Educational/cultural sights near the port or Paradise Beach

[KatieCharlotte]

We're planning to spend most of our time in Cozumel taking a taxi to Paradise Beach and enjoying the water toys. However, we may also be interested in showing our kids something beyond the beach, especially if we're unlucky and can't port in Roatan, where we're planning a private tour. I'm thinking about anything that can teach the kids, especially the oldest, something about the local culture or history -- museums, markets where locals shop, a school, etc. -- within walking distance of the port or Paradise Beach. Any recommendations?

[mom4mom]

If you don't have your heart set on Paradise Beach, you might consider Chankanaab Park. Admission is $19 per person with the coupon on their website. It has a pool but not a sandy beach but you can swim in the Gulf and snorkel. There is a botanical garden with some history mixed into it with stops along the way explaining the Mayan culture. There's a sea lion show and a lagoon with iguanas. You can pay lots extra and even swim with the dolphins or manateees. Quite a lovely mix of things to do.

[Colorado Kat]

Not really anything cultural close to Paradise Beach.

 

I do remember visiting Mayan (I think?) ruins on the island, but that would have been 25 years ago, and I can't remember names. We had rented a car ourselves that day.