Overview

Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean, gains recognition for its spectacular diving and snorkeling. Located 12 miles off the shore of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is just a 40-minute ferry ride from the mainland. The surrounding sea nourishes the second-largest barrier reef system in the world, the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which runs for 1,500 miles down the Caribbean to Central America. Even though the island the Maya called Cuzamil, or "place of the swallows," long ago morphed from a small fishing village to a major resort and cruise ship destination, Cozumel still harbors places where you can stroll secluded beaches, kayak through mangrove lagoons and view ancient Mayan ruins. And, as a popular cruise port, Cozumel has its fair share of soft adventure outings, from ATV tours to zip line adventures.

Written by Candyce H. Stapen