Cozumels Facts

LOCATION
Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, is situated near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The island is approximately 30 miles long and 10 miles wide.

CLIMATE
The average daily air temperature in Cozumel is 80 degrees. In July and August, the highs range from the upper 80’s to the low 90’s. In December and January, the daytime temperatures average in the mid-70s.

HISTORY
Cozumel derives its name from the Maya Indians who settled the island approximately 2,000 years ago. According to Mayan legend, Cozumel was the home of the goddess Ixchel, devoted to love and fertility. Religious temples were dedicated to the goddess and in return she sent her favorite bird – the swallow -- as a sign of gratitude. For this reason, the Mayans named the island “The Land of the Swallows.”

Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva first visited the island in 1518. A year later, Spanish Conquistador Hernan Cortes, arrived and destroyed many of the Maya temples. By the time Cortes departed, the Mayan civilization lay in ruins. Between 1519 and 1570, an outbreak of small pox ravaged Cozumel, killing thousands of people and leaving the island nearly desolate. The island was resettled in 1848 by Indians of Maya descent fleeing the mainland during the “War of the Castes,” a struggle to regain their original lands. The Mexican Revolution of 1910 – 1917 triggered land reforms and eventually led to freedom for the “islenos,” the native population of Cozumel. By 1970, Cozumel’s population had grown to 10,000. Today, the population is more than 75,000.

TRANSPORTATION
Plane – There are numerous daily domestic and international flights into Cozumel. Direct flights from the United States are currently available from Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and Houston.

Ferry –“Mexico Water Jets” and Ultramar ferries passengers back and forth between Playa del Carmen on the Yucatan peninsula and Cozumel. The ferry operates continuously every hour, and the crossing takes approximately 35 minutes. A car ferry is also available and departs from Calica, which is five minutes south of Playa Del Carmen. The trip takes one hour, and service is provided by Transcaribe, which operates four times a day.

Automobile – In addition to car rentals (standard-transmission Volkswagens and four-wheel-drive vehicles are the norm), taxis are plentiful, but are unmetered, so passengers should inquire about fares in advance.

SIGHTS
Cozumel is rich in history and natural wonders. Popular destinations include the ancient Mayan Archaeological site on the north side of the island, the sanctuary of the fertility goddess Ixchel at San Gervasio and the Museum of the Island of Cozumel, with its colorful displays of underwater reefs and other island treasures. Located on the south side of the island is El Cedral, the oldest Maya structure on Cozumel, built in A.D. 800. Nearby is Punta Sur, a towering lighthouse that offers a 360-degree view of the island.

Cozumel is home to many nature preserves: the Cozumel Reefs National Park, Chankanaab Park and Lagoon and Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. The botanical gardens at Chankanaab Park showcase 350 types of tropical plants from more than 20 countries. Another attraction is Dolphin Discovery, which treats visitors to a close-up encounter with playful dolphins. Punta Sur is an ecological reserve for visitors interested in learning about the island’s native flora and fauna. Encompassing a region known as the Colombia lagoon, Punta Sur is a unique environment of mangrove jungles, white sand beaches and reef formations.

The only town on the island, San Miguel, is the site of two popular landmarks: Benito Juarez Park, the main square, and the downtown pier. Sundays are favorite times for afternoon strolls, music and dancing.

BEACHES
The West coast of Cozumel features long stretches of powdery white-sand beaches overlooking calm, clear waters. Popular spots include Playa San Francisco, Playa Mia, Palancar, Paradise, Carlos n’ Charlie’s and Mr. Sancho´s. The shoreline on the east side of the island offers a mix of white-powder beaches and rock-strewn shorelines. The seas often produce strong waves and undertows. Popular spots such as Punta Morena, Punta Chiquero, Playa Bonita and Chen Rio are generally less crowded than the beaches on the west end of the island.

DINING/NIGHTLIFE
There are more than 90 restaurants and cafes, offering a wide choice of cuisine, including Mexican, International, Mediterranean, Italian, Caribbean and seafood. There also are several U.S.-based fast-food outlets and chain restaurants, including the Hard Rock Café, Carlos´n Charlies and Sr. Frogs. In addition to its many beachfront, downtown and hotel bars, the island provides evening entertainment.

SPORTS
Cozumel is known worldwide as a premier diving destination. The warm, clear, turquoise waters and abundance of coral reefs and sea life attract divers from around the world. The major dive sites in the surrounding waters include: Barracuda, Cardona, Chankanaab, Chun Chancaab, Colombia, La Francesa, Los Atolones, Maracaibo, Palancar, Paraiso, Paso del Cedral, Punta Sur, San Francisco Wall, Santa Rosa Wall and Yucab. Besides diving, Cozumel offers many other water sports for marine enthusiasts, including snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, windsurfing and parasailing.

For landlovers and avid golfers, Cozumel boasts a one-of-a-kind championship 18-hole, Nicklaus-design, eco-friendly golf course. In 2006, the Cozumel Country Club achieved designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System (ACSS), making it the first golf course in Mexico to hold this prestigious honor. While driving through the ecofriendly course players can witness animals and plant life native to the area.

In addition, the island offers other popular recreational land activities such as horseback riding, tennis, hiking and exciting ATV and jeep tours.

SHOPPING
A duty-free zone, Cozumel is recognized for its wide variety of jewelry, including sterling silver, gold, precious and semi-precious stones, and brand-name watches. Village shops and retail boutiques in the hotels offer a wide selection of fashions, casual attire, perfumes, Mexican crafts and souvenirs. Several downtown specialty shops feature indigenous black coral in the form of jewelry and sculptures. (Note: Cozumel adheres strictly to regulations governing the preservation of black coral.)

EXCURSIONS
Day tours from Cozumel to the Maya ruins located on the Yucatan peninsula are available through local travel agencies. Transportation is generally included in the tours.

Popular Maya sites include:

• Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is located in the interior of the Yucatan peninsula. The archaeological site has Maya pyramids, temples, castles (including the famous El Castillo) and carvings dating to the 7th and 8th centuries.

• Tulum is situated on the Yucatan coast 36 miles south of Playa del Carmen and 78 miles south of Cancun. The site features several Maya temples and government buildings.

• Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve lies on a limestone flat on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan peninsula, just south of Tulum. The 1.3-million-acre reserve is home to endangered manatees, crocodiles, jaguars and turtles, and features more than 1,000 varieties of plants, 350 species of birds and 70 different mammals. More than 1,000 Maya live within the reserve.

• Coba is located on the eastern half of the Yucatan peninsula and is the site of the area’s largest Maya pyramid, carved ceremonial columns and temples.

-Cozumel Promotion Board

EXPLORE THE NATURAL, WILD SIDE OF COZUMEL WITH ECO-ADVENTURES ABOVE AND BELOW THE SEA

COZUMEL’S EL CEDRAL PAYS TRIBUTE TO MAYAN TRADITIONS

PUNTA SUR ECOLOGICAL PARK

SAN GERVASIO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

UNDERWATER CINERAMA MAKES COZUMEL, MEXICO ONE OF WORLD’S MOST POPULAR DIVE DESTINATIONS

CHANKANAAB NATIONAL PARK

COZUMEL’S ANNUAL CARNAVAL FESTIVITIES

SAVINGS FOUND UNDER THE SEA IN COZUMEL

What makes Cozumel such an attractive holiday spot? Well, it does have a lot going for it so read on to find out more. Firstly, while it is in Mexico, it is an island. It is full of family activity things and yet is has enough romance for lovers to enjoy themselves fully. This place has a broad range of enjoyable qualities and therefore makes it a great spot for any kind of vacation. You never know what you will get here as it is a place marked for its air of naturalness and liveliness.

Cozumel is renowned for being a great diving spot. If you want to experience scuba diving or you are an avid snorkeler then you'll enjoy the amazing marine life. The coral reefs around the island make for a beautifully picturesque underwater experience that is full of aquatic life. There are professionals who will help guide novices and ensure that divers of diverse skill levels will enjoy a safe diving experience. The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is responsible for the protection of this under water habitat and they have ensured that everything is well taken care of.

Santa Rosa, Punta Sur and Palancar are some of the more famous spots for scuba diving. Snorkeling can be done at practically any of the beaches, some of which are nice and quiet and secluded. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park offers to tourists a whole lot of amenities such as lockers, restrooms and umbrellas apart from their tours and activity packages. If you're looking for restaurants, massages and shopping you will find it at Playa Uvas. After all, a day at the beach is no longer about just a little sun and sand.

How about some sightseeing? The old Mayan world has left its traces in the old districts of San Gervaiso. The ancient Temple of El Cedral is one of the oldest buildings you will ever find. El Caracol was a structure used to signal the coming for hurricanes and dates to about 1000 years ago. So, as you can see, there are more options on this island apart from your traditional beach activities.

Vacations often bring out the shopper in us (while there are some of us who never let that side of us ever hide any way.) There are a host of exotic goods so come prepared with luggage space to cart home your purchases. Goods in leather, pottery, textiles, jewelry, etc are all available and you should be ready to haggle and you'll find good bargains easily. You can also pick up stuff like vanilla and liquor to take back home. Golf courses, horse-back riding and visiting museums are some of the many things you could do.

This is a really photogenic place with wonderful vistas. You should definitely carry your camera and watch out for beautiful shots from the Punta Sur Lighthouse. Crocodiles, Iguanas and Giant Turtles are on view at times as well. There are a variety of places to stay at a variety of rates. No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, you are bound to enjoy it in Cozumel.