The sun is shining brilliantly and the waves are gently tickling your feet as you walk along beautiful white sand beaches. The gentle breeze keeps you cool and the warm water relaxes you. You are on an island in the turquoise colored Caribbean Sea that has the prices of staying in Mexico. You are experiencing the tropical Island of Cozumel.

Cozumel is just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, a 50 minute ferry ride to Cancun. Cozumel is a diving and snorkeling paradise with incredible reefs and fish. Crystal clear water allows you to see incredible coral and colorful fish for over a hundred feet in all directions. Snorkeling is easy on the Palancar Reef where the ocean current gently moves you along without any effort at all. Enjoy staying at one of the luxurious resorts with good beaches. Cozumel is a charming town with fun shopping and welcoming people. If you have a chance take a $10 taxi ride to Chankanaab National Park for great swimming, snorkeling and for an extra fee swim with the dolphins. Cozumel is a very quiet island, perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Flying to Cozumel you can take American Airlines with a change in Dallas or Delta with a change in Atlanta. Or you can fly nonstop into Cancun, stay for a few days there and then take the 50 minute ferry from Playa del Carmen over to Cozumel to spend the rest of your trip. There are incredible all-inclusive resorts on the quiet Riviera Maya south of Cancun or great hotels in Cancun. While in Cancun you can take tours to see the amazing Mayan ruins at Tulum (about 90 minutes from Cancun) or at Chichen Itza (about three hours from Cancun). You can spend a day at the impressive Xcaret Eco Theme park with fun water activities, performances and exhibits.

Many cruise ships stop in Cozumel giving you the opportunity for a day filled with snorkeling, swimming, shopping and relaxing. I find it refreshing that Cozumel is not as commercialized as most Mexican resort towns. Cozumel is a great destination for your adventure in paradise!

Travel Tip: You will need a passport to fly to Mexico or to fly to any other country. Check out http://www.travel.state.gov to apply for or renew your passport.

Gary Sorensen is a regional manager for Morris Murdock Travel. For all of your travel information see Morris Murdock Travel in Bountiful at 320 W. 500 S. or call 295-9443.