Cozumel is one of the top dive and snorkel locations in the world. Back in 1961, the famous Jacques Cousteau came to Cozumel to film a documentary highlighting the marine life and vast reef system. Ever since then, Cozumel receives close to 100,000 dive and snorkel enthusiasts a year who come to explore this underwater paradise. This Mexican Caribbean island is home to the world’s second largest barrier reef system with more than 30 kilometres of reefs and over 100 dive sites with visibility up to 200 feet. The waters and reefs are home to over 200 species of tropical fish including barracuda, angelfish and parrotfish to name just a few. Throughout the island you will find plenty of dive shops and tour operators who pride themselves on providing the best possible underwater adventures. From beginner to advanced, there is a dive site here for every level of diver. Some of the most spectacular dive sites include the Santa Rosa Wall, Palancar Reefs and the Punta Tunich Drop-off. For the most experienced, strong and fearless divers, Barracuda dive location is a must. At the northern end of the island, the currents from the east and the west sides converge and make conditions quite unpredictable. Although the underwater scenery is exceptional, they say if you aren’t prepared or aren’t strong enough, your next stop could be Cuba.

Although Cozumel is best known for its diving, there are lots other things to see and do here. What would any Mexican vacation be without enjoying the beaches? The west side of the island is where you will find the most development as well as the best beaches. Warm waters, gentle waves and soft white sand are typical of the west side of the island. San Francisco Beach on the west side is a great place for family fun with perfect white sand and calm waters. The east coast beaches are often unpredictable and tend to have stronger winds and rougher waters. The undertow can be quite strong but there are some secluded bays that are safe for swimming. Some of the beaches are rocky and just not ideal for sun bathing or activity. Those areas are generally great for snorkelling though like Punta Sur Beach, part of the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. Looking for something to do beyond the beach? Among the popular activities on Cozumel are jungle tours, catamaran party cruises, submarine experiences, deep sea fishing, bone fishing and swimming with the dolphins to name a few. For all you history buffs, Cozumel has a number of Mayan ruin sites as well. San Gervasio is the most significant and was built as a sanctuary to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of love and fertility. During the spring equinox, many people come to celebrate with traditional rituals, chants and dance. This custom is believed to cleanse and strengthen the spirit. To get an in depth look at Cozumel’s complete natural history, make sure to visit Museo De La Isla De Cozumel.

Shopping on Cozumel can be expensive. This is the most popular port for cruise ships and tourists. The main shopping area is in downtown San Miguel and most shops accept US dollars. Two words of advice; Don’t buy black coral as it is an endangered species and you many not be able to cross the border with it. And if you are buying silver, make sure it is stamped with the .925 mark to ensure it is not fake. There is a craft market on the island which is a great place to put your bartering skills to work. If you want more variety and a chance at getting better prices, take the ferry over to Playa Del Carmen for some shopping, sightseeing and dining. You are sure to find the perfect souvenir there. Cozumel’s relaxed atmosphere, lush jungles, white sand beaches and friendly people will have you coming back again and again. Cozumel’s climate is just what you would expect of a Mexican Caribbean island. The average year round temperature is 27˚C although between November and May the average temperature drops a couple of degrees to 25˚C. The peak tourist season, December through April, enjoys perfect sunny, warm conditions with refreshing sea breezes, low humidity and very little rain. You really can’t go wrong.