SCUBA DIVING COZUMEL

Cozumel is known in the dive industry as one of the best dive locations in the world. Cozumel is the Mexican Caribbean's largest island, just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel is 28 miles / 9 meters long and 10 miles / 2 meters wide. Located near Cancun; it is a famous destination for divers and non divers alike, as even after decades as a popular vacation resort, it remains a serene, quiet and undiscovered piece of paradise. The climate is subtropical.

Most of the diving and snorkeling activity on Cozumel is focused on the reefs and shallow coral formations that extend from the southern tip of the island to just south of San Miguel on the west coast. All of the Cozumel beaches are protected and extend from the ferry pier in downtown San Miguel to the southern tip of the island, many of which are protected as part of an underwater national park. Fishing is not allowed in this area. However, you can book a deep sea fishing excursion with many opertaors on the island.

There are two main reef systems surrounding Cozumel, Colombia and Palancar reefs. Easilt accessible with plateaus beginning in less than 30 feet / 9 meters of water, Cozumel reefs boast abundant underwater sea life and brilliant colors. At Chankanaab Lagoon, one of the most visited sites on the island, divers and snorkelers can observe small coral and limestone formations at 6 to 30 feet / 2 to 9 meters.

Cozumel, known to the Maya as Island of the Swallows is located off the eastern coast of Mexico 's Yucatán Peninsula , opposite Playa del Carmen . It is one of the eight municipalities ( municipios ) of the state of Quintana Roo . Cozumel is a popular tourist destination renowned for its scuba diving . The main town on the island is San Miguel .

The island is about 48 km (30 miles) north-south and 16 km (10 miles) east-west, and is the largest island of Mexico. It is about 20 km (12 miles) from the mainland, and some 60 km (36 miles) south of Cancún . Nearly everybody in Cozumel lives in the town of San Miguel (pop. est. 90,000 in 2003 ), which is on the western shore. The rest of the island is low, flat, and densely vegetated.

HISTORY OF COZUMEL, MEXICO

Pronounced Co·zu·mel (kō zu-mĕl), the first Maya settled in Cozumel over 2,000 years ago. The island derives its name from the Mayan words Cuzam (swallow) and Lumil (land of), which formed the word Cuzamil (land of swallows). The word changed over time to the current spelling, Cozumel.

During the period between 300 and 900 A.D., Cozumel became an important sanctuary in the Yucatan region. At that time, priests were very high up in the social classes, which propogated religious ceremonies. Mayan women from all over the Yucatán Peninsula and beyond made pilgrimages here to pay tribute to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and the moon. There was a temple erected in her honor at San Gervasio, near the centre of the island.

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN COZUMEL

Language of Cozumel : English is widely spoken in Cozumel, but Spanish is the official language. A small percent still speak some Mayan on the island.

Cozumel Climate: The climate in Cozumel is subtropical, so expect some rain during most of the year, plenty of tropical breezes (which may require a light jacket in the evenings) and sunshine. The rainy season begins in May and last through September, however, many days are still very divable. Click here for current weather conditions.

Average Water Temp: The water temperature averages 77 degrees ferenheit in the winter and 85 in summer. Although these temperatures sound warm and cozy, a light to medium wetsuit or skin may be needed.

Island Time Zone: Cozumel is on the Central time zone.

Documents to Bring : Proof of citizenship, valid photo ID, and Temporary Tourist card. Please refer to our section on entry documentation.

For more Info: You may contact the Mexican Ministry of Tourism at (800)-44-MEXICO.