Cozumel is Mexico's largest inhabited island, nestled just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is serene with a laid-back atmosphere and is world renown for it's jungle clad interior and dazzling white sandy beaches that are girdled by one of the most spectacular ensembles of coral reefs in this hemisphere. The jewel shaped island's limestone shore is surrounded by temperate, remarkably clear, multi-hued azure Caribbean waters. Cozumel rivals many Caribbean island destinations when it comes to visitor facilities, activities, and stunning beauty. The island includes sightseeing of over 35 archaeological sites (only a few of which are accessible and worth seeing) and the charming village of San Miguel de Cozumel. The town is a collection of cafes, restaurants, and attractive boutiques. It encircles the main plaza, and extends several blocks along the city's breezy seaside promenade. Cozumel was once a sleepy fishing community until 1961, when a Frenchman by the name of Jacques Cousteau filmed a documentary and declared the island one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the world. Now, it is a underwater marine park which protects the delicate balance of it's dazzling coral reefs and abundant variety of tropical fish. In addition to the spectacular open water diving, the region of Cozumel and Akumal are well-known for the underground rivers that honeycomb the porous limestone of the Yucatan which provide some of the most beautiful caves and cavern or "cenotes". Nature lovers come to Cozumel to see giant sea turtles laying their eggs (May to September) and to observe the island's variety of exotic migratory bird life. Cozumel's appeal lies with its combination of the best of Mexico with allure of vacationing on a Caribbean island. This mix makes the island one of Mexico's most unique destination, offering a hard-to-find vacation duality.