SCUBA DIVING COZUMEL

Cozumel is known in the scuba diving industry as one of the best scuba diving locations in the world. Every dive is a scuba divers dream. Teaming with schools of fish and boasting amazing view, Cozumel offers the avid scuba diver a vast playground. 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; Cozumel is an island destination for scuba divers and non scuba divers alike. Although it is a divers mecca, 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 scuba 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 dive operators on the island. For a complete list of scuba diving operators on Cozumel, please refer to our dive operator page, where you will find a complete listing of dive operators serving scuba divers daily dive trips and amazing diving vacations.

There are two main coral 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, often referred to by many scuba divers as some of the best scuba diving of their lives. 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 . Located near Cancun, which can be accessed via water taxi, the Yucatan offers exception vacations. Enjoy scuba diving and other fun beach activities when you book a cancun vacation for your family.

WHERE IS COZUMEL?

The island is about 30 miles (48 km) north-south and 10 miles (16 km) east-west, and is the largest island of Mexico. It is about 12 miles (20 km) from the mainland, and some (36 miles (60 km) 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.

GETTING TO COZUMEL

Cozumel has an airport with daily flights in and out. When booking a flight, you can use the airport code CZM to search for flights. We have put together a page about the Cozumel Airport.

HOW TO GET TO COZUMEL FROM CANCUN
Even though Cozumel has its own Airport, most travelers fly into Cancun International Airport. There are two options to get from Cancun Airport to Cozumel: Air Shuttle and Ground Transportation. Find out more about getting from the Cancun airport to Cozumel.

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. More History >>

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.

ACCOMODATIONS IN COZUMEL

There are a lot of different accommodations to choose from in Cozumel. Each depends on your budget and vacation style. Try a luxurious timeshare for sale or for rent right on the beach. Resorts like the Wyndham Cozumel offer all-inclusive options. Or you can try a beautiful hotel further inland. There are also motels, hostels, and inns for you to try. It just depends on your preference really. Your best bet is to reserve ahead of time, confirm the day before you leave, and pay with a credit card to get the best exchange rates. Here is a great article about Planning a Dive Vacation with many great points to consider when planning to Dive Cozumel or any other dive location!