 Cozumel
is Mexico's largest island, and offers dual delights
that take visitors above and below water. Its jungle-clad
interior and ivory white beaches are girdled by one
of the most spectacular ensembles of coral reefs in
this hemisphere. Surrounding the island's limestone
shore are temperate, crystal clear waters which range
from stunning turquoise, to aquamarine, to deep indigo.
The area's diving and snorkeling are legendary and has
earned a world-wide following of divers, who rank it
one of the top five dive sites on the planet. The island's
surrounding sea is teeming with undersea life, colorful
reefs, and the slumbering hulls of Spanish galleons.
For non-divers, the island's attractions include over
35 archaeological sites (only a few of which are accessible
and worth seeing), and the charming city of San Miguel
which is a hodgepodge of cafes, restaurants, and attractive
boutiques. Nature lovers come to Cozumel to witness
giant sea turtles laying their eggs (May to September)
and to peek in on the island's varied concentration
of exotic migratory bird life. Only a 40 minute ferry
ride from the incredible Costa Turquesa region of the
Yucatan Peninsula, brimming with hidden beaches, secluded
resorts and archaeological treasures. The calm waters
of the western shore have attracted nearly all the island's
resort development. The island offers 2,500 units of
mostly moderate lodging, divided among two dozen or
so properties to the north and south of San Miguel.
In town there are a few two and three-star properties,
catering mostly to budget travelers and divers. The
island is best suited for vacationers wanting an affordable
and laid-back Caribbean island experience.
Isla Mujeras:
Powdery beaches and warm turquoise waters make this
area a water sports wonderland. Swim by yourselves…or
with dolphins. Try parasailing or windsurfing. Glide
through coral reefs off Cozumel or Isla Mujeres. Rent
a sailboat. On land, go horseback riding or climb the
Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza. Savor cuisine prepared
by gourmet chefs. At night, dance to salsa or mariachi
bands, tour the discos, or mellow out at a jazz bar.
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