8 Fun Facts About Cozumel That You May Not Know Of

Take a few moments to read these fun facts about Cozumel that you might not know of.

Cozumel is a beautiful island mostly popular for the hundreds of cruisers disembarking almost every day to tour around but also as a diving destination for its pristine waters and its wealth of marine life.

There are many things to do in Cozumel even if you don’t dive and awesome places to stay. I’d choose one of the beautiful Airbnb in Cozumel, for a better experience.

Among the interesting and fun facts about Mexico, there are some interesting ones about Cozumel that I thought you might love to read.

MAYAN MYSTICISM

History or Legend says that back in the day during the Mayan civilization, women in search of a prosperous marriage would travel to Cozumel to make offerings to the temple of Ixchel, the fertility goddess, and to consult the oracle.

THE LEGEND

The Mayans worshiped Ixchel through numerous ceremonies at the site’s numerous temples – many of which can still be found today, with the most prominent ruins located at the archeological site of San Gervasio near the center of the island.

THE TRAVESIA SAGRADA

Before the pandemic every year the parks of the Xcaret group organize a competition as part of their marketing strategy where more than a hundred people raw on replicas of the ancient canoes from Xela to Cozumel and back the following day. It’s a very tough physical challenge for which they seriously train for 4 months. I have heard that a few women who believed in the fertility goddess legend took part in the competition with the only purpose to get pregnant and it happened.

A MECCA FOR PRO SURFERS

The ocean side of Cozumel is ideal for expert surfers but there is a local surfer community that is very jealous of their stunning waves. I am sure if you ask they will let you ride as well, though. But it’s a very rough spot, just for pro surfer. So if you are a beginner, it’s not your place.

THE SECOND LARGEST BARRIER REEF IN THE WORLD

The Island of Cozumel is located by the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, known as the Mesoamerican Reef which stretches out for nearly 700 miles (1,126 kilometers) along the coast of the Yucatan peninsula up to Honduras.

This is why Cozumel is known as one of the best diving destinations and although the coral has been damaged, unfortunately, it’s still home to rich marine life including exotic fish, marine turtles, dolphins, and even sharks, providing a truly magical experience to divers and snorkelers.

fun facts about cozumel reef snorkeling, snorkeler, reef

THE MEANING OF A NAME

Cozumel’s original name is actually coming from the Mayan name “Ah Cuzamil Peten”, which in English translates to “Island of the Swallows.” (Islas de las Golondrinas in Spanish). And this is why walking on the malecòn (promenade) you will see lots of Swallows in many art forms, as it has become the symbol of the island.

IRONMAN COMPETITION

Cozumel is home to a spectacular Ironman competition that every other year attracts athletes from all over the world to challenge themselves in such hostile ground, so hot and humid. The next one is planned for September 26th, 2021.

THE THIRD LARGEST ISLAND IN MEXICO

Cozumel is the third largest island in Mexico, with its 181 square miles (467.9 square kilometers). I am sure now you want to know which one is the two biggest islands in Mexico. They are Isla Tiburòn and Isla Ángel de la Guarda, both in the Gulf of California.

I hope you enjoyed these facts about Cozumel. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful and exciting island check out my guides on the 5 things to do in Cozumel and my informative post on how to get to Cozumel.

8 fun facts about Cozumel