Cozumel Tourist Information and Tourism

(Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico)

Located directly south of Cancun city and near to the Yucatán Peninsula, the beautiful island of Cozumel is the biggest and most significant island in the whole of Mexico. Shaped almost like a teardrop, Cozumel is famous for its ancient Mayan remains, beautiful sandy beaches and also its unsurpassed scuba diving, being surrounded by the crystal-clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, which is always warm and inviting. In total, Cozumel is home to more than 100 recognised dive sites and has been attracting scuba divers from all over the world for more than 50 years.

Early inhabitants of Cozumel gave it the name of the 'Island of Swallows' (Ah-Cuzamil-Peten). San Miguel de Cozumel is the island's one and only town and lies on the north-westerly coastline. This town is where much of the main tourism is based and features many hotels with coastal views. San Miguel de Cozumel is easily reached from all over the island and many tourists choose to rent a car or moped so that they can explore the coastline more fully.





San Miguel de Cozumel boasts a picturesque waterfront boulevard, the Avenida Rafael Malgar, along with many quality restaurants, arty shops, a large central plaza (Plaza del Sol), which is where you will find the main tourist information office. Further tourism advice is available at the busy ferry dock, where a helpful tourist information booth remains open Monday through Saturday.

Cozumel Tourist Information and Tourism: Top Sights

Surrounded in its entirety by beautiful coastline and endless stretches of sandy beaches, the main tourist attractions on the island of Cozumel and often based around this area. Anyone with a love of water sports won't want to ever leave Cozumel, since there is so much to do. Popular water sports in Cozumel include water skiing along the coastline, scuba diving around the glorious corals reefs of the Arrecife Palancar, snorkelling off the Playa San Francisco, and both sailing and yachting. Within the Chankanaab National Marine Park, it is even possible to swim with friendly dolphins, at the Dolphin Discovery attraction, while for others it is possible to sightsee beneath the water's surface in Atlantis submarines. More information about Cozumel Tourist Attractions.

Many historical landmarks create much character around the island and are particularly noticeable in San Miguel de Cozumel, such as the prominent Plaza Central and the City Hall, known locally as the 'Palacio Municipal'. Located off the Costera Este Highway (East Coast Road) the Castillo Real is an ancient castle dating back from Mayan times and worth pencilling in. Further Mayan ruins include Cozumel's San Gervasio, which lies on the eastern side of the island and was once an important place for ceremonial events. More information about Cozumel Landmarks.

If you are interested in learning more about the island, information about Cozumel, both past and present, is readily available at the numerous museums and in particular, at the Island of Cozumel Museum (Museo de la Isla de Cozumel). With nearly 1,000 musical instruments from all over the planet, the Pax Music Museum is a rather unexpected treat, while for information about the coastline, the Navigational Museum at the Punta Celerain Lighthouse is a good bet and it is even possible to climb to the very top of the lighthouse and enjoy some stunning views. Many people looking for souvenirs of Cozumel find that the island's art galleries are perfect, such as the Azul Gallery and also the Balam Mayan Feather Gallery, both of which are located in San Miguel de Cozumel. More information about Cozumel Museums and Cozumel Art Galleries.

Cozumel offers numerous worthwhile day trips and excursions. Close to the island, regular boat trips and cruises link Cozumel with many surrounding islands and also mainland Mexico, such as Cancun and the Playa del Carmen. Both of these tourist resorts feature endless beachfront hotels, many stretches of fine sand and all kinds of water sports. Further afield at one of Mexico's most famous and iconic structures, the Chichén Itzá is around six hours away from Cozumel and well worth the trip for its El Castillo Pyramid alone. Tulum, Xel-Ha and the Xcaret National Park are all also close by. More information about Cozumel Attractions Nearby.

More Cozumel Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

• Country: Mexico (east)
• Location: Quintana Roo (QR) - eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula
• Status: island - capital town of San Miguel de Cozumel
• Area: approximately 250 square miles / 645 square kilometres
• Population: approximately 75,000
• Language: Mexican Spanish
• Currency: Peso (MXN)
• Time zone: UTC / GMT - 6 hours
• Country dialling code: +52
• Telephone area code: 987
• Religion: predominantly Catholics, with smaller number of Protestants
• Average daily Cozumel January temperature: 21°C / 70°F
• Average daily Cozumel July temperature: 25°C / 77°F