Although the Mexican Caribbean is home to a handful of gorgeous tropical islands, few offer as wide a range of experiences as magical Cozumel.
This fall, the largest island near Cancun is reporting a huge uptick in arrival figures with the launching of several new non-stop flight connections to the U.S., new data shows.
From its ancient Mayan sites to the quaint & colorful city of San Miguel de Cozumel, this tropical hotspot is making a huge comeback for the fall and winter season.
With more travelers seeking new destinations to explore this year, here’s why this tropical island near Cancun is a hit with visitors.
Cozumel Welcomes Growing Number Of Travelers Thanks To New Aerial Connections
Situated off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is one of the main island destinations in the Mexican Caribbean. It’s also the largest, measuring a whopping 478 square kilometers.
Dotted with unexplored white-sand beaches and some of the bluest waters around, Cozumel is a paradise for nature lovers.
Aside from its world-class diving sites, the large island boasts an expansive cultural heritage & centuries-long history, making it a well-rounded destination.
As the Mexican Caribbean gradually heads into the busy winter season, travel to Cozumel is starting to pick up, with numerous U.S. airlines launching new direct connections to the island.
The Mexican Caribbean island is home to one of four international airports in the state of Quintana Roo, which saw more than 600,000 passenger arrivals in 2023.
Several prominent U.S. carriers operate seasonal flights to Cozumel, including American Airlines, Delta, & United.
American Airlines – the largest U.S.-based airline – will begin operating a daily nonstop flight between Miami and Cozumel on October 15th, which will run throughout the winter season.
The same airline also operates a daily nonstop connection to Dallas and weekly flights to Charlotte.
Meanwhile, Delta will operate a daily nonstop flight from Cozumel to its Atlanta hub starting this December, with flights lasting throughout the high season.
United Airlines is also contributing to Cozumel’s growing arrival numbers thanks to its direct flights from the island to Houston & December, both operated during the hectic winter months.
Overall, Cozumel is a viable choice for direct flights to the Mexican Caribbean, allowing visitors to bypass Cancun’s queues & taxi feuds.
Cozumel Steps Up Security Measures To Protect Travelers
New estimates show that the island could welcome up to 4,400 passengers in the week spanning from October 14 to 20, with some 63 flights recorded.
But that’s just a fraction of the number of daily visitors expected to flock to the island this winter.
With so many travelers expected to set foot in one of the fastest-growing Mexican Caribbean destinations, officials have ramped up security measures to prevent crime from affecting visitors.
From deploying more law enforcement officers to patrol streets to implementing a new surveillance and monitoring system, Cozumel is taking steps to make the island a more welcoming and safer choice for visitors.
While the island is generally safe for travel, visitors are advised to remain cautious during their stay, as petty crime and scams remain a significant issue.
Cozumel is one of the more popular destinations for online vacation rentals, with several thousand properties available on the island.
When booking a stay, travelers are urged to use verified platforms like Airbnb & booking.com, opting for properties with at least several positive reviews.
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