Nestled off the eastern coast of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatán Peninsula, you’ll find the quaint claw-shaped island of Cozumel, Mexico. At 48 km’s long by 16 km’s wide, this small island has been through a lot but today stands as one of the top scuba diving and water activities destinations in the world, with pristine relaxing beaches and tastes of ancient Mayan culture.
The Maya, Jacques Cousteau and Hurricane Emily and Wilma
The first traces of civilizations were those of the Maya and Olmec from 1 to 500 AD, approximately. Spanish colonialists came in the early 1500’s and destroyed most of the Mayan temples and destroyed most of the indigenous population – from some 40,000 to 30 natives by the year 1570 due to an outbreak of smallpox.
Later during World War II, more ancient temples were destroyed to make way for an airport runway. In 2005, Hurricane Wilma and Emily swept through Cozumel, leaving to top 5 feet of virtually every tree on the island without leaves.
In 1959, Jacques Cousteau publicized to the world that Cozumel was one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. Although the hurricanes of 2005 destroyed some of Cozumel’s pristine reefs and displaced some of its ocean life, the coral reefs and underwater marine life are today vibrant and growing.
The Best of Cozumel
Today, Cozumel is one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico, nestled nearby Playa del Carmen and just south of Cancun. In fact, tourism is Cozumel’s only industry – and a strong one, at that, being it sonly income source.
Scuba diving, kiteboarding, snorkelling, fishing and bumming on the beach are what Cozumel is all about – and they definitely know how to do it well. From resorts to hotels, over 100 restaurants, luscious blue swimming pools, private docks for chartered yachts – and the perfect honeymoon or wedding destination (and of course, moonlit walks on beaches).
Museums, a few Mayan ruins, spas and mini-golf are also popular activities in Cozumel. Visit Chankanaab Park located in Reefs National Marine Park that features the only inland coral reef formation in the world. In their natural aquarium swim with the dolphins, swim up to tropical fish and watch the sea lion show.
Day Trips from Cozumel to Explore Mexico’s Chichen Itza
For a little more than water and sun – try taking a day trip to one of Mexico’s biggest attractions, Chichen Itza, once one of the capitals of the Mayan Empire. It is thought that these temples, built by 600 AD and ended violently in the early 1200’s. You’ll see El Castillo, the Temple of the Warriors, the Great Ball Court and the other ruins of the once-Mayan-capital.
After a day of sightseeing and climbing ancient crumbling steps – you’ll be sure to return to your cozy spot on the beach in Cozumel, inspired and enlightened, ready for another beautiful Mexican day.
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