One of Mexico’s largest islands, Cozumel lies 20 km from the mainland, and 60 km south of Cancun. It’s flat limestone formation shaped like a holster and pierced by dozens of cenotes (water filled sinkholes), many with their own marine forms, which are an extra attractions for swimmers and snorkellers who come to explore the island’s fantastic offshore reefs. Photo by: kristiankristof

You’ll never get a better chance to appreciate Mayan culture so close to good beaches. The biggest Mayan site, San Gervasio (named much latter), was for centuries sacred to Ix Chel, the goddess of fertility, and one of the Yucatan’s most important sanctuaries. There are several others, recovered from jungle and swampy mangrove lagoons now teeming with cormorants, pelicans, primary-coloured tree frogs, iguanas and crocodiles. Photo by: devildiver

You can see 250 species in its clear waters, including the bright blue-and-yellow queen angelfish, the toad fish and enormous sponges like the barrel and elephant ear, which grows to 3,6 m across. Cozumel is fabulously pretty and exotic place, and you should go there with someone who love and watch the sunset. Photo by: Yankee in Texas

When to go: Year-round. Temperatures average 32 degrees Celsius in July and August, and 24 Celsius in December and January. Come for the traditional feasting, rodeos, bullfights music and fairs of the 5-day Festival of El Cedral in late April and May. Population: 73,193. How to get there: By air to San Miguel from Houston, New York, Miami and Mexico City. Photo by: kristiankristof

Photo by: Rob Inh00d