Though known for its coral reefs, Cozumel in Mexico is full of much more. The people, the water sports, the beaches, the resorts, and even the food are worth the trip. Above and beyond the beauty of the coast, there is more to this tropical destination. One stop you may want to consider as a break from sun worshipping and water skiing is the Punta Sur Light House, ecological park, and nature reserve.

The awe-inspiring park that is anchored by the light house covers over 247 acres of land. There is a great deal of wildlife to see, like iguanas, birds, and even the giant turtles can be seen from a safe distance through the park’s lookout tower. As an ecological park, Punta Sur allows you to get a feel for Cozumel’s natural appeal. Seeing the indigenous wildlife and beautiful coastal views are worth the trip alone. You can even make it a better experience, though, if you time your trip just right.

If you want to see the giant turtles come ashore and lay eggs, then you must visit during the right time of year. During the months of June, July, and August, you can usually see these gentle giants work their way up the beach to lay their eggs. Talk to local ecologists to time a trip back when the eggs hatch to see the baby turtles make their trek to the sea from their buried birthplaces.

If you visit Punta Sur, though, you certainly don’t want to forget a stop at the famous light house. Doubling as a navigation museum, there are many displays inside that offer insight into the history of the lighthouse and the way ships navigate the reef-filled coast. Nearby, you can even see an ancient lookout structure the Mayans used to signal when a hurricane was approaching. These were truly the first weather forecasters. The structure is very well preserved, which gives a real feel about how the system worked.

If you ware interested in the history of the island, there is an entire section on the Cozumel way of life in the 19th century. With photos and articles from the many generations of lighthouse keepers, the display offers real first person insight into what it was like to live in Cozumel in the 19th century. Additionally, you get to see what life was like for a lighthouse keeper and his family during that time.

As you can see, a day trip to the Punta Sur Light House, ecology park, and nature reserve is one well worth taking. The beaches and water sports are fun, but by making this trip you can get a glimpse into the history of Cozumel, get in touch with the wild life of the park, and see some great primary historical source material. With great photo opportunities, breathtaking views, and plenty of open space to enjoy, the park is a worthwhile trip for pictures, relaxation, and education all in one. So don’t miss the Punta Sur Light House and reserve; the beach will be there when you get back.