“Island of Swallows”
Location: off the coast of
Quintana Roo State, Caribbean Sea,
southeast Mexico
Distance from Cancun: 50 miles
Island’s population: 65,000
Closest major airport: San Miguel
Airport on Cozumel, Cancun International
Airport (CUU)
Web site: www.islacozumel.com.mx
Cozumel is the largest inhabited island
in Mexico, known as the plunging
paradise for divers from all over the
world. The island is located east of the
Yucatan Peninsula on top of the age-old
structures of the Mayan coral reef – the
second largest in the world. The
island’s lagoon is connected to the sea
by narrow canals with underwater caves,
bursting with multicolored tropical fish
and unique inland reefs. The beaches in
Cozumel are surrounded by dense tropical
vegetation and unusual endemic species,
and while these are also characteristic
of the island, its greatest wealth is
undoubtedly underwater.
Water sports dominate the scene in
Cozumel. About 80,000 of the island's
annual visitors come to Cozumel for one
thing: the area's incomparable scuba
diving. With more than 20 miles of
reefs, water visibility to 200 feet, and
more than 200 species of tropic fish,
it's easy to see why it was a favorite
spot for French oceanographer Jacques
Cousteau. The area's exceptional diving
over-shadows Cozumel's excellent
fishing. billfish, including marlin and
sailfish, are caught within a
quarter-mile off shore.
The Island of Cozumel measures 30 miles
from north to south and 10 miles from
east to west. It is bordered on both
sides by stunning white-sand beaches and
crystal-clear waters. Travelers looking
for ultimate relaxation in a more
private setting can head to the quaint
beaches of La Pasión, located just north
of the island of Cozumel, where the only
sounds heard are the crash of soothing
waves and exotic birds chirping. San
Miguel de Cozumel, the capital of the
island, is also worth visiting for some
quiet time in a colorful setting. The
peaceful old village has all the charm
of the Mexican Caribbean with
top-quality cuisine that is legendary
throughout the region.
Cozumel has a rich, prehispanic past,
reflected in its nearly 25
archaeological zones. While the majority
is still in exploration stages, San
Gervasio and San Cedral are worth a
visit. Shopping for souvenirs is another
frequented activity in Cozumel,
particularly in places like Bazar del
Angel, Casablanca and La Campana, all
located along the Avenida Melgar. The
handicrafts market is located a few
blocks from the main square, while other
more expensive shops exhibiting art
work, like Los Cinco Soles, Playa del
Angel and Talavera, are spread
throughout the island.
Cozumel is an ideal Caribbean
destination for all types of travelers.
Those looking for some quiet time can
lay on one of the island’s private
beaches, and travelers interested in spa
treatments and ultimate pampering can
visit one of Cozumel´s five-star
accommodations, while those wanting to
explore underwater miracles can dive
into the second largest coral reef in
the world. |
