Return to Cozumel: July-August 2022

That date of August is largely a guess. We really do not know how long we will be here. That is one of the perks of being retired. I think this is the third time we have been to this island. The first time was March 2011, squeezing in some Mexican sunshine during Spring break from teaching in Del Rio. This place has really changed since that first visit.

Here are some photos from this most recent visit. All of these were taken the last three or four days. As we flew into Cozumel we past over the Carnival Valor, pictured below.

The cruise ship Carnival Valor leaving Cozumel. Sargassum accretions in the foreground. Not necessarily poisonous, but unsightly.

The days and a good part of the nights are often hot and humid. That is why we enjoy our walks in the morning.

A lot of good snorkeling can be experienced right off the shore.

The Scrawled Filefish, Aluterus scriptus, takes advantage of the plenteous sargassum mats.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana, Ctenosaura similis

Green-breasted Mango, Anthracothorax prevostii, a fairly common hummingbird here.

Tropical Mockingbird, Mimus gilvus

White-crowned Pigeon, Patagioenas leucocephala. These pigeons are having a rough time throughout most of their range. Habitat destruction as well as hunting have reduced their numbers.

Poisonwood, Metopium toxiferum. The berries of this medium-sized tree is a favorite food of the White-crowned Pigeon. But, because this plant is an irritant to the touch, like Poison Ivy, it is often cleared away wherever it is found.

Different ways of getting there.

The main city street along the coast is full of touristy selfie-stick places.

This mall is right next to the cruise ship dock. And this is the only Mexico that many tourists see who step off the boat. But to each their own.

I have no idea who this guy is but, when I took the picture of him back in 2011, his hand was not green. Hmm.

Above and below are two examples of the many murals to be seen in the city.

There is a lot more that can be shown of this city and the island also. But hopefully this gives you an idea if you want to try it out if you get the chance. It has become more touristy in the eleven year period between our first and last visit, more expensive. Public transport is, like in many parts of Mexico, co-opted by taxis. But maybe that is a non-issue for you. And for us it still would not keep us from coming back a fourth time.