Cozumel Mexico; Its Geography and Climate.

Cozumel Mexico is a hop skip and a ferry ride away from the mainland, but it might as well be another universe. The diversity of its geography and spectacular coral reef systems are unlike anywhere else in the world. We are proud to give you an overview of this most unique ecosystem.

Geography:

Cozumel Mexico is not only the countries most inhabited island; it is also home to the western hemispheres largest reef system. The islands physiographic composition is that of porous coral rock and natural pristine white sand beaches. The island is riddled with underwater rivers known as “cenotes”. Most of them have yet to be fully explored.

Cozumel is located 14 miles to the east of the mainland across from Playa del Carmen which is another popular tourist destination. The island measures 30 miles from the north end to the south and 10 miles from the east to the west at its most extreme points. The topography of the island is mostly flat with its highest point being 45 feet above sea level. This is the spot where you will find Coconuts restaurant and bar. The views from this point are spectacular and well worth the trip to the “other side of the island”; the windward side. There you will find the most unpopulated beaches as well as El Mirador which literally translated means the looking glass.

Cartographers (map makers) have made several versions of maps which show that San Miguel is the largest town and comprises approximately 5 percent of the island and is Cozumel ’s largest town. There is a much smaller town in the interior which is El Cedral.

Jacques Cousteau first put Cozumel Mexico on the map when filming a documentary about Palancar reef in 1959. He declared it to be one of the best places to dive in the world.  These beautiful coral reefs were declared a national park in 1996. Although our paradise island was once predominantly known as a dive and snorkeling destination; it has grown over the years to become a destination spot and cruise ship capital with a wide variety of activities for all ages.

Climate:

Cozumel is considered to be an arid tropical zone whose average temperature is 80 degrees. In July and August the temperatures can range from 80 to 90 degrees. The sea breeze is particularly interesting because it is not uncommon for it to be raining on the north end while it is sunny on the south end. Furthermore, it is very common to have rain in the evenings and sun during the days. From November thru April the temperatures are particularly pleasant in general; averaging 70 degrees. These are the busiest months of the year. One of the best kept secrets of Cozumel is that November is arguably the best time of the year to visit because the weather is generally perfect and the crowds have not arrived from the coldest weather in the north during our high season (from the end of December through April).

Ecosystem diversity:

The underwater visibility which can be as much as 250 feet allows you to view a dynamic and diverse array of colorful coral reef fish and sponges that will amaze even the most experienced world class divers and snorkelers. The best place to see these amazing denizens of the deep is at 35 feet. This is where sunlight penetrates the water at its most ideal depth and affords coral reef and fish their most ideal conditions to flourish. The splendid toad fish is one of Cozumel’s most spectacular and colorful fish and can not be found anywhere else in the world; it can swallow its pray faster then you can blink your eye!

On land you will find several unique species of animals from the dwarf raccoon and the Cozumel Wren, to one of my favorites, the Coatimundi (a relative of the raccoon with a protruded snout). Migratory birds also flock to the island and are very diverse and have incredibly beautiful colors. My favorite is the male painted bunting. Iguanas and crocodiles are our largest lizards. Iguanas are plentiful and can be seen everywhere on the island basking in the mid day sun on top of rocks. Tree frogs also come in a wide variety of colors and are part of the magic of nature on the island. Although there is much more to experience then the geography and diversity of its inhabitants; you will just have to visit in order to experience the breath and scope of its geography and wildlife first hand!

I hope that you have found this information useful in planning your next visit to Cozumel . Make sure to bring sun block if you are fair skinned, and in the “winter months” it is always a good idea to bring a light sweater and jacket for those chilly nights that can reach a tropicool 70 degrees!

Warm Regards,
Bob Rodriguez

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