Isla Cozumel
Dare - Dive - Discover
Isla Cozumel
The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean.
Cozumel, Island of the Swallows in Maya, lies off Playa del Carmen; the Mesoamerican Reef surrounds it and makes it one of the top dive destinations in the world.
Beyond the sea, Cozumel invites you to stroll the San Miguel seafront, discover Punta Sur and Chankanaab, explore the history of San Gervasio and enjoy the landscapes of the eastern shore.
- Right now
- 24°Clear
- Best for
- Diving, snorkeling and nature experiences
- Best season
- December to April, a special time to discover Cozumel
- Eagle rays
- Sighting season: December to March
Getting here
Airport
Ferry
Cruise
Diving
The Palancar, Colombia and Santa Rosa reefs
Cozumel is known around the world for its reefs and dive sites. On the west coast, Palancar, Colombia and Santa Rosa stand out for their coral formations, underwater walls and exceptionally clear water.
Marine life
Snorkeling at Chankanaab and El Cielo
At Chankanaab, inside the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, the reef lies so close to shore that snorkeling is enough to explore it; El Cielo, a shallow, clear sandbank reached by boat, is a starfish sanctuary. From December to March you swim with eagle rays, and from May to September turtles nest on the island's beaches.
Maya heritage
San Gervasio, the sanctuary of Ixchel
In the middle of the island, San Gervasio was the sanctuary of Ixchel, goddess of fertility, and the goal of a pilgrimage Maya women crossed the sea by canoe to reach. Its plazas and temples are walked through the jungle. The island keeps other remains, such as El Cedral, in the southwest, where the Holy Cross festival is held in late April.
Punta Sur
The Celarain Lighthouse and Laguna Colombia
Punta Sur park holds the Celarain Lighthouse, with a museum and a view over mangroves, dunes and reef; Laguna Colombia, crossed by swamp boat to see crocodiles and birds, and beaches open to the sea. More than half the island is protected natural area, with nineteen endemic birds.
The town
San Miguel and the seafront
San Miguel, across from the ferry pier, gathers shops, jewelers, restaurants and seaside bars; Parque Benito Juárez holds the town hall and the clock, and along the seafront stand the monuments to Mestizaje, to Carnival and to the Diver, and the Museum of the Island of Cozumel. On the table, lionfish, an invasive species fished to protect the reef, is served as ceviche, grilled or breaded with coconut.
More about Isla Cozumel
October 21, 2024
IRONMAN Cozumel: The Island's Triathlon
IRONMAN Cozumel, the island's triathlon: a swim with the current, three laps around the island and a run along the malecón.
Read the article
September 30, 2024
Discover the Magic of Mexico’s Caribbean Islands
A quick guide to Mexico’s Caribbean Islands: Cozumel for divers, Isla Mujeres for slow days, Holbox for nature and Contoy for birds.
Read the articleSeptember 29, 2024
10 Things to Do in Cozumel
10 things to do in Cozumel, from diving vibrant coral reefs to relaxing on white-sand beaches in the Mexican Caribbean.
Read the article- Fri30°24°
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