Until the 1960s, the island of Cozumel was home to little more than a handful of sleepy fishing villages. A lot has changed in the decades since famed marine explorer Jacques Cousteau made a documentary that popularized the quaint Mexican island as one of the most gorgeous places in the world for scuba diving.
Today, Cozumel is the hottest tourist destination in the western Caribbean. Its busy port welcomes up to eight ships a day and over a million cruisers every year. Vacationers here enjoy some of the most comfortable resorts around, as well as delicious food, a thriving nightlife scene, and plenty of duty-free shopping.
Despite the touristy hubbub, though, the island has retained much of its idyllic original character. Two-thirds of Cozumel remains undeveloped, which means visitors can enjoy lounging on vast stretches of pristine beach, wandering through mysterious Mayan ruins, or exploring multicolored coral reefs.
Visitors to Cozumel will be stunned by the variety of things to do on such a small island. The major city, San Miguel, is almost entirely devoted to serving cruisers. Guests will find all the familiar American eateries and brands, as well as plenty of more traditional Mexican restaurants and crafts shops. Shoppers will enjoy the Villa Mar Complex, a modern mall located just off Plaza del Sol, as well as Los Cinco Soles, a sprawling store that offers a bewildering array of clothing, jewelry, hot sauces, and other crafts.
A number of small Mayan ruins dot the island of Cozumel, offering historically-minded cruisers a perfect way to take a step back in time. One of the most popular sites is San Gervasio, which served as a place of worship dedicated to the goddess Ixchel. Just a few miles away is tiny, serene El Cedral, the oldest Mayan ruins on the island.
However, no visit is complete without exploring the beautiful waters that Jacques Cousteau made so famous. It’s easy enough to take a dunk in the azure waters right off one of the popular beaches near the docks. Experienced divers can arrange to visit spectacular spots like Palancar Reef, a sunken airplane at La Ceiba Reef, or Chankanaab Caves. Even those who don’t want to get their feet wet can still enjoy the beautiful underwater world here by taking a glass-bottom boat tour.
Of course, there is so much more to do on Cozumel than can be described here. The best advice is to do a little research before arriving, so you can make the most of your visit to this island paradise.
