot for watersports such as scuba diving and snorkeling. With its turquoise waters and sunny weather year around, the island has been a popular cruise ship destination for many years.

I loved spending my summer cruising to Cozumel each week aboard the SS Vera Cruz. I enjoyed learning about the Mayan culture, spending time with friends at our favorite local hangouts and venturing out of my comfort zone to learn how to scuba dive. I became pals with the local dive masters where we would meet up at the late night discotheques and danced until the last tender (water shuttle) brought us back to the ship.

The Vera Cruz was anchored off of the main town of San Miguel, so the tender would drop us off at the downtown pier. Within minutes, we had a number of restaurants and shops at our disposal and ventured out as often as possible. It wasn’t difficult to grab lunch and catch the next shuttle back in time for an afternoon shift at work and most of us would return to the island to enjoy Cozumel’s nightlife.

We became regulars at one of the more popular restaurants on the island, Carlos ‘n Charlie’s. Located off of the pier, its high energy atmosphere drew cruise ship crowds searching for authentic tacos, tequila or a couple of local beers. It was a cheap, quick way for the crew to enjoy lunch before strolling Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, to pick up some personal items we would need onboard. As the day turned to night, Carlos ‘n Charlies emerged as a lively nightclub with music spilling out on the street. Rowdy waitstaff enticed bystanders with free shots of tequila, promising an evening of raucous fun.

UPDATE: Carlos ‘n Charlie’s has moved. They are now located south of the downtown area of Cozumel. Visit their website for more information.

The loud music drew us to a small staircase leading up to the restaurant and bar where we would be greeted by the wait staff who treated us like locals. We had our favorite table which overlooked the main thoroughfare so we could watch the crowds below. The packed tables were overflowing with customers as they waited for their food and drinks.

T-shirts from all over the world and US license plates hung from the rafters of the restaurant. The iconic red and white tablecloths covered the small tables where we anxiously awaited our orders of hash mash (tortillas with all of the toppings and black beans) and chips. We couldn’t help but encourage our cruise ship passengers as they dared to experience the “Tequila Headshake”, only to hear of their regret the next day.

Having the fortunate opportunity to visit Cozumel each week over the summer, I took advantage of joining some of our ship’s excursions to explore the island. One of the most popular outings was the party boat/beach excursion. This fun-filled triple-decker ferry would transport passengers to San Francisco Beach for a day of sunbathing, water sports or a relaxing afternoon at the beach.

The local guides arranged activities to encourage the passengers to eat, drink and be merry. With limbo contests, congo lines and an unlimited supply of margaritas, there was no shortage of entertainment. Great mariachi music gave the passengers a reason to dance as the alcohol flowed and inhibitions disappeared.

It was easy to identify the partiers as they stumbled off the boat searching for their next drink at the beach. Arriving at San Francisco Beach Club, beach rentals, a snack bar and scooters were available for passengers to fully enjoy their time on the beach or to explore the island by moped.

The beautiful soft sand was perfect for sunbathing so I usually opted to take some time to work on my tan. The tropical temperatures and the hot sun were intoxicating and a great way to escape the long hours at work. After a short period of sunbathing, I would usually find a small hut in the shade, grab a drink and a light meal and wait until it was time to return to the party boat.

Towards the end of the tour, an “All Aboard” call summoned us to board the over-sized pontoon back into town. Drifting away from the beach, it was the last chance for the passengers to join in the festivities and have a few more cocktails before joining the ship. This, undoubtedly, was the highlight of the trip as the music was cranked up a few decibels and the party would continue.

UPDATE: This beach has expanded and offers many beach activities that will keep you busy all day! Visit their Facebook page.

In addition to the party boat excursion, I had the opportunity to explore the island and its local ruins. What surprises most people about Cozumel is that it is not all about the party atmosphere and drinking. Steeped in deep Mayan culture, the archaeological site of San Gervasio dates back to 300 A.D. and is a pilgrimage site for Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility.

The tour, led by a Mayan guide, included insights to the local culture, the religious importance of the ruins and an overview of the daily lives of the ancient Maya.

After a lovely tour of San Gervasio, we were transported to a local hotel where an authentic Mexican dinner was prepared for us. The entertainment included a nighttime serenade by some of the most talented Mariachi musicians on the island. It was the perfect ending to a day of Mayan culture and entertainment.

Whether I spent my time on the beach, at the ruins or experiencing the local culture, Cozumel offered a wide range of activities and attractions. Over time, I was pleasantly surprised by the growing fondness I would have for Cozumel and I could not wait each week to return.

Have you visited Cozumel? I would love to hear about your trip as well and any recommendations you may have for a future visit. Just leave a message in the comments section below. I would also love to hear about your first trip outside of your home country, so include that too!

Many thanks for reading about my cruise ship experience and the amazing excursions to Cozumel. Wishing you many Happy Travels!

Travel Information About Cozumel, Mexico:

Best Time to Visit:
- December – March with average temperatures in the mid – low 80s
- April and November are shoulder seasons
- Note: June – August are the hottest months
Language: Spanish
Key Phrases (Spanish): Ola! (hello), por favor (please), gracias (thank you), Que pasa? (how are you), Salut! (cheers)
Currency: Mexican Peso
Payments: Mexico accepts local currency, US dollars, and credit cards in established businesses
Transportation: Bicycles, Cars (retro VW Beetles and Jeeps), Colectivos (Minivan-style buses), Scooter, Taxis and Water Taxis to the mainland
Dress Code: Tropical island, beachwear, business casual for upscale dining locations
Local Holidays:
- Carnival – 5 days preceding Ash Wednesday, usually celebrated for a week
- The Birth of Benito Juarez: March 21st
- Easter: Locals reenact the Passion of the Christ in front of the Corpus Christi church on Avenida 20 between Calles 15 & 17
- International Bill Fish Tournament in May (the end of April to the beginning of June)
- Santa Cruz Festival which celebrates the discovery of Cozumel May 2nd and 3rd
- Cinco de Mayo: May 5th
- St. Peter and St. Paul Festival from June 28th to 29th
- Mexican Independence Day: September 16th
- San Miguel Archangel Fiesta: September 28th
- Columbus Day: October 12
- Dia de Muertas (Day of the Dead): November 1st and 2nd
- Day of the Mexican Revolution: November 20
- Virgin of Guadeloupe Fiesta: December 12th until December 24th known as the Navidad Posadas
- New Years Eve: December 31st
Healthcare in Cozumel: Cozumel offers excellent private health care facilities. Private clinics and hospitals feature the latest modern facilities and are built to US-standards.

What to See and What to Do:

San Francisco Beach Club

Admission Fee: $20 per person and each guest is provided with a $10 drink/food voucher; Additional fees for various watersport activities: $60 for jet ski rental and parasailing; snorkel equipment rental for $30 and one tank dive for $95.00; deep sea fishing for $350; and the banana boat, $20.
Hours: Open daily from 9AM to 5PM
Amenities: Swimming pool, bar beach access, water sports, restaurant, chaise lounges ($10 for chair and umbrella), pharmacy, inflatable water features
Tips for Your Visit: San Francisco Beach is eight miles south of downtown Cozumel and about five miles from the cruise port. A $15 taxi ride from the cruise ship port. Bring plenty of sunscreen, money/credit cards for bar and restaurant purchases; There are vendors that stroll the beach and sell various items or have your photo taken with exotic birds; this beach is not recommended for visitors that want to relax, as this location is very busy.

Carlos ‘N Charlie’s Beach Club
Carretera Costera Sur Km 14 #250
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico CP 77600
Telephone: +52 987 564 0960

Admission Fee: Free! Additional fees for various watersports and amenities such as: wave runners, parasailing, glass bottom boat and snorkeling tours, banana boat, henna tattoo, massage.
Hours: Open Monday through Saturday, daily from 9AM to 4PM and the bar is open until 5PM; Sundays, open from 11AM to 4PM, the kitchen and the bar until 5PM
Amenities: Free entrance, free beach chairs and umbrellas, pool table, restrooms, fresh water showers, beach bed, volleyball court, restaurant, bar and free parking!
Tips for Your Visit: Carlos ‘n Charlies is ten miles south of downtown Cozumel and about seven miles from the cruise port. A $15 taxi ride from the cruise ship port. Bring plenty of sunscreen, money/credit cards for bar and restaurant purchases

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
San Miguel de Cozumel
Quintana Roo, Mexico,
Telephone: +52 983 837 0796

Admission Fee: $8 per person; additional fee for a guide (see “Guided Tours and Informational Booklets”)
Transportation: From the cruise ship port or downtown Cozumel, a taxi can take you to the San Gervasio ruins who can drop you off, allow you to explore the ruins (up to 6 hours) and then take you back to your original location. Buses are also available from the pier, but I would recommend another route of transportation if you are visiting for the day on a cruise.
Hours: Open daily from 8:30AM to 3:45PM
Amenities: Bottled water available for purchase at the entrance. Brochure of the site provided, small gift shop, photo opportunity with a “Mayan Indian.” Tour guides available for additional cost.
Guided Tours and Informational Booklets: Guides are available at the site for a charge of $8 per person or $40 for up to 6 guests; The Guide to the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio, by Ric Hajovsky is an excellent resource for this amazing attraction and is available on Amazon.com for $10 or less.
Length of the Tour: 1.5 to 2 hours; guided tour usually takes about 1.5 hours
Tips for Your Visit: The San Gervasio ruins are 11 miles from downtown Cozumel and the Punta Langosta cruise pier, which is about a 20 minute drive. Bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, bottled water (available at the entrance to the ruins) and a hat to protect from the hot Caribbean sun. Wear comfortable shoes, flip-flops not recommended.
Additional Suggestion: If you enjoyed the San Gervasio ruins and would like to explore some of the artifacts that were excavated from the site, make plans to visit the Museo de la Isla (the Island Museum). Located in downtown Cozumel along the waterfront (near Calle 6 Norte), there is a small entrance fee of $4 and it is open from 9AM to 5PM daily.

Day Trips from Cozumel:

Akumal: One of the best locations to swim with sea turtles, Akumal is located between the towns of Playa del Carmen and Tulum on the Riviera Maya
Cancun and Isla Mujeres: Cancun made the Yucatan Peninsula a vacation destination in the 1970s with the building of multiple resorts. Nearby Isla Mujeres is an island off of Cancun that is minutes away and provides a more remote setting with an abundance of activities.
Cenotes: Natural fresh-water sinkholes, sacred to the ancient Maya, the cenotes are so diverse in character offering unique experiences at each location to include snorkeling, swimming, diving or just floating on a raft.
Chichen Itza: One of the largest Mayan complexes in Mexico, this spectacular pre-Columbian ruin is worth the journey. Take the ferry to Playa del Carmen where you can catch a bus to this majestic archaeological site.
Playa del Carmen: A ferry from Cozumel will take you to the mainland of Mexico with pristine beaches and excellent cuisine.
Tulum: Once a major port on the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is another archaeological site which overlooks the Caribbean Sea.

Where to Stay:

Upscale Accommodations:
Presidente Inter-Continental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Carretera a Chankanaab km 6.5
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, 77600, Mexico
Toll Free Number: 877 859 5095

This is a magnificent property located near the popular dive site of Chankanaab National Park. There are so many fabulous amenities and you are sure to be delighted during your stay!

Amenities: infinity pool, spa, gourmet dining, ballroom, gardens, dive center with expert instructors, free parking, valet parking, guest services, scenic views, suites, 24-hour business center, printer, copying, wi-fi and fax services, fitness center, personal training sessions, yoga class, dry cleaning, butler service, child care, interpretation and translation services

Where to Eat:

Crazy King Burrito
San Miguel Shopping Area
5 AV Norte Esq Calle 4 Norte

It is approximately 4 miles from the Carnival Terminal in the heart of downtown. A taxi ride will cost about $8 – 10.

This restaurant has continuously been voted as one of the top restaurants in Cozumel that provides Mexican food with vegan and vegetarian options! For guaranteed good food and friendly service, this restaurant is worth a stop!

Rolandi’s (was Pizza Rolandi’s during my cruise ship days)
Waterfront dining, Italian cuisine
Avenida Rafael E. Melgar y Avenida Andres Q. Roo

Located about 3 miles from the Carnival Cruise ship terminal, with a taxi fare of approximately $6 – $8. The perfect time to dine at Rolandi’s is during sunset!

NOTE: It is always wise to confirm the information provided by visiting the website for the attractions, websites and hotels provided.

What to Eat:

Cochinita Pibil is a suckling pig marinated in a sauce which includes sour orange juice, spices and ground achiote. It is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked overnight in an outdoor oven. Truly Authentic!!!
Pescado de la Veracruz – fish drowned in tomato sauce with green olives, onions, tomatoes, chiles and garlic.
Poc Chuc – pork marinated in sour orange juice which comes from a local fruit indigenous to the Yucatan.
Sopa de Lima – a type of chicken soup that is seasoned with limes.
Tikin – Xic – red snapper or grouper that is wrapped in banana leaves with sliced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions and drenched in a special sauce made with sour orange juice, oregano and spicy paste.

What to Read:

Insight Guides Cancun & Cozumel Pocket Guide
Guide to the Ruins of San Gervasio, by Ric Hajovsky
Cozumel Survival Guide, by Ric Hajovsky
Cozumel, the Complete Guide

Photo Guide for Cozumel:

The photobanks of El Cielo located southwest of the island are home to beautiful starfish
Playa Palancar (southwest side of the island): You will find coconut trees, crystal clear beaches and boats at this location
Punta Molas (north of the island): It is best to book a tour to visit this remote location on the northern side of Cozumel as a 4×4 vehicle will be required. Photograph the lighthouse and explore the abandoned military barracks for amazing pic. Bring plenty of sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and lots of water before setting out on this adventure. Playa Bonita is also located on the northern side of the island and perfect for photos of shallow inlets.
Punta Morena (on the east side of the island): Most people come to photograph the cross, abandoned buildings and the local resort off the beaten path.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park (southwest on the island): The deserted beach is perfect for unobstructed photos and climbing to the top of the Faro Celerain lighthouse will provide stunning 360 degree views of the Caribbean Sea and intercoastal waterway. Explore the El Caracol ruins and small maritime museum. You won’t want to miss the crocodiles, iguanas and sea turtles here as well. Kayak the mangroves at Columbia Lagoon or relax on the beach in one of the hammocks for a lazy afternoon.
Restaurants such as Taco Tequila Cozumel will allow you to snap a few photos of the local cuisine and tequila samples.
San Gervasio Ruins (north central part of the island): Photograph the Temple of the Hands where red hands are painted on the wall.
San Miguel: Cozumel’s “downtown” is the restaurant and shopping district of the island.
Underwater Photos: There are several locations for shooting underwater photos such as Palancar garden, caves and reef, El Paso del Cedral, Paradise Reef, Caverns of Punta Sur reef, the Devil’s Throat, Santa Rosa wall, Columbia wall, El Cid plane wreck and Chankanaab Park.

Consider booking a photography tour with Cozumel Photo Tour with Tati Biermas who offers several tour options for taking photos of the beautiful island of Cozumel. You can reach Tati by contacting her on her website: https://tati82.wixsite.com/phototourcozumel.

Disclosure: Please note that the information provided in this post was correct at the time of posting but is subject to change. Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.