Although it’s a small island, Cozumel offers an abundance of activities that include scuba diving, snorkeling, charter fishing and biking. Located 12 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, Cozumel has white beaches, clear blue water, colorful coral reefs and a tropical climate all year long. It is mostly an undeveloped jungle island with abundant wildlife and tropical birds. Cruise ships include it on their itineraries, offering land tours and excursions to such landmarks as the Mayan ruins at Tulum and Coba or a visit to Xel Ha Park.

There are two popular beaches in Cozumel: Paradise beach, about 10 minutes from where cruise ships dock, and Playa Mia Beach. San Miguel de Cozumel on the waterfront is the island’s only town and the main shopping district, where you can purchase wrought iron and carved wood, clothing, hammocks, painted gourds, handmade pottery, silver jewelry and black coral.

The island offers in-depth opportunities to explore Mayan ruins and jungle terrain. As cruise ship land tours, these excursions take up most of the day in port, but the rewards are worth it, as you will experience amazing landscapes, wildlife and archeological wonders. Cozumel Chankanaab National Park, a natural aquarium with an inland coral reef, is another attraction that offers snorkeling, diving, dolphins and underwater park trails.

Cozumel’s coral reefs have been popular with scuba divers since the 1950s when Jacque Cousteau created underwater documentaries here. This period began the development of the little island’s tourism industry. Over the years, the downtown area has grown with specialty shops, locally made arts and crafts, restaurants, hotels, parks and other recreational activities. It’s become a major destination for cruise ships. The “Discover Mexico” museum, a 10-minute walk from town, features Mayan ruins replicas and exhibits on pirates and galleons, as well as the island’s history.

Cozumel’s coral reefs have been popular with scuba divers since the 1950s when Jacque Cousteau created underwater documentaries here. This period began the development of the little island’s tourism industry. Over the years, the downtown area has grown with specialty shops, locally made arts and crafts, restaurants, hotels, parks and other recreational activities. It’s become a major destination for cruise ships. The “Discover Mexico” museum, a 10-minute walk from town, features Mayan ruins replicas and exhibits on pirates and galleons, as well as the island’s history.

For fishermen, March through June offers the best time for catching marlin and grouper. The island offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities right off the beach. Some tours will take you through areas of poverty where it is obvious the islanders depend greatly on cruise ship passengers for income.

Cozumel Website

“Discover Mexico” Museum

Scuba Mau Cozumel

Playa Mia Beach

Cozumel Parks Website

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