Cozumel
Unlike its bustling neighbor Cancun, Cozumel is relatively quiet with only 3% of the 189-square-mile island developed. Located 12 miles off the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula and fringed by beautiful reefs, “the land of the swallows” offers clear turquoise waters and wide, white-sand beaches. Cozumel has a wide variety of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, all with a laid-back tropical vibe. It is best known for it’s incredible snorkling and scuba diving adventures. Water-loving couples can’t go wrong with a honeymoon here.
Before You Go: Need-to-know info
Entry Requirements: Passport
Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Flight Time: 6 hours from NYC, 7 hours from LA
Getting Around: Taxi, rental car
Cozumel At Its Best
Best Weather: November to April. Rainy season runs from May to October. Hurricane season swirls from September to October.
Best Prices: May to mid-December
What to do
Go Diving
With more than 30 charted reefs and a variety of dive tours — including deep, drift, shore, wall, night, and theme dives that focus on ecology, archaeology, wrecks, and photography — Cozumel is one of Mexico’s premier diving destination. In fact, Columbia Shallows is one of the most electrifying shallow dives in the Caribbean. As an added bonus, peak diving season (June to August) coincides with off-peak hotel season.
Visit San Miguel
The island’s only town has the ambience of a charming Mexican village. Stroll the waterfront boulevard and people-watch at the main square, where mariachi bands sometimes play on Sunday nights. Check out the clock tower located in the town square, the Plaza del Sol. There you can take advantage of a nice shopping area, lined with entertainment, restaurants, and lots of retail shops.
Explore Amazing Wildlife
Visit Chankanaab (“small sea”) National Park and tour its botanical garden, archaeological park, and saltwater lagoon cum wildlife sanctuary. Snorkel or dive in underwater caves, offshore reefs, or a protected bay with sunken cannons, anchors, statues, and a ship.
Take In Lighthouse Views
Drive to either end of the island to take in magnificent faro (“lighthouse”) views from Punta Sur’s Celerain lighthouse (south) or Punta Molas (north). Punta Sur is surrounded by sand dunes and offers jungle views, while Punta Molas is great for sunbathing and jagged shoreline vistas.
