Punta Sur Ecological Park Tours and Activities

Punta Celerain Lighthouse featuring general coastal views, a sandy beach and waves
Punta Celerain Lighthouse showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Punta Celerain Lighthouse featuring a sandy beach, surf and signage
Punta Sur Ecological Park showing interior views
Punta Sur Ecological Park which includes a beach and general coastal views


Explore Cozumel’s largest ecological reserve to discover a Mayan lighthouse and deep mangrove forests.

Conch shells whistle in the wind and mangrove jungles creep lazily from the island interior to the shore at the Punta Sur Ecological Park (Parque Punta Sur).

The 100-hectare Punta Sur Ecological Park in the southwest of Cozumel Island is home to a thriving natural landscape with thick mangroves, sand dunes, tranquil wetlands and ancient Mayan ruins. Hundreds of species of birds, crocodiles, iguanas and turtles live in the coastal forests, watched over by a centuries-old lighthouse. It’s not just tourists who flock here. Every year from May to October, a pilgrimage of turtles arrives at the Colombia Lagoon in the park to nest and lay eggs, under the careful eye of the local Marine Turtle Salvation Program.

The park shines a light on the island’s history, too. Local seafarers left their traces at the Punta Celerain Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of Cozumel, where there is a fascinating museum displaying photographs and artefacts from generations of lighthouse keepers.

At the nearby ancient Mayan ruins of Tumba del Caracol, there’s an unusual and intriguing type of lighthouse far predating the Punta Celerain. In the domed walls of this temple-cum-lighthouse, conch shells are layered into the stone so that they buzz when the wind blows. The more intense the wind, the louder the sound, and in this way, it is believed that local villages would be warned of coming hurricanes. Fact or fairytale – decide for yourself when you visit.

After exploring the ruins and museum, the calm tropical waters on the west side of the park are the perfect place to cool off. Head underwater with a snorkel and see the life beneath the waves, or seek shade under one of the thatched palapas on the beach. Gazing into the blue sky from a hammock, it’s hard to imagine a more enticing day out.

Popular places to visit


Top Punta Sur Ecological Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Iberostar Waves Cozumel - All Inclusive

Iberostar Waves Cozumel - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Km 17 782 Carretera Costera Sur, El Cedral, Cozumel, QROO
Iberostar Waves Cozumel - All Inclusive
Occidental Cozumel - All Inclusive

Occidental Cozumel - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Km 16.6 Carretera Sur, El Cedral, San Francisco, Palancar, Cozumel, QROO
Occidental Cozumel - All Inclusive
Secrets Aura Cozumel - Adults Only - All Inclusive

Secrets Aura Cozumel - Adults Only - All Inclusive

4.5 out of 5
Carretera Costera Sur Km 12.99, Hotel Zone, Cozumel, QROO
Secrets Aura Cozumel - Adults Only - All Inclusive
Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Costera Sur Km 12.9, Zona Hotelera Sur, Cozumel, QROO
Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa - All Inclusive
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa by IHG

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa by IHG

5 out of 5
Carretera A Chankanaab Km 6-5, Cozumel, QROO
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa by IHG
Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive

Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera a Chankanaab Km. 3.5, B Zona Sur, Cozumel, QROO
Grand Park Royal Cozumel - All Inclusive
Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive

Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive

3.5 out of 5
Carretera Costera Sur Km 1.7, Cozumel, QROO
Cozumel Hotel & Resort Trademark Collection by Wyndham All Inclusive
Cozumel Palace All Inclusive

Cozumel Palace All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Avenida Rafael E Melgan Km 1-5, Cozumel, QROO
Cozumel Palace All Inclusive
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive

4 out of 5
Carretera Federal 307, KM 282, Chetumal a Puerto Juarez, Xcaret, Playa del Carmen, QROO
Occidental at Xcaret Destination - All Inclusive
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.