If the goal of your Cozumel trip is just to log as much bottom time as possible, there are plenty of options. After all, it was divers who first put this island on the vacation map, and there are dozens of scuba -friendly hotels and numerous dive operators to choose from. But if you want to add some variety and a broader range of adventures to the trip, the place to be is Explorean Cozumel Resort.
The Adventures
The Explorean is an all-inclusive property. What sets it apart from the usual all-in-one resort concept isn't the inclusion of food, drinks and resort amenities in the room rate; it's the unique Expedition & Adventure Program that is also part of the plan. Each day, the Explorean staff coordinates a complimentary guided excursion that all guests are welcome to join. Described as “soft adventures,” these could be anything from a horseback ride through the jungle to visit Mayan ruins, to a sailing trip on Caribbean waters. Adventures are structured to be accessible to guests with a wide range of fitness and experience levels and ages, and many offer side-trips and extra activities that deliver more rigorous adventures for those who want to push their limits a bit.
Among the favorite adventures are around-island off-road tours, where guests are provided with dune buggies and set out on an island-wide exploration. Routes follow the coast and detour onto backroads that lead to a traditional Mayan village and then end at a hidden cove on the island's rugged southeast coast that is beyond the reach of tour buses. Another popular adventure is a trip to the island's southern point and a trek in the island's Punta Sur Park. This wild landscape of lagoons, mangrove forests and deserted beaches shows a very different side of Cozumel. Other days the adventure may include a kayak or SUP tour, an expedition to archaeological sites such as San Gervasio, a bike ride through the jungle and coastal paths or a cultural walking tour of San Miguel. And, of course, there are always opportunities for diving and snorkeling.
The Resort
The Explorean is designed as a secluded haven for relaxation and socializing after a full day of activities and adventures. The property includes 56 suites in two-story bungalows that blend into a jungle setting. Each guest suite includes patios or balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring in forest views. The minimalist-modern decors and floor plans further enhance the sense of private yet open spaces. Public areas have an intimate and informal clubhouse feel, as guests can gather around the self-serve Explorer Bar, splash in the infinity pool, soak in the hot tub or share a meal of traditional regional dishes at the signature Lool Kan restaurant.
Explorean's all-inclusive plan also gives guests full access to the amenities of the next-door Fiesta Americana resort, where there are seven additional restaurants to sample, along with a range of amenities that include a fitness center, spa, a pool with swim-up bar, and a private beach club with complimentary water sports. Even better, this arrangement isn't reciprocal, which ensures the Explorean will never be overrun by guests from the Fiesta Americana.
The Diving
With some of the finest reefs in the Caribbean just offshore, any visit to the Explorean Cozumel should include some snorkeling and diving. Several snorkel trips are included in the resort's regular rotation of daily adventures, but guests can also add scuba to the roster, as the Dive House maintains an on-site operation at the docks of the Fiesta Americana. This location is convenient for guests of Explorean, as gear can be stored at the dive center, and there are numerous options for a quick breakfast before morning dives or a mid-day nosh before an afternoon boat.
Dive House is a PADI 5 Star facility that runs a fleet of five modern boats, all equipped with VHF radios, depth sounders, DAN oxygen units, and first aid kits. Each boat is rated for large groups, but capacity is limited to twelve divers to ensure ample personal space. Daily two-tank trips depart at 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and usually include a wall dive and a reef dive. Night dives are also available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. A guest favorite at Dive House is their Experienced Diver Program, which groups divers according to their experience level and interests.
The Explorean Cozumel offers discounted pricing that includes seven-night accommodations, two days of two-tank boat diving, all of the resort's regular daily excursions and adventure programs, all meals and drinks, hotel taxes and roundtrip airport transfers. Other itineraries and activities can also be arranged. Book online, send us an email at sales@caradonna.com or give us a call at 800-330-6611to learn more about this unique property and all the adventures that await in Cozumel.
