Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
Punta Sur Cozumel is an awesome place to visit while you are on Cozumel Island in Mexico. Punta Sur Eco Park Cozumel is a park surrounding the southern point of Cozumel. It includes lagoons, a lighthouse, and amazing panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea. Here’s what to expect from your visit of the Punta Sur Eco Park Cozumel!
This was one of the highlights of our trip – even the journey there was incredible. Read on and explore the wild part of the island of Cozumel!
Punta Sur Cozumel, Mexico
Punta Sur Eco Park Cozumel is located on the south end of the island and on the Caribbean Sea. Within the park is a an observation deck and tower that allow you to view the lagoon crocodiles, a lighthouse that you can climb, and a museum. There are also some lovely vendors selling their cool Cozumel inspired wares.
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Check out more things to do in Cozumel!
Getting to Punta Sur Eco Park
The easiest way to get to Punta Sur from your hotel or resort is by hiring a driver. We took the number of the taxi driver who transported us from the airport to our resort because he offered us a set price for for four hours of time. We could also set our schedule. We paid the equivalent of $75 USD to go to Punta Sur and Chen Rio Beach over the course of 4 hours. This included returning us to our hotel at the end of the excursion. This is an excellent and easy way to get around to the far end of Cozumel. In fact, you will need to hire someone who waits for you because empty taxis won’t necessarily be passing by frequently.
For parents: The taxis in Cozumel have all had working seat belts. The smaller taxis have all had shoulder belts, so that you could install your car seat. In our case, we used our booster seats without any issue. However, some of the larger taxis (the vans that can seat 6+ people) usually only have lap belts. You can request your hotel call you a taxi that is able to support your car seats for the safest options for babies.
There is an admission cost for the park. It’s $16 for adults, $10 for children.
What to Wear to Punta Sur Ecological Park
I packed a backpack with towels, close-toed shoes, and bottled water. We were wearing our swimsuits under our clothing. I recommended that my family wear their running shoes instead of flip flops, but naturally no one did that. While climbing up the observation tower, one child lost their flip flop. We were lucky that it landed on the deck below because had it fallen into the lagoon, I’m not sure we would’ve been able to retrieve it.
Therefore, I recommend:
- Hats
- Running shoes or sandals that won’t come off
- Comfortable clothing
- Towels (if you will swim at the beach after)
- Swim shirts/rash guards
Instead of sunscreen, I do recommend using long sleeved swim shirts. Some parks, like Chankanaab, are sunscreen-free zones in order to help the coral reef stay healthy. If sunscreen is a must for you, do choose a reef-safe sunscreen.
Punta Sur Cozumel Crocodiles
Once inside the park, the first stop will be the observation area to see the crocodiles. It’s actually gorgeous, in a dark and brackish way. It also made me feel a bit of anxiety because of the open rail fence. However, I worried needlessly. We were able to see 2 crocodiles, even after climbing the wonderful observation tower.
It was really windy during our visit, which made the climb feel a little bit more exciting and nerve-wracking than it would otherwise. Even with the wind, the lagoon was quiet and peaceful.
We were able to see two crocodiles. How incredible to see crocs wild and free in their own habit! The two species that can be found on Cozumel Island are the American Crocodile and Morelet’s Crocodile. They are now crossbreeding, too. Additionally, both are less aggressive than Australian and Nile crocodiles. This is good news for the people who venture onto the boardwalk viewing platform.
Parents: Take caution with your young kids. If you have a runner, it may be wise to skip this attraction with them. Babywearers: I wouldn’t hesitate to wear baby, toddler, and young kids while walking on the boardwalk. I personally wouldn’t climb the steep observation tower steps while baby wearing.
Punta Sur Lighthouse
After watching the crocodiles, you’ll get back into your vehicle and head further down to the Faro Celarain lighthouse. These distances are pretty big and I do recommend having a vehicle. Only 8 people can climb the lighthouse at a time, so this is when arriving early is an advantage. We visited during a time when cruise ships weren’t allowed to come to Cozumel, so there were no lines, no crowd, and only a handful of other visitors.
My family of four (children were ages 7 and 8) hiked up all 133 steps to get to the top and it was 100% worth it. If you are physically capable and have the time, do it. The views are incredible. Since we went on a particularly windy day, the waves were pretty rough and the sea was the most incredible aquamarine color that I wanted to just imprint on my brain forever.
As you approach the top, you’ll have to be careful not to bump your head on the low ceilings. Also, you’ll be nearly crawling up at the top. Our kids had no trouble navigating. Also, to actually walk outside on the lighthouse’s balcony, one must be able to kneel down and step through under the window that is waist high. Also, the stairs are narrow and it’s an adventure to get past people going in the opposite direction.
Parents: I don’t recommend this for new walkers. I’d imagine an energetic 4 year old would be able to handle this but it’s probably best for 5 and 6 and up. I’m not sure if there is an age limit to climb. I do not recommend climbing these while baby wearing.
Punta Sur Mayan Ruin and Museum of Navigation
Punta Sur Park Cozumel also has some Mayan Ruins within. The first one is across from the observation area for the crocodiles. Another one is located near the lighthouse. There is a small museum next to the lighthouse and within you can read about the items within and the area’s history. We also were approached by a park employee who told us quite a bit about the area.
⇒ Check out other Mayan Ruins on Cozumel!
Punta Sur Eco Park Cozumel Food and Souvenirs
Across from the museum, there were a handful of vendors. There are some awesome pendants, blankets, and other things to look at and purchase to remember Cozumel. You can also sit at the outside bar and grab a refreshment after climbing up and down the lighthouse.
Punta Sur Cozumel with Kids
Our kids enjoyed the park. My younger child didn’t want to climb to the top of the crocodile observation tower, but neither did I. However, the entire family had no issues with climbing up to the top of the lighthouse. Even with only two main attractions, the crocodiles and the lighthouse, the Punta Sur Eco park is still fun with the kids. It’s gorgeous and I felt that the two hours we ended up spending there wasn’t quite enough.
Is it Worthwhile to Visit Punta Sur Eco Park?
Yes! The far side of the island contains a magical, unspoiled beauty that further cements Cozumel as one of my favorite destinations in Mexico. I recommend Punta Sur to families, solo travelers, scuba divers, and all travelers.
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