Cozumel

Located just 20 kilometers off the coast from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is Mexico’s largest island (measuring 52 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide). This still-unspoiled island remains only moderately developed; the rest is wild jungle populated by iguanas, foxes, deer, and other wildlife. However, it isn’t the terrestrial scenery that draws visitors back year after year, it’s the water. The turquoise water is so clear that visibility can reach up to 76 meters, with aquatic scenery that includes black coral and millions of exotic fluorescent fish. Cozumel’s chains of coral reefs along its southwestern shore make it one of the world’s best scuba-diving and snorkeling spots. During the 17^th and 18^th centuries, Cozumel became a favorite hideout for pirates, who ambushed and sunk many cargo ships off the island’s shores, further enhancing the diving experience. What is especially remarkable here is that due to the clarity of the water, you do not have to be a diver to enjoy the underwater views. Simply put on a mask and snorkel and jump in—it will seem as if you’ve dropped into a tropical fish tank!Until Cozumel was established as a major resort, the island’s economy was based on chicle (used in making chewing gum), coconuts, and seafood. It remained more or less undiscovered until Frenchman Jacques Cousteau recognized the marvels of Cozumel’s waters as a divers’ haven in the 1960s, declaring it one of the most beautiful scuba-diving areas of the world. To protect the delicate balance of its fantastic coral reefs and abundant variety of tropical fish, in 1996 the National Marine Park of Cozumel Reefs was created, home to over 500 species of fish. Within the marine park is a saltwater lagoon called Chankanaab Nature Park where you can not only snorkel, but also watch trained dolphins perform at the dolphinarium. You can also pay to swim with the dolphins, if you so desire.The people native to Cozumel are of Mayan descent. The Maya ruled the Yucatán for over 2000 years before the arrival of the Spanish explorers in the 16^th century. The legacy of their culture survives in the ruins of the huge cities that they built during their reign. On Cozumel, you can find one of the lesser-known, but interesting, sites, San Gervacio, which was once a sacred place where Mayan women journeyed to worship Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. There are many direct flights to Cozumel or you can take the island-hopper plane from the Cancún airport. You can also travel by air-conditioned bus (about one hour) from Cancún to Playa del Carmen, walk from the bus station to the pier, and take the 45-minute ferry over to the Island. The ferries shuttle constantly between the mainland and the island.