Cozumel is a 34-mile long, 11-mile wide island located just off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is Mexico's largest inhabited island.

Translated as the Island of Swallows, it receives cruise ships passengers from Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.

Cozumel is a famous destination for divers and as a popular cruise ship port.

In fact, the island is considered to be one of the top five dive destinations in the world.

The island of Cozumel has been inhabited for thousands of years. For the ancient Maya, it served as a place of pilgrimage to venerate the Maya goddess of fertility, Ix Chel.

The Spanish first arrived at the island in 1518 led by Juan de Grihalva. A year later, the infamous Hernan Cortes made an appearance, destroying Maya idols and replacing them with the Virgin of Guadalupe.

In 1520, another Spanish expedition set foot on the island, bringing with them the fatal disease of smallpox.

In consequence, the local population went from over 10,000 to just over 300. By 1600, the island lay entirely abandoned.

The modern day history of Cozumel began in 1848 when the Spanish descendants fled from the Mayan uprising known as the Caste War.

They settled on the island and formed the island's town, known as San Miguel de Cozumel.

Want to take a cruise that includes a stop in Cozumel? We are happy to help. You can also consult a list of hotels available in Cozumel.

Getting To & Around Cozumel

Cozumel International Airport receives direct flights from several major U.S. and Canadian cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Montreal, and Toronto.

For those with flights arriving at Cancun International Airport, private airport transfers to Playa del Carmen are available that will take you to the ferry terminal.

The ferry ride over to Cozumel takes about 40 minutes and leaves approximately every 30 minutes. The cost is about $9 USD one-way.

Once on the island, consider renting a car or golf cart. Mopeds and motorcycles are also available.

If you need advice or help to book hotels, airport transfers or excursions, we are happy to help. Just contact us!