Brief history of COZUMEL

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Ixchel, goddess of love and fertility

According to Mayan legend, Cozumel was the home of Ixchel, goddess of love and fertility. Numerous religious temples were dedicated to the goddess Ixchel and in response, the goddess Ixchel sent to the Mayans, her favorite bird as a symbol of gratitude. That is why the Mayans named Cozumel as the island of the swallows.

Located in the Caribbean Sea off the Quintana Roo coast, Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico, with one single town called San Miguel. The island is known worldwide as, the  most  spectacular place in Mexico for   dive and  snorkeling.

Cozumel is one of the islands that  were able to kept on it's most natural state, with almost 80 percent of its territory uninhabited. Ideal to enjoy one of the most tranquil holiday in paradise, that you can imagine; But not for lack of action,  as there are many activities you can do here.

 

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Cozumel is one of the islands that  were able to kept on it's most natural state, with almost 80 percent of its territory uninhabited. Ideal to enjoy one of the most tranquil holiday in paradise, that you can imagine; But not for lack of action,  as there are many activities you can do here.
Cozumel is home of the second largest  reefs around the world: Palancar Reef, where snorkeling and diving are the best thing in the world. Jacques Cousteau discovered black coral here for almost 20 years ago, and during the summer, the  visibility can  be  over 132 feet.

Due to the unique beauty of its crystal clear water all reefs that are found around the island have been declared National Parks. In addition to the Reef Palancar, there  is  the Columbia reef which is located  three miles away of palancar reef. In  Columbia reef you’ll be  able to see turtles and manta floating sporadically. The best thing is to have camera in hand, for  those underwater photographers, because there is much to capture in this safari by the sea. 

In Cozumel’s single town, San Miguel you’ll  find modern hotels with it’s own beaches, were tours by sea can be  offered, for example our  beach Palancar , Which  will lead  you  to Palancar and Colombia  reef for  snorkeling  and  diving.
You can  also explore the island by the coastal road, in bicycle or motorcycle that  are  available  for rent  anywhere.

A tip; if you have time to explore the island, renting a car can be the best  option.
As for shopping, Cozumel has many shops, as traditional Mexican crafts (such as silver, typical clothing and hammocks)till high quality clothing.

There are several ways to get to Cozumel, The island has its own international airport, which is located two miles from  San Miguel’s north.
Ferries travels all the  time trough the stretch water, between land and the island.  Don’t  worry  the    riding  time  is  only  35 minutes, and  there is  Two companies that  cover the route.
Mexico Waterjets, capacities ranging between 50 to 800 passengers per boat. Their most modern boats are three high speed waterjets: Mexico, Mexico IV & V. The fleet is considered to be the second biggest of Latin America and Mexico’s most modern.

Ultramar offers maritime transportation to the islands of Cozumel, with continuous departures from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, The incomparable beauty of the islands along with the convenience and speed of their boats made this trip, the favorite of visitors to this tourist center.

ferries companies, are all day  long  from 5:00 am   in the morning from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen to 11:00 pm at  night, from  Playa del Carmen  to  Cozumel.

There is also, if  needed  the car ferry, that  makes it a trajectory on 1:30 hour, from Punta Venado deck to Cozumel.