Cozumel

Cozumel is known worldwide for its spectacular coral reefs and underwater life, with a wide variety of coral that make up the Great Mayan barrier reef, the second largest in the world, stretching from Contoy Island in the north to the Gulf of Honduras in the south.

Aside from their spectacular variety, the reefs are easily accessible to both snorkelers and divers, with good visibility year-round and warm water and air temperatures, making a visit to the reefs comfortable twelve months of the year.
Life above water in Cozumel is centered around the small town of San Miguel, full of international restaurants, boutiques, and great spots for nightlife. Each day hundreds of tourists pour out of the cruise ships that dock on the island. Others fly directly into the small international airport for an extended stay to enjoy the excellent diving.

Cozumel is one of the best options for development of larger projects in the Mexican Caribbean, such as large resorts, spas, and all inclusive hotels.

Cozumel is internationally known for its high standards in lodging.

Mexico's Isla Cozumel (or Cozumel Island) derives its name from the Mayans who believed the island to be a sacred shrine. In Maya, Cuzamil translates to "land of the swallows," a reflection of the indigenous birds that grace the landscape.

Recent investigations have uncovered proof that the first Mayans settled on Cozumel approximately 2,000 years ago. A seafaring people, they established the island as a commercial stop.

Spanish explorer Juan de Grijalva made a peaceful stop on the island in 1518. The visit was followed a year later by the infamous Hernán Cortés. The conqueror proceeded to destroy many of the Mayan temples. By the time Cortés left Cozumel, the ancient civilization lie in ruins. At the same time an outbreak of smallpox killed thousands. Between 1519 and 1570 the island's population dropped from 40,000 to 30. By 1600 the island was desolate. Cozumel was resettled in 1848 when people escaped the Mexican mainland during the "War of the Castes" in which natives of Mayan ancestry struggled to regain their original lands. The Revolution of 1910 - 1917 resulted in important land reforms and freedom for the isleños.

By 1970, Cozumel's population quickly grew to 10,000 and today the island boasts a population of more than 65,000.

Geography:

Cozumel, the largest island in the Mexican Caribbean and the most populated island of Mexico, is situated near the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo. The island is approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) long and 10 miles (16 kilometers) wide.

Climate:

The average air temperature is 80°F (27°C):
July/August - High 80's to low 90's°F (32°C)
December/January - Mid 70's°F (24°C)

Winter Months: Cold fronts may create windy, cloudy and cooler weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, usually lasting for an hour.
Water temperatures range from 77°-82°F (25°-28°C) throughout the year.