Cozumel, Mexico

Colonial era ruin in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island and is located in the Carribean Sea just 19km off the Yucatan Coast. It is one of the municipalities of the state of Quintana Roo and is famous to scuba divers around the world for its magnificent dive spots. The island is characterized by lush greenery, white-sand beaches, crystal clear ocean waters, lagoons and mangroves.

Cozumel has been ranked by hardcore divers as one of the top five scuba-diving and snorkeling sites of the world. In its waters, one can find a spectacular treasure trove of marine life and the residents of Cozumel are very proud and very protective of this. In fact, the Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel (or the Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and the Parque Naturale Chankanaab (or the Chankanaab Nature Park) are only some of the places created to protect the rich and diverse marine life found in the island. But Cozumel is not just for scuba-divers or water sport enthusiasts. Regular tourists can enjoy the various offerings that Cozumel has in store for them. There are magnificent and well manicured golf-courses, luxurious spas and resorts, delightful restaurants that serve a vast selection of seafood dishes, and not to forget, quite a few bars and pubs that serve regular as well as exotic beverages and serve a proof a flourishing night life.

In the past few years, Cozumel has benefited from a sudden boost in its tourism industry, which is its main source of income. This is no doubt caused by recent developments in air transportation service, a tremendous increase in cruise ship visits, a surge in commercial, real-estate and resort developments among others.

The best way to get to Cozumel is via direct flight from the United States. However, one can also travel by bus and ride the water jet over to the island.