The Fiesta Americana Dive Resort offers our guests 254 rooms in a unique diving location on the south side of the island. The most important factor in making us a dive resort is our dive-oriented management. Our general manager as well as our area chiefs are all certified by PADI, making us unique in the Cozumel resort community. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Cozumel_Mexico/fiestaamericana/hotel/77/2/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:52:26 EST The Fiesta Americana Dive Resort offers our guests a unique diving location on the south side of the island, where the reef zone begins, in addition to special services and facilities for divers. We have the best dive shop on Cozumel. Our dive facilities offer daily dive trips, certification and resort courses, scuba gear rental, a dive boutique and lockers for gear storage. We also have snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing and biking equipment. The Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort offers it's visitors the best options for practicing and learning the wonders of scuba diving. With the most complete and convenient facilities, the resort is a top quality dive operation offering instructional courses as well as full certification courses on-site. With the most experienced diving school, at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort you will be able to approach and experience the wonders of the underwater world. Two pools, a shallow beach, the best location to practice or refresh your scuba skills, highly qualified instructors, perfectly maintained equipment, 6 boats, lockers and showers, a dive boutique, and gear rental. Plan ahead: Diving is the heart and soul of Cozumel and a warm, clear-water current still sails past the majestic Palancar Reef System. Fiesta Americana Dive Resort is a 30-minute boat ride from this reef, a 10-minute boat ride from Yucab Reef, and a half-mile from Chankanaab Park and Reef. Dive Tips: Go with the flow...even novices catch on quickly to the lazy style of Cozumel drift diving. Keep a close eye on your gauges though, as it's easy to get lured much deeper than you originally intended. After the dive: Casual attire is the regular everywhere in Cozumel. Don't forget your bathing suit and suntan lotion, and bring your camera with you, as unforgettable shots will be surrounding you throughout your visit to this paradise island. If you are a diver it's important to bring your Diver Certification ID with you. In Cozumel it won't be easy to dive without it. If you already have your own gear bring it over to ensure your dive will be just the way you like it. If you don't know what to bring, don't bring anything! You can rent the complete equipment package at our Dive Shop as well as find replacement gear or parts. You may want to check out the island's other optional activities. While Cozumel is well known for it's wonderful reefs and the clear waters of the Caribbean sea, there are a variety of activities to suit everyone, including: horse back riding, archaeological sites, biking, windsurfing, kayaking, and a variety of night life choices. ROOMS We have 254 rooms divided in: - 15 Standard rooms with king size bed - 81 Standard rooms with double beds - 29 Deluxe rooms with king size bed - 42 Deluxe rooms with double beds - 4 Junior Suites - 1 Gobernador Suite - 41 Tropical Casitas with king size bed - 41 Tropical casitas with double beds All our rooms have a balcony, view to the garden the first two floors and ocean view starting from the third - floor, cable television with remote control, A/C, purified water, hairdryer and complete bathroom (shower and tub) with extra amenities, radio, alarm clock and phone. - Check in at 15:00 Hrs and Check out at 13:00 Hrs. - The taxes are 12%. SERVICES: - Baby sitting has an additional cost on request, cribs without charge. - Car rental desk (Budget): Available from 8:00 to 13:00 Hrs and from 16:00 to 19:00 Hrs. Concierge. - Entertainment facilities: We have many activities concentrated around the beach pool area from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some of our activities include a snorkel and kayak tour, bicycle tour, games in the pool area, Spanish classes and Mexican cuisine. - Fiesta Kids Club, entertainment program for children between 6 and 12 years old from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. - Tennis courts, Volleyball court, Soccer field, Basketball field. - Special facilities for handicapped people. - Laundry: washing, drying and ironing available from Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, cost depends on the item. - Medical service: First aid services inside the hotel and a medical doctor available if necessary. - Bilingual staff: Spanish and English. - Phone service: Charge depends on the call. - Ice Machines. - Parking free for our hotel guests, Taxi service. - Pool: We have two pools available; one in the main building and one at the beach area: available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Gift shop and boutique available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Tour desk (Fiesta Cozumel): available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Wake up service 24 hrs: Available on request by hotel operator. Towards the southern tip of this Caribbean island rises the Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort; a great spot for kicking back and relaxing or enjoying the full range of water sports, from jet skiing to world-class diving. The hotel is also near Chankanaab —one of the most prized areas for diving and snorkeling by pros and amateurs alike. As you'll see for yourself the abundance and diversity of marine life found here make experiencing this — one of the largest and most beautiful reefs in the world— an opportunity not to be missed. The Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort has everything you'll need for an unforgettable vacation adventure in one of Mexico's classic resort destinations. ACTIVITIES: Excursions Beyond the islands waterside activities (diving, snorkeling, swimming), there s plenty to see and do away from the shore. Since only about 5% of Cozumel s territory has any development, exploration centers on natural attractions (beaches, lagoons, jungle-like forests), Mayan ruins, and the relaxed city of San Miguel. The island's Mayan ruins and beaches can be seen easily in a day. There are also some "must see" attractions on the mainland across from Cozumel. On the Island San Miguel This colorful, relaxed town is the island s center of attractions. Its classic grid layout makes navigating easy. People congregate around the Plaza del Sol, the city s seaside main square. The usual assortment of T-shirt shops, cafes, jewelry stores, arts and crafts shops fan out from the Plaza. Most of the island's eateries are here, offering something for every taste and budget. Several well-stocked duty-free shops line the malec˘n, Cozumel s seaside promenade. By mid-day the town is brimming with cruise ship passengers. Evenings, the city comes to life again when residents and visitors shop, dine and stroll. Sunday evenings are extra special. The city's families congregate around the main square for casual conversation, people watching, and an occasional children s skit or musical performance. Mornings tend to be a quieter time, when day-to-day village life unfolds. The island s residents, most of them born and raised here, are cheerful, friendly and easy going. A subtle indigenous flair dapes the city, as many residents are of Mayan descent. Museum of the Island of Cozumel Located in downtown San Miguel, this attractive two-story museum is housed in a former turn-of-the-century hotel. If offers a complete overview of the Island s wildlife, native vegetation, reefs and undersea critters. More than a museum, the facility serves as the Island s cultural center, offering Mayan language instruction, artisan demonstrations and live drama. Admission is charged. An upstairs caf, offers sweeping views of the Caribbean. Chankanaab Lagoon and Botanical Gardens About 1 Km. South of Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort is one of the island s prettiest sights. This natural "aquarium" is a sinkhole filled from the nearby sea by underground tunnels. Some 50 species of fish can be seen, though snorkeling is prohibited. Follow the jungle trail through the Botanical Gardens. Three hundred types of tropical plants and trees from 22 countries can be seen, as well as a museum depicting early Mayan life. At the nearby beach you ll find a good palapa-covered restaurant/bar (La Laguna). The colorful off-shore reef attracts hordes of snorkelers and divers. Gear can be rented here. Celarain Lighthouse Continuing further south from Chankanaab you ll pass several idyllic beaches (see below) en route to lands end. Here you will find a slender, gleaming white lighthouse and a small conch-shaped Mayan ruin once used as a navigational guide. Ask the caretaker for permission to climb the lighthouse for a spectacular 360 degree view of the area. Archaeological Sites The island's scattered, crumbling ruins are testimony to Cozumel s role as a Mayan ceremonial and commercial center. Most ruins are small, low-to-the-ground square buildings (don t expect giant pyramids). EL CEDRAL: Just beyond Playa San Francisco, a paved highway heads inland 3.5 kms. To this, the oldest structure on the island. Traces of original Mayan wall paintings are visible. SAN GERVASIO : The island s best preserved, most visited ruins. The site is a group of small shrines and temples honoring Ix-Chel, the Mayan goddess of medicine, corn, weaving, love and fertility. Take the trans-island road heading east from San Miguel. Turn left at the small sign and head north about 8 kms. Boat Trips Board the Nautilus IV and take an underwater tour in a 52-foot minisubmarine to view the island s reef without getting wet. Tehre are also catamaran cruises on board the El Zorro, a 48 foot long vessel, sail with Fury Catamarans, or try the glass bottom boat tours. Off the Island If you want even more activities, or island fever puts you in the mood look around, head to the mainland via a 40 minute ferry ride or fly via AeroCozumel to Playa del Carmen. From there, you can rent a car and head out exploring the area s ruins and hidden beaches. You are within an hour s drive of the amazing ruins at Tulum and Cob. The Chief Concierge will be glad to give you details and advice regarding any excursion. Sports Watersports dominate the scene on Cozumel Island. Diving is the number one sports activity on the island (discover scuba), kayaking and snorkeling, the equipment for these last three activities is available at no charge for guests at Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort. In our hotel you can also go on a bike tour or play tennis, volleyball, basketball, waterpolo or soccer. Every year the traditional Fishing Tournaments takes place in June. Beaches: Cozumel's beaches vary from scalloped bays and inlets to wide wind-swept swathes of powdery sand. The calm waters of the western (leeward) side of the island are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The desolate, eastern (windward) shore is lashed by waves and steady winds, although there are some lovely escarpments and bays safe for swimming. WESTERN SHORE: Chankanaab Bay: This popular full-service beach invites divers and snorkelers to explore the areas limestone shoreline caves. This is the island s prime snorkeling turf, there are excellent facilities for swimmers and non-swimmers and it includes the Chankanaab Lagoon and Botanical Garden. Head to La Laguna restaurant for lunch. Playa San Francisco: Cozumel's best beach stretches 3.5 kms along the island s southwestern shore. A favorite with locals and visitors because of its beautiful white sanded beaches with beautiful Cristal waters. Many dive boats come to this beach to explore the offshore reef and the beach has plenty of activity at several palapa restaurants and bars. It is very popular for lunch. In addition, the beach has a lot of facilities like for example the rental of jetskis, a volleyball court and diving equipment. Playa Escondida: The Island's "escapist" beach is a sanctuary for those wanting privacy and willing to give up a few amenities. EASTERN SHORE: Playa Chen Rio: Resting at the end of the trans-island road, this beach is protected by a wall of rocks, keeping the water calm. Very quiet and secluded. Playa Chiquero: The eastern shore's best beach, Chiquero is a protected crescent-shaped cove, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Diving: About 80,000 of the island's annual visitors come for one thing: the area's incomparable scuba diving. With over 30 kilometers of reefs, water visibility to 200 feet and over 200 species of tropical fish, many consider Cozumel, the finest dive destination in the Western Hemisphere and second in world terms. Water temperatures range from summer highs in the low 80's to winter highs in the low 70's (F). Diving center Dive House is located on the property of Fiesta Americana Cozumel Dive Resort and it is considered the best choice in the Island. Our Chief Concierge will be glad to give you more details and advice regarding advanced dives and beginner instruction. Popular sites for diving include Paraiso Reef, Chankanaab Caves and Reef, Colombia Reef, San Francisco Reef, Santa Rosa Wall, Maracaibo Reef and Palancar Reef (the second longest reef in the world). Snorkeling: Many of Cozumel's best spots are within splashing distance from shore. The western side of the island is dotted with dozens of excellent sites. Here are a few suggestions. Chankanaab Bay: Teeming with fish and calm, clear water, several limestone caves and tunnels make for great fun. La Ceiba Beach: A sunken aircraft wreck lies 150 yards off shore in about 25 feet of water, home to a plethora of colorful fish, coral, and sponges. Full-day and half-day snorkeling excursions can be easily arranged upon arrival, and often include equipment and lunch. For non-snorkelers there are glass-bottom boat trips, arranged at most resort hotels. Fishing: The areas exceptional diving overshadows the island's excellent fishing. Billfish, including marlin and sailfish, are caught within 5 km off shore from March through June. Dorado, bonita, barracuda, amberjack and wahoo are caught year-round, most excursions leave from the Club Abrigo Nautico de Cozumel, located north of town near the airport. A popular Billfish tournament comes to the island every May. Other Water Sports: Besides diving, snorkeling and fishing, sailing, jet skiing and water-skiing are also popular on the island s western shore. San Francisco beach offers the widest range of watersports equipment. Our Chief Concierge will be glad too give you more details and advice regarding any activity. Cozumel Country Club is located at 7 miles from Fiesta Americana Cozumel, ClubCorp Latin America and Nicklaus Design Group designed and sculped this enviromental an 18-hole Golf Course from the jungle, around trees, red mangroves and natural wet-land. Greeen Fee: $ 145 Usd plus tax per person, included shared golf cart Club rental:$ 35 Usd plus tax per player/round Lessons:$45 Usd RESTAURANTS - HACIENDA MIRAMAR: Located main building on 3rd floor, offers international food and Mexican Specialties. Open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. (high season only). - TROPICAL FOREST: Located by the poolside; offers an ecological food menu, lunch a la carte, international dinner and local menu. The restaurant is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Informal dress code. The restaurant has theme nights every day of the week. - REEF: Located on the beachfront. Modern Mexican food; the restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m; informal dress code. - DIVE BAR: Open from 6 p.m. to 10:30 P.M., serving international drinks. - ROOM SERVICE: 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM. Type: Resort No. of Rooms: 254 Beach Location: Beach Front (Directly on Beach/Water Front) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Cozumel_Mexico/fiestaamericana/hotel/77/2/ Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:52:26 EST