This is a nature preserve that took more than three years and $1.5 million to create. It covers 247 acres of the southern tip of the island, located in the area that is known as the Colombia Lagoon in the middle of mangrove jungles. The preserve contains beaches, reef formations and several different types of wildlife Entrance into the park has a cost of $10 and children under eight are free. Activities within the park include a catamaran tour, a historic lighthouse, a snorkelling center, where marine life and turtles can be observed. The museum located in the lighthouse exhibits maritime exploration and the evolution of seamanship from the Mayan times to modern ones. Transportation is free within the park and there are bilingual guides at the visitor center. There are small snack bars and outdoor restaurants in the park, and it opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Punta Sur
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This butterfly sanctuary located between the Hotel Presidente and Fiesta Americana in the PalMar Estate Beach Club. It was founded in 2006 as an effort to conserve and exhibit the indigenous butterflies of the area. Scientists believe there are more than 70 different butterfly species in the Yucatan. Patas y Alas is accumulating the necessary documentation to study their population and life cycles. It is a federal program which is managed under federal guidelines for wildlife preservation. Visitors can explore this special butterfly garden and see all the different butterflies, and are welcome to enjoy other amenities of the PalMar Beach Club afterwards. These amenities include a pool, spa, snack bar, restaurant and snorkel gear rental for shore snorkeling. The sanctuary is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It is an approximate 45-minute tour and admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.
Palmar Beach Club
Km 6.82 Sur
Cozumel QR
Mexico
This park sits south of the town of San Miguel. Within the park lies the only inland coral reef formation in the world. Other attractions within the park include Dolphin Discovery where visitors can swim with the dolphins or just enjoy playing with them. There is a sea lion show and a reproduction of a Maya village. Areas of the forest have trails and visitors can glimpse the different exotic birds and more than 350 different plant species have been identified. Admissions cost is $19 per adult and $10 per child.
Chankanaab Park
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