About Cozumel
Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean
island, located off the northeast tip of
the Yucatan Peninsula. Its culture is
the legacy of the Mayan Indians. Legend
says the island was the home of Ixchel,
Maya moon goddess and deity of
childbirth and fertility. You can visit
Mayan ruins on the island.
www.cozumel.net
Cozumel's rich history doesn't end
there. In 1518, Juan de Grijalv
discovered the island en route to Cuba
and it became a sanctuary for pirates.
In the mid 1800s, mainlanders began to
resettle the island, which became
popular for its supply of zagote tree.
The tree provided chicle for the
American chewing gum industry. In 1961,
Jacques Cousteau introduced the island
to the world.
Diving Cozumel
Cozumel is famous for its reef
diving, which makes up the second
largest barrier reef in the world, the
Belizean Reef. In 1996, the Mexican
government designated a 25-mile tract of
reef as a national marine park. Rules
and regulations were established to
protect the abundance of tropical marine
life and plants. There are also caves
and a wreck for those who get bored with
the reefs.
The dive sites fall into three basic
categories: shallow near shore coral
gardens (such as Paradise Reef South for
novices), vertical walls with dramatic
drop-offs (such as Santa Rosa Wall for
intermediates and Maracaibo Deep for
advanced), and coral pinnacles with
labyrinths of eaves and tunnels (such as
Palancar Horseshoe for intermediates).
Cozumel thrives on the tourist
industry and there are many resorts to
choose from. Many of the resorts run
their own dive operations. The dive
operators offer scuba packages,
instruction, and rentals. Rodale's
Scuba Diving Magazine lists
reputable
resorts and dive operators.
Visit Cozumel
Cozumel is in Mexico so be sure to
bring proof of citizenship, such as a
birth certificate or
passport. You will also need a valid
photo ID and A Temporary Tourist Card.
If you are planning a trip to Cozumel or
any other part of Mexico, be sure to
visit
Mexico Travel Guide's traveler tips
for more information on entry
requirements, when to go, getting
around, what to bring, health tips,
money exchange & credit, and tips for
seniors.
Facts and Figures
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Language: Spanish, some
Mayan, English is widely spoken
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Climate: Subtropical, Rainy
season is May to September
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Water Temp: 77 in winter, 85
in summer
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Time Zone: Central
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Documents: Proof of citizenship,
valid photo ID, and Temporary
Tourist card
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For more Info: Mexican
Ministry of Tourism (800)-44-MEXICO
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