Cozumel, gem of the Mexican Caribbean, is located twelve miles off the southern coast of the Yucatan, just across from Playa del Carmen and nearby Akumal.

Cozumel is a destination for people seeking a relaxing, laid back vacation that includes the island's world renowned diving or snorkeling its fabled coral reefs. Cozumel's limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, crystal clear waters which range from stunning turquoise to deep indigo.

Cozumel Island is the largest island in the Republic of Mexico and is one the world's top diving destinations. The island is about 53 km long and 15 km wide with a land mass of 490 square km. A 3,000 foot deep channel and 19 km separates the island from the Yucatan Peninsula. 

COZUMEL HOTELS

ON LINE RESERVATIONS
ON LINE AVAILABILITY Click on the hotel name for more information or click in the Rates button to make your reservation.

		From:		Phone:
		USA & CANADA		1 800 851 8713
		MEXICO		01 800 272 2304
		WORLDWIDE		0052 998 287 36 17
		PROMOTION CODE:  RES 5

 

Interesting spots in Yucatan Peninsula Mexico: Don't miss them.
New The haciendas were the landed estates of Mexico, The haciendas represent the history of the towns in the Yucatan, their customs, economic and social activities. More!	New If you are going to scuba dive in the Riviera Maya in the beautiful Caribbean reefs you must come diving in Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya.. More!
New Banco Chinchorro is an impressive reef, which is considered to be the largest reef in Mexico and the second largest in the world. More!	New The Yucatan Peninsula is high on the list of unique places to visit for bid watchers. Altogether, 537 bird species, have been registered in Yucatan Peninsula.. More!
New Laguna Bacalar is the second largest sweet water lake in Mexico and still the best kept secret . More!	New Ria Celestun and Ria Lagartos reserves),Areas along the Yucatan Peninsula's coasts were recognized for their biodiversity. More!

With only 3% of the island developed, the rest of the island is inhabited by numerous birds, iguanas and other wildlife. National parks occupy much of the land and shore. The interior is covered by marshy lagoons, scrub, and dense jungle where Maya ruins hide. 

On the windward or eastern side of the island, development is nonexistent with the exception of a couple of small restaurants or bars scattered along the beach. The east shore has both rocky areas and long stretches of sand great for surfing and swimming. The leeward or west side faces the mainland and is where development is concentrated. The water is calm, ideal for snorkeling or scuba diving at one of the many reefs just off the coast.

Cozumel's west coast is where you'll find the majority of the island's development. The town of San Miguel, the airport, and the hotels are all located on the western side of the island.

Fortunately, massive resort development is paralyzed by a lack of potable water and a desire to protect the island's delicate ecosystem. This helps keep island life simple, and is hands-down the favorite for people seeking a serene Caribbean island vacation. 

Xel-ha This absolutely beautiful Nature park is in a huge natural aquarium, a great place for snorkeling strolling through jungle pathways.. More!

Xcaret This large eco -archeological park offers the change to swim in a underground river, stroll through botanical gardens.. More!

Garrafón spectacular cliffs highest elevation in the Yucatan and home to an ancient Maya temple. and offer dazzling views of the Mujeres Island. More!

Flora and Fauna

With majority of the island undeveloped and covered primarily with scrub and dense jungle, Cozumel Island has a diverse population of tropical birds, lizards, coati, deer and other wildlife. Bird watchers will not be disappointed with the flocks of multicolored parrots, blue warblers , white egrets and macas.

Climate

The climate on Cozumel Island is typical of the Caribbean. The average annual temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. From November to May, temperatures are slightly lower at about 25 degree Celsius. The weather is breezy with low humidity. Daily activities should not be hindered except during during heavy rains.

Tours to Chichen Itza, Tulum, Sian kaan, Coba, Xcaret, Xel Ha, Tres Rios and Wet´n Wild. Entertaiment and Fun: Swim with dolphins,  Bullfights & Mexican Traditions, Caribbean Carnival, Jungle Tour "Sunrise Marina", Deep Sea Fishing, Lobster Dinner "Columbus", Sr. Frog's Bar Leaping, Trainer for a Day "Atlantida", Horse Back Riding Loma Bonita, Nohoch Jungle Crossing, Subsee Explorer and more! Click here!

History

This island was first inhabited by the Mayas (explore the Mayas from Indigenous Peoples' Literature compiled by Glen Walker) . There is also a theory that the Maya were not the first inhabitants of Cozumel Island but distant cousins of the Maya who inhabited the continent of "Atlantis". The Mayans were responsible for the conversion of the island into a major trade center. During pre Hispanic times, Mesoamerican  women traveled across the channel to the island to honor the goddess of fertility, Ix Chel.  Folk tales claim every Mayan woman was required to make this trip.

Investment opportunities and real estate properties for sale or rent in Cozumel and the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Residential real estate in the city or on the Caribbean Sea shore. Villas condominiums,  apartments, beachfront houses, lots and more. Click Here!

In 1517, the arrival of Spanish slave trader Juan De Grijalva was followed by Spaniard Hermán Cortés who used Cozumel Island as a base to attack the mainland. Not too long after, two missionaries arrived to convert the indigenous population. By 1570, the Spaniards were still not able to colonize the island but those who were not massacred were decimated by disease.

Flamingos Cabins, El Cuyo Biosphere Reserve, Yucatan Peninsula

 

Thereafter, the island was occupied by a small native and Spaniard population.  During the 17th and 18th century, pirates used the island as a base and to hide their treasure. By 1843, the island was completely abandoned.

With the turn of the 20th century, the chewing gum industry turned their attention to the large supply of zapote trees on the island which led to the uncovering of Maya ruins.  Then during the 1950's, wealthy Mexicans used Cozumel island as a resort destination. By the 1960's, explorer Jacques Cousteau opened the island to divers around the world and today, Cozumel Island is one of the world's top diving and sun destinations.

 

Dolphin Discovery,  Experience the action and feel the emotion of swimming with dolphins in the ocean

Money Matters & Exchange Rates

It's a good idea to exchange money at the airport when you arrive for the airport transport and tips. There is a money exchange booth at the airport but if you plan to arrive very early or late, it might be a good idea to exchange some money before you arrive. Most hotels also offer exchange but their rates are usually not as good as if you exchanged money at a bank or one of the many exchange houses downtown.

Most restaurants and shops accept credit cards and traveler's checks. For restaurants, buying goods, & taxi fares it is  usually  better to pay in pesos (Mexican currency). You will receive a better rate this way. Most of the tours and scuba diving fees are charged in US dollars.

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