COZUMEL
Cozumel, a Caribbean island 19
km (12 mi) east of the Quintana Roo coast, is Mexico’s largest island with a
territorial extension of 647.33 km2 (258.93 mi2). The
average temperature is 26º C (79º F) and the climate is
warm and humid, with strong rainfall in the summer.
The island is covered with lush
jungle vegetation and surrounded by rocky coastlines, white-sand beaches,
lagoons and mangroves. The waters encircling the island have an impressive
group of coral reefs that are part of the Great Mayan Reef, the second largest
reef system in the world. Marine reserves of great ecological importance, such
as Parque Marino Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel (Cozumel National Reef Marine
Park) and Parque Natural Chankanaab (Chankanaab Nature Park), were created to
protect areas with a wide diversity of marine life, and they have drawn the
attention of researchers and marine biologists such as Jacques Cousteau.
Moreover, they are great places to do scuba diving and ecotourism
outings.
The island’s only town is San Miguel
de Cozumel, which has a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere and Mexico’s most
important international cruise dock. Tourists flock to Cozumel looking for the
peace, quiet and comfort that the island’s hotel zone offers. During your stay,
you can also enjoy excellent golf courses, spas, and restaurants serving up a
wide array of regional fish and seafood dishes. And of course there’s the
thriving nightlife in the bars, where one can drink national and exotic
beverages with new friends under a moonlit sky.