Cozumel, Mexico

In 1961 Jacque Cousteau visited a subtropical island 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. He dubbed it one of the 5 best dive spots on earth.  Since that time, with the allure of the azure Caribbean waters and the warmth of the Mexican sun, it has become the destination of choice for snorkeling and diving. The “Land of Swallows” in ancient Mayan, the island of Cozumel.

Only 10 miles wide and 28 miles long, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest inhabited island, although most of the island is sparsely populated. Situated on the second largest barrier reef in the world, Cozumel boasts outstanding snorkeling and diving. The Palancar Reef, a mountainous underwater formation 6 miles long and 300 feet wide, attracts worldwide water enthusiasts.  Deep sea fishing is also very popular, with sailfish being the prize trophy. 

First class resorts line white sand beaches.  The water in front of your resort will offer beautiful underwater sights.  Most resorts offer snorkeling gear on the beach and many have their own Dive Shop. Most also offer dive trips out to the reef.  There is a new Nicklaus designed golf course just north of San Miguel, and many resorts offer golf packages. Taxis are readily available, and rental jeeps are a great way to tour the island.  San Gervasio is the largest Mayan ruin on Cozumel.  It was the islands capital and ceremonial center.  It is also home to the largest population of iguana’s I’ve ever seen. 

San Miguel has a beautiful town square, which is the hub of shopping and nightlife.  Many restaurants are within walking distance of town square, and most are open-air and very informal. There are delicious specialty restaurants with fabulous views of the Caribbean, and great prices.  Since most of Cozumel’s tourists are water enthusiasts, (who play hard during the day and are exhausted by evening), Cozumel has a very relaxed atmosphere.  Much more relaxed than Cancun or Playa del Carmen. 

Cozumel experiences a huge difference in temperature between winter and summer.  It is a chilling 81 degrees in winter and a blistering 89 in summer.  Low temps vary from 67 to 78.  July and August are VERY humid.

Cozumel is the perfect vacation for an active couple or family who want to experience the natural beauty of the Palancar Reef, and the ancient history of a Mayan island.  It is a much slower version of its neighbors on the peninsula.  Dive masters certify SCUBA divers in its waters daily.