COZUMEL MEXICO CRUISES

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, situated a short 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel measures 28 miles long & 10 miles wide,  The island is world renown for it's white sandy beaches and the clarity of the multi-hued azure Caribbean ocean. The climate is subtropical and the people native to Cozumel are of Mayan descent. The Maya were a great culture of farmers, fisherman and warriors who ruled from Campeche to Guatamala for over 2000 years before the arrival of the Spanish Explorers in the 15th Century. They were quite an advanced civilazation, and the legacy of their culture survives in the vestiges of the huge cities that they built during their reign.

One very interesting site one the island and is called San Gervacio. Tthis was once a sacred site where Mayan women journeyed to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Other fascinating sites such as Chichen Itza with its massive pyramids that rival those at Cheops, and Tulum, the only Mayan city built overlooking the sea, and even Tikal in its lush jungle settings where wild monkeys still can be seen, are an easy one day excursion from Cozumel.

Cozumel itself was a sleepy little fishing community until 1961, when a Frenchman by the name of Jacques Cousteau declared the island to be one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world. Since that time, Cozumel has become an underwater marine park to protect the delicate balance of it's dazzling coral reefs and abundant variety of tropical fish.

The island has for the most part been enjoying its status as a calm but charming island that profits from its prime diving reputation. Known as Ah-Cuzamil-Peten it is Mexico's only Caribbean isle, as well as the country's largest and most populated island. Thanks to a Jacques Cousteau documentary on its world-class reefs it has been a favorite international diving destination since 1961. It is literally swimming with diving sites - about 100 have been identified within 5km (3mi) of Cozumel, and at least a dozen of them are shallow enough for snorkeling. Unless you're doing one or the other of those activities, however, there is probably not too much reason to stay here long - unless, of course, you're just looking for a gorgeous spot to put your feet up.  Cozumel cruiss to the main land or to the reef are available year round.