Isla Cozumel
Dare - Dive - Discover
Isla Cozumel
The largest island in the Mexican Caribbean
Cozumel, whose Maya name means Island of the Swallows, lies off the coast of Playa del Carmen. The Mesoamerican Reef runs along its shores and makes it one of the top dive destinations in the world.
Beyond its reefs, stroll along San Miguel's waterfront, visit Punta Sur and Chankanaab, discover the history of San Gervasio and take in the scenery of the east coast.
- Right now
- 80°F (27°C)Cloudy
- 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 internationally known for its reefs and dive sites. Off the west coast, the Palancar, Colombia and Santa Rosa reefs stand out for their coral formations, underwater walls and exceptionally clear water.
Marine life
Snorkeling at Chankanaab and El Cielo
At Chankanaab, within Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, the reef is close enough to shore to explore by snorkeling. El Cielo is a shallow sandbar with clear water, accessible by boat and known for its starfish. Eagle rays are seen from December to March, and sea turtles nest on the island's beaches from May to October.
Maya heritage
San Gervasio, the sanctuary of Ixchel
In the center of the island, San Gervasio was a sanctuary dedicated to Ixchel, the Maya goddess of fertility. It was also a pilgrimage site, visited by Maya women who crossed the sea by canoe to reach it. Its plazas and temples are set among the island's jungle. Other archaeological sites on the island include El Cedral, in the southwest, where the Festival of the Holy Cross takes place in late April.
Punta Sur
The Celarain Lighthouse and Laguna Colombia
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is home to the Celarain Lighthouse, with a museum and views over the mangroves, dunes and reef. You can also cross Laguna Colombia by boat to see crocodiles and birds, or head to the beaches on the open sea. More than half of the island is protected natural area, home to 19 endemic birds.
The town
San Miguel and the waterfront
Downtown San Miguel, near the ferry terminal, is home to shops, jewelry stores, restaurants and waterfront bars. Parque Benito Juárez has the town hall and the clock tower. Along the waterfront, you'll find the monuments to Mestizaje, Carnival and the Diver, and the Cozumel Island Museum. Lionfish, an invasive species caught to help protect the reef, is served as ceviche, grilled or coconut-crusted.
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- Tue86°F78°F
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