Destination Details

Cozumel

Prior to the arrival of the conquistadors, the island of Cozumel was a major Mayan commercial and ceremonial center. During the colonial era, it was largely uninhabited, except for sporadic stays by pirates and turtle hunters. In the mid-19th century, settlers arrived from the Yucatan Peninsula, fleeing the War of the Castes. The following years saw the development of the chicle industry on the mainland and Cozumel became a center for collecting and exporting this gum. In the 20th century, the island became known to the world following Jacques Cousteau's 1961 television documentary of the area’s rich coral reefs and marine life. This publicity fueled tourism that was emerging which today is Cozumel’s main industry.

Meaning ‘Island of Swallows’ in Mayan, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island measuring about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. Cozumel is blessed with long, white sandy beaches. Gentle waves and transparent waters caress the western side of the island, while large waves crash the wind-exposed eastern coast. The interior is dominated by low-jungle vegetation with some unique flora and fauna including certain endemic species such as the dwarf raccoon and the Cozumel wren. The island’s greatest wealth however lies underwater.

Cozumel is encircled by over 25 reef formations where divers of all ages and levels can explore a fascinating world of endless colonies of corals inhabited by enormous schools of bright colored fish. In fact, more than 100 world-class dive spots have been identified within 3 miles of the island’s shores. What makes Cozumel unsurpassed as a diving and snorkeling haven is the year-round clarity of its waters where visibility of 150 feet is common.

In addition to spectacular dive and snorkel activities, visitors can enjoy a very good museum depicting Cozumel’s history, a beautiful national park at Chankanaab, and a picturesque lighthouse on the island’s southern tip. San Miguel de Cozumel, the capital of the island, maintains the charms of a peaceful Caribbean town. At night the town offers great entertainment including excellent seafood dining, live music, discos and bars.

Cozumel can be reached by a 40-minute ferry ride from Playa del Carmen, or by plane from Playa del Carmen as well as international destinations. The island offers a wide range of accommodation including deluxe hotels, quaint B&B’s, and inexpensive hostels.

Map of Cozumel

San Miguel
San Miguel provides a hub for the island's activity. There is a main strip of shops and restaurants along Avenida Rafael Melgar, which lines the waterfront just a few miles south of the airport. Plaza del Sol, the main square and heart of the town, sits directly across from the docks.

Barrier Reefs
Immense walls of coral that drop from 30 to 1,200 feet, line the southwest side of the island. At six miles long, this marine-rich reef system is second in length only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The entire island is actually flanked by more than 20 miles of offshore reefs, which include such fabulous diving spots as Santa Rosa Reef, San Francisco Reef, Chankanaab Reef, and Yucab Reef. The reefs feature underwater caves and canyons, large schools of colorful fish, and a fascinating variety of sea coral in crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 200 feet.

Museo de las Isla de Cozumel
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, located in San Miguel on Av. Rafael Melgar between Calles 4 and 6 N, describes local geology, flora and fauna, and the island's natural ecosystem. Exhibits also include the history of Mayan civilization to the present day. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.

Parque Nacional Chankanaab
This wildlife sanctuary and archeological park is located 9 km south of San Miguel. It features a beautiful lagoon surrounded by a botanical garden with 352 tropical plants species from more than 20 countries.

Chankanaab Lagoon is a natural aquarium fed by seawater from underground tunnels. Its shallow waters host over 60 species of tropical fish, plus turtles, crustaceans and coral formations. For visitors interested in archeology, there is an interactive educational museum and reproductions of Mayan ruins with examples of common living quarters. The park, which has one of the island’s best beaches, also has showers, dressing rooms with lockers, four dive shops, and a restaurant.

Archeological Sites
During pre Hispanic times, Mayan women throughout the Yucatan peninsula canoed across from the mainland to worship the Ix Chel, known as the goddess of fertility. Today, 25 sites have been discovered on the island and a few restored.

The preserved ruins of San Gervasio were dedicated to the goddess Ix Chel. The structures are mainly foundations of small temples and shrines. Entrance is approximately $3 dollars (27 pesos) and bilingual guides can be hired. To reach, take Avenue Juarez until you intersect with the San Gervasio access road and head north for approximately five miles.

Parque Ecoturistico de Punta Sur
Located on the southern tip of the island, this 250-acre ecological reserve is designed to promote habitat conservation and the area's history. As such, beside the Tumba del Caracol Mayan monument is the picturesque lighthouse, Faro Celarain, built in 1901. Open to the public, it offers a fabulous view of the island.

The park also has the Celarain Lighthouse museum that depicts navigation history and features the Lighthouse keeper's preserved home. Also within the park is the ecological diverse Laguna Columbia located admist a wonderful setting. Visitors to the lagoon may rent a bike or kayak, swim, or take a leisurely stroll along the trails to observation towers.

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