Cozumel island is a very
popular tourism destination in the Caribbean Sea located 20 km (12 miles) from
mainland in the Yucatan Peninsula of south-east Mexico. Cozumel tourism offers one of the
best reefs in the world and is a magnet for tourists looking for
scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. It has over
100 diving and swimming sites and many of them are ideal for snorkeling too. The
water around the island is very clear and the visibility can be up to an amazing
250 feet and about 250 species of fish can be seen in these waters and reefs.
Cozumel Tourism Overview
Getting There
Transportation And Car Rental
When To Go / Climate
Popular Tourist Attractions
Golf
Shopping
Top Hotels
Nightlife
Spa
Climate / Weather
Local Tourist Office
Currency
Recommendation and Safety
COZUMELTOURISM AND TRAVEL OVERVIEW:
This Island is about 30 miles in length and 10 miles wide and is located 36 miles south of Cancun. Most of the people live on the western side of the island in a town called San Miguel. Most of the other portion of the island is untouched, covered by jungle, rocky beaches, small coves, palm groves and swampy lagoons on a low flat terrain. It is home to many unique mammals and birds. The protected sections of the island include Chankanaab National Park and Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. Cozumel Tourism locations experienced some damage in year 2005 from the hurricane Wilma and some of the information mentioned here might have changed.
Quick History
It is believed that the Maya civilization settled here in the 1st century AD. It was a holy place and believed to have special powers especially by women desiring fertility. Many ruins were destroyed in World War II. The ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulϊm and San Gervasio are a must see. Most ruins are from the Post-Classic period. The Maya population was devastated by smallpox, then by pirates who used this as a hideout.
GETTING THERE:
Cozumel International Airport (IATA: CZM, ICAO: MMCZ) receives thousands of tourists all year long. There are many domestic flights and international flights mostly from Unites States and Canada.
CRUISES:
It is a very popular tourism destination for cruise ships. There are also many passenger ferries which run from Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.
TRANSPORTATION AND CAR RENTAL:
There are a number of major car rental companies with offices on this tourism island including Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, National, Budget, Dollar and more. Another way to see the island is to rent a scooter - provided you are absolutely comfortable driving it and also expect driving conditions to be different. Complete insurance is recommended for people coming here for tourism. Bicycles are also available for rent.
Taxis are the easiest and cheapest way to get around and you will find plenty of them. Rates are also cheap because they are controlled by the union and government, still you should ask for the fare before getting in. Ferry is the most convenient and cheap way to reach the mainland (Playa del Carmen city). Most of the public bus systems do not connect beaches and hotels.
WHEN TO GO / WEATHER:
The average annual temperature is 27 degrees Celsius (80 deg F) ideal for Cozumel tourism.
The busy season for tourism is mid-December to April or winter. Prices reach their peak.
Summer tourists come during July and August.
May to September is the rainy season.
September and October are less rainy and a lot less crowded.
The ideal time to arrive is probably November through to early December. It's drier, less expensive and quieter.
Water temperatures range from 77°-82°F [25°-28°C] throughout the year.
POPULAR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES:
Scuba diving
Cozumel is very famous for Scuba diving. Popular diving locations are in the south of the city proper. Not all locations are suitable for swimming due to surf, check your local guide or hotel.
Snorkeling:
The second most popular activity after diving. You can also snorkel from shore with local guides to Chankanaab Reef.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
The views through the Glass Bottom are wonderful. This is an ideal trip for experienced snorkelers and non swimmers or those who do not want to get wet. Cozumel tourism offers crystal clear waters and most beautiful shallow reefs. See all the sea-life you pass on your way.
Playa Mia Beach:
Dip your toes in the white sandy beach. You will find food, drinks and many activities happening here, including relaxing massages on the beach. Also visit the San Francisco beach.
Other adventures include parasailing, Deep sea fishing, ATV jungle excursion and more.
Take a Jeep-safari adventure trip through the tropical landscape of Cozumel's east side. Ride through sand dunes and trails for an unforgettable experience.
The day excursions trips to mainland island:
Tours can be booked to Playa del Carmen, Xcaret and Xel-Ha water parks.
Chankanaab National Park
Explore the underwater world of Chankanaab (means little sea). At the center of this park there is land-locked pool (cenote), which is connected by an underground tunnel to the sea. You can also interact and play with dolphins.
History Museum (Museo de las Isla de Cozumel)
It is located on the waterfront three blocks to the north of the downtown pier. The museum features art exhibits, pieces from the Mayan culture and the Spanish conquest and displays life in Cozumel from the 1940's to today.
EVENTS:
Carnaval/Carnival
A tradition which has been passed down through many generations. It is a famous colorful tourism fiesta some what like Mardi Gras, with young people dressed in vibrantly colorful costumes. It is a week of paradise, dance, costumes, music and street carnivals. It is held on the 3 days preceding Ash Wednesday.
MAYA RUINS:
San Gervasio
Located on Cozumel Island, 11 miles from San Miguel and the downtown ferry pier. It was still a functioning religious site at the time the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century. One of the most interesting buildings is the Temple of the Hands. Inside, numerous small red hand prints of unknown significance are painted on the wall.
Tulum Excursion:
Pre-Columbian Maya walled city and today one of the best-preserved coastal Maya sites. They are located on 12 meter cliffs on the Caribbean Sea. This is the most visited of the Mayan sites, attracting 2.5 million tourists a year. "Temple of the Descending God" is the most notable site. You will be impressed by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. Its usually hot so take plenty of water with you. There are tours which can be taken to reach this site.
Other excursions for Mayan ruins are Chichen Itza and Coba.
GOLF:
Cozumel Tourism Country Club is an 18 hole golf club designed by Nicklaus Design Group, equally enjoying for both serious golfers and casual golfers.
Carretera Costera Norte,
KM 6.5 Interior Casa Club Cozumel,
Quintana Roo, Mexico 77600
Tel+52-987-872-9570
SHOPPING:
San Miguel is a duty-free zone. There are hundreds of stores selling a variety of items including Mexican handicrafts, jewelry, clothes, diving equipment, cigar, liqor and much more. The shopping zone in San Miguel is the most popular, streets are clean and easy to navigate. It has many pedestrian-only streets and sidewalks. Cozumel has three shopping areas: Along the waterfront downtown to the La Plaza, the crafts market behind La Plaza and the Punta Langosta shopping center at the cruise ship pier near downtown is primarily home to chain stores and chain restaurants. Bargaining is common specially in the smaller stores. If you're a good bargainer, try the Cozumel Flea Market located just east of the Plaza.
TOP HOTELS:
Casa del Mar Cozumel, Casa Mexicana, Coral Princess, Cozumel Palace, El Cid La Ceiba Beach Hotel, El Cozumeleρo Beach, Resort Fontan Cozumel, Hacienda San Miguel, Hotel Cozumel and Resort, Iberostar, Melia, Occidental Allegro, Occidental Grand, Palma Dorada Inn, Park Royal, Playa Azul Golf Scuba and Spa, Suites Bahia, Suites Colonial, Villa blanca Garden Beach Hotel, Villas Caribe,Vista del Mar Boutique Hotel , Wyndham Resort and Spa.
NIGHTLIFE:
Cozumel tourism offers several Discos, Bars,Live Music and Cafes. Many of the larger hotels offer night shows, karoke and discos. Every Sunday night, there is a music and dance festival at the La Plaza main square. Some of the popular places are as follows:
Carlos and Charlie's (Bar)
Hard Rock Cafe (Live music)
Havana Club (Music and Cigars)
Neptuno (Disco)
Cactus (Bar and Music)
Joe's Lobster House (Music)
Viva Mexico (Dance Club)
SPA:
There are several places and hotels where you will find massage, therapies, treatments, manicure and pedicure.
TOURIST OFFICE:
Regional Cozumel tourism offices is located at:
Cozumel Tourist Office
2nd floor Plaza Sol, Plaza Central
Cozumel 77600 Mexico
+52 987 872 0972
http://www.islacozumel.com.mx
CURRENCY:
Mexico Peso -MXN ( 1 US Dollar = 11 MXN apx)
Most hotels and restaurants accept Credit Cards and US Dollars.
RECOMMENDATION & SAFETY:
Cozumel tourism is one of the safest travel destinations in Mexico and the people of Cozumel are friendly. Crime rate is very low, pick pocketing and purse snatching are rare but you should be careful. Drink bottled water and well cooked food. Visit travel.state.gov for most up to date security recommendations.
Medical facilities include these:
CMC (Centro Medico de Cozumel): 872-1419 or 872-2919.
This is Cozumel's newest hospital. It is the best equippedhospital.
Red Cross: 872-1058
This ambulance service is backed by a quick, knowledgeable staff.
There are many other clinics and massage therapists.
