A relatively small island just 29 miles long and 12 miles wide located just off the coast of Mexico, south east of Cozumel and due east of Playa Del Carmen. Cozumel is mostly undeveloped territory home to the amazing Punta del Sur (South Point) ecological reserve, and Chankanaab national park. Tourism, diving and charter fishing comprise nearly all sources of income. There are more than 300 restaurants on the island and many hotels, some of which run dive operations, have swimming pools, private docks, and multiple dining facilities. All food and manufactured supplies are shipped to the island. Water is provided by three different desalination facilities located on the island.

The windward side of the island is still practically undeveloped. The north end, accessed via a dirt-and-sand road only, has untrammeled beaches and a sprinkling of abandoned Maya ruins. A paved road cuts across the island from the leeward (populated) side before turning south for easy access to kilometers of lovely, white sand beaches, some with waves for surfers, others with good conditions for kiteboarders and windsurfers. n downtown Cozumel are several discotheques, bars, cinemas, stages and restaurants. The main plaza includes a fixed stage where Cozumelenians and tourists celebrate the Sunday evening with a dance into the night.

Many of the more beautiful spots have wood-and-palm-thatch restaurant-bars, restrooms, lounge chairs on the sand, palapas for shade, and men and women selling souvenirs and cold drinks. These services actually add to their appeal, and there are plenty of solitary beaches if that's what you're looking for. Any time except the hurricane season (mid-September through mid-November) is appropriate for a diver's vacation. The summer rainy season might put a damper on a beach vacation, but most of the island's 4,000 hotel rooms still fill up with families during school vacations, and rain showers rarely last all day.

Cozumel has a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a romantic honeymoon and also perfect for a family vacation. You will get the typical crystal waters of the Caribbean, colorful sunsets, and secluded beaches among other gifts from nature. The land is bountiful and many crops flourished here, along with tropical fruits and fish from the sea. Today agriculture is an afterthought and tourism drives the economy, but a solid community of long-time residents still owns much of the land, which is perhaps one reason Cozumel has managed to maintain an affable, laid-back atmosphere despite the appearance of five-star hotels and several million cruise ship passengers each year.

Punta Sur was also sparsely populated with visitors. The fee to enter this marine sanctuary seems a bit steep: what you get for US$12 is basically beach entrance, a visit to the lighthouse museum (which is charming and interesting), and views from the lighthouse tower and the crocodile viewing station. Within the 100-hectare reserve are sugary beaches, sand dunes, low jungle, mangroves, and wide lagoons. For an additional cost you can take a guided kayak or catamaran tour up the coast, snorkel, or go bird-watching.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Cozumel became a favorite hideout for pirates, who ambushed and sunk many cargo ships off of the island's shores. Consequently, divers love the ocean floor surrounding Cozumel. The many ships and colorful reefs provide a diving experience unlike any other in the world. ts underwater wonders include the world's second-largest reef network featuring limestone caves, tunnels and rare black coral. Dive enthusiasts can enjoy diving year around as water temperatures range from 77-82F (25-28C) throughout the year.

In addition to the perfect year-round weather, beautiful beaches and crystal clear water, there are many fine Cozumel restaurants, fun shopping experiences (where haggling can be taken to a new level) and a wide variety of Cozumel nightlife from party-all-night bars to quieter jazz clubs. Whether you're a diver or non-diver, Cozumel is a great place for those looking for fun, sun and relaxation. After Jacques Cousteau declared Cozumel to be of the most spectacular diving sites in the world in 1961, people from every corner of the planet now come to discover this underwater Caribbean biosphere.