Cozumel

Cozumel is a beautiful island off the coast of Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s sunny Yucatan Peninsula. Most visitors choose Cozumel vacations because of the excellent beaches and wide variety of water sports available, but a Cozumel vacation is more than just rest and relaxation; it can be a chance to discover thousands of years of history and a vibrant modern culture.

Firstly, the island has no shortage of idyllic beaches for you to enjoy during your Cozumel holidays. Palancar, Punta Morena, and Chen Rio are some of the most popular, but the list is endless. Along with beaches, scuba diving is another mainstay of Cozumel tourism and the waters around the island are said to be among the best in the world. If diving the open seas isn't your cup of tea, there are also several installations where you can swim with playful dolphins in a controlled environment.

However, your holidays to Cozumel needn't be exclusively sun and sand. Cozumel is also home to the impressive Mayan ruins of Coba. Arriving to the site and seeing the immense Nohoch Muul pyramid (the largest in the Yucatan peninsula) emerging from the lush jungle is undoubtedly one of the best experiences you can have when you travel to Cozumel. Or, soak in the local traditions during the Cozumel Carnival held in San Juan de Cozumel in February.

It’s no secret that Cozumel is a tourist island, so there are no shortage of ways to get there. The most common way to visit Cozumel is via one of the regular ferries which depart from Playa del Carmen. Most foreign visitors start their Cozumel trips by flying into the international airport in Cancun before catching a shuttle bus to Playa del Carmen and taking the ferry from there. Ready to start planning your trip to this gorgeous island paradise? Have a look below at the tips and suggestions from real travelers to find all the best places to see, eat, and stay.