Cozumel is the most populated island in Mexico, and is located 50 miles from mainland in the State of  Quintana Roo.

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, but its relatively small size and interesting sights make touring both manageable and enjoyable.

Cozumel is easily reached by air and by sea from Playa del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.

Cozumel island has a singular beauty because of its:

• White coastline

• Clear waters

• Tropical vegetation

• Kind people

• Variety of sea food

• Diversion centers

In Cozumel there are several Mayan sites located on the northern half of the island. San Gervasio can be reached by following the sign leading from Cross Island Road; a gravel road leads to the entry, where you pay a modest fee. Once inside, you can wander through the four districts, the first dating from the Early Classic Period (A.D. 300-600), and the last from the Late Postclassical Period (A.D. 1250 -1500).

Speech of Cortes to its soldiers before undertaking the conquest of Mexico.

The majority of the structures of San Gervasio were used as altars and shrines and for governmental gatherings. While the buildings are not of the scale of other Mayan sites on the Yucatan peninsula, you'll sense a certain mystique as you walk on the altars where ceremonies were once held in honor of Ixchel, the fertility goddess. English-speaking guides are available.

San Gervasio was a sanctuary of the goddess Ixchel, drawing pilgrims from the entire Mayan world. Its splendor began around A.D. 200 and its vitality endured until the arrival of the Spaniards. San Gervasio was a strategic point for the commercial and political development of its era and you can visit this sacred site today.

For more information of San Gervasio Archaeological site
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Cozumel has a large variety of attractions such as:

Cross Cozumel Island Road ends in the center of the eastern coast of the island. Turn south and drive along the southeastern coast, where you'll see a more rugged side of Cozumel. The area is virtually uninhabited except for iguanas and birds that make their home in the mangrove trees and scrub jungle. The coastline varies from golden beaches to limestone formations.

Farther south, where the road turns dramatically west, is El Mirador beach; here, you will find an unmarked dirt road that leads to the Celarain Lighthouse. Alone the way you'll see a small ruin called Tumba del Caracol, or "Shell Tomb". Don't miss the panoramic view from the lighthouse.

Following the main road west, you'll pass signs for Palancar and El Cedral. El Cedral is a small Mayan ruin. The dirt road at the Palancar sign leads to Playa Palancar.

After passing the turnoff for Playa San Francisco, you'll come to a sign for Chankanaab Lagoon. Located just 10 kilometers south of San Miguel, this park charges a modest entry fee but is well worth a visit. The park is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The lagoon itself is a natural aquarium that is home to more than 60 species of tropical fish, crustaceans and corals; there is also a botanical garden around the lagoon with hundreds of species of tropical plants. The snorkeling and diving in the lagoon are excellent, and four dive shops provide everything you need: equipment rentals, guides and instruction, including certification courses. In the park's Mayan Zone, you can see reproductions of Mayan housing and learn more about this ancient culture's building and farming practices.

On the way back to San Miguel, you'll pass the International Pier.

Cozumel is the perfect jumping-off point for excursions to the fantastic Mayan ruins on the mainland and other points of interest along the coast.

Explore the mysteries of Cozumel at the Museum of the Island of Cozumel, where a fascinating mixture of permanent and short term displays, special programs and multiple services illustrate the island's history and natural environment. Four exhibition halls, along with dioramas, sculptures, charts and more, bring to both visitors and residents a clear understanding of Cozumel's unique past and bright present. Exhibits include recently excavated artifacts and dazzling displays of coral reefs and other marine life.

Cozumel was a pirate haunt, but nowadays is an important tourist center. Cozumel is ideal for practicing aquatic sports; and has good hotels, restaurants, and tourist services.

 Cozumel diving
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Route of Golf
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Some information provided by "Vacation Guide to Cozumel"

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