El Otro Lado :The Other Side of Cozumel

If your image of Cozumel involves cruise ships, hordes of tequila-drenched tourists and pushy t-shirt vendors, you're not alone. That was exactly my experience the last time I was in Cozumel but that was because I had never reached el otro lado. The other side is the undeveloped, east side of Cozumel. It's covered with a 20 mile stretch of coastline with huge waves, pale-sand beaches and exposed coral shelves.



Palm trees wave and pearly sand beckons you to sink your feet in. Blow holes push out shooting cascades of glistening water. Every weekend, locals go out on boats and call to dolphins by tapping the side of the boats. The dolphins appear and swim playfully along.



A cross guards Punta Morena and it seems to spread a tranquil vibe across the entire area. You can go hours without seeing anybody except a few surfers and divers. Cruise ship patrons rarely make it to this side of Cozumel because of the the time involved and lack of tourist amenities like resorts, WiFi or a Senor Frog's. Needless, to say, I didn't miss any of that.



You can rent a cute beach cabana with private bath on the beach. It just provides sleep and bath basics, which is enough for most surfers and divers.



Fresh lobster pizza and shrimp fajitas are served at Punta Morena restaurant while Spanish techno music floats in the background. It's a peaceful aura that charms you into relaxation. I sat on the beach and watched the crashing currents for eons, happy to be on the other side.