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Divers will feel most at home on this island, just 15 miles off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s the gateway to the Great Mayan Reef, a coral chain extending more than 600 miles into the Caribbean, and home to more than 500 species of fish and sea turtles. It’s one of the most accessible underwater attractions in the world -- though scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts will see the most during their stay here, the reef also can be toured by glass-bottom boat and submarine.

Ecotourism is a big draw here, which may surprise many potential visitors. Cozumel has its share of bars, nightclubs and resorts, but these modern developments give way to dark, tangled jungle toward the center of the island. Nature preserves like the Chankanaab National Park and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve protect endemic species while offering hiking, biking and zipline tours of the “hidden” Cozumel.

Though Cozumel enjoys its status as an exclusive getaway, separated from the hustle and bustle of mainland Mexico by a few miles of ocean, the island is easily accessible. When visitors tire of their time on the island, many hop a ferry to mainland resorts like Playa Del Carmen.

Language: Spanish     Currency: Peso (MXN), US$