For nature-minded visitors to Cozumel, the island's new "Passport" eco-park pass offers a value-packed way to explore the verdant ecological parks of Chankanaab and Punta Sur, as well as the Cozumel Museum. The Passport offers a combined savings for admissions and activities of more than $30. The natural parks of Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, are rich in natural wonders, history and related cultural features. They are particularly popular with visitors who want to surround themselves in an untouched, well-protected and preserved natural environment. Visitors purchasing the Passport will be able to explore the unique ecological parks and famous museum of Cozumel at an affordable price of $20. Passport holders seeking adventurous, fun-filled activities also receive a combined total of $20 in savings on snorkel rentals, diving tours, the Spacewalker, an exciting trampoline bungee jumping experience, and the opportunity to sail on a complimentary catamaran tour. Visitors will also receive a 20 percent discount on domestic drinks at restaurants in Chankanaab park including "La Laguna" and "El Bucanero" and a 15 percent discount at the exclusive restaurant in the Cozumel museum, overlooking the water in downtown San Miguel. The non-transferable passport is available for purchase at the various parks and hotels on the island and valid until Dec. 31, 2003. "We are thrilled to offer this exclusive ecological Passport to our guests," said Gaston Cantarell Diaz, president of the Isla Cozumel Hotel Association and private sector representative for the tourism foundation. "Our dedication to offering guests exciting adventure opportunities at unbeatable prices helps make Cozumel one of Mexico's leading tourist destinations." Chankanaab Park is renowned for its botanical gardens and home to Chankanaab Lagoon, a one-of-a-kind natural aquarium featuring a diver's paradise. Punta Sur, Cozumel's newest ecological park and nature preserve, is a unique environment of mangrove jungles, white sand beaches and reef formations. The Museum of the Island of Cozumel provides visitors with a clearer understanding of the island's natural environments, exciting history and culture and is located on the Malecón, Avenue Rafael Malgar. Named "Cuzamil" by the Maya who inhabited it more than 2,000 years ago, Isla Cozumel or "land of the swallows" is located in the state of Quintana Roo, east of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel, approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide, has an international snorkeling and diving reputation with the world's second-largest reef network featuring limestone caves, tunnels and rare black coral.

Cozumel Reefs National Park, a protected 30,000-acre national area covering 85 percent of the island's dive sites and embracing the southern section of Cozumel, was created in 1996 for the purpose of conserving, monitoring and researching the reef formation and its natural habitat. In 2002 a U.S. News & World Report Travel Agent Survey recognized Isla Cozumel as the North American/Caribbean destination offering the best vacation value. Visit Cozumel on the World Wide Web at www.islacozumel.com.mx.