"An Island to see and Shop" Top 5 Page for this destination Isla Cozumel by BruceDunning

Isla Cozumel Travel Guide: 650 reviews and 1,374 photos

Layout of the island sites - Isla Cozumel

Map of island

The island is the third largest in Mexico; off the Yucatan coast and near Cancun. The island is 30 miles long by 10 miles wide, and 12 miles off the mainland coast. They have preserved nature vegetation in the east section. It first was used as a mecca by Mayan Indians who came here to worship the fertility goddess; Ix Chel, nearly 2,000 years ago, and became a famed placed for worshippers to travel hundreds of miles from inland. The island was discovered by Don Grijalva in 1518. Over the years, Mayans were enslaved and Spanish searched for gold and silver. The real travesty is that of the 40,000 indigenous Indians living there, only 40 survived after smallpox plague. They did rebel against the tyranny in 1848, but the fight was suppressed.
Today those items plus diamonds are in the shops. Cruise ships drop off here and thousands converge in town to shop.

The Beauty is in the greenery

Mornning view of the land and high rises

Scenery is the splendor of the island, but also scuba diving and snorkeling made it famous 50 years ago, with Jacques Cousteau declaring its beauty. The coral is one of the better around, and many species of fish. There are still over a dozen main reefs for scuba. Boating, fishing, air gliding, and other sport activities are available, besides tours inland to see the vegetation.
The island vegetation, coral reefs, and some buildings were destroyed in 2005 from two hurricanes. Rebuilding began immediately and tourism again became the top goal, ready in a few months with new shops. Carnival pier was not completed until November, 2008

Decorated for Shoppers

Avenue Rafael E. Melgar

This is the main street, and shopping runs about 2 miles end to end, filled with shops of all types. The major tourism shops are on this main street, while the locals have "secondary shops one/two blocks off this. In summer is surely would get crowded with people and taxis.
There are 2 million tourists coming here annually, and that is not chump change. Many dollars are passed on for purchases. For well over a century pirates ruled form here, and visitations by Indians and others died back, so to speak. A first hotel was built for tourists in 1920's, but that flagged due to economic depression, and did not revive until 1950's

Pros and Cons

Pros:A nice place to walk and shop for goods
Cons:Too commercialized, and the locals are agressive
In a nutshell:It is a place to come once to say you have been there

Last visit to Isla Cozumel: Feb 2009
Intro Updated Feb 27, 2009
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Reviews (20)

Pick up for a Horsey Adventure - Isla Cozumel

CAriage Ride for those tourists Things to Do (11)

You can take a carriage ride down the main street and probably around the town a bit. The embarkation point is on Avenue... more travel advice

SAn Miguel Lighthouse Things to Do (11)

This is right near the middle of downtown, and visible for a long way. It is brand new, by lighthouse standards and... more travel advice

Mayan Ruins Things to Do (11)

They have been there longer than us, so the survival of all the tourism keeps them alive today. I last went to one in... more travel advice

Brochure of the islsnd tour - Isla Cozumel

Island Adventure Things to Do (11)

This tour takes you on a trip to a private island, and there you can go on the beach, eat, or drink. On the way, they... more travel advice

Hotels (3)
See All Right in the middle of neighborhood
Nightlife (1)
Daytime Adventure
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Comments (6)

TheTravelSlut Dec 20, 2009 at 10:40 AM Report Abuse

Great job on tips and pics! :-) Ann, TS
goutammitra Aug 22, 2009 at 7:32 PM Report Abuse

Interesting place and very relaxing. But the parking does noes not seem worse than our Kolkata! It's hellish here with narrow roads and no where to park! You sure had great time.
evaanna Jul 17, 2009 at 12:22 AM Report Abuse

Interesting page of what looks like a pretty but touristy place. The traffic jams actually remind me of my hometown. :) Enjoyed your pictures too.
807Wheaton Mar 17, 2009 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

Enjoyed browsing through your Cozumel page - I'm looking forward to my visit in January 2010!
deecat Mar 7, 2009 at 2:56 PM Report Abuse

I appreciate your positive attitude toward the locals and your encouraging of their means to a living. Some mighty fine photographs.
hunterV Feb 27, 2009 at 2:04 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for your nice story, Bruce! I am glad you have visited that place... I would, too...