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Cozumel's big draw is the water. Lifeguards patrol the beach and the pools. The main pool welcomes children. Although the property lacks a kiddie pool, a cove with a breakwater creates a relatively shallow slope with calm water, perfect for splashing and swimming. It's also a good place for kids to get accustomed to snorkel masks, tubes and fins even if there's not much to see in this cove.
Scuba Du, the resort's P.A.D.I. dive center, along with offering resort courses, introductory scuba and a range of dives, has a Bubblemaker Program, an introductory, pool-only experience for kids at least eight years old. Depending on the child's age and ability, after completing the course he or she may be able to take a shallow dive with a PADI instructor, a great way to introduce kids to the world of underwater wonders.
The complimentary Presidente InterContinental's Chiqui (a term of endearment for 'little child' in Spanish) Club operates daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. for ages 5 to 12. The program incorporates Mexican, Mayan and Spanish elements. Kids craft -- and whack -- Mexican pinatas, learn Spanish and Mayan phrases, snorkel from the beach, play Mexican bingo, collect shells, bake cookies and have their faces painted.
Kids also go on an iguana search. More than 200 of these critters inhabit the grounds. The hotel has built three "houses" for the iguanas and kids help feed the iguanas plants as well as fruit. One day we encounter a foot-long iguana sunning himself on our patio.
The Chiqui Club also hosts family activities. Take part in a rally (follow clues on the property) paint ceramic figures (nominal fee for the pottery), and play a game of soccer on the wide, green lawn fronting the Chiqui Club building. Outside too is kid-sized Ping Pong table as well as swings, slides and climbing equipment set in a sandy base to cushion falls. Inside the small hut-like facility, colorful sea murals with a blue octopus and green sea turtle enliven the walls. Board games, puppets, beads and crayons for crafts line the shelves.
The hotel's white sand beach stretches for 1000 feet. However, the beach, more man-made than natural, feels somewhat hard and rocky. No matter; kids enjoy it anyway. Thatched-roof palapas and palm trees provide shade and there's enough space to spread out.
Teenagers who dive or snorkel enjoy the resort's easy access to reefs as well as the
Scuba Du outings. Teens who don't get tired out by a day of undersea adventures as well as those who do are likely to be bored at night unless it's spring break or Christmas when the teen count goes up.
Family Friendly Recreation
The Presidente InterContinental situated on the edge of the marine park makes it easy to explore Cozumel's world-class reefs. Just be aware of Cozumel's strong offshore current. Snorkelers and divers should never explore alone, no matter their age or skill level.
Scuba Du, the resort's onsite dive center, has six boats and offers several dive trips as well as snorkeling adventures to both shallow and deep water sites. On a four-hour round-trip, snorkel above Palancar, a Cozumel legend that stretches more than three miles. View large coral heads, big barrel sponges and a grove of sea fans swaying in the current. Scuba Du can take you out to the distant part of Paradise Reef, known for star coral, brain coral and schools of rainbow-colored fish as well as to the reefs near Punta Sur on Cozumel's south coast.
If you and your children are strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers, you can simply climb down the stairs cut in the hotel's rock wall and head out. The purple sea fans near the shore, decimated by Hurricane Wilma, are coming back. We also see schools of Bermuda chubb, blue tang, and hovering almost still, a grouper, the size of fat, house cat. At the sunken barge, we spot small stingrays, lobsters and eels as well more colorful fish. It's rewarding snorkel, just be sure to save your strength to fight the current, if you need to, in order to get back to the shore.
Although we see evidence of rejuvenation at the shoreside reef in Chankanaab Park, our snorkel here is disappointing. Much of the coral is gone as is the thick grove of sea fans. However, go to Chankanaab if your kids want to get up close to a dolphin. Dolphin Discovery Cozumel offers three programs, ranging from kiss and hand shake Encounters to Dolphin Swims that add a belly ride to the Royal Swim that adds a foot push. Two bottlenosed beauties propel you through the water by pushing the soles of your feet. It's not "PC," but we love it and giggle throughout the entire event. The Presidente InterContinental features a package that includes a dolphin encounter.
On land, spend some time strolling San Miguel's waterfront strip, El Malecon, officially the Avenida Rafael E. Melgar. Browse for bargains on pottery, papier-mache, wood carvings, hammocks and silver bracelets, necklaces and brooches.
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