Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, and offers
dual delights that take visitors above and below water. Its jungle-clad
interior and ivory white beaches are girdled by one of the most
spectacular ensembles of coral reefs in this hemisphere. Surrounding
the island's limestone shore are temperate, crystal clear waters
which range from stunning turquoise, to aquamarine, to deep indigo.
The area's diving and snorkeling are legendary and has earned
a world-wide following of divers, who rank it one of the top
five dive sites on the planet. The island's surrounding sea is
teeming with undersea life, colorful reefs, and the slumbering
hulls of Spanish galleons.
For non-divers, the island's attractions include over 35 archaeological
sites (only a few of which are accessible and worth seeing),
and the charming city of San Miguel which is a hodgepodge of
cafes, restaurants, and attractive boutiques.
Nature lovers come to Cozumel to witness giant sea turtles laying
their eggs (May to September) and to peek in on the island's
varied concentration of exotic migratory bird life. Only a 40
minute ferry ride from the incredible Costa Turquesa region of
the Yucatán Peninsula, brimming with hidden beaches, secluded
resorts and archaeological treasures.
The calm waters of the western shore have attracted nearly all
the island's resort development. The island offers 2,500 units
of mostly moderate lodging, divided among two dozen or so properties
to the north and south of San Miguel. In town there are a few
two and three-star properties, catering mostly to budget travelers
and divers.
The island is best suited for vacationers wanting an affordable
and laid-back Caribbean island experience.
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