Cozumel

Also known as Isla Cozumel, Cozumel Island

An island of Yucatán, Mexico, North America.

Cozumel is an island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, and is a haven for scuba divers from all over the world.

The land-facing coast has spectacular reefs with awe inspiring rock formations. These reefs are generally protected from the open ocean, though throughout history hurricanes have impacted underwater conditions, covering some sites and opening others.

Water temperatures during summer months are high enough that only light exposure protection is necessary.

In 1996, the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park was established, which covers most of the dive sites on the island, forbidding anyone from touching or removing any marine life within the park boundaries. A fee is payable on a daily basis. Your dive operator should issue you with an arm band for 27 pesos (around USD2) which you must wear on the boat and underwater.

A ferry is available between Playa del Carmen on the mainland and the main town on the island, San Miguel de Cozumel.