Cozumel

Cozumel is an enchanting island and municipality located in the Caribbean Sea, positioned just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. It is situated across from Playa del Carmen and is divided from the mainland by the Cozumel Channel, with the Yucatán Channel in close proximity. This beautiful island belongs to the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, and is celebrated for its deep history, lively culture, and breathtaking natural scenery.

The name Cozumel originates from the Mayan term “Cuzamil” (also spelled “Cutzmil”) or “Ah Cuzamil Peten” in its entirety, which means “the island of swallows” (Spanish: Isla de las Golondrinas). This name embodies the island’s historical importance and its ties to the Mayan civilization. The island is situated in the Caribbean Sea, on the eastern side of the Yucatán Peninsula, roughly 82 kilometers (51 miles) south of Cancún and 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the mainland. Cozumel measures approximately 48 kilometers (30 miles) in length and 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) in width, encompassing a total area of 477.961 square kilometers (184.542 square miles). It is recognized as Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, the largest island with a permanent population, and the third-largest island in Mexico, after Tiburón Island and Isla Ángel de la Guarda.

According to the 2020 census, Cozumel has a population of 88,626 residents. The town of San Miguel is home to the majority of the island’s inhabitants, boasting a population of 84,915. San Miguel stands as the island’s primary urban center and focal point of activity, presenting a harmonious mix of contemporary conveniences and classic allure. Cozumel is more than just an island; it is also a municipality that encompasses two small areas on the mainland: the ecotourism park of Xel-Ha and the Calica limestone quarry. The combined regions account for Cozumel’s overall land area of 647.33 square kilometers (249.94 square miles).

Cozumel is fully prepared to host visitors, featuring five primary piers that enhance transportation and tourism. Punta Langosta, the International Pier (SSA), and Puerta Maya serve as dedicated ports for cruise ships, attracting thousands of tourists annually. The ferry pier in San Miguel accommodates passenger ferries that travel to and from Playa del Carmen, in addition to cruise ship tenders. Furthermore, a fifth pier situated south of downtown is allocated for vehicle ferries, facilitating the effective transport of goods and services to and from the island.

The island features a rich natural landscape, highlighted by vast mangrove forests that serve as a habitat for many endemic animal species. The flat terrain of Cozumel is mainly made up of limestone, leading to a distinctive karst topography. The island’s highest natural point stands at under 15 meters (49 feet) above sea level, highlighting its low-lying characteristics. Among the island’s most captivating geological features are its cenotes—sinkholes filled with water, created by the slow seepage of water through the soft limestone soil over millennia. Cozumel boasts eighteen deep cenotes and over 250 shallow bodies of water, many of which lie concealed beneath thick vegetation. The cenotes serve as a remarkable reflection of the island’s geological history, drawing tourists who are in search of adventure and the splendor of nature. One of the most popular cenotes is Jade Cavern Cozumel (Cenote Chempita) located near El Cedral, celebrated for its breathtaking emerald waters and verdant surroundings.

Cozumel offers a distinctive combination of natural beauty, historical importance, and contemporary conveniences, making it a highly desirable destination for travelers globally. Visitors to Cozumel will undoubtedly be enchanted by its charm and beauty, whether they are exploring its vibrant marine life, delving into its rich cultural heritage, or simply relaxing on its pristine beaches.