Did you know that Cozumel is an island in the Caribbean Sea?  In fact, it is Mexico’s largest island.  It is located off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, opposite the Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucatan Channel.  Cozumel is a very popular tourist destination and is known throughout the world for it’s scuba diving and snorkeling.  Some of the most spectacular coral reefs are found in Cozumel.

The island of Cozumel is approx 30 miles (48 km) going north & south and approx 10 miles (16 km ) going east & west.   It’s the largest Atlantic island of Mexico.   It’s approx 12 miles (20 kms) from the mainland, and approx 36 miles (60 km) south of Cancun, Mexico.

With the tropical climate of Cozumel, the weather can change from one day to the next.  It is warm year round with an average temperature of 81 F (27 C).  Heavy rains start in June and go on through October.  Even if it rains every day, the usual duration of a shower is short.  Humidity is naturally high during the rainy season.

The west side of Cozumel is calm – ideal for swimming, diving or just relaxing in the sun.  This part of the island is also the most developed with banks, markets, shops, restaurants and hotels.  The east side of the island is more secluded, with very few people living there and little activity.  There are some calm beaches with clear emerald green water.  There are at least 20 live reefs so close to the shore,  it makes snorkeling and diving a must. The island also has it’s share of Mayan ruins hidden in the jungles that can be explored by car, bike or foot.

The area’s diving and snorkeling are legendary.  Following a 1961 documentary by Jacques Cousteau, Cozumel earned a worldwide following of divers who ranked it one of the top five scuba diving and snorkeling sites on the planet.  The island’s surrounding waters are filled with undersea life, colorful reefs, and the wrecked hulls of Spanish galleons.  The area’s marine life & reef structures attract more than 75,000 divers from all over the world, every year.   With over 30 kms of reefs & water visibility up to 200 feet and over 200 species of tropical fish, Cozumel is considered by many to be the best.  It’s very easy to find dive shops – they are everywhere!

For non divers, the island has something for everyone.  Sightseeing includes some archaeological sites.  You won’t want to miss the shopping & dining in the village of San Miguel de Cozumel.   Nature lovers come to Cozumel to see giant see turtles laying their eggs from May to September and to view the island’s variety of exotic migratory bird life.

Fishing is also a major sport in Cozumel.  Species like dorado and barracudas can be caught.  It’s easy to find charter boats.  Other water activities include sailing, water ski & windsurfing.

According to Mayan legends, the home to Goddess Ixchel, the islanders built temples to honor her, the goddess of love & fertility.  In return, Goddess Ixchel sent the swallow, her favorite bird, as a gesture of gratitude, thus the name of “The Island of the Swallows”.

Before traveling to Mexico – click on the link below for some “Good to Know” important travel tips.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

Click here for more information on Cozumel and visit Professor Beach’s website

There you will find maps, airport information and other good stuff!

The Cayman Islands are an outstanding choice for couples or families looking for a fabulous vacation. The Cayman Islands consist of 3 islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.  This group of islands is located in Caribbean Sea, approx 150 miles (240 km) south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica.  The Cayman Islands are located approx 20 degrees north of the Equator. This results in nice temperatures year-round. The coolest month in the Cayman Islands is February and the warmest month is July.

Grand Cayman is approx 22 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point.  Grand Cayman is approx 90 miles south of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are approx 5 miles apart.

Cayman Brac is approx 12 miles long and 1 mile at its widest spot.  Cayman Brac has the highest point in all of the Islands with the impressive “Bluff” that rises 140 feet out of the sea.

The smallest island is Little Cayman.  This island has a population somewhere around 150 people.

This illustration is not to scale.  Little Cayman & Cayman Brac are much further north and east of Grand Cayman.

This map puts the islands into better perspective

If you are a beach lover, you have many choices on Grand Cayman – Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Public Beach, Spotts Beach, Smith Cove, West Bay Public Beach, Cemetery Beach, Rum Point, East End Public Beach, Cayman Kai and Heritage Beach.

Depending on your likes, there are many places of interest on Grand Cayman:

• Boatswain’s Beach (Cayman Turtle Farm)
• National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
• Pedro St. James Castle
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
• Wreck of the Ten Sails Park

There is public minibus service on Grand Cayman but I suggest renting a car.  This is the best way to explore the island.   Motorcycles and scooters are also available on all three islands. Traffic moves slow and driving is on the left.

http://www.petermilburndivecayman.com/index.htm

http://www.paradise-divers.com/

http://www.donfosters.com/index.html