Cozumel with Apple Vacations
As one of the ceremonial centers of the Mayan Civilization, the island of Cozumel has a very rich history. Archaeologists have found evidence of the Maya dating back as far as 2,000 years ago. The culture reached its peak during the European Dark Ages – 300 A.D. to 900 A.D. For reasons as yet unconfirmed, much of the great El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World) began to crumble centuries before the first Spanish explorers arrived in the area. In 1697, the inhabitants of the last Mayan city (Tayasal, Guatemala) fled into the jungles of what is now the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Today, the Mayan population is estimated to be about 2 million throughout Mexico and Central America. These people speak more than 20 different dialects of modern and ancient Mayan. Tours from Cozumel to the Yucatan mainland can be taken through modern Mayan villages. Apple Vacations offers many all inclusive vacation specials to Cozumel.
Cozumel – A Brief History
With its name taken from the Mayan word for “the island of swallows”, culture on Cozumel was unchanged until the arrival of Juan de Grijalva and his slave-hunting party in 1518. In the years following, Hernando Cortes turned the island into a base from which attacks on the mainland natives were launched.
Following the Spanish conquest, the island served as a port between Europe and Mexico, bring goods – and diseases that nearly wiped out all of the native residents. During the following century, Cozumel’s protective coves became the perfect hideouts for pirates of the Caribbean, only to leave the island nearly abandoned until the mid 19th century. Probably the most famous pirate inhabitant was Jean Lafitte.
The year 1848 brought the beginning of the 58-year War of the Castes between the Mayan natives and Spanish settlers and the return of Mayans to Cozumel. Many of their descendants can still be found living on Mexico’s largest island.
Cozumel retained its reputation as a quiet little fishing village until the 1960s. In 1961, Jacques Cousteau proclaimed the waters off the coast of Cozumel to be the best in the world for scuba diving. Tourists (divers or not) have been flocking to the island paradise ever since.
Cozumel Points of Interest
Whether you’re looking to relax on beautiful beaches or pristine waters; or you prefer exploring the ruins of ancient civilizations, Cozumel has it all. Apple Vacations offers many vacation packages to Cozumel. For more information on things to do and see on Cozumel, see
Ancient Mayan Ruins
Many ancient Mayan ruins still dot the Cozumel landscape. The most famous of which still stand today at San Gervasio. During the height of the Mayan Civilization, the Mayan people were required to visit the sacred shrine of the goddess of fertility and the moon, Ixchel. Many people today still believe in the power of this site to bestow fertility to visiting tourists.
Another interesting site is thought to have been a Mayan light house at Tumba del Caracol, or "Shell Tomb". Openings in the light house were strategically placed to “whistle” when the wind velocity reached a certain point – serving as an early hurricane warning system. Later the site was turned into a lighthouse utilizing candles.
El Castillo Real along the north eastern coast of Cozumel features Mayan ruins that are in fairly good condition. The nearby deserted beach offers excellent, unspoiled snorkeling. Remnants of shipwrecks are said to be visible to divers and snorkelers in the waters off “The Royal Castle”.
Cozumel Coral Reefs
Perfect for diving or snorkeling, the reefs off the southern coasts of Cozumel are said to be the second largest in the world. Part of the Great Maya Barrier Reef that extends from Northern Yucatan to Honduras, the particular reefs near Cozumel are among the most beautiful. Many dive shops and operators call Cozumel home. You can either rent your dive or snorkel gear or take a guided dive to some of the more popular spots.
In 1996, the Mexican government declared part of this great reef as a National Marine Park. The park encompasses the area from Paradise Reef south, so diving and snorkeling tours to this region are limited. The reef can be categorized into three main types offering different adventures for divers with different levels of experience – vertical walls, pinnacles, and coral gardens.
Cozumel Beaches
Perhaps the number one reason tourists flock to Cozumel is for the fabulous and beautiful beaches. One website counts over 17 beaches on all sides of the island – mostly facing the reef on the western shore. Cozumel beaches offer a wide range of amenities, from near total seclusion, to bars, snorkeling and parasailing activities. Some of the more popular beaches include Playa Uvas, Playa Corona, Chankanaab, Dzul-Ha, San Francisco, and Paradise Beach.
Other Cozumel Sights
Many visitors to Cozumel also enjoy taking a ride through the reef on the Atlantis XII Submarine. Completely lined with large porthole windows, the sub can take about 48 passengers on an underwater excursion through the crystal waters of the reef for some spectacular views of coral and fish.
In addition to the shady lagoon, perfect for snorkeling, The Chankanaab Lagoon Park offers a botanical garden that features many tropical and sub-tropical plants – including those native to Cozumel. The park also features a small museum that features exhibits on local plant and animal life. Food is available in the park, as well as equipment rentals.
Apple Vacations Cozumel Resorts & Hotels
Apple Vacations features all inclusive vacation packages to nearly 20 hotels on the island of Cozumel. Some of these resorts include the luxurious Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa, the only 5 Star resort on the island. Those with less discriminating tastes may enjoy the Sol Cabanas del Caribe, priced for the more economizing traveler. For a complete list of Apple Vacations Hotel and vacation packages to Cozumel, please see All-Travel’s main Cozumel page.
Weather & Time Zone Info for Cozumel
Cozumel is in the Central Time Zone. Cozumel’s weather is generally warm with temperatures averaging about 80 degrees – a little warmer in summer and a little cooler in winter. The water surrounding the island provides a great deal of humidity – often approaching 90%. The humidity tends to increase during the rainy season, between June and October.
