The name Cozumel was derived from the Mayan “Cuzamil” or “Ah Cuzamil Peten” in full, which means the island of swallows (Spanish: Isla de las Golondrinas).
Cozumel is Mexico´s third largest island but its the country´s largest inhabited island. It is located in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico‘s Yucatán Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen. The municipality is part of the state of Quintana Roo.
The island measures 48 kilometers (30 miles) from north to south but only 16 kilometers (10 miles) from east to west.
The island’s commercial and residential center, San Miguel, is located on the leeward, or eastern, side of the island, and flanked by both a north and south hotel zone.
San Miguel is home to many restaurants with a huge variety of different cuisines, along with several discothèques, bars, cinemas, and outdoor stages. The main plaza is surrounded by shops; in the middle of the plaza is a fixed stage where Cozumeleños and tourists celebrate every Sunday evening with music and dancing.
Colloquially called the “wild side” the windward side of Cozumel is composed of natural, undeveloped beaches, amazing rock formations, hidden caves and blowholes.
Cozumel is world famous for its magnificent coral reefs and biodiversity. This makes way for the most amazing snorkel and diving experiences available in the entire Caribbean.
Getting to Cozumel by Air
Cozumel has a small international airport (but with all the modern amenities). Its located about 3km northeast of the ferry terminal.
Some airlines fly direct from the US, European flights are usually routed via the US or Mexico City. There is an island hopper flight operated by Maya Air from the Cancun airport to Cozumel. http://cozumelairport.org/
Getting to Cozumel by Boat
Three ferry companies operate the route between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen on the mainland: Mexico Waterjets (blue and white) and Ultramar (yellow) and Barcos Caribe (turquoise and pink).
The crossing takes about 40 minutes and departs from the Ferry Pier downtown.
Between the three companies, they have departures from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel from 6.45am to 11pm, and from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen from 5.45am to 10pm.
Ferries leave pretty much on the hour, every hour, with some extra services at other minutes past the hour. This means you should never need to wait more than 30-60 minutes for a ferry.
Mexico Waterjets
Cozumel 872-1508, 872-1588 or Playa del Carmen (984) 879-3112
mexicowaterjets.com
Ultramar
Playa del Carmen (984) 803-5581
granpuerto.com.mx
Barcos Caribe
Cozumel (987) 120-3982
barcoscribe.com