{"code":"CZM","iata":"CZM","name":"Cozumel","urlName":"cozumel","description":"<p><strong>Cozumel</strong>&nbsp;is an island and municipality in the Caribbean Sea off the eastern coast of Mexico&#39;s Yucat&aacute;n Peninsula, opposite Playa del Carmen, and close to the Yucat&aacute;n Channel. The municipality is part of the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>The economy of Cozumel is based on tourism. There are a number of visitors to the island&#39;s balnearios, scuba diving, and snorkeling. The main town on the island is San Miguel de Cozumel.</p>\r\n\r\n<p>The name <em>Cozumel</em> was derived from the Mayan &quot;Cuzamil&quot; or &quot;Ah Cuzamil Peten&quot; in full, which means &quot;the island of swallows&quot; (Spanish: <em>Isla de las Golondrinas</em>).</p>\r\n","whatToSee":"<div>Most visitors travel to Cozumel to dive and see its wonderful underwater life.&nbsp; While there are quite a few beach clubs that offer snorkeling, the main attractions are the reefs offshore and the multiple dive shops and operations are always ready to take you there.</div><div><br></div><div>The main town, San Miguel, and dive operations are on the west side of the island, but if you rent a car or scooter then the east side of the island is the place to go.&nbsp; The east side of the island is mostly undeveloped, but there are beautiful beaches, big waves, and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blow holes. (Be aware that the waves and attendant undertows can make swimming on the east side very dangerous, however.) You will also find a restaurant on the beach every few kilometers.</div><div><br></div><div>Cozumel also offers several Mayan archaeological sites. The most extensive vestiges are those at \"San Gervasio\" (admission fee is 77 pesos), an inland site a few miles north of the \"Carretera Transversal\" highway. Another site is located near the village of El Cedral, inland from the \"Carretera Costera Sur\" highway. In Punta Sur Park, at the southern tip of the island, there is the \"El Caracol\" temple, believed to have been used as a lighthouse by the Mayans.</div><div><br></div>\n                            \n                        ","whatToDo":"<div>===SCUBA Diving===</div><div><br></div><div>Cozumel is one of the premier [[scuba diving]] destinations in the western hemisphere. The island abounds with dive shops, most willing to give you a scuba class (resort course) and take you out if you are not yet certified. A boat dive for certified divers (two tanks) will cost around $90, plus any equipment rental (note that all Cozumel dive shops include only tank and weight belt in their prices so expect to pay another $20-25 for BCD, reg, mask, fins and wetsuit) and Marine Park Fee. Most dive sites are located well south of the city proper, as are a number of dive shops if you want a short boat ride. Most diving in Cozumel is drift diving, where you are dropped off by the boat at the beginning of the dive, are carried along the reef by the current, and picked up at the end of your dive by the boat. There is some shore diving, but it is limited compared with what you can enjoy further out and places like Palancar Reef and the walls.&nbsp; Along with other marine life Divers are able to see Seahorses and Eagle Rays and Turtles, especially during Turtle Nesting season, sees large numbers of Turtles on Cozumel's beaches during nesting seasons.</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Aquaworld\" alt=\"Cozumel is ranked among the world´s top scuba diving destinations\" address=\"\" directions=\"\" phone=\"TOLL FREE 1-866-210-1236\" url=\"http://www.islacozumel.net/diving/oceantur/\" hours=\"7 am to 7 pm\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\" email=\"info@aquaworld.com.mx\"&gt;Cozumel diving is second to none, you can’t visit Cozumel without diving! We offer more than six options for certified divers that will ensure you witness the best dive sites in the area as well as providing quality service and safety.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Aldora Divers''' [http://aldora.com/] &amp;mdash; training, certification and fast 6 person boats with high capacity steel tanks and long surface intervals, usually at Palancar Beach Club. Rental equipment. Night Dives. Nitrox available. Villa Aldora room and suite rentals.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Always Diving''' [http://www.alwaysdiving.com/] &amp;mdash; Diving lessons and professional certified dive instructors in the best dive spots in Cancun, Cenote dives, Cozumel dives. Phone: +52 (998) 849 57 10 Toll Free: +1.786.245.7849 Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, 365 days a year.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Aqua Safari''' [http://aquasafari.com/] &amp;mdash; training, certification and two types of daily dive trips (fast or large boat). Good company but they tend to pack more people on a dive trip (up to 16 on the big boats). When the wind is blowing and the small boats cannot go out, their seaworthy boats often still can provide service. They also have a 8 person fast boat available. 1 tank afternoon dives are a very good deal.&nbsp; Night dives Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday.&nbsp; Nitrox Available.&nbsp; Hotel packages with Safari Inn, Cozumel Palace and several other hotels.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Blue XT~Sea Diving''' [http://www.bluextseadiving.com/] &amp;mdash; training, certification, equipment rental, and nitrox are available from this dive op. Personalized service, max 6 divers per fast boat. They'll keep and clean your dive gear (except wetsuit) if you wish and have it on the boat the next morning. Night and Afternoon dives based on demand, and hotel packages with decent savings are offered.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Bottom Time Divers''' [http://www.bottomtimedivers.net/] &amp;mdash; training, certification and 6 pack diver fast boat are available from this very popular family run dive op.&nbsp; Owner/instructor with excellent local knowledge, beach SI's and dive gear overnight wash and rinse etc. Private groups accepted.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Buena Ventura Diving''', [http://www.buenaventuradiving.net] is a small, personable dive outfit dedicated to the specialized needs of its diving clients.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Cozumel Dive School''', [http://www.cozumeldiveschool.com] &amp;mdash; cozumeldiveschool@gmail.com&nbsp; A full service, five star PADI dive resort offering recreational and professional certifications, divemaster internships, specialty courses, TecRec courses, multiple daily boat dives, private shuttle to/from the harbor, equipment and accommodations included. Courteous and friendly multilingual staff and students from all over the world offer the opportunity to meet a diverse group of like-minded divers looking to learn, gain experience, pursue the professional realm, and have a great time doing it in one of the World’s Top Dive Destinations!&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Deep Blue''' [http://deepbluecozumel.com/] &amp;mdash; training, certification, nitrox, technical and known for fast boats. At most 8 divers with 2 divemaster or as few as 4 divers with 1 dive master. Rental equipment. Night Dives. Hotel and dive package is available&nbsp; through numerous hotels. Dive shop is located in town across the street from La Choza. Divers are usually called the day before diving to arrange dive location and possible divemaster.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Dive Paradise''' [http://www.diveparadise.com/] &amp;mdash; training, certification and two types of daily dive trips (fast or slow boat). Night dives. Numerous dive / hotel packages. Several dive shops. Rental equipment. In Cozumel&nbsp; since 1984.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Find &amp; Dive''' [http://findanddive.com/caribbean/mexico/cozumel.html] &amp;mdash; is an online tool for planning and booking your next dive trip to Cozumel.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Living Underwater''' [http://www.living-underwater.com/] &amp;mdash; small, personalized service offering steel 120s (super-long dives). Best for advanced divers.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Mestizo Divers''' [http://www.mestizodivers.com/] &amp;mdash; Small groups of divers on a modern fast boat. Custom trips to the dive sites of your choice. When not diving they also offer fishing charters.</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Ocean Tours Scuba and Water Sports\" alt=\"At Cozumeleño Beach Resort &amp;amp; Hotel\" address=\"North Hotel Zone\" directions=\"\" phone=\"9878721379\" url=\"http://www.islacozumel.net/diving/oceantur/\" hours=\"7 am to 7 pm\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\" email=\"oceantours@usa.net\"&gt;Since 1986, Laura and José De la Fuente have been hosting and diving with Cozumel´s visitors. PADI scuba dive operation, fully equiped with top of the line gear available. Dive Trips for certified divers, scuba school all levels, equipment rental, repair and retal. Deep sea fishing charters.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>* '''Salty Endeavors''' [https://cozumelscuba.com/] is a boutique dive center featuring personalized service, small groups, fast boats, and highly experienced staff. We are a PADI and SSI Dive Center and carry a full line of rental equipment. Scuba classes start daily and certified divers can enjoy upt o 5 dives daily in the Cozumel Marine Park.&nbsp;</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Sand to Sea Adventures''' [http://www.sandtoseaadventures.com/] &amp;mdash; US Cell 612-636-5432 AM or PM Departures, Most often has small groups with personalized dives to fit your needs. Snorkel charters, Fishing charters and SCUBA GROUPS with special large (10+) group pricing. Pickup from many hotel piers and arrangements for cruise ship passengers. Discover Scuba, SCUBA refresher, PADI certification, equipment rental, nitrox rental (EAN Cert Required) and night dives.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''ScubaLuis.com''' [http://www.scubaluis.com/] &amp;mdash; PADI certified Instructors and 2nd Generation Cozumel Divemaster. PADI scuba certification, Discover Scuba and private dive trips available, too. Small boats (maximum of 6 divers), concierge diving and overnight gear handling! Contact me at mailto:Luis@ScubaLuis.com or call +52 (987) 564-3335.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Scuba Mau''' [http://www.scubamaucozumel.com/] &amp;mdash; Training, Discover Scuba, Hotel/Dive packages, Dive trips.&nbsp; Utilizes small boats (six people) with a well-trained but personality-filled dive staff.&nbsp; Located next to the Villablanca Hotel.&nbsp; $60 per day for two tanks, $10 per day for full equipment rental.</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Koox Diving Cozumel\" alt=\"Koox Diving\" address=\"10a Av. Nte 62, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico\" directions=\"\" phone=\"52 998 980 0658\" url=\"https://www.kooxdiving.com/en/riviera-maya/cozumel/\" hours=\"7:30AM – 9PM\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;Koox Diving Cozumel is a diving center located in Cozumel. They specialize in Scuba diving and Reef Snorkelling. The Koox team consists of highly experienced diving instructors with more than 15 years of diving experience, they gained in the best dive sites worldwide.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>===Other Activities===</div><div><br></div><div>If diving or tours are not what you're looking for, there are still plenty of other things to do:</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Snorkeling''' &amp;mdash; logically enough, the second most popular activity after diving. Many beach-side dive shops rent equipment for $7-10. Even though all beaches in Mexico are public some require fees to enter and use the facilities. Beaches with a rocky limestone shoreline on the west coast are the best for snorkeling or shore dives since less sand is disturbed so visibility and coral growth are better.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Excursion''' &amp;mdash; a great excursion operated by Cozumel Water Sports taking you snorkeling to 2 reefs with music, open bar, snacks of fresh fruit and guacamole, 2 daily departures.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Glass Bottom Boat Tour''' &amp;mdash; a twist to snorkeling. You visit about two or three reefs, which are small parts of the second largest coral reef in the world. It costs at the most about $40 a couple but you can get it a little cheaper depending on where you buy your tickets. While heading to the snorkeling sites you have the privilege of looking through the glass bottom of the boat to see all the sea-life you pass on your way. Very fun to do as a couple or a family.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Mini Submarine Tour''' &amp;mdash; a new way of exploring the underwater world. This new activity by Cozumel Water Sports offers all non divers and non snorkelers to explore the reefs and sea life of Cozumel. Riding your underwater scooter with your head dry in the air filled helmet, you can drive around the reefs. Especially great for people who wear glasses as you can have them on under water.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''Beach lounging''' &amp;mdash; most of the calm western side of Cozumel has rough rocky beaches not suitable for swimming or sun bathing.&nbsp; The areas that are suitable have been turned into small parks. Some charge entrance fees which includes a beach chair and umbrella as well as access to the washroom and shower facilities; others are free to use, and offer many of the same amenities, while relying on visitors to purchase food or drinks. Playa San Francisco is located 20 minutes by taxi south of town and has a restaurant on site.</div><div><br></div><div>*'''The \"Other Side\"''' &amp;mdash; the beaches on the east (windward) side of the island. Sandy surf and large waves alternating with rocky limestone coastlines on the east side of the island are beautiful but can be dangerous for swimmers. The roaring surf creates strong breakers and undertows in many areas. Never enter the water alone. There are now many areas where flags are displayed showing the level of safety for a particular area. Despite the potentially dangerous swimming conditions, these beaches are stunning and serene for enjoying sunbathing, long walks or playing in the water very close to shore. These beaches are popular with surfers and kite surfers, and with locals on the weekends.</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Chankanaab National Park\" alt=\"\" address=\"\" directions=\"About 9km south of town\" phone=\"\" url=\"http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/chankanaab.cfm\" hours=\"7am - 5pm daily\" price=\"approx. $19 for adults\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;The park includes a beach, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, walking trails, and a lagoon with a large iguana population. Activities include snorkeling &amp; diving, swimming with the dolphins, snuba, and Seatrek. $2 coupon and packages available at their website.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Deep Sea Fishing\" alt=\"\" address=\"Puerto Abrigo Marina\" directions=\"\" phone=\"\" url=\"http://www.cozumeloffshore.com/\" hours=\"\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;Cozumel is rated as one of the top ten sport fishing \"hotspots\" in the world. Fishing is enhanced by the deep-water channel between the Yucatan Coast and the Cozumel Island. The channel \"squeezes\" the Gulf Stream as it passes by Cozumel on its journey northward. This \"funnel\" effect causes an upwelling and an abundance of fish. The nutrient rich Caribbean waters around Cozumel support a vast array of sport fish with exceptional fishing opportunities all year long.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Paradise Beach\" alt=\"\" address=\"Carretera Sur Km 14.5, Cozumel, Q.Roo\" directions=\"5 miles South of Int.Cruise Ship Pier, 7 miles South of downtown\" phone=\"011 52 987 872 6177\" url=\"http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/\" hours=\"9am-5pm daily\" price=\"Free Entrance\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;Free admission, beach chairs $2. Beautiful sandy beach, one of Cozumel´s largest swimming pools opening Dec.15th, 2010, a $18 FunPass is available for unlimited access to over 14 land&amp;ocean activities, including snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, waterslides, water trampolines, bungee trampoline, coconut tree climb, a 14-ft. climbing iceberg, and more. Fabulous food and drinks served right on the beach or at the restaurant. Clean bathrooms, showers, change rooms and lockers. Beachwear boutique, parasailing, waverunners, massage, etc. also available. Located 9 miles south of San Miguel (Downtown) - Cozumel, 5 miles south of the International Cruise Ship Pier. Sometimes they do insist to buy $10 per person worth of food or drinks.&lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;do name=\"Playa Palancar\" alt=\"\" address=\"\" directions=\"\" phone=\"\" url=\"\" hours=\"10AM - 5PM\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;This west-side park features a quiet white-sand beach, lounge chairs and hammocks under shady palm trees, and a well-stocked bar and restaurant. It's about a $20 taxi ride south of San Miguel, but you'll be free to spend the day with the purchase of food. Equipment for shore-based snorkeling can be rented for $10, and it's not difficult to find schools of colorful fish even in the shallow waters. &lt;/do&gt;</div><div><br></div>\n                            \n                        ","whatToBuy":"<div>Silver is cheaper here than in the U.S. but be sure to look for the .925 stamp as some places do sell fake silver jewelry.</div><div><br></div><div>*&lt;buy name=\"Sergio's Silver and More\" alt=\"\" address=\"\" directions=\"\" phone=\"\" url=\"\" hours=\"\" price=\"\" lat=\"\" long=\"\"&gt;Two locations on the island.&nbsp; Very low key approach to sales.&nbsp; Selection is good and prices more than fair..&nbsp; Service is the best.&nbsp; Can size rings and very patient with novice buyers of silver.&nbsp; Between Avenidas 10 and 15 past Palmira's and The Square. &lt;/buy&gt;</div>\n                            \n                        ","whatToEat":"<ul><li>Local restaurants, most fairly good and fairly similar to each other, are plentiful in and around the city's \"downtown\" main square.\n                            \n                        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