| The largest inhabited island in Mexico and the oldest in the Caribbean group, Cozumel is
located 12 miles off the eastern coast of the mainland (Yucatan Peninsula.)The limestone
plateau that forms the base of the island is 34 miles long (north to south) and 11 miles
wide (east to west) and, despite the boom in tourist and residential development in the past
few years, continues to have vast expanses of untouched jungle and shoreline.
The combination of great diving, snorkeling and fishing on the west coast, lovely isolated
beaches on the east and a thriving city full of shops, markets and restaurants make
Cozumel an excellent vacation destination for anyone who feels that variety is the spice
of life.
And with a fast modern ferry to the mainland running 10 trips per day, its also great as a
base from which to launch out on side trips to attractions like Playa del Carmen, Chitzen
Itza, Coba, Tulum and Xcaret.
For years after Cousteau's discovery divers were the island's only visitors. But in the
1970's the island began to experience the same kind of tourism growth that was effecting
Cancun although, thankfully (!) on a much smaller scale |
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