Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/436685
40 Cozumel CozUMeL Cozumel, Mexico's largest island at 28 by 10 miles, has long been a favorite cruising port, even back in the 17 th century, when it served as a treasury for pirates. Today, it's a treasury for marine life, with visibility of up to 200 feet and cenote diving sites created by underground rivers. Known as one of the world's most spectacular places to scuba dive, visitors to nearby Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen often take the ferry ride just for the 25 coral reefs found off this island's shores. On this mostly undeveloped, island jungle destination, nature takes the spotlight. Part of the Cozumel Reefs National Park, the Chankanaab National Park features the Chankanaab Lagoon, the only inland coral reef in the world, and the Punta Sur Eco Park, another top attraction. Its Faro de Celarain lighthouse has a museum, observation towers with crocodile views, and the old whistling Mayan lighthouse, El Caracol. Four Mayan archaeological sites round out the ancient culture, while the town of San Miguel provides a taste of today's culture, with shopping, restaurants and active nightlife. Airport Downtown Pier International Cruise Ship Pier Passion Is. Molas Pt. Mezcalito El Mirador El Ceiba Carretara Transversal (Cross Island Rd.) North Pt. Celarain Pt. Ferry to Playa del Carmen San Miguel del Cozumel Cha nk a n a b R e e f Re e f P a l an c a r San GervasÃo Santa Pilar San Benito El Cedral F e rr y t o Puerto M oralos Cari bbean Sea 0 4 miles 0 4 km Cozumel (sent) 6 2 9 5 8 4 1 3 7