Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve
Faro Celerain Ecological Reserve
4.5
About
Faro Celarain (Punta Sur) is an Ecological Reserve,which encloses a variety of natural wonders. It covers an area of one thousand hectares and it is destined for the conservation and preservation of the 5 ecosystems that conform it. Faro Celarain is rich in coastal dunes, mangroves, reefs,lagoons systems, the Island's most beautiful beaches and reefs. Faro Celarain light house is a museum dedicated to the navigation
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4.5
527 reviews
Excellent
325
Very good
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46
Poor
9
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3
Cynthia P
San Jose, CA2,221 contributions
Jan 2020
Nice view from the old lighthouse. While it is still working there is not a lighthouse keeper. The park complex has an old observation tower that offers a nice view. On the day we were there they had a lot of flamingos and a croc.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ejpl
Newtown, PA135 contributions
My husband and I have been to Cozumel a few times before and always go to Chankanaab, which is wonderful, but we wanted to try something new. Before heading out, I did my research and decided to go to Punta Sur--it was the best day of our cruise!
The ride from the cruise port to the park was $30 (one way)--make sure to ask your driver to return for you when you are done because there are no taxis waiting. We were driven to the lighthouse n the park, and made a stop along the way to view the crocodile habitat which was wonderful! They were very active--eating, swimmng, even a bit of fighting! We also saw a flamingo flying which was a rare treat. Across from this is El Carasol, the Ancient Mayan lighthouse. Our taxi then finished driving us to the modern lighthouse and we were on our own. We took a fun open air "bus" ride to the other end of the park, where we took a fun pontoon boat ride on the lagoon, then walked to the amazingly beautiful beach--one of the most gorgous I have ever seen. We brought our own snorkel gear but you can rent it at the palapa if you need. The snorkeling as a whole was O.K., but what was a treat was that we saw a sea turtle, squid and a blow fish! I hear sting rays and sharks are not uncommon here, either! The reef is a bit of a swim from the beach but is easy and worth it. After our snorkeling adventure was time for cheap beers bought from the palapa and some swimming time. This place was so secluded that at the end of our time there we were the only people in the park! The bus will return to drive you back to the lighthouse, where a wlak to the top is worht it for the view of the turquise ocean and lagoons.
Admission: $10 per person, inclusive of everything
Everyone here speaks amazing English and is very helpful, but try a few Spanich phrases, I am sure they will appreciate it! I cannot imagine anyone being so helpful and friendly as the people in that park!
Also, go on your own,not with a cruise tour group, etc. Not only will you save a ton of money, but you will have more time at the park and not have to stick to their schedule.
HAVE FUN!!
The ride from the cruise port to the park was $30 (one way)--make sure to ask your driver to return for you when you are done because there are no taxis waiting. We were driven to the lighthouse n the park, and made a stop along the way to view the crocodile habitat which was wonderful! They were very active--eating, swimmng, even a bit of fighting! We also saw a flamingo flying which was a rare treat. Across from this is El Carasol, the Ancient Mayan lighthouse. Our taxi then finished driving us to the modern lighthouse and we were on our own. We took a fun open air "bus" ride to the other end of the park, where we took a fun pontoon boat ride on the lagoon, then walked to the amazingly beautiful beach--one of the most gorgous I have ever seen. We brought our own snorkel gear but you can rent it at the palapa if you need. The snorkeling as a whole was O.K., but what was a treat was that we saw a sea turtle, squid and a blow fish! I hear sting rays and sharks are not uncommon here, either! The reef is a bit of a swim from the beach but is easy and worth it. After our snorkeling adventure was time for cheap beers bought from the palapa and some swimming time. This place was so secluded that at the end of our time there we were the only people in the park! The bus will return to drive you back to the lighthouse, where a wlak to the top is worht it for the view of the turquise ocean and lagoons.
Admission: $10 per person, inclusive of everything
Everyone here speaks amazing English and is very helpful, but try a few Spanich phrases, I am sure they will appreciate it! I cannot imagine anyone being so helpful and friendly as the people in that park!
Also, go on your own,not with a cruise tour group, etc. Not only will you save a ton of money, but you will have more time at the park and not have to stick to their schedule.
HAVE FUN!!
Written May 28, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElleTiger
Birmingham, AL22 contributions
We thoroughly enjoyed this trip. I have 3 teenagers and they really liked it a lot too. The view is incredible from the lighthouse. We did the $6 tour which included the ride out to the lighthouse and all. We did not do the longer tour(s). We snorkel at our hotel and the water & ironshore was too rough here from what we saw.
You will want to take something to drink and you will need lots of sunscreen. They have a "store" there, but I wouldn't want to go without my own supplies. You can't take it on the "tour", but you'll want it when you get back.
This is at the southern tip of the island and there isn't anything else around.
I have attached photos. These were some of our very best photos from our trip!!!
I'd definitely go again.
You will want to take something to drink and you will need lots of sunscreen. They have a "store" there, but I wouldn't want to go without my own supplies. You can't take it on the "tour", but you'll want it when you get back.
This is at the southern tip of the island and there isn't anything else around.
I have attached photos. These were some of our very best photos from our trip!!!
I'd definitely go again.
Written July 6, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daydream26737
1 contribution
I went to Punta Sur as a shore excursion on a recent cruise. First, my tour group went off-road driving in Jeeps. Our tour guides were very enthusiastic which added to the excitement. When we got to Punta Sur, we boarded another vehicle which stopped at several interesting spots: a small Mayan ruin, a freshwater bay where crocodiles reside, and a lighthouse. Along the way we saw many iguanas and birds native to the area. We got to a beach, where we snorkeled along a coral reef a mile in length. This was very exhausting and I would say that if you are not an avid snorkeler or do not enjoy strenuous physical activity, this would not be of interest to you. However, there were many fish to view and the coral reef itself is a natural wonder. As with any other tourist attraction, there were souvenir shops located within the park. My suggestion is to take your camera instead and capture your own experiences. There is an admission fee to enter the park. If you like history, nature and water sports, Punta Sur is a great place to add to your Cozumel itinerary.
Written June 28, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John20191234
Branson, MO9 contributions
This place was incredible! My husband and I rented a moped and drove around the whole island (which I definitely recommend) and stopped at Punta Sur. It is a beautiful drive down the sand road along the ocean. When you arrive to the Park, it costs $6 per person and you get a ride to the light house. Walk the long stairway up for awesome views....there is a small lighthouse museum and a small Mayan ruin to look at. Then you ride down to another small Mayan ruin and then to the crocodile farm. They were pretty intimidating!
A lot of people gripe about spending money because Cozumel is a tourist trap, but spending a little extra money on things is what makes a vacation memorable. Definitely paying $6 and an hour out of your time to enjoy this beautiful lighthouse and scenery.
A lot of people gripe about spending money because Cozumel is a tourist trap, but spending a little extra money on things is what makes a vacation memorable. Definitely paying $6 and an hour out of your time to enjoy this beautiful lighthouse and scenery.
Written August 10, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blue Jackets Fan
Ohio62 contributions
My wife and I visited Punta Sur Eco Park during our Honeymoon Cruise last November. We booked the trip with the cruise line, and loved everything about the park. It was both educational and entertaining. Our guides Lewis, Nikko and Jose took us to the Education center, Miran lighthouse, the current lighthouse, showed us crocodiles, and took us out snorkeling at the coral reef. The reef was simply fantastic, we saw all type of wild life, including a sea turtle. Then we had time to relax on the beach before they returned us to the pier. We would recommended this excursion to any one and have told many people back home to visit Punta Sur Eco Park when they visit Cozumel.
Written September 12, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Expedition30740
Bedford, NH1 contribution
We went to Punta Sur 13 years ago and it was truly a paradise. We just went last week and brought our children to share the experience with them. what we found there now is nothing but a tourist trap. They've added a snack bar and changing rooms, but have limited the access to disovering the coastline on your own. You are trucked in - and subject to "mexican" time. All we wanted to do was go to the beach and they charged us $10 per person, even the kids. We ended up requesting our money back because they never got us to the beach - and they refused until we made a big stink - an enoromously big stink. In the end they returned our money and we went out to the parking lot to find our tires slashed. Stay far far far away. Paradise cafe - right at the entrance is far more enjoyable. So it doesn't have a lighthouse and a little ruin to look at. But it's just as beautiful and much more relaxing - and not a rip off.
Written May 3, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay20538
Albany, NY3 contributions
The park is split in two, $6 for the first half and $10 for access to the whole thing. The lighthouse is the center point. 'Buses' run on both halves. There is a very nice beach a the far end, with snorkel and kayak rentals, and a lagoon boat tour. I saw very little wildlife, and would have missed the crocodiles if I hadn't accidentally joined a tour that was feeding them...but I went on a cool day in January. If there is more wildlife during other months, I would give this a 5 rating (excellent). A good place to spend the whole day, if you can.
Written January 20, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
twirlgirlpdx
Monterrey, Mexico382 contributions
PUNTA SUR: was gorgeous, breathtaking, totally worth the price of admission. I’d like to offer a perspective on snorkeling that I have not read on this forum. Most people who visit Cozumel are into scuba, or at least, snorkeling. I, and several in our group, are not confident swimmers and have zero snorkel experience. Personally, I had not put my face or ears in the water for 20+ years. Suffice to say, I have “water issues”. But I was so inspired by TA member Cicopo’s photos from snorkeling Punta Sur that I bought equipment and set a goal to face my fears and see that reef!
Well, I did face my fears, as did others in our group. But I didn’t get to see the sea fan forest or much of the reef. Conditions were too windy for beginning snorkelers that are not confident swimmers, even with flotation vests (I would have drown, no question, without that vest!) “Swim to the raft to rest on the way to the reef” sounds reasonable, until you are swimming against current and waves…and the raft is nearly impossible to get up on because there isn’t much to hold on to and the bottom/sides are slick with algae! It was like trying to mount a slab of “finger jello” in the ocean. My sister and her 6-year old gave up before we got to the reef and swam back. The other adults who were good swimmers and the teens in our group had the time of their lives and we left Punta Sur hours before they did! It was a “yellow flag” day, I found out later. In the end, I barely got to the reef, saw 2 fish and a bit of coral, waves started breaking right on my head at the same time my brother left go of my hand to takes some pictures and I lost it. Yep, panic attack in the ocean. My other sister was also full of salt water and ready to swim back to shore. Thankfully, the marine park patrol sent out a jet ski to tow us in before too long because by that time, our legs were jelly!
So my advice is this. Don’t start your snorkeling experience at Punta Sur and if you are a beginner, don’t go out on a yellow flag day. It’s also not safe in my opinion for smaller kids (our 6 and 9 year-olds couldn’t do it and they swim like fish in the pool) Even though it is a long ways out, the reef is shallow there, so expect any waves are going to break right on you when you hit the reef. Without a boat close by to swim back to, wear a float vest for safety. It’s too shallow there to dive down from the surface anyway, so the flotation won’t be in your way.
The climb to the lighthouse was totally worth it, even with my legs being like jelly after all the swimming. I got great shots of the view and loved seeing all the colors of the water from above. The whole park is so beautiful, it is worth a trip just to hang out, I would go back, even not snorkeling. You can walk a long, long way on the gorgeous pristine beach, which is almost empty, except by the concessions building and shade area.
Well, I did face my fears, as did others in our group. But I didn’t get to see the sea fan forest or much of the reef. Conditions were too windy for beginning snorkelers that are not confident swimmers, even with flotation vests (I would have drown, no question, without that vest!) “Swim to the raft to rest on the way to the reef” sounds reasonable, until you are swimming against current and waves…and the raft is nearly impossible to get up on because there isn’t much to hold on to and the bottom/sides are slick with algae! It was like trying to mount a slab of “finger jello” in the ocean. My sister and her 6-year old gave up before we got to the reef and swam back. The other adults who were good swimmers and the teens in our group had the time of their lives and we left Punta Sur hours before they did! It was a “yellow flag” day, I found out later. In the end, I barely got to the reef, saw 2 fish and a bit of coral, waves started breaking right on my head at the same time my brother left go of my hand to takes some pictures and I lost it. Yep, panic attack in the ocean. My other sister was also full of salt water and ready to swim back to shore. Thankfully, the marine park patrol sent out a jet ski to tow us in before too long because by that time, our legs were jelly!
So my advice is this. Don’t start your snorkeling experience at Punta Sur and if you are a beginner, don’t go out on a yellow flag day. It’s also not safe in my opinion for smaller kids (our 6 and 9 year-olds couldn’t do it and they swim like fish in the pool) Even though it is a long ways out, the reef is shallow there, so expect any waves are going to break right on you when you hit the reef. Without a boat close by to swim back to, wear a float vest for safety. It’s too shallow there to dive down from the surface anyway, so the flotation won’t be in your way.
The climb to the lighthouse was totally worth it, even with my legs being like jelly after all the swimming. I got great shots of the view and loved seeing all the colors of the water from above. The whole park is so beautiful, it is worth a trip just to hang out, I would go back, even not snorkeling. You can walk a long, long way on the gorgeous pristine beach, which is almost empty, except by the concessions building and shade area.
Written April 22, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara S
Bradenton, FL124 contributions
Our day at Punta Sur was a highlight of our trip to Cozumel. We took a taxi from town and arrived early at Punta. Much nicer than being on a tour with a large group of people...and 1/2 the price of taking a tour...Taxi RT was $52...admission $10 per person. Enjoyed the tour guides on the truck and boat..but snorkeling was the best. The life guard led a group of four of us out to the reef. It was a bit of a swim out, but worth the effort....We saw stingray, lots of fish, sea turtles, and the amazing fan gardens...
Written January 1, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quel est le tarif de l'entrée svp ?
Written November 21, 2018
Paco Vidal
Palafrugell, Spain
17 contributions
Un peu chair mais c’est correcte
Written November 30, 2018
Megan S
Dallas, Texas
How much walking is involved if we were to hire a private driver to take us to the lighthouse and museum? can they drive up to that part? Traveling with someone who can't walk much, especially in the heat.
Written September 19, 2017
I'm coming on the ncl jade the 1st week of February. How can I get to this park from our port, and how far away is it from Port
Written December 15, 2015
Just wondering when they run the crocodile boat tour-hours?
Is that the same as the lagoon tour?
Thank you- Jan
Written November 7, 2015
I'm not sure about the hours the boat operates. The park closes early...5:00 pm.
Written November 9, 2015
Just wondering what the other tours are? When do they run?
Thanks Jan
Written November 7, 2015
RebeccaDawnKelley
Greenville, South Carolina
Hello! Is there snorkeling gear available at the park for public use?
Written January 21, 2015
how is the best way to get there from Iberostar Cozumel ?
Written January 4, 2015
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