Official Name: Cozumel Capital: Flag: Population: 473,193 Language: Spanish (official), English Currency: Mexico Pesos (MXN) Government Website: www.cozumel.gob.mx Chamber of Commerce: Emergency Info:

About Cozumel Island

Situated off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, beautiful Cozumel is Mexico’s largest Island. It’s best known for the clarity of the ocean waters in which it sits, making it a premier destination for diving and snorkeling of all levels. The underwater wildlife is absolutely amazing here and due to the clarity of the water (100 - 200 ft visibility, depending on the season) So amazing are the waters of Cozumel, that when 1961, Jacques Cousteau visited Cozumel he declared that the Island was one of the best scuba snorkeling places in the world. So Cozumel was transformed from the quiet fishing town it once was, into the protected underwater marine park that is now enjoyed by many people from all around the world.

You’ll quickly discover that although best known for its open water snorkeling, Cozumles cave snorkeling (or “cenote”) is some of the best in the world. The best part about a dive into one of these amazing caves is the clarity in which you can see all the marine life within the caves. The water is so clear that it is almost as if you were in a cave with no water. Each cave has its own unique identity, and you’ll find if you travel more than once to Cozumel, you’ll be able to re-find caves you’ve been to.

The city (there’s really only one), which is actually named San Miguel, is called most commonly Cozumel. The downtown, or the main square area, is full of shops and eateries. There’s also a local market downtown which has lots of hand crafted items at good prices that are prefect gift giving items. Transportation in the city is plentiful, and the taxi rides are reasonably priced.

About a half mile north of town, lies the Marina area (or Abrigo). It’s a very relaxing area, good for sunbathing. And you wont be the only one sunbathing here… it’s a hot spot for the brightly colored striped Iguanas to lounge out, too.

One of the lesser known, but very interesting sites is here on the island and is called San Gervacio. Now a park with a restoration project to study the Mayan culture, this was once a sacred site where Mayan women journeyed to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Other fascinating sites such as Chichen Itza with its massive pyramids that rival those at Cheops, and Tulum, the only Mayan city built overlooking the sea, and even Tikal in its lush jungle settings where wild monkeys still can be seen, each are an easy one day excursion from Cozumel.

Cozumel Island Map