Cozumel holidays

This flat and attractive limestone island has been a sunshine and seaside favourite for many years...

Cozumel holidays can be reached either via direct flights into Cozumel International Airport (CZM), or by flying into Cancun and taking a ferry from Playa del Carmen, which is a laid-back resort just a little way south of bustling Cancun. 

An abundance of reefs that teem with fish and coral have placed Cozumel on the list of firm favourites with keen divers and snorkellers. The west coast of the island is particularly rich in reefs and the Palancar Reef, in the south west, is one of most beloved. You'll see fish of every colour and shape imaginable, plus turtles, eels and possibly a couple of small reef sharks.

Back on dry land you'll discover that Cozumel's jungle interior has been left untouched while many all-inclusive hotels and resorts line the palm-fringed white-sand beaches. Popular resorts include Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar, both in the south west of the island. 

Holidays here are taken at a much more chilled out and hushed pace than those on the nearby mainland in big resorts such as Cancun. This is a place to get away from it all, and families, groups and couples who appreciate the quiet life will enjoy Cozumel. 

There is some nightlife, though the music usually stops by midnight; most evening activities revolve around the island's restaurants and candle-lit tales of the day's adventures on - and below - the waves. 

San Miguel de Cozumel is the only big town on the island and many more eateries and shops can be found here. It's an attractive town and well worth a few hours of your holiday time.

The sub-tropical climate of Cozumel creates a dry and a wet season. But when is the best time to go?

The dry season runs from January until May and is pleasantly hot, with daytime averages of 30C and night time temperatures of around 20C. During the wet season, from June until December, you can expect average temperatures topping 30C that hardly fall during the night. You can also expect daily rainfall, which often comes all at once and clears quickly. Hurricane season peaks in September.

Whether you're on holiday with the kids, are looking for a spot of relaxation, or simply want to get out and about, there's plenty to do in Cozumel...

Relaxing: Hit one of the beaches on the southern side of the island where you will find long sandy stretches to relax on. Allow the sound of gently lapping waves from the aquamarine water to lull you into a deep sleep...

Active: With world-famous diving and snorkelling on offer, those looking for an active holiday will have plenty to do here.

Kids and teens: A great family day out can be had at Chankanaab National Park where you can swim with dolphins, enjoy a sea-lion show and visit the botanical gardens.

Grown up families: Get immersed in the island's history by visiting ancient Mayan ruins at sites such as El Cedral and San Gervasio.

When you take a holiday in Cozumel you may not want to leave the beach. However, there are many events to tempt you away...

Carnaval; February: Party when the weather is at its finest during the annual island carnival. This week-long festival of fun begins the week before Mardi Gras, which falls before Lent. Tropical colours will dazzle the eyes during parades and wild parties. This is one not to be missed. 

Feast of El Cedral; April/May: Head to the small town of El Cedral to join the annual party that has been going for more than 160 years. Its roots are shrouded in mystery and legend, but the fairs, music and feasts of this event more than make up for this. 

Independence Day in Mexico; September: The black inky sky is illuminated by a bevy of beautiful fireworks on September 16, when Mexico celebrates winning its independence from Spain in 1821. There is plenty going on, plus a typical Mexican feast. Tuck in!