Ships cruising to the Western Caribbean often stop at the beautiful island of Cozumel, which is located just off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Here, there are fabulous sights to see and enjoy, both above the water as well as below the surface. Whether you want to explore the long history of the area at the sites of the Mayan ruins, or enjoy a more modern beach day complete with parasailing and wave runners, there is something for everyone on the island of Cozumel.



The island of Cozumel was a religious destination from Mayan pre-history. While cruising the Caribbean, this is the only port where you will see ruins dating from before Columbus 'discovered' the New World. When the Spanish Conquistadores arrives, the island's substantial population was destroyed. Settlers returned in the 1800s, and rubber was cultivated in the area. Nowadays, tourism is a major factor in the island's economy, fueled by the beautiful beaches and the second-largest coral reef formation in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The island of Cozumel is chock full of fun things to do, or you can take the ferry to the mainland to expand your options. Wherever you decide to spend your time, you are sure to find beautiful beaches and ancient ruins as you experience the colorful Mexican culture.

On Cozumel, you can arrange to swim with the dolphins, go parasailing, enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the world renowned diving and snorkeling, visit Mayan ruins, find great shopping, or sign up for shore excursions to everything from scuba and fishing to seeing the island on a Segway. Across on the mainland of the Yucatan peninsula, you can take a bus ride to the spectacular seaside ruins of Tulum, visit the unique ecological parks of Xel-ha or Xcaret, or explore the beaches and caverns of the Mexican mainland.