SIX18 TRAVEL

Cozumel's clear turquoise waters and powdery sands coax travelers from cold winter climates to this relatively small island off the coast of Playa del Carmen along Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. Cruise ships are a constant feature of Cozumel's coastal views, and the atmosphere on this charming island is often interrupted by tourist chatter. In fact, Cozumel's charms are so effective that the shopping plazas and eateries along the waterfront stay congested much of the year – especially during the day when several huge cruise ships are in port at once.

But crowds shouldn't deter you from discovering what this island has to offer, especially as Cozumel's real allure is far away from the downtown area. You can charter a fishing or diving boat to discover the shallow reefs along the coast (this is arguably one of the best diving destinations in the world), take a glass-bottom boat on a tour around the island or simply find a quiet beach where you can relax and do nothing. Once the cruise ships clear out, head down to a local bar for some live music and the real skinny on this slice of paradise.

Also, keep in mind that Cozumel’s compact size (just 29 miles long and 9 miles wide) means you can see quite a bit of the island over the span of a weeklong vacation. Many travelers wind up doing exactly that by renting a golf cart (the most common option), scooter or small car for a few days or their entire trip.