The lighthouse balcony
The reserve below.
Ken Thomas — Public domain · Saúl Peláez S. — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ken Thomas — Public domain · Saúl Peláez S. — CC BY-SA 3.0
A nature reserve at the southern tip of Cozumel, far from the crowds, combining quiet wild beaches, a lagoon where crocodiles and many birds live, and an old lighthouse over the open sea. It is one of the island's loveliest places for nature lovers. Its best-known landmark is the striped Celarain lighthouse, which visitors climb by an inner stairway to a balcony overlooking the whole reserve: the shallow lagoon, the low forest, the white beaches and the shaded blues of the sea. Beside it is a small maritime museum. The reserve has the Columbia lagoon, where crocodiles and waterbirds are watched from observation towers, and long, nearly empty beaches for snorkelling over the reef, where sea turtles nest in summer. The reserve is closed on Sundays and the road is long, so rent a car or scooter. Places to eat are few, so bring water and food; cash is easiest.
The reserve below.
Crocodiles and birds.
Nearly empty.
Southern tip of Cozumel island, about 30 km from San Miguel town
By rented car or scooter from San Miguel town in about 40 minutes, as there is no public transport. Remember it is closed on Sundays.