Cozumel

The largest of Mexico’s Caribbean islands, Cozumel was a sleepy fishing village until 1961 when a French scuba diver known as Jacques Cousteau announced that he believed the island’s Palaner Reef to be amongst the very best dives in the world. It wasn’t long before the island became destination-one for diving enthusiasts heading to the Caribbean. Despite the influx of tourists the island is still only 3% developed, its interior a mass of marsh lagoons, scrub and dense sob-tropical jungle. Even Cozumel’s only town and major port, San Miguel, retains the charm and atmosphere of the fishing village it once was.

As laid back holiday destinations go you would be hard pushed to find anywhere better. The glorious sandy beaches of the western shore are virtually uninhabited bar a few restaurants and small hotels and the sea is crystal clear with visibility between 100 and 200ft depending on weather. Of course the weather remains a more or less constant 75/80 degrees the year round. Water sports are undoubtedly the island’s biggest attraction with scuba diving taking poll position, but you can still enjoy a fascinating underwater experience by simply donning a mask and snorkel and marvelling at the myriad colourful sea-life that thrives just offshore. The west coast is rocky and has some excellent surfing beaches and the sailing and fishing are both superb.

If you tire of the water Cozumel also has some excellent examples of Mayan remains including the spectacular ruins of the city of Tulum. There are intriguing jungle excursions and many little villages to visit around the island. Cozumel is also a great place to eat with probably the best authentic Mexican food outside Mexico City. An added bonus is duty free shopping and San Miguel’s sea front is a dream come true for fans of quality fashions and jewellery. But above all Cozumel is a great place to rest and revitalise – the slow pace, superb weather and healthy lifestyle is both an excellent and thoroughly enjoyable place to recharge those overused body batteries.

Write your own travel review >>