Cozumel
Cozumel is an island snorkeling and diving paradise off the coast of Quintana Roo and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico - a fabulous spot to enjoy the incredible waters of the Caribbean. Measuring only 48 by 16 kilometers (about 30 x 10 miles) in size, it's largest community is the town of San Miguel de Cozumel on the island's western shore.
Cozumel's main attraction is snorkeling and scuba diving on its reefs. Naturally the area offers a great many scuba diving equipment outfitters, instructors and tour providers from which to choose, as well as a full range of other watersports and beach activities. Cozumel's marine parks include the Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel (Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Parque Natural Chankanaab (Chankanaab Nature Park)
Other activities include exploring the island on horseback, taking advantage of the island's golf courses and spas, and touring the lagoons and mangroves. Annually, at the end of April, the Festival of El Cedral takes place with activities that include rodeos and bullfights, a regional food fair, music and competitions.
Cozumel is serviced by an international airport with flights arriving from Mexico City and a number of U.S. and Canadian cities. It is also accessible from the mainland by passenger boat out of Playa del Carmen (leaving every hour) and by car ferry from from Calica, just south of Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is a major cruise ship destination and can have several large cruise ships docked simultaneously at its deepwater pier, this with unfortunate consequences for the health of the surrounding reef.
Sources and further reading:
- "Cozumel." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 6 Nov 2009, 23:18 UTC. 13 Nov 2009
- http://www.visitmexico.com/cozumel
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