"What can I do in Cozumel for the day?"

As a frequent traveler to Mexico, I hear this question asked over and over. Many Caribbean cruise ships stop in Cozumel, Mexico for 8 to 12 hours. Plus, it's easy to take the ferry over for the day from Playa del Carmen, if you're vacationing there (or in Cancun to Playa's north).

While you won't have time to do everything, here are are five activities to choose from that you can do while in port.

Snorkeling at Chankanaab

If you love snorkeling or never tried it before but would like to, you must go to Chankanaab National Underwater Park. Getting there is a short US$10 taxi ride south of the International Pier. Snorkeling gear, to include life jackets and snorkeling vests, are available for rent on site. The gear costs $6 and the vest another $3. There are small lockers you can rent for $3 to stow your personal gear while snorkeling.

The snorkeling is great with numerous species of fish, coral and plants. Back from the rock wall is the fine sand beach with palapas and lounge chairs for sunbathers. On the seaside of the rock wall is the best snorkeling in Mexico with the most varieties of marine life.

Located inland from the beach is a fascinating archaeological park, complete with winding jungle trails, Mayan ruin replicas from throughout Mexico, a typical reconstructed Mayan village and an excellent botanical garden with more than 300 tropical and sub-tropical plant species from 22 countries along with 451 species from Cozumel.

Also on site are several shops, snack bars, two restaurants, and a Maya Museum. Chankanaab, meaning "little sea" is open daily; admission is $10 USD and children are free.

Shopping for Pottery, Leather Goods, Handicrafts, More

If shopping is more your forte, take a leisurely stroll through the village shops of San Miguel -- Cozumel's only town. From the cruise-ship pier, head north toward the malecon (boardwalk) in San Miguel. You can find anything from Mexican crafts in the small stores to very expensive jewelry at Diamonds International and everything in between.

There are great buys to be found on items originating in Mexico, such as jewelry, leather, clothing, and the native arts and crafts for which Mexico is famous. Also, you'll see a wide array of imported items, including duty-free perfumes and cosmetics, china and crystal, watches, American and European clothing and cameras. There are so many shops carrying the same products that prices can differ dramatically depending on the location of the store.

Bargaining is allowed and accepted mainly where the shop is owner-operated. When bargaining, in Mexico, it is often practiced to start at half the original price and then meet somewhere in the middle. The best bargains are made with cash and if you are buying more than one of an item.

Bargain when you can. The less fancy stores tend to have better prices and prices tend to drop as you move away from the downtown core. If you're looking for something in particular, asking locals is always good and let them know you are seeking cheap prices.

If you shop carefully, you'll discover that prices on jewelry fashioned with Mexican silver and turquoise are exceptionally good. When buying sterling silver, always make sure you see "925" stamped on the item. Gold items should be stamped with a set of two numbers and two letters (in any combination).

Textiles are another important product and indicate Mexico's geographic and cultural diversity. Traditional Mayan dresses (huipiles) and shawls (rebozos), as well as men's embroidered cotton shirts (guayaberas), tightly woven Panama hats and hammocks are representative of the Yucatan states, including Quintana Roo.

Leather goods, including shoes, boots, belts, purses and luggage, reflect Mexico's proud tradition of fine craftsmanship. Mexican handicrafts are among the most sought-after items here. You'll be able to choose from a range of works by artisans from nearly every part of the country.

Reproductions of ancient native handicrafts, including jewelry, stone carvings, wooden masks and semiprecious-stone sculptures make wonderful souvenirs. Interesting objects crafted from onyx, one of Mexico's major exports, are widely available as well.

Be sure to check out the vast array of pottery in Cozumel's stores. The art of making pottery, including everything from unglazed clay pieces to beautiful stoneware crockery, is a significant part of Mexico's cultural heritage.

The major stores are usually open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. However, Cozumel observes the traditional Mexican custom of the afternoon siesta: many shops close for a few hours in the afternoon. When a cruise ship is in port, more stores tend to remain open during the siesta period. Most stores accept credit cards, U.S. dollars and traveler's checks.

Maya Ruins at San Gervasio

San Gervasio (pronounced san-her-ba-see-oh) is a major excavation of Maya ruins on the island of Cozumel covering an area of about 10 acres and situated in beautiful and cool forest surroundings. While not as impressive as Tulum or Chichen Itza, San Gervasio provides you with a sense of the Maya culture and history.

These ruins were once the island's capital dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, the fertility goddess and the wife of Itzamma, the Maya God above all. Maya women from all over Mexico would make the pilgrimage here by dugout canoe to be blessed by the goddess of fertility.

The structures are mainly foundations of small temples and shrines. Entrance is approximately US$3 (27 pesos) and bilingual guides can be hired if so desired. Take Avenue Juarez until you intersect with the San Gervasio access road and head north for approximately five miles.

Island Drive to Various Beaches

Cozumel is only 28 miles long and 12 miles wide so it is an easy drive to do in a few hours. In general, the west side is where you'll find all of the resort hotels and quiet water; the east side is known for its rough surf, high waves and desolation -- in other words, a nice place to get away from the crowds.

One of the best beaches on the island, Playa San Francisco, is located 10 miles south of the center of town. Here are numerous dive shops, restaurants and bars. There are also public facilities for changing and showering. Playa Palancar is the more isolate part of the beach and extends three miles to the south.

Between Playa San Francisco and the center of town is Chankanaab Park. The beach is elevated above a sea wall that stretches along the cove. Diving and snorkeling are very popular here and the beach is powdery sand. Large palapas, umbrella-like structures, dot the beach, providing relief from the sun.

North of town is Playa San Juan, one of the best beaches for swimming and other water sports.

Although the heavy surf is quite impressive on the east coast, it makes for some dangerous swimming. Because of the heavy surf, this side of the island is for sunbathing and strolling the beaches. Playa Oriente, is a good beach you'll find where Cross Island Road comes to an end. If you are hungry or thirsty, stop at Mezcaletos. They have great Mexican food and cold cervasas!

Further south, there are three nice, nearly deserted beaches: Punta Morena, Punta Chiquero and Chen Rio. Punta Morena is clearly marked. Punta Chiquero is a large crescent shaped beach. A large outcropping of rocks that form a small bay only identifies Chen Rio.

At the south end, where the road turns back west, you'll find El Mirador, a clean shore with few rocks. Further south, towards the lighthouse, are smaller stretches of beach.

Golf at Cozumel Country Club

The Jack Nicklaus-designed Cozumel Country Club incorporates the natural habitat of the island into its course. From its native looking palapa-style club house to the passageways created so the blue crabs, iguanas and other native wildlife can move back and forth as their ancestors have done for centuries before them, the club blends with nature.

Getting there is a short 10-minute taxi trip from the International Pier to the northwest side of the island across the street from the Mayan Melia Paradisus. A round of 18 holes will cost you about US$60. A cart is $23. If you need to rent clubs, they will cost you $29. Visit www.cozumelcountryclub.com.mx for more information.

Cozumel is a great place to spend a day while in port. Any of the five above activities will peg your enjoyment-meter, so go ahead and make the most of your stay on Mexico�s largest island.