This Caribbean island off mainland Mexico is a major tourist destination due to the beaches, the sunshine and the coral reef offering some of the best diving in the world. San Miguel de Cozumel is the largest town and many of the luxury hotels Cozumel has are located here. The international cruise terminal in the town gives evidence of the island's popularity. Don't be fooled into thinking that Cozumel is just about scuba diving and sun worshipping; the island has plenty more to offer.
San Miguel itself is a pleasant town to stroll around, with its hints and remains of the old Mexico. The heart of the town is Parque Benito Juarez, known locally as Plaza Central, with its gazebo and tall clock tower. Shops, restaurants and some of the luxury hotels Cozumel offers are clustered here, amongst the many pedestrians that swarm the traffic area. On Sunday evenings, concerts are common or perhaps a dance. The Avenida Rafael Melgar is a good place to go for souvenirs and the Malecon, a boardwalk running alongside the sea, is an interesting place for a stroll as it is lined with sculptures that describe historical events in the island's history. It also provides a beautiful spot to watch the sun set. San Miguel also boasts its own museum, El Museo, on the corner of the waterfront, a pretty building with some interesting exhibits. There is also a great view, a gift shop and a good restaurant. Head downtown for a more authentic Mexican feel and to escape the cruise ship traffic. The island's oldest market, El Mercado, is a bustling, busy, maze-like place worth taking a look at.
One of the other special aspects of Cozumel is its reputation as a safe destination, making it ideal to go off exploring without a guide. Take time to drive to El Cedral, the first settlement of Cozumel. It is only a small village with a handful of shops but every year the locals hold a festival here. The rest of the time it is a relaxing, sleepy place with pretty buildings to view. There is a small temple here and numerous small ruins to be found for those who look hard enough
The Mayan ruins are a must to view, so head to San Gervasio to see the ruins in the middle of the island. This is the biggest archaeological site on the island and was a pilgrimage point for mainland Mayan women coming to worship at the Mayan goddess of fertility's shrine. There is a temple just out of sight from the first ruins which is easy to miss but worth the short walk. At El Caracol the ancient structure is very well preserved and part of the Parque Punta Sur Ecological reserve. A guided tour to the ruin is offered here. Remains of the Royal Castle can be found in the top corner of the isle, complete with lookout tower, a temple and the base of a pyramid, all set overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Ocean.
The east side of the island is more natural and wild, with hardly any visitors, due mostly to the dangerous currents that prohibit swimming. However, for those who want to get away from the beach parks on the west side, here is an ideal place to do some sun worshipping and enjoy a drink at one of the little beach bars whilst viewing the mighty ocean. There is a lovely protected cove at Chen Rio and Mezcalitos offers good shrimps.
Of course, the beaches of Cozumel are the natural draw and must be experienced. Chankannab Park is a beautiful place with a small lagoon, making it perfect for families with its range of restaurants, snorkeling, even a little museum and gardens. Some of the luxury hotels Cozumel has are situated here, making it convenient to head for the beach and then nip back to freshen up in the en-suite bathroom before heading off for the evening. Play Azul is another popular beach close to hotels, offering a beautiful view from the shaded seated areas.
Organized activities are on offer on the island and make sure to take a fishing trip day out or just lounge on the deck. Scuba diving off the reefs has to be experienced, or perhaps a snorkeling tour. There are such a multitude of family run parks and amusements for the families that it really is impossible to get bored on Cozumel, which is exactlly what draws people here again and again.
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