Museo de la Isla de Cozumel (Cozumel Island Museum), San Miguel de Cozumel (must see)

The Cozumel Island Museum serves as a gateway to the island’s fascinating history, diverse ecosystems, and cultural traditions. Following an extensive renovation in 2019, the museum reopened with 11 engaging and interactive exhibits that seamlessly connect Cozumel’s past with its present. Visitors can explore the island’s remarkable natural environment through exhibits that highlight its coral reefs, marine life, and tropical landscapes.

The museum also delves deeply into Cozumel’s history, featuring artifacts from the ancient Maya civilization and the Spanish colonial era. Pottery, tools, and relics illustrate how the island evolved from a sacred Mayan pilgrimage site dedicated to the goddess Ixchel into an important colonial trading post.

More recent exhibits trace Cozumel’s transformation throughout the 20th century, focusing on its development as a fishing community, its rise as a global diving destination, and its growing role in the Caribbean’s tourism industry.

Cultural heritage is another key theme, with a dedicated section celebrating the island’s famous Carnaval of Cozumel. Through costumes, photographs, and multimedia presentations, visitors gain insight into this vibrant annual event that unites the community in music, dance, and colorful pageantry.

Blending education, culture, and environmental awareness, the Cozumel Island Museum offers a comprehensive and enriching experience for those eager to understand the spirit and story of this unique Caribbean island.