COZUMEL, MEXICO

The Island of Cozumel is located in the Caribbean, a short distance from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It was populated by highly-developed Maya tribes whose accomplishments include writing, astronomy, botanical medicine and mathematics.

Cozumel’s well-deserved reputation as a scuba diver’s paradise resulted from Jacques Cousteau’s visits in the 1950s. Beautiful beaches and crystalline waters with average temperatures of 77 to 82F have turned the island into a preferred destination for over 800 luxury cruise ships as well as the site for world tournaments for sailfish and marlin fishing.

The coral reefs surrounding Cozumel have been declared a National Park to preserve and protect the region’s marine life. Modern accommodations, duty-free shopping, and millenary temples coexist in this beautiful island.

POINTS OF INTEREST

Laguna de Chankanaab, one of the best sites for snorkeling and scuba diving. The lagoon, a world-renown ecosystem, is connected to the ocean and has a vast array of coral and sponge reefs which are visited by schools of colorful fish. The lagoon is located in a National Park that has archaeological replicas representing the cultures of Central America.

Museo de la Isla de Cozumel showcases the history of the Maya population and the Spanish Conquista. Geological and archeological exhibits, as well as a collection of artwork, highlight many of the island’s attractions.

San Gervasio, a pre-Columbian site that was the religious center of the Maya, has been restored, and bilingual guides offer tours of the area.