 OVERVIEW
Regarded as the jewel of the Yucatan, the teardrop-shaped Cozumel is a
thriving and alluring Mexican resort with solid reputation and a profound Mayan
history to boot. More than 2 million visitors annually have travelled to
this island off the Yucatan Peninsula to be mesmerized by some of the world's
finest reefs and breathtaking underwater scenery which have been attracting
international divers and tourists since its publication in the 1960s.
Several species of birds stop by Cozumel on their migration routes, making the
island perfect for bird-watching as well. Whether you are a diver or
non-diver, the invigorating beaches, the year-round perfect weather, the
fascinating ambience of a bustling island resort, and the rich recreation
amenities will absolutely suffice as reasons to visit Cozumel.
HISTORY IN BRIEF
Cozumel was once an important trade and religious center of the Maya.
From 300 AD until the appearance of the first Spaniards in 1528, the island
enjoyed the distinction for being a revered Mayan ceremonial site for Ixchel,
the Maya Goddess of fertility, pregnancy and childbirth. The remains of
Ixchel's altar can be visited today at the San Gervasio ruins. Cozumel
suffered a series of devastation under the hands of the conquistadors who
unleashed genocidal attacks on the Mayan population as well as introduced
smallpox to the islanders. The island received two new births of
recognition after the Spanish left, the first time was owing to the produce of
chicle which became sugar-coated and baptized Chiclets by the US well before
WWII, the second time was due to a documentary of the island by a notable
explorer Jacques Cousteau in 1961 which has brilliantly advertized Cozumel as
one of the best diving locations in the world.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE
Isla Cozumel is 71km south of Cancun and is one of the eight municipalities
of the state of Quintana Roo. Its size of 53km by 14km make it the largest
island in Mexico, and the most populated island with a population nearing a
hundred-thousand mark. The average daily air temperature on Cozumel is 80
degrees(27°C). In July/August, the highs range from the upper 80s to
the low 90s.(32°C) In December and January, the daytime temperatures
average in the mid-70s.(24° C.)Winter Months: Cold fronts may create windy,
cloudy and cooler weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, usually lasting
for about an hour.
TRANSPORTATION
- Getting there - Cozumel's modern international airport (2km
northeast of town) receives many direct flights from other cities in Mexico
as well as the U.S. From the airport, there are minibus service to
take you into town. Visitors can also arrive by ferries via passenger
ferries which depart from Playa del Carmen every two hours.
- Getting around - The town of Cozumel is well-organized and is small
enough to be explored on foot. However, to get anywhere further you'll
need to go on a tour, take a taxi or rent a vehicle. There are plenty
of choices for vehicles in Cozumel such as bicycle, car, and moped.
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