Cozumel

Cozumel is a striking and big Caribbean island that has welcomed cruise ships since 1968. The funny thing is, many cruise passengers still don't quite realize they are arriving in Mexico. Cozumel is big, but its more than a touristy Caribbean island and a cruise port. The island is mostly a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, and that means the island surface is mostly mangrove forest and open natural territory. The iguanas, some of which are quite big, are only tolerating most human inhabitants. Some 80,000 people are usually at home on the island, but the number of iguanas is unknown. There are crocodile, too. And wildlife extends to the massive surrounding coral reefs.

People come to visit the giant Punta Sur Ecological Reserve and eventually the Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island. The Cozumel Reefs Marine Park and Chankanaab are famous the world over for the diving and snorkeling. At the center of the island is the San Gervasio archaeological site, reminding visitors that the place has long been sacred and protected.

But the capital of the island is San Miguel de Cozumel with the airport and the ferry dock where people get in from Playa del Carmen. The lights are just barely visible across the straits at night. Cozumel's culinary scene reflects a proud Maya ancestry and that colors just about everything on offer although you can get international cuisine too. Lionfish is particularly prized on the dinner plate, and there are versions of nearly everything served with coconut, too.  

The calendar year is feted with several annual events including the Cozumel Carnival and the Fiestas de San Miguel Arcángel. But local artisans produce rare black coral jewelry, figurines, and more. The streets surrounding the municipal market will probably offer the best prices, and most of the shops in the cruise ports are duty free. 

The year-round warm weather means people from colder climates push Cozumel into a serious winter high-season. But the island is welcoming year-round and off seasons always see better prices. People still mostly get here through the Cozumel airport. The Tren Maya station at Playa del Carmen is about 8.4 kms from the Ferry Terminal, but regular shuttle services makes the trip in about 20 minutes. On the island, there are plenty of bike, scooter, and Jeep rentals as well as more traditional cars and taxis.