Cozumel ("Coh-zoo-mel") is Mexico's real "Caribbean" destination. It is an island located about 40 miles (64km) south of Cancun and Cozumel is Mexico's greatest Caribbean island with a total land area of around 308 sq m (798 sq km).

Cruise ships call at the port, and the result of it is that the island is ranked among some of the top 10 most frequented tourist destinations in the world. Nevertheless the island is quiet, relaxed with a usual Mayan-Mexican feel about it.

San Miguel de Cozumel is the only main town on the island. In the daytime when the cruise ships are calling the port, the town becomes rather busy and crowded, but at night, when the cruise ships sail away, the sense and ambiance of Cozumel alter extremely.

Only about 5% of the place is developed, and much of the island is undeveloped rough jungle and serene, secluded beaches. If you decide where to stay in Cozumel, you have two options: you may either reside in or near the downtown, or you can move out of town and stay at one of the resorts along the beach.

The main attractions here (in addition to quiet relaxation) are a few small Mayan ruins, some usual water sports, diving and snorkeling, as there are around 100 dive sites that are recognized as being "world-class". Some of them are deep enough for SCUBA divers and some are shallow enough for snorkeling. No doubt, Cozumel is a diver's dream destination.

If you're looking for non-water activities, then you should probably head for Cancun or Playa del Carmen on the mainland, though boat tours to the mainland archaeological parks in the area are provided from Cozumel.

Cozumel boasts great amount of great beaches and beach clubs, such as Chankanaab National Park, Paradise Beach, Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar. All of them are located approximately 5-10 miles (8-16 km) south of the main town and cruise ship docks.

If you choose the east side of the island, you may relish more rugged shoreline and provides miles of calm secluded beaches. It is not safely to swim on this side of the island. The waves hit the rocky seashore, and curl back, creating powerful undercurrents. Though the scenery here is magnificent, and the path that embraces the edge of the shore is an amazing picturesque route.