Take a breath of fresh sea air and lose yourself amid the environmental and historical wonders of Cozumel’s largest ecological reserve.

Located at the southwest end of Cozumel, an island off Mexico’s east coast, is the 247-acre (100-hectare) Punta Sur Ecological Park (Parque Punta Sur). This stunning ecological reserve is a diverse natural landscape teeming with bird life, crocodiles, turtles and iguanas.

Explore thick mangrove jungles, peaceful wetlands and ancient Mayan ruins. Discover the rich history of local seafarers at the Punta Celerain Lighthouse and navigational museum.

At Colombia Lagoon enter a world of mangroves, creeping plants and coastal jungles. Every year from May to October, turtles come to the beaches here to nest.

On the west side of the park, pull on a face mask and dive into the waters of the Mesoamerican Reef. The waters are calm and make a great place to introduce children to the world of snorkeling.

In the eastern part of the park, there are rock formations and sand dunes to explore.

Discover the evolution of seamanship and navigation from Mayan times to the present day. Don’t miss the Mayan ruins with conch shells layered into the walls in a structure that is thought to have been a lighthouse. Depending on the wind direction, the shells whistle different tones. Close by is a more modern lighthouse with commanding views of the park and a fascinating museum.

Make sure you allow for some time to relax in a hammock or under one of the thatch-roof palapas on the beach.

Punta Sur Ecological Park is open daily and has an entrance fee. There are also small additional fees to enter certain parts of the park.

There is no public transportation to the park so you will need to take a cab or rent a bicycle or car. Diving excursions usually include transportation.