Iberostar Cozumel Family Activities

Beaches and Pools
Thatched palapas provide shade on the cafe au lait-colored beach. An ample number of thatched palapas dot the beach; however, at full capacity, there may be a scramble for spots here as well as by the pool. At the beach, kids who like to play in the sand are happy. However, those enjoy wading in the water may have a problem: Clusters of rocks stretch from the water's edge to about 15 feet offshore. The rocks may make it hard for kids to play in the waves. Activities available at no extra fee include windsurfing, kayaking and snorkeling.

The best way to get into the sea requires walking along the resort's dock, climbing down the wooden ladder and then jumping. For older kids and teens who know how to swim, that could be fun, but for younger children, especially non-swimmers, jumping into deep water is more likely to be frightening. For us the other problem with swimming at Iberostar Cozumel was that entering the water from the dock puts us close to the boats. We were not concerned that the boats might come too close as a rope delineates the boundary between swimmers and boaters; however, we worried that even the most ship-shape vessels can leak fuel and other unsavory items. For ocean loving swimmers like us, the water access is a disappointment.

For families who would rather view the sea than get in it, but still want to get wet, the Iberostar Cozumel offers two pools and a kiddie pool. One pool is designated as a quiet pool, while the other is where the Star Friends -- the chain's name for the recreation staff -- host water aerobics, pool volleyball and other activities. For parents who want to be in the hub of the action, the kiddie pool adjoins the activity pool.

Lucy's Club
For ages 4 to 12, the resort hosts Lucy's Club from 10:15 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily. Although the main playroom is small, it is air-conditioned. It also opens to a good-sized, sandy play area with swings and climbing equipment surrounded by a fence. Kids do crafts, get their faces painted, play beach games and splash in the kiddie pool. Like many programs that group young kids with older ones, this one seems best for kids ages 4 to 10.

For wanna-be scuba divers, Iberostar Cozumel's on site vendor, Dressel Divers, can introduce your children ages 8 and older to scuba through the PADI-sanctioned Bubblemaker. This is an introductory dive program that takes place in the pool for an extra fee.

Excursions
Easy access to the spectacular reef system just off-shore is one of the main reasons people choose Cozumel for a vacation. The legendary Palancar site, with its large coral heads, big barrel sponges and sea fans, is just a 10-minute boat ride away from the resort. Paradise Reef, known for star coral and brain coral, is also nearby. Dressel Divers offers twice daily excursions to the nearby reefs.

Faro Celarain Eco Park, a 2,700-acre park at Cozumel's tip, is also worth a visit. Formerly called "Punta Sur," the park features mangrove lagoons and secluded beaches -- only some of which are safe for swimming due to strong currents. A tram takes you to the park's 19th century lighthouse where, after climbing 133 steps, you are rewarded with a panoramic view. You can also kayak and sail in the lagoon.

Shopping in San Miguel, Cozumel's main town, is another off-the-property lure. Stoll El Malecon, the waterfront strip, officially called Avenida Rafael E. Melgar. The stores sell silver jewelry, pottery, papier-mache, wood and other handicrafts.

If your family has never seen a Mayan ruin, San Gervasio is interesting. It's not the most impressive, especially compared with Tulum on the Riviera Maya's mainland, but Tulum is too far for a comfortable day trip. The Maya inhabited San Gervasi from about 200 A.D. to the late 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors arrived.