Located at the eastern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel was formed by coralline limestone rock and sand soils. It is the largest inhabited island in Mexico and the Caribbean's premier dive spot.

The Island of Cozumel measures 48 kilometers (30 miles) from north to south but only 16 kilometers (10 miles) from east to west. Cozumel has one main town, San Miguel, with both a north and south hotel zone. Generally speaking, all of the development and population is on the leeward side of the island.

The windward side of the island, commonly called the "wild side" is unbroken beaches, interspaced with local beach clubs that feature extremely fresh seafood and icy cold beer. Since most of these beach clubs have no electricity, they generally close then the sun sets. Generally speaking, the eastern side, or windward side of the island has crashing waves and strong currents, while the western side, or leeward side, has the calm azure blue waters that makes the island famous.

Cozumel boasts all the major conveniences such as a modern airport, high speed internet access and superbly stocked modern grocery stores. Yet the island has retained the charm of its Mayan/Mexican roots and unlike some Caribbean islands and Mexican resort towns Cozumel is an extraordinarily safe place to visit.

Driving in Cozumel

Downtown San Miguel is almost impossible to get lost in, since the streets are generally laid out in a grid, and are generally one way streets. The streets that run perpendicular to the ocean are called Avenidas, and run in multiples of 5. The streets that run parallel to the ocean are Calles. Calles on the north side of town are even numbered, while those on the southern side of town are odd numbers. Please remember while driving that Avenidas have the right of way, and while driving on a calle you will generally need to stop at each intersection. There are always exceptions to every rule. It is prohibited to park next to curbs that are painted red. Police will generally take the license plate off of your car, rather than ticket, so it's generally a wise idea to pay the small costs associated with downtown parking lots

Water

Most of the large hotels have a complete purified water system but some of the smaller hotels do not. It never hurts to take extra precautions: drink only bottled water or purified water in restaurants and at in-town restaurants away from tourist areas be more cautious. You can safely assume that all fruits and vegetables in restaurants have been washed in purified water, and that ice, as well, is safe.

Gifts

The Yucatan peninsula is the second largest producer of honey in the world, so it's generally outstanding here, locally made and makes a great souvenir gift.