I love Cozumel; from Playa del Carmen it is only 20 km or a 45 minute ferry ride and you arrive in Mexico´s largest inhabited island. Cozumel invades you with its Caribbean feel, a joyful city that is also a paradise for nature lovers. Cozumel "is one of the best places around the world for diving, thanks to its fantastic visibility and its wonderful marine life," as Jaques Cousteau stated in 1960. It also happens to be an excellent birdwatching spot.
The island of Cozumel has a rich history that dates back to the beginning of the first millennium as a place of trade and pilgrimage to worship the goddess Ixchel. Cozumel also has an early colonial history when Spanish explorers landed on the island to find out the presence of two compatriot survivors from a shipwreck from a few years back.
The diverse ecosystems, from lush mangroves to beautiful beaches and rich tropical forests, give us the opportunity to spot a remarkable variety of bird species, including Cozumel´s endemic treasures such as the Cozumel Emerald, the Cozumel Vireo and the Cozumel Wren.
There are several Cozumel subspecies of great interest like Western Spindalis, Bananaquit, Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Vireo, Bright-rumped Attila, Black Catbird, Yellow (Golden) Warbler, Yellow-faced Grassquit, Northern Cardinal, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, and Rufous-browed Peppershike.
Cozumel Vireo (Vireo bairdi) - Photo: Elvis Jimenez
Cozumel Emerald (Cynanthus forficatus) - Photo: Elvis Jimenez
Cozumel is the best place to look for Caribbean birds that are rare or very difficult to find on the mainland such as, Smooth-billed Ani, Caribbean Elaenia, Caribbean Dove and White-crowned Pigeon.
We are very excited to now be offering a birdwatching tour to Cozumel island. Guided by local expert guides, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the history, culture and avian wonders of Cozumel. Whether you’re a seasoned birder in search of the Cozumel endemics and specialties or a nature enthusiast looking to explore the different ecosystems found in Cozumel or just want to have a deeper contact with Cozumel´s nature and culture, come join us for an unforgettable experience on the beautiful island of Cozumel.
For more information on our tour in Cozumel and other birdwatching tours in the Riviera Maya and beyond, check out our tour page or contact us.
San Gervasio archaeological site, Cozumel
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