“With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one.” — Cozumel Tourism
Cozumel History
Cozumel has a rich Mayan history that can be traced back over 2000 years. Some interesting facts about the history of Cozumel:
- The island’s name comes from the Mayan words Cuzam (swallow) and Lumil (land of). Cuzamil – land of the swallow
- Cozumel was believed to be home to the Mayan goddess Ixchel
- In the 17th century, pirates, including the notorious Henry Morgan and Jean Lafitte, used Cozumel as their base for hiding treasure. It’s rumored that there is unfound treasure still on the island
- The island was settled again by English and Dutch pirates in 1848, and refugees from the caste wars also came to Cozumel
- During WW II, the US built an air base on Cozumel for planes hunting U-Boats in the mid-Atlantic. The US Navy Frogmen came to train in Cozumel and returned home with stories of the amazing underwater world they found here
- In 1960, Jacque Cousteau visited Cozumel and raved about its coral reefs, making the island a “must visit” destination for underwater enthusiasts worldwide
Cozumel Today
Cozumel has become one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico. The island offers a unique combination of culture, history, fabulous beaches, exciting adventures on land and sea, great restaurants, shopping and of course, world class diving. Cozumel has something for everyone.
- Mayan archeological sites – San Gervasio, El Cedral, Castillo Real and El Caracol
- Cultural and religious festivals throughout the year celebrating the unique heritage of the island and its people
- Full-service beach clubs, remote stretches of soft sand, and everything in between
- Mexican, Italian, French, Argentinian, Chinese, Sushi, Indian, Cuban, neighborhood taquerias and loncherias, beach bars, coffee bars, and more…
- SCUBA diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking, wind surfing, kite boarding, cenotes or just swimming in the clear blue ocean
- Just a 35 minute ferry ride to the mainland and The Riviera Maya where you can visit Mayan ruins or enjoy a cenote dive
