Called the Island of the Swallows, Cozumel is an international destination for both amateur and professional scuba divers. It is also the busiest cruise ship port in the Caribbean.

Before the Spaniards arrived, Cozumel was used by the Mayans for pilgrimages. The Mayans would arrive by boat from the closest point on the mainland, a place they called Xaman Ha, now named Playa del Carmen. They would worship the fertility godess Ixchel in a place called El Cedral.

During the war of castes, Cozumel became a source of refuge for many. Residents of the island faced years of hardship during the Great Depression, but the economy bounced back during World War II, when the Mexican goverment granted the US goverment permission to build a military base there.

Cozumel for many years was a small fishing community. In the 1950's the film Un Mundo Nuevo was shot there by Mexican director Rene Cardona. American audiences became aware of the island after an English translation of the film was broadcast on American television. A few years later, Jacques Cousteau would declare Cozumel one of the most beautiful places in the world for scuba diving. Cozumel has since become an underwater marine park.

For daytime recreation, scuba diving and snorkeling off the coast of Cozumel can't be beat. At night, Cozumel retains the quiet and relaxed atmousphere of its small village roots. If a quiet small town atmousphere is what you're looking for, then Cozumel is a delight. For those looking for nightclubs and entertainment, many destinations can be found on the mainland, a short ferry ride away.

Cozumel is located right off the coast of Playa del Carmen, some 19 km (13 miles) away.