The Story Behind the Travel Photo: How to See Crocodiles in Mexico
Updated: Oct 13
A few times, we have traveled to Mexico, either by plane or as part of a cruise. Cozumel is one of our favorite ports and we rent a car so that we can explore. There are also excursions you can purchase from the cruise line or once you disembark.
So, we had read about a lighthouse in Cozumel, in Punta-Sur Park. But imagine our surprise that going to Punta-Sur was also how to see crocodiles in Mexico? It was a chance that was hard to pass up. Instead of doing the excursion sponsored by the cruise line, we decided to do our own. Doing our own cruise excursion is a no brainer, for us. It just calls for a little planning.
The first thing I do is to get a car. Before we even set sail on the cruise, we looked at the itinerary to see what day we would be in Mexico and what time. We had to make sure the rental car place would be open. And even more important than that, we needed to know what time the ship will leave the port. Yup, all those ominous warnings that you hear about cruises leaving people are absolutely true, you will get left behind and you either have to catch up with the ship at the next port or get yourself home (The NYC Traveler Tip for Your Trip: always have one credit card available with enough money on it to get home). Finally, one week before we set sail, we check the weather to make sure it would be cooperative.
After all of these precautions, we make a rough itinerary. Your plan for the day doesn't have to be set in stone: that's the fun of making your own excursions, you can always vary the plan and be spontaneous. Also, make sure your phone is charged up and turned on, meaning take it off airplane mode. Yes, it is worth the expense to have international service if you travel often. Not only will you have access to GPS, you can communicate with other people. Don't forget to bring a charged up external battery; don't depend on trying to charge it by using the car.
We packed our backpacks for the day: swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, camera paraphernalia, hats or visors, water shoes, water bottle, snorkeling gear. It sounds like a lot, but as many travel advisors tell you, this is stuff that you don't want to have to buy either on the ship or in port. Many people rent snorkeling gear, but I prefer to have to always have my own for sanitary reasons.
OK, now we have wheels, we know what time the ship leaves (meaning that we need to be back at the port at least one hour before so that we can turn in the car) and we have a basic plan. We headed out from the port with an old school paper map, consulted GPS and we turned our car in the direction of Punta-Sur Park: lighthouse, beach and home to crocodiles.
What? Yes. Cozumel has crocodiles, which since the last time we were there, have been determined to be their own species, not just relatives of the American crocodile who ran away from home. And, they love their waters, so be careful.
The ride to Punta Sur Eco Park, where you can see these crocodiles safely, takes a nice route along the edge of the island. Did I forget to mention that Cozumel is on an island, which is why it is such a nice cruise destination? And although technically the ride from the cruise port area to the park can be about a half hour, the lovely views along the way can entice you to stop and admire the vista, making your journey even longer.
The park is not free, so we checked the website and we were ready to be able to buy tickets at the park but that was a while ago. Now, I would buy my tickets ahead of time (another reason to have your phone with you and not back at the ship). And since we already checked the weather, we knew it will be a nice day to visit. Lucky for us, we were able to get in but now we know that if we want to visit, we'll buy the tickets in advance so that we won't be edged out by the people who are on the excursion from the ship. There may be a few buses, jeep tours, etc.
We could have spent the day at Punta Sur, it's almost like a private island. They have lots of amenities (that cost extra) such as massages, snorkeling (the equipment will cost extra), kayaking and restaurants. But we wanted to circle the island and see more of Cozumel. So we decided to just visit the crocodiles and then snorkel a little. However, as we always say, next time...The purpose was to see the crocodiles and then swim a little (and no, not near them).
And yes, those crocs are there. When you are in a park that tries to keep it as natural as possible and yet still keep everyone safe, it's a little disconcerting to see these beasts so close. We definitely heeded to all of the warnings and stayed on the paths and walkways. Because when you look down, there they are. And yet, as scary as it is to see these beasts up so close, with no real fence or no glass separating us, it's hard to leave so quickly.
It's one thing to see crocodiles in a more secure environment, but this seems too real, like you are out in nature and just happen to see one. And then after that, further down the road, on the beach side, we go snorkeling. Pay attention, there are warnings about being in the water at dusk, in the evening and when the water is shallow, so only swim during the day time.
We wanted to see a little more of Cozumel, so we packed up, dried off and found a local spot to get a snack. Later, we stopped for gas and headed back to the cruise terminal. We checked the trunk of the car: nope, no one slid along trying to stowaway. We're in the clear. We boarded the ship, passed through security and headed back to the cabin. But for some reason, I just wanted salad for dinner. No seafood for me that night...
Live Love Travel
The NYC Traveler Tips for Your Trips
Subscribe to our blog!
Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
Comments