Cozumel

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, nestled just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel measures 30 miles long & 10 miles wide, and is world renown for its dazzling white sandy beaches and the remarkable clarity of the multi-hued azure Caribbean ocean in which it rests. The waters surrounding Cozumel have become an underwater marine park to protect the delicate balance of its dazzling coral reefs & abundant variety of tropical fish. The Mesoamerican Reef is the largest reef system of the Americas, extending nearly 1000 kilometers. Diving and snorkeling experiences are unforgettable. As many as 250 different species of fish can be seen in Cozumel's waters. The toad fish is found nowhere else in the world. It is known as one of the world's fastest eaters. It can capture and eat a whole fish in milliseconds. Cozumel is also home to tiny mammals and endemic birds. Chankanaab National Park and the Punta Sur Ecological reserve are protected areas at the southern tip of the island.

In addition to the spectacular open water diving, the region of Cozumel and Akumal are well-known for the underground rivers that honeycomb the porous limestone of the Yucatan which provide some of the most beautiful cave and cavern or "cenote" diving in the world. Many of these caves are very highly decorated and are like floating through the finest cave filled with water that is as clear as air.

The stunning photo on the right is by Ethan Gordon
click on the photo to see more of his images of Cozumel