The island of Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, and is located
12 miles (19km) off the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula,
opposite the resort Playa del Carmen. It has exceptional coral
gardens and spectacular reef drop-offs offering legendary
snorkelling and the best diving in Mexico, ranking as one of the
top five dive destinations in the world. The west coast of the
island is where the majority of development has taken place and is
where the town of San Miguel is situated. Due to the island's
popularity with wealthy day visitors from the passing cruise ships,
the town is packed with pricey shops, restaurants and bars, as well
as the dozens of dive shops. Cozumel is a favourite destination for
divers and non-divers alike, offering some good beaches, crystal
clear water and plenty of sunshine. Its ease of access to the
mainland also makes day excursions to some of the popular Mayan
sites, like Chichén Itzá, possible.
