The Explorean Cozumel in Cozumel, Mexico, was my next destination. A treat for the eyes as well as the spirit.
Video by Nathb
Day One Arrival at The Explorean Cozumel
Today I was taking a flight from another resort in Los Cabos to Cozumel. These local flights in Mexico feel sketchy, but they are fine. Certainly safer than traveling by car and much faster.
The Explorean Cozumel is an all-inclusive resort. One that offers a great deal, but on a smaller scale than some of the massive resorts in Mexico. Here you find 56 Vilas that offer all modern conveniences and on-site dining and drinks. Instead of 6-7 restaurants, you find one main restaurant but with a giant menu to choose from.
This resort has a much more custom feel than some of the larger resorts. It feels more like a wellness retreat but with alcohol than it does an all-inclusive. I really liked that when I arrived. Travel to Cozumel like most of Mexico starts with a flight. There are direct connecting flights from 40 cities in the U.S.
There are numerous daily flights flying directly into Cozumel from Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Miami, or connecting through nearby Cancun. American Airlines, United, South West, Frontier and Sun Country airlines all serve Cozumel from the US.
Here the Casitas or villas are all the same size, just under 400 sq ft and offer Air Conditioning, your own minibar, a small living room, and most offer garden views.
Villa Amenities
- Balcony/Porch
- Blender
- Cable TV
- Coffee Maker
- In-Room Safe
- Microwave
- Refrigerator
Resort Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor Pools
- On-Site Restaurants
- Fitness Center
- Concierge Services
Check-in was a breeze since it is a smaller resort. The entire process took just. minutes, at some of the bigger resorts often it feels a bit slower. Even when a large resort offers multiple check-in desks and more staff, the experience often seems a little slow and laborious. This was a great and fast check-in.
Cozumel is one of Mexico’s largest islands. It’s one of the most beautiful, as well as close to the popular resorts of the Riviera Maya. Thick with thick, green vegetation; home of some of the best diving around the world; and ringed in powder-soft beaches, with fine coral sand, and crystal clear, blue-green waters, the island has become a hot spot for sunbathers, as well as adventure enthusiasts.
Cozumel is known as Ah-Cuzamil (Land of the Swallows). This island was once a refuge for pirates and smugglers. Nowadays, it serves as a tourist destination. Many people come here to enjoy the all-inclusive resorts and the beautiful beaches.
To ensure you get the very best from your visit to this Beautiful Tropical Island, refer to our List of Top Tourist Attractions and Things to Do in Cozumel! Note: Some Businesses may be Temporarily Closed Due to Recent Global Health and Safety Issues. A Diver’s Delight: Palancar Reef – Thanks to Conservation Efforts, Marine Life in the Waters Around Cozumel Has Bounced Back After Decades of Overfishing. Nowadays, the Onus is on Observing Fish in Their Natural Habitat Rather Than Catching Them. The Island is Now Extremely Popular as a Destination for Snorkelers and Scuba Divers, Who Are Spoilt for Choice When It Comes to Choosing Which Lovely Reef to Explore.
Diving is a great activity to do in Palancar Reef. There is a statue of Jesus Christ placed 17 meters underwater.
Diving is an exciting activity that takes place in many places around the world. There are many types of dives, some of them include night dives, deep dives, and wreck dives. Some people enjoy scuba diving while others prefer snorkeling. A great way to explore the underwater world is by going on a snorkeling tour. You’ll be taken out onto the ocean by a glass-bottom boat and then you’ll get to go snorkeling. Afterward, you’ll return to shore. Another great way to explore the oceans is by going on a diving tour. During this type of tour, you’ll be taken out into the water by a boat and then you’ll be able to do various activities such as swimming, exploring wrecks, and even seeing fish.
Cozumel has many beautiful beaches, but the most famous ones are Playa San Juan, Playa Santa Pilar, Playa San Francisco, and Playa Palancar.
On the east side, which faces the Caribbean Sea, there are beaches such as Playa Encantada (Enchanted Beach), Playa Hanan (Hanan Beach), Punta Morena (Morena Point), Playa Chen Ríos (Rio Grande Beach), and Playa Chiquero (Chiquero Beach). there are other beaches such as Playa Mia Grand Beach park, a popular spot for swimming because of its easy access to the corals at El Cielo (Skylark Reef).
After I settled in and toured the resort, it was time for a few drinks and some food. I chose frozen margaritas to start with for the drinks because today was a hot day. On the flight that brought me from Los Cabos, there was no air, so it was like being in a can being cooked. Thankfully, there was no wait to taxi on the runway or I might have just passed out from the heat. By the time I hit the resort I was drenched in my own perspiration so the resort’s AC and a shower were both welcomed after I arrived, but nothing worked as magically as a few frozen margaritas to cool me off.
My first night here was one about the food and drinks at the resort. I was more than happy with both but made an early night of it because I had serious plans for tomorrow.
Day Two Enjoying the Island
I began my journey at Corpus Christi (the largest church in Mexico), as well as the Grijalva monument, and a Maya pyramid.
The Mayan pyramids here are found on the 3rd island. San Gervasio is an archaeological site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, located in the northern third of the island of Cozumel off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in what is now the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
When I travel to other nations, I am always impressed with the ancient cultures. I grew up in Yorktown, Virginia, where Cornwallis surrendered the sword. But here I was amongst history that was thousands of years old. It was fascinating and overwhelming.
Next, it was time to go snorkeling
Snorkel is the second largest Reef in the World. Cozumel’s Coral Reef is so vast that it’s easy to find that Perfect Secluded Snorkeling Spot. You can enter Straight From the Shore or as a guest with a crew on a local boat.
Snorkelers should go to Cozumel because there are many beautiful things to see. There are many types of marine life, including sea turtles, parrotfish, and rays. Snorkelers should also be careful when they swim because there are sharks in the water.
You’ll drop anchor in turquoise lagoons for swimming or snorkeling along Cozumel’s stunning reef. Celebrate your sighting with a glass of bubbly back on deck.
Here the amazing local tropical fish and wildlife swim right up to you. Just keep your eye open for the sharks as well. That is one reason I went on a tour boat to have the extra eyes and support for the snorkeling. It is rare to have an issue with a shark, you are much safer than interacting with a snake on land.
Day Three Seeing more of the Island
It is hard to leave an all-inclusive resort. You have to plan something to make you leave the food, drink, and pools.
So today I arranged for horseback riding on the beach. I made arrangements in advance because I wanted to explain I needed a horse for Haus Cartwright. At 6’4” and more than a few pounds, I did not want to cause a pony size horse to have a heart attack on a sunny day on the beach. The local provider laughed with me and said, no worries, I have just the horse for you senior.
Horse riding is an activity anyone will love doing here in Cozumel! You can see many beautiful places while exploring the island. Ancient Mayan villages, sparkling cenotes, and beaches along the sea are some of our favorites. Riding horseback on a remote beach is neat because you see more than you would likely see on foot and you can feel that the horses enjoy the trip as well. Even the big guy carrying me seemed to enjoy the trip. I asked the guide about taking the horses in the water a little to let them cool off and he said it was OK but I had to let the horse determine how far he wanted to go in, so I did not get thrown in the process. It was very much a teamwork exercise between the horse and me and all the other folks in our group joined in the fun, eventually. I think a few held back, waiting to see what would happen to me and my horse first, and I do not blame them at all.
Now that I think about it, this is the first time I have ridden a horse on the beach myself. I am used to being with the wild horses on the beaches of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland, but I have not ridden a horse on the sand, or into the shallow water before. It was fantastic. I would certainly recommend it if you are coming here as a couple.
Let’s wrap this blog up with a look at some reviews of other customers who have stayed at this amazing resort.
Guest Reviews
The Explorean is by FAR my best vacation experience ever!! All the staff, Roberto, Alfonzo, Leonardo, Rubi (front desk), Luis, and Autoro go above and beyond to assist you! Can not say enough about the wonderful people. So Generous! All-inclusive really does mean all-inclusive here. We did many of the excursions offered daily! Don’t miss out on the Specular resort!!
The staff was excellent, if we needed anything during our stay, they always made it a priority. Would definitely stay here again!
Love all the staff at The Explorian. This was our second stay there. Everyone was so friendly! Too many to mention! Everyone there made us feel like we were at home! Looking forward to our next stay at The Explorian! Our stay was amazing. The bungalow room in the jungle had fantastic views of trees and vines and all kinds of jungle vegetation-so many colors of green. The room was large, spacious, and luxurious. The food at the hotel restaurants was delicious and abundant. The staff went over and above all the time with their care and attention. Poolside service is nonstop, and the widespread buffets are available all day long, as well as a coffee bar and snack bar, and regular bar. It was truly a wonderful stay, and the kids had a blast, too. We went on the snorkeling excursion to El Cielo (it included several stops for different kinds of sea life to be observed) which was one of the highlights of our trip-free for all guests! I can’t recommend this place highly enough.
I agree with those amazing reviews and just encourage you to save by booking through TZort, and by all means, consider horseback riding.