Ships cruising to the Western Caribbean often stop at the beautiful island of Cozumel, which is located just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. Here, there are fabulous sights to see and enjoy, both above the water as well as below the surface. Whether you want to explore the long history of the area at the sites of the Mayan ruins, or enjoy a more modern beach day complete with parasailing and wave runners, there is something for everyone on the island of Cozumel.

The island of Cozumel was a religious destination from Mayan pre-history. While cruising the Caribbean, this is the only port where you will see ruins dating from before Columbus ‘discovered’ the New World. When the Spanish Conquistadores arrives, the island’s substantial population was destroyed. Settlers returned in the 1800s, and rubber was cultivated in the area. Nowadays, tourism is a major factor in the island's economy, fueled by the beautiful beaches and the second-largest coral reef formation in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

The island of Cozumel is chock full of fun things to do, or you can take the ferry to the mainland to expand your options. Wherever you decide to spend your time, you are sure to find beautiful beaches and ancient ruins as you experience the colorful Mexican culture.
On Cozumel, you can arrange to swim with the dolphins, go parasailing, enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the world renowned diving and snorkeling, visit Mayan ruins, find great shopping, or sign up for shore excursions to everything from scuba and fishing to seeing the island on a Segway. Across on the mainland of the Yucatan peninsula, you can take a bus ride to the spectacular seaside ruins of Tulum, visit the unique ecological parks of Xel-ha or Xcaret, or explore the beaches and caverns of the Mexican mainland.

By: Stephanie Larkin
Stephanie Larkin is the editor of http://www.CruiseLinesandPorts.com, as well as WaltDisneyCruise.net. She and her family love to cruise - her 3 children especially love the towel animals and chocolates left on the beds at night!

What makes Cozumel such an attractive holiday spot? Well, it does have a lot going for it so read on to find out more. Firstly, while it is in Mexico, it is an island. It is full of family activity things and yet is has enough romance for lovers to enjoy themselves fully. This place has a broad range of enjoyable qualities and therefore makes it a great spot for any kind of vacation. You never know what you will get here as it is a place marked for its air of naturalness and liveliness.

Cozumel is renowned for being a great diving spot. If you want to experience scuba diving or you are an avid snorkeler then you'll enjoy the amazing marine life. The coral reefs around the island make for a beautifully picturesque underwater experience that is full of aquatic life. There are professionals who will help guide novices and ensure that divers of diverse skill levels will enjoy a safe diving experience. The Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is responsible for the protection of this under water habitat and they have ensured that everything is well taken care of.

Santa Rosa, Punta Sur and Palancar are some of the more famous spots for scuba diving. Snorkeling can be done at practically any of the beaches, some of which are nice and quiet and secluded. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park offers to tourists a whole lot of amenities such as lockers, restrooms and umbrellas apart from their tours and activity packages. If you're looking for restaurants, massages and shopping you will find it at Playa Uvas. After all, a day at the beach is no longer about just a little sun and sand.

How about some sightseeing? The old Mayan world has left its traces in the old districts of San Gervaiso. The ancient Temple of El Cedral is one of the oldest buildings you will ever find. El Caracol was a structure used to signal the coming for hurricanes and dates to about 1000 years ago. So, as you can see, there are more options on this island apart from your traditional beach activities.

Vacations often bring out the shopper in us (while there are some of us who never let that side of us ever hide any way.) There are a host of exotic goods so come prepared with luggage space to cart home your purchases. Goods in leather, pottery, textiles, jewelry, etc are all available and you should be ready to haggle and you'll find good bargains easily. You can also pick up stuff like vanilla and liquor to take back home. Golf courses, horse-back riding and visiting museums are some of the many things you could do.

This is a really photogenic place with wonderful vistas. You should definitely carry your camera and watch out for beautiful shots from the Punta Sur Lighthouse. Crocodiles, Iguanas and Giant Turtles are on view at times as well. There are a variety of places to stay at a variety of rates. No matter what kind of vacation you are looking for, you are bound to enjoy it in Cozumel.

By: Rita Lambros-Segur
http://www.acmemexicovacations.com.

The island of Cozumel serves as an oasis of tempting vacation possibilities in a drab world of office meetings, commutes and daily shots of depressing global news. Not that these things can be forever solved or banished, but taking a trip to a piece of Mexican paradise can cast the rest of the world in a rosier light; it can make life a little more bearable knowing that there is serenity and beauty out there somewhere. Absorb your share of this loveliness by taking a trip to Cozumel, and make the deal extra sweet by choosing to stay in an inviting, reasonably priced vacation rental that will whisk you away from routine.

Imagine a villa gracefully perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea. Tropical trees and plants bring shade and vibrancy to the yard, and a pebble path goes from the door to a stretch of sandy beach. There are doors in the master suite that open out to a sunny patio, and windows covered with long wispy drapes flutter with each warm breeze. A garden tub offers to easy any stressed or achy muscles, and a spacious closet will ensure that no dresses or khaki pants suffer prolonged wrinkles. This is just one taste of one property, and there's much more where that came from.

Larger groups might enjoy an affordable condo right on the beach, perhaps nearby one of the well-kept facilities like Playa Uvas or Play Mia Grand Beach Park. With room to spare, a full kitchen, entertainment center and a fold out couch thrown in for good measure, families, friends and whatever motley crew you've brought along will all be happy in Cozumel. Being able to wake up and hit the beach within minutes or simply walk down the coast towards shops, restaurants and historical attractions are priceless commodities that will push this trip to the next level.

Open layouts, access to pools, Jacuzzis and work out centers, snorkeling, beach bars and night clubs just down the way...these details make condos perfect for diverse and energetic groups of people. They could be good for romance-minded couples, too, but so would a cozy little casita tucked slightly away from the action. Let the TV go untouched and don't worry about making the bed; all you need to do is stock the fridge with some champagne and snacks and see where each day and night takes you. Reconnecting with your love can be the first priority of this vacation, so sit back and let the turquoise waters and sunsets be the backdrop.

In addition to being filled with diving opportunities, nature sightings, duty free shopping, nighttime entertainment and consistently fine weather, Cozumel also has dozens of vacation rentals to choose from. In addition to the ones mentioned above, there are many others, each with its own personality, that have the potential to fulfill the daydreams you've been having while languishing in your cubicle. The sky, the ocean and the sand are all necessary elements, but the bed, the bath and the home-like atmosphere provide the finishing touches.

Luxurious haciendas exist for the high-rollers but perfectly attractive condos and beach houses can be had without breaking the bank. No matter what your style or budget, there's something that fits. Go online to check out all the Cozumel Vacation Rental options and get ready to set sail for a place that will free you, if just temporarily, from the confines of the real world.

By: Caitlin Moore
Visit HomeAway.com to explore over 75,000 vacation rental properties scattered all across the world.
Go online to check out all the Cozumel Vacation Rental options and get ready to set sail for a place that will free you, if just temporarily, from the confines of the real world.

Featured by Resourcesforattorneys.com, a Legal Services and Lifestyle Information portal.

Visit our Discount Travel Directory.

For travel jokes, humor and satire see Travel Jokes from Resources For Attorneys. For jokes on other subjects see the Jokes Index.

For articles about travel within the United States visit Travel America - Travel Blog, a Travel Destinations resource provided by USA City Directories.

For travel destination information worldwide see World Travel Destinations.