Accommodations

The town of San Miguel and most of the hotels are all located on the western side of the island. The international airport is located just inland from downtown and sees many direct flights from other parts of Mexico and the US. Most flights from Europe and elsewhere usually are routed through Mexico City or locations in the US.


Activities

Why travel to Cozumel and the Riviera Maya? Cozumel Vacations offer mostly quiet and relaxation. There are deserted sandy beaches, diving and snorkeling, and ancient archaeological ruins of the mayan culture making this a holiday tourist travel destination to visit. If your holiday travel requires more, then a tour to the mainland in Cancun or Playa del Carmen is also a good choice where one will find a variety of day activities as well as exciting entertainment and nightlife.

Events

A historic festival is held in the small town of El Cedral, in the south of Cozumel Island at the end of April. This annual event is said to have been started over 150 years ago by Casimiro Cárdenas. Today, the original Holy Cross Festival forms part of the Festival of El Cedral, which includes fairs, traditional feasts, rodeos, bullfights, music and competitions. The celebrations last about 5 days in all and are held every year at the end of April or beginning of May. Carnival is held the 5 days before Ash Wednesday each year and parades, carnival rides and games, dances, music, food and drink make this event one not to be missed. Look for the main streets in the tourist areas to be closed to vehicles.

Golfing

For golfers, Cozumel has an 18 hole par 72 Championship Golf Course designed by the Nicklaus design group. Best to make a reservation but walk-ins are accepted.


History

Maya civilization settled on Cozumel over 2000 years ago and was named for the “land of the swallows” for the native birds. In 1519, Hernan Cortes brought 750 men and began a series of battles with the natives. Combined with the diseases brought by the Spanish soldiers, the native population was mostly wiped out and Cozumel was abandoned until 1848, when refugees from the Caste War escaped the mainland of Mexico and resettled the island. In 1961, French explorer Jacques Cousteau proclaimed the area's waters one of the most spectacular scuba diving sites in the world. The island became a divers' haven and eventually, a cruise ship port-of-call.

 

Passport Requirement

Please be advised that the Passport requirements for U.S. Citizens to re-enter the country from Mexico and Central America is changing. Effective December 31, 2006 all U.S citizens traveling into the United States from Mexico and Central America must have a valid U.S. passport. U.S. Birth certificates will no longer be acceptable as a travel document. On December 31, 2007, a passport or other accepted documentation is required for all air, sea, and land border crossings. Passport Information