On one of the largest islands of Mexico, Cozumel is located 20 kilometers from the northeastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, near the popular resorts of the Riviera Maya. Thanks to its dense green vegetation, incredible scuba diving and small beaches with fine coral sand and crystal clear blue-green sea, the island has become one of the hottest vacation spots in the country, popular among sunbathers, as well as for divers. Known to Maya as a-kuzamil (“land of swallows”), Cozumel was an important pilgrimage site for worshippers of the sun gods, and between the 17th and 19th centuries it served as a haven for pirates and smugglers, including such infamous characters as Henry Morgan and Long John Silver. These days, pirates and pilgrims have been replaced by a new type of sun worshippers – many tourists attracted here for resorts.
1 Diver’s Delight: Palankara Reef
Thanks to conservation efforts, marine life in the waters around Cozumel has bounced back after decades of overfishing, and the burden is now on observing fish in their natural habitat rather than trapping them. The island is extremely popular as a destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who are spoilt for choice when it comes to the beautiful reefs on which to dive and explore. One of the best places to dive is the Palankara Reef, rising from a depth of up to 80 meters in shallow water under the sea surface at the southwestern tip of the island. A popular dive involves a large bronze figure of Christ placed 17 meters underwater. Other good diving spots are on the reefs of San Francisco, Parasi, Colombia and Maracaibo, as well as on the Santa Rosa Wall.
2 Beaches of Cozumel
Although the island is not particularly well known for its beaches, there are wonderful areas of magnificent powdery white sand, a byproduct of the numerous coral reefs surrounding the island. Among the most popular and attractive beaches of Cozumel are Playa San Juan and Playa Santa Pilar in the northwest corner of the island and Playa San Francisco, Playa Santa Rosa, as well as Playa Palancar to the southwest. Note that on the eastern side, which opens into the Caribbean Sea, there are Playa Encantada, Playa Hanan, Punta Morena, Playa Chen Rio and Playa Chiceros.
3 San Miguel de Cozumel
On the northwest side of Cozumel, San Miguel de Cozumel is the capital of the island and offers many interesting distractions. In addition to the tourist center, it is also a busy port. Many ferries regularly sail to the mainland – especially to Cancun and Playa del Carmen – and the port is also home to cruise ships as they ply the sparkling waters of the Caribbean (the city also boasts a major airport). Another highlight includes the interesting Island Museum (Museo de la Isla) with its numerous exhibits dealing with local geography, history and abundance of marine life. It’s also a fun city to just stroll around, show off great cuisine, as well as the opportunity to shop, whether it’s souvenirs, local crafts, or luxury items like jewelry.
4 Chankanab Lagoon and Cozumel National Marine Park
One of the most interesting natural attractions of Cozumel is the Chancanab Lagoon, a small freshwater lake just seven kilometers south of San Miguel de Cozumel in the National Marine Park. Renovated from the sea (with the exception of a few underground canals), it is a popular place for walking thanks to its crystal clear water and numerous colorful tropical fish, and it is a charming place for swimming, snorkeling and snorkeling. Now part of the adventure park surrounding the lagoon, guests can also enjoy activities including a sea lion show and crocodile exhibit, zip lining and riding on top of the peaks, as well as visiting an authentic Mayan house to sample traditional dishes.
5 Mayan Manuel’s Legacy: San Gervasio
More than 30 Mayan sites have been discovered on Cozumel, some of them in beautiful locations such as dense jungles or perched above pristine beaches. The most important is San Gervasio, built in 800 AD and located 16 kilometers from San Miguel de Cozumel. Highlights include the X-Man Temple, which has been the center of the island’s religious life for centuries and a place of pilgrimage from all over the Maya Empire. Also of interest are the nearby ruins on Santa Rita, and a little further away are the ruins of Santa Pilar and Castillo Real, the latter boasting the largest Mayan structure in Cozumel. There are also Mayans in the southeastern corner of the island in Buenavista and in the south in El Caracol.
Address: Carretera Transversal Kilómetro 7.5, Centro, 77600 Cozumel, QROO