Sanborn's Mexico Travel Insurance

Cozumel is located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula , opposite Playa del Carmen, is about 12 miles from the mainland, and is the largest island of Mexico. Nearly everybody in Cozumel lives in the town of San Miguel (pop. 90,000), which is on the western shore. Cozumel is an island destination for scuba divers and non-scuba divers alike with countless schools of fish and amazing views.

Cozumel has a subtropical climate, so expect some rain, but plenty of tropical breezes and sunshine. The rainy season lasts from May through September; however, many of those days are still considered perfect diving weather. The water temperature averages 77 F in the winter and 85 F in summer. Although these temperatures sound warm and cozy, a light to medium wetsuit may be needed.

There are plenty of accommodations to choose from on the island. Cozumel offers accommodations for every budget and vacation style from luxurious timeshares right on the beach to resorts like the Wyndham, which offer all-inclusive options, to beautiful hotel, hostels and inns further inland.

Most of the scuba diving and snorkeling activity on Cozumel is focused on the reefs and shallow coral formations that extend from the southern tip of the island to just south of San Miguel on the west coast. All of the Cozumel beaches are protected and extend from the ferry pier in downtown San Miguel to the southern tip of the island, many of which are protected as part of an underwater national park. Fishing is not allowed in this area. However, you can book a deep sea fishing excursion with many dive operators on the island.

There are two main coral reef systems surrounding Cozumel: Colombia and Palancar reefs. Easily accessible with plateaus beginning in less than 30 feet of water, Cozumel reefs boast abundant underwater sea life and brilliant colors.

The towns of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are located southwest of Mexico City along the coastline of the State of Guerrero. They are so close to one another that everyone refers to them as one destination. Tourists and residents enjoy a semi-tropical climate year around with an average of 300 sunny days a year and temperatures ranging from 73°-93° Fahrenheit.

Virtually everything in Ixtapa is within walking distance: the major boutiques, the arts and crafts market and most restaurants are located to one side of the main avenue, Paseo Ixtapa. A night out at the Marina is a wonderful way to enjoy the magical nautical scenery, before heading off to the discos. Ixtapa harbors first class hotels along El Palmar Beach such as the tranquil Las Brisas Resort.

Diverse activities and ecotourism have been widely developed recently: rappel, zip-line, rafting and hiking are possible at two exciting adventure parks. The recently remodeled bicycle path is great for skating, cycling or jogging.

Zihuatanejo is a unique town with a gorgeous bay and warm beaches that have inspired national and international artists’ vacations here. A great diversity of hotels can be found here from the most exclusive boutiques to charming little bungalows.

Aside from visiting the many beautiful, virgin-like beaches, a common tourist attraction is the Paseo del Pescador. Here one can see the daily happenings of the fishermen, walk down stone-paved streets, and browse in the small shops and boutiques, which offer a wide variety of crafts, silver and beachwear.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is one of the most preferred fishing destinations in the world; a great diversity and abundance of species, a mild climate, the water temperature, and the size of the fish are only a few points in its favor. The same conditions that make this region such a great fishing spot, also makes it an amazing scuba diving location. For those who enjoy bird watching, more than 320 species have been recorded in this region. This represents at least one third of all species recorded in Mexico.

No doubt Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a destination where there is always something new to be discovered. It truly cannot be compared to any other coastal region in Mexico. It remains a quiet, peaceful city despite its growth; its inhabitants refuse to see it grow into an Americanized vacation spot, to get lost among others.

At first glance, Bosques de Monterreal can trick you into thinking that you’re in Portland or even Canada, with its snow capped mountains, pine trees and remote log cabins. However, snow falls only in late December, January, & February, but the average temperatures range from 75 F during the summer to 50 F in winter. The resort is located in the State of Coahuila about 45 minutes southeast from Saltillo and about 90 minutes from Monterrey. If you ever want to try something different in Mexico, Monterreal is the place.

Depending on your stay and the size of your party, you can book a rustic log cabin with all the amenities, including a wood burning fire place, a large gas heater and electric heaters for the bathrooms. Sure the cabin styles are rustic, but you’ll be far from “roughing it” with your choice of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom and bathroom cabins. Each cabin has an equipped kitchen with coffee maker, silverware, stove, blender, set of dishes, microwave, refrigerator & toaster. All cabins have satellite TV and private parking spaces while some also include king size beds, a bar, fireplace and private balcony.

Close to the reception area is where all of the activities are held (approx. 8,000 ft above sea level), which include skiing, horseback riding, four-wheeling, bike trails and hiking, indoor heated pool, gym, jacuzzi, tennis and basketball courts and a kids club with a farm. Most of the activities are free of charge, others like the skiing, horse riding and four-wheeling are additional but include a guided tour and/or instructor. The golf course is a hike away or go by car up the mountains to approximately 10,000 ft. It’s definitely worth the trip because the scenery is breathtaking once you get to the top.

Bosques de Monterreal’s unique location provides visitors with a wide range of exceptional outdoor skiing all year round with its natural and artificial snow. The ski center was designed to the highest standards and the construction was supervised by Europe’s most experienced professionals in this highly specialized field. The ski center has two runs: The main slope has a run of 230 m, and there is a separate 45 m long slope which was specially designed for beginners and toboggans. The main track has a slope of about 20 degrees. In terms of difficulty, it is rated as a blue run. In Europe, these centers were designed to teach or improve skiing techniques. It is also interesting to note that many European Olympians learned to ski on these kinds of slopes, many of which have been certified by the various national associations. And don’t forget their picturesque spectacular 9-hole par 68 golf course located in a pristine mountain landscape at an altitude of 2900 m.

Enjoy the natural environment and spectacular scenery while playing at Mexico’s highest golf course. The course has a separate putting green and practice area, and carts and golf equipment are available for rent. Caddy service is available daily.

RESERVATIONS In Monterrey, N.L., MEXICO:Blvd. Antonio L. Rodríguez 840 Pte., Col. San Jerónimo. Phone: (818) 333-8440, Fax: (818) 347-6833

In Saltillo, Coah., MEXICO: Ave. Universidad 1035 (Ed. del Diario) Col. Universidad. Phone: (844) 411-9800 Call toll free: 01 800 712-7668 E-mail: bosques@monterreal.com www.monterreal.com

For a truly unique experience this winter, consider a whale-watching excursion in Baja California. From mid-January all the way through mid-March, the greatest population of grey whales gather at Laguna Ojo de Liebre inside the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve, near the town of Guerrero Negro. On average there are 1,200 to 1,500 grey whales in February, the end of the winter season.

January is the start of the mating season and by mid-month there are usually between 400 to 600 whales thrashing and splashing throughout the day. By the start of February, the grey whale population grows to approximately 1,200. It’s at this time that wildlife enthusiasts will begin to have the greatest chance to have an up close encounter with these 36 ton magnificent mammals, which can grow up to 52 feet in length. Laying hands on a wild and free 50 foot adult whale is an experience of a lifetime.

By February 15^th, the mating season has ended but the whales will stay in the at Laguna Ojo de Liebre area well into March. Close encounters will still be common, but mostly with the young juveniles born the previous years.

Be sure to acquaint yourself with reputable whale watching tour operators, such as Baja Jones Adventure. Their daily itineraries are based upon each day’s unique mix of weather conditions and animal activities.  Any tour operator’s primary mission should be to help you to have the best whale watching experience in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

A great side trip is to the remote village of Catavina. There you will have the opportunity to view an ancient cave painting site. If time permits, head out to El Faro (the lighthouse) for some bird watching and general sight seeing. Ospreys are quite common here.

For more information on all-inclusive whale watching trips contact Keith at Baja Jones Adventures: keith@greywhale.com.