Cozumel

Cozumel is a stunning Caribbean island located off Mexico’s south eastern coast, offering a wonderful blend of golden shorelines, stunning offshore reefs and ancient Mayan heritage.

6 hours in… Cozumel

Cozumel’s incredible coastlines draw more visitors than any other part of the island, providing tourists with a sandy escape where they can relax in the sun or take a dip in the cool ocean waters of the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel is renowned as one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations and the boasts an abundance of incredible underwater scenery just off shore.

Crystal blue lagoon on Cozumel

As one of the world’s most popular dive sites, Cozumel has many diving shops, instructors and scuba classes, so divers of all capabilities can experience the island’s incredible underwater wonderland. Many incredible marine species call the waters off Cozumel their home, including seahorses, eagles rays and sea turtles, and a diving trip offers the perfect way to observe them all in their natural habitat.

Don’t worry the idea of scuba diving gives you the bends, as there are plenty of other, less demanding ways to see Cozumel’s marine landscapes. You could embark on a glass-bottom boat tour to see one or more of the region’s beautiful reefs, or even enjoy a mini submarine adventure to observe Cozumel’s incredible marine life.

Been before?

For some intrepid travellers, Cozumel’s ancient and fascinating Mayan heritage is top of list when it comes to sightseeing. The island’s incredible Mayan landmarks are well worth exploring, offering a fascinating insight into the region’s rich and colourful history.

Cozumel’s ancient Mayan Tulum Ruins

Cozumel is home to a number of amazing archaeological sites, including the ancient ruins of Tulum, the island’s oldest site El Cedral, which date back to 800 AD, as well as its largest Mayan site San Gervasio, a holy temple dedicated to Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility. You could also visit the historic El Caracol, which is located on the island’s southerly tip and is thought to have been an early Mayan lighthouse.

Can’t keep away?

Many visitors return to Cozumel again and again after their first visit, captivated by the island’s serene ambience, ancient heritage and beautiful golden beaches. As such a popular tourist destination, it won’t come as a surprise to learn that you’ll find a host of excellent shops, bars and restaurants both along the coast and across the island’s downtown districts.

Beautiful beach on the coast of Cozumel

Although Cozumel is well-known for its exhilarating water sports and coastal activities, which contribute to the island’s popularity in a major way, for many, it is the laid-back lifestyle and beautiful beaches which keep them coming back.

Don’t even bother!

Scuba diving is an incredible way to experience Cozumel’s many stunning reefs and underwater wildlife, but if you are not a strong swimmer or you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is advisable that you do not attempt scuba diving for your own safety. If you’re unsure about your capabilities in the water, there are plenty of scuba diving classes available across Cozumel, with qualified instructors who can advise and prepare you for diving in the ocean waters.