Isla Cozumel

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The island of Cozumel, Isla Cozumel

Introducing Isla Cozumel

An immensely popular diving spot since 1961, when Jacques Cousteau, led by local guides, showed its spectacular reefs to the world, Cozumel lies 71km south of Cancún. Measuring 53km by 14km, it is Mexico’s largest island. Called Ah-Cuzamil-Peten (Island of Swallows) by its earliest inhabitants, Cozumel has become a world-famous diving and cruise ship destination. Hurricane Wilma did some serious damage to the snorkeling sites around the island, but most of the deep-water reefs missed the brunt of the storm. Sadly, the squadrons of eagle rays have dwindled, due to overfishing of the shellfish stocks – no shellfish, no eagle rays.

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While diving and snorkeling are the main draws around here, the tourist zone offers lots of shopping ‘deals’ (often not very cheap) and a pleasant town square to spend the afternoon. In February there is a festive Carnaval, which brings dancers festooned with feathers out into the streets. There are also some small Maya ruins and a few eco-themed parks.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. skicrazy72 avatar
    Day Trips in Yucatan

    by skicrazy72 25 May 2012

    Hi, I’m looking for a fair amount of information on day trips from Playa del Carmen area. We are staying in the *Grand Mayan Riviera…
  2. scubytink avatar
    Re: Passports into Mexico

    by scubytink 24 May 2012

    Canjet wouldn't allow me to board a charter flight to Cozumel this february because of water damage to my passport. I'm an avid scuba-diver…
  3. joanawirsig avatar
    Re: Scuba diving in Cozumel

    by joanawirsig 22 May 2012

    Hi NRic! congratulations on your weeding :) I would suggest you go with Dressel Divers. I can only say GREAT things about them. I did…

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