San Miguel: an island which has it all
The city of San Miguel is a major hub for travelers crossing over from the Yucatan mainland to the island of Cozumel. By day, the cruise ship crowds disembark and hit the town, but when they've left, it returns to its laidback Caribbean self. The island might be small compared to the rest of Mexico, but you'll find a little slice of everything here – luxury San Miguel vacation rentals, more water sports along its glorious coastline than you could possibly manage in one trip and ancient Mayan ruins. When the sun sets, you can grab a cold one and sway to the sounds of live music in the waterfront bars.
Activities and attractions in San Miguel
Are you hoping to discover things to do while you're in the area? Although it can be tempting to stay in your comfortable vacation rental, you'll want to check out everything that makes San Miguel a one-of-a-kind vacation spot. Here are some of the most popular attractions to explore, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Xcaret Eco Theme Park (13.1 mi / 21.2 km)
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park (6 mi / 9.7 km)
- Mr. Sancho's Beach Club (9.5 mi / 15.2 km)
- Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park (9.6 mi / 15.4 km)
- Nachi Cocom Beach Club & Water Sport Center (10.2 mi / 16.4 km)
- Playacar Golf Club (12.4 mi / 20 km)
Escape the cold in San Miguel
The months between December and April mark the peak season for San Miguel vacation rentals. During this time, folks jet in to escape the colder climes back home. If you're planning to visit over Christmas, New Year or between mid-March and April, when the spring-break crowds mop up all the Cancun-bound flights, you'll want to get in there early. When you arrive, the weather will be near perfect with endlessly blue skies, very little chance of rain and a temperature that hovers around the mid-80s. The prices on rentals take a nosedive the rest of the year, but there are a few tropical rains to contend with.
Come to San Miguel to swim with whale sharks
While there isn't much in the way of land-dwelling life on Cozumel, the surrounding waters are not short on critters to spot. The list is seemingly endless, but when you're snorkeling or scuba diving look out for brightly-colored species like parrotfish and trumpetfish. If you're in luck – and your goggles don't steam up – you might catch a glimpse of a sea turtle or harmless nurse shark and if you've come to stay in a San Miguel vacation rental at the right time, you can head out to swim with giant whale sharks that come to the warm waters off the Yucatan to breed and look after their young.
Traveling to and around San Miguel
Fly into Cozumel Intl. Airport (CZM), the closest airport, located 0.3 mi (0.6 km) from the city center.