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Cozumel’s only town has a laid-back streetlife centered on the waterfront (Malecón) and Plaza Cozumel. For shoppers, there’s the new and very lavish Punta Langosta mall and cruise terminal (see Punta Langosta, Cozumel).

Cozumel’s charming waterfront museum in San Miguel illuminates the history of Mayan Cozumel, the arrival of the Spaniards, and the dawn of the pirate era. It also has a lovely rooftop café (see Café del Museo, Cozumel).

The island’s biggest upscale hotel cluster is situated along a shaded boulevard north of town. Multistory hotels and resort complexes line a row of intimate beaches. Pools, water sports, and every comfort are on hand, and there are fine views across the channel to the Yucatán mainland from most hotel rooms.

Shallow and close to the shore, this is a favorite reef for snorkeling, beginners’ scuba courses, and easy diving by day and night. Parrot fish are common.

Created around a natural coral lagoon, this glorious park includes a botanical garden, a dolphin pool, a pretty beach, and reefs that are ideal for novice divers.

Two of Cozumel’s best beaches, packed with facilities for water lovers, from banana boat rides to subaqua exploration.

The most famous of Cozumel’s reefs, with fabulous coral canyons and caves in livid reds and blues. The waters are full of vibrant creatures, including the luminous angelfish (see Angelfish).

A wildly diverse nature reserve, with turtle-nesting beaches, a snorkeling area, and huge mangroves and lagoons that are home to crocodiles and flamingos. There’s also a lighthouse and a tiny Mayan temple.

The east side of the island is more rugged and windblown than the west, with rocky, empty beaches and crashing surf that can be dangerous to swim in. At Punta Santa Cecilia there’s a lonely beach bar, Mezcalito’s, which has great views, while Chen Río has a lovely sheltered beach and an idyllic beach restaurant (see Chen Río, Cozumel).

Cozumel’s Mayan capital was one of the richest religious and trading cities in pre-Conquest Yucatán. The layout of its pyramids and small palaces gives a strong impression of life in a Mayan community.