Cozumel nature tour.

Escape the commercial world of tourism on this exclusive new tour to Cozumel's unspoiled northern lagoons, learn about the importance of preserving this precious region. Ideal for nature lovers or novice birdwatchers, visit a part of Cozumel Island rarely seen by tourists or even locals, an isolated area perfect for nature and birdwatching.

The tour starts from the fishermen's pier at Bahia Ciega ('Blind Bay'), where you can look for Pygmy Racoons, an endangered species not found anywhere in the world outside of Cozumel.

Look for Cozumel's endangered Pygmy Raccoons.

From the pier you take a 30-minute ride in a small motorboat, past Passion Island and further north along the coast to the amazingly beautiful beach and sand bank of the Monte Cristo lagoon.

Beautiful beach by the Monte Cristo lagoon.

Once there, you cross the sand bank inland by foot, wading through low water and silt for a few minutes to reach your next mode of transport: a simple flat boat.

Flat boat pushed silently, gondola-style, through the lagoon's low waters.

The flat boat is pushed silently, gondola-style, through the lagoon's low waters by captain and nature lover Don Nacho, while your naturalist guide shows you the four different mangrove species, explains about the local eco-system and points out aquatic birds.

Wide range of bird species, including juveniles around nesting season.

The remote location of the Monte Cristo lagoon provides an excellent habitat for spectacular birds like Pink Spoonbills, Ospreys, Boat Billed Herons, Ibis, Egrets, Blue Herons, Cormorants, Frigatebirds and, on a good day, the rare Cozumel endemic Golden Warbler.

An excellent habitat for spectacular birds like Pink (Roseate) Spoonbills.

With some luck you will also be able to see crocodiles and different species of fish, such as Barracudas, Needle and Bonefish, Tarpon and Snook.

Look for rare sights such as the Osprey and Golden Warbler.

After about 2.5 hours on the lagoon you return to the white sand beach for a swim and lunch break, before the motorboat returns you to the pier at Bahia Ciega, where the tour ends.

After the tour, as you travel back to reality tired but happy, you'll be able to recount the wonderful things you've seen and begin to dream about what you'll find on your next visit...

For more photos see our Cozumel Northern Lagoon Facebook Photo Gallery.

Price:

$129.00 USD per person.

Min. 2 passengers, max. 6 passengers.
(Single passenger supplement $83.00 USD).

Departure Point:

Bahia Ciega, north end of coastal highway in Cozumel.

How To Arrive:

• A taxi for up to 4 people from Downtown or the Punta Langosta cruise terminal takes about 30 minutes each way and costs approx. $60 USD round-trip.
• A taxi for up to 4 people from the International SSA or Puerta Maya cruise terminals takes about 40 minutes each way and costs approx. $70 round-trip.
• Your guide will arrange your return pick-up with the taxi driver when you arrive.
• You can also drive to Bahia Ciega in your own rental car, free parking is available.

Departure Time:

As required, but we recommend you leave as early as possible, 7am is ideal.

Dates:

Every day, upon request.

Total Duration:

Approx. 4.5 hours.

Includes:

English-speaking naturalist/biologist guide, boat transport, light lunch, purified water and soft drinks, binoculars.

Excludes:

Transportation to/from Bahia Ciega and optional gratuities.

What To Bring:

• Comfortable footwear that can get wet/muddy and light clothing.
• Hat and sun protection (preferably biodegradable lotion).
• Swimsuit, towel and change of clothes.
• Cash to pay your taxi and tour balance.
• Biting bugs aren't usually a problem, but, if they tend to like you, bring some repellent.
• Camera (with good zoom if you have one) and a big smile!

E-Ticket and Booking Confirmation Voucher:

For every confirmed booking you will be required to print a voucher, which is presented at the destination. You will receive your voucher via email once your booking is confirmed.

Local Operator Information:

Complete operator information, including directions and local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your voucher.

Additional Nature Information:

Separated from the Caribbean Sea by narrow sandbanks and with few openings to the sea these low-water lagoons have brackish water. The mangroves form islands in the lagoons, which are ideal nesting places for aquatic birds.

Many of the aquatic birds are migratory which is why the best time of the year to spot them is from November to April. However the amazingly calm nature here is a great pleasure year round with several bird species resident to the lagoon.

Bird species found in Cozumel's Northern Lagoons include: White Ibis; Glossy Ibis; Roseate (Pink) Spoonbill (Nov/Oct - March/April); Black Vulture; Turkey Vulture; Great Egret; Neotropic and Double-Crested Cormorant; Osprey (breeding in January); Golden Warbler (Cozumel endemic); Boat Billed Heron (breeding colony); Magnificent Frigatebird; Snowy Egret; Anhinga; Reddish Egret; Great Blue Heron; Tricolored Heron; Tiger Heron; Black-Crowned Night-Heron; Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron; Wood Stork (rare) and American Greater Flamingo (rare).