Is a paradise where tradition, history, flavor and joy come together, it's an island which beauty goes beyond its spectacular beaches, with the largest reef barrier in the Americas, of- fers a wide variety of water sports such as diving, sport fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, kite boarding and more.

Cozumel has also a wide variety of hotels of all categories, restaurants and bars for every taste and a variety of shops ranging from the simplest to the most luxurious craft jewelers, walking around downtown San Miguel is a must where you can breathe tranguility and safety of its streets and feel the warmth and hospitality of its people.

 

Among its main attract ions include:

island museum - showcasing the history and natural environment of the island, its origins, mi- gration patterns ofwildlife, corals, archeology, gal- leons and pirates.

ChankanAAB natural Park is a monument to nature's most grandiose in Cozumel, here is the cor- al reef within the island, unigue in the world. This park is home to the world-renowned ecosystem and natural aguarium, Laguna Chankanaab, with over 6 0 species of tropical fish, shellfish and corals, which belong to a co nservation area.

 

 

FARO CELARAIN ECOTOURlSM PARK is an eco- logical reserve, containing a remarkable variety of natural beauty, which length exceeds one thousand hectares.lt is destined for the conservation and pres- ervation of the 5 ecosystems that it comprises, and offers the visitor a variety ofecotourism attractions. Celarain Faro is rich in coastal dunes, mangroves, reefs, lagoon systems and beautiful be ache s.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SUE SAN GERVASlO is the most important Mayan site of the island; you can be part of Mayan culture and its mysteries. San Ger- vasio was a sacred Maya site, strategic for trade and political develo pment of the area, it was the sanctu- ary of the goddess ixchel, and was a must-visit for the Mayans at least once in their life.

THE CEDRAL is a site where a celebration takes place inMay, whichcommemorates the Day ofS anta Cruz, a 150-year tradition celebrating the safe pas- sage of the 11 founding families who fleeing from the Caste war, crossed from the mainland to Cozumel 1848

 

 

 

DISCOVER MEXICO is a theme park where the whole family can experience the richness of our country through a foreign tour by the most impor- tant archaeological sites and colonial buildings, www. d is co ver mex ico. o rg in addition to its parks and attractions, Cozumel has virgin beaches where you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty of these sites, or at a beach club with all services and activities for the whole fam- ily such as Playa Mia, Mr. Sancho's, San Francisco, Passion island, Palancar, PlayaAzul, Paradise Beach and Playa Uvas, among others. For more informa- tion vis it: wwrvv.cozumel.travel

 

ACTIVITIES

Cozumel has plenty of activities and tours to enjoy with family and for all ages, ranging from the most relaxing massages in one ofthe spas tothe most ex- treme activities.

GOLF. Nicklaus Design Group has successfully balanced the stringent reguirements to build a first class golf course within the delicate ecosystem of the mangrove swamp and tropical forest that sur- round it. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

 

FISHING, in the waters surrounding the island, over 200 species of tropical fish exist. Cozumel is known as one ofthebest places for fishing in its vari- ous modes, it is usually easy to catch sailfish, marlin, blue, tuna and swordfish. The best season is from April to June, and the rest ofthe year other fish like barracuda, bonito, mahi and tilapia can be found.

DIVING. Cozumel is considered one of the best dive sites in the world, because we have the largest barrier reef in the Americas. It has over 30 reefs with depths ranging from 3 to 30 meters. The average annual temperature is 27°C and the currents vary from calm to moderate.

SNORKELING. Since visibility extends to 65 meters,this is one of the favorite sports in the place. Among the best places are: Chankanaab Bay, Palancar, Heaven, Paradise and more.

WATER SPORTS. The sea conditions here allow enjoying a wide variety of water sports such as kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, swimming, kite boarding, as well as motorized water sports. www.islacozumel.com.mx

 

HOLIDAYS 

CARNIVAL (February or March). From 1908 in Cozumel is held every year during Carnival, a honored holiday held before Lent. In Cozumel, grandparents adults, adolescents and children join together to participate harmoniously in an explosion of color and music that includes parades, traditional food, music and dancing everywhere and wonderful cos- tumes floats.

CEDRAL FAIR (APRIL 25-MAY 3) - This exhibition marks the anniversary ofthe first Catholic mass in Mexico, which took place in "The Cedral", and after more than 150 years of tradition is still carried out.

MEXICAN RODEO BOATS (May 14-16) - This is a fishing tournament and is held annually, where competitors from all over Mexico and other coun- tries participate at catching Blue Marlin, White Marlin, wahoo, Dorado, Tuna, Barracuda and other species involved.

SACRED MAYAN JO URNEY (May 20-22) - This t rip is conducted in traditional Mayan canoes starting from former Pol§, today xcaret, to Cozumel and back to the coast of Playa del Carmen. 25 boats and 300 paddlers navegate through approximately 50 kilo- meters. The project of the Sacred Mayan journey be- gan in 2007 and aims to rescue and recuperate one ofthe most significant ancient Mayan traditions of the region: The ritualt ravel ofthe Canal Cozumel to worship the goddess ixchel.

 

 

 

 

SEA TURTLE WORKSHOP (JULY 05-AUGUST 13) This workshop takes place in the ecological park Celarain Faro, where you walk along the beach accompanied by a marine biologist who will be documenting the behavior of sea turtles and their nesting.

BABY SHOP TURTLE WATCHING (AUG 16 S EP17) From August 16 to September 17, this educational experience takes place at the lighthouse Faro Celarain Ecological Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 5 pm. You will have the opportunity to watch the baby sea turtles emerge from their shells and leave their nests out to the ocean.

IRONMAN 2011 - Annual competition is run through the following distances: swim 2.4 miles (3.3 km), bike 112 miles (ISO km), 26.2 miles mara- thon (42.2 km), an event limited to 2,300 partici- pants. Prize: $ 50,000 cash. For more information visit www.ironmancozumel.com

 

SHOPPING

Cozumel is a free port and you can find a variety of duty free items. Some ofthe most famous manu- facturers of fine jewelry, jewelry designers and art- ists offer their creations in our stores and we're not just talking about chains and snow globes, you can purchase beautifully made jewelry with the finest silver, gold, onyx and gemstones. And bring home leather goods and accessories for your kitchen you won't find anywhere else. Artwork, pottery, each piece hand crafted to perfection, spices and sweets, anything you fancy, we have avast variety to take home a small piece of Cozumel.

 

 

 

 

GETTING TO COZUMEL

Cozumel has an international airport with direct flights from several U.S. cities, as well as via Cancún shuttle that connects you with endless possibilities of international and domestic flights.

FROM CANCÚN AIRLIFT: At only 15 minutes flies Mayair, with 6 flights daily rounds in comfortable aircraft with capacity for 36 passengers. This company flies two hours each and every odd to Cancún to Cozumel pairs two hours. Its itinerary begins at 7:15 am from Cozumel to Cancún and until 9:25 pm from Cancún to Cozumel. For more information visit www. m ay air. co m. mx

GROUND TRANSPORTATION: Modern trucks called ADO take you from Playa del Carmen to Can cun and back for a fee of approx. $ 11 USD. And a t ime of about 45 minutes, in Playa del Carmen the bus station is located just two blocks from the pier.

 

 

 

FERRY COZUMEL - PLAYA DEL CARMEN: A new fleet of fast boats, regular schedules and conve- nient service will get you to Cozumel after 30 min- utes leaving the dock in Playa del Carmen. Cruising begins at 6:00 am from Cozumel and the last is at 10:00 pm. Playa del Carmen.

Tickets can be purchased just before the ship's departure or earlier. There's enough room aboard t o cover the customer demand, so no need to worry about space availability. The approximate cost for a round trip Playa del Carmen-Cozumel-Playa del Car- men is 27 USD per pers on. you can be in Cozumel in 40 minutes departing from Playa del Carmen.

with a Mexican heart and Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where you will always find a friendly face, because hospitality in Cozumel is not just a practice, but a habit. Cozumel island is a destination that delights all the senses.

 

 

 

 

Text: Consejo de Promoción Turística de Cozumel CPTC ± Photo: Consejo de Promoción Turística de Cozumel CPTC