Vacations to Cozumel, Mexico

• Cozumel, Mexico is known for its coral reef system and tropical climate.Cozumel coral reef image by aurorapoint from Fotolia.com
  
  Cozumel, an island off the southern tip of Mexico, is the largest and most populated island in the Mexican Caribbean. Located approximately 12 miles from mainland Mexico and 36 miles south of Cancun, Cozumel enjoys a year-round tropical climate. The island provides nesting grohnd and sanctuary for endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles, as well as other turtles, such as leatherbacks and Hawksbill, that inhabit the area.
  
  

Getting to Cozumel

• Some airlines offer flights directly to the island, but a suitable alternative is to fly into Cancun. From Cancun, an airport bus trek to nearby Playa del Carmen and a short ferry ride onto Cozumel provide a comfortable journey. Cruise lines regularly stop on the island but provide only short visits.
  
  

Geography

• Cozumel sits atop the largest reef system in the Americas, formed by coralline limestone. The coastline is comprised mostly of white beaches on both sides of the island. On the western side gentle ocean waves prevail, while on the east, the wave pattern is more powerful.
  
  

Climate

• Summer on Cozumel can be on the warm side, but after Labor Day until December the weather is mild and tourists are plentiful. It is wise to book accommodations early for this season. September and November are typically hurricane months. Cold fronts in the winter can bring cloudy, cooler weather. Water temperature remains in the low 70s to low 80s year-round, and shallow water is prevalent, providing excellent conditions for snorkeling.
  
  

Activities

• Besides the miles of white beach, Cozumel offers much to keep the traveler happy. In addition to being one of the best snorkeling locations in the world, it is also a popular destination for SCUBA. Sport fishing is available, and vacationers can enjoy jet skis, windsurfing, jeep tours, glass-bottom boats and horseback riding. Chankanaab National Park offers lagoons and gardens, and Mayan ruins are located on the island. Cozumel also has its own golf course. Nightlife is plentiful, too, with several well-known nightclub chains and a multi-screen movie theater.
  
  

Amenities

• San Miguel, Cozumel's only city, offers reasonably priced hotels here as well as restaurants that fit all budgets. Beachfront homes are available on a rental basis for a stay of a week or longer. The city is equipped to handle the needs of its visitors with large, well-stocked grocery stores and pharmacies. Rental cars are available, and fiesta takes place in the town square every Sunday evening.