Cozumel, Mexico

Mayans considered Cozumel a sacred shrine and referred to it as Ah-Cuzamil-Peten, or "Island of the Swallows". During the peak of the Mayan civilization, the women would make a voyage of 12 miles from the mainland to Cozumel by boat to worship Ix-Chel. Ix-Chel was the goddess of fertility and wife of the sun god Itzamah. Every Mayan woman was expected to make this venture at least once.

Even today at over 40 different sites, archeologists still uncover dolls that were offered as sacrifices during the fertility rituals. By the 12th century, the toltec cult of Quetzalcoalt dominated the Mayan culture. Three hundred years of fighting between cities and people ended in 1540 when the Spanish invaded the Yucatan and demolished a great portion of the Mayan culture. The Spanish first arrived on Cozumel in 1518. Juan de Grijalva landed with four boats bound for Cuba. The infamous Cortez followed his peaceful landing the next year. Cortez destroyed many of the Mayan temples and near where the airport is today, Cortez built a small church.

After the departure of Cortez, the native civilization was left in ruin and an epidemic of smallpox swept the island. Several pirates used Cozumel as a base in the 17th century. The island was not resettled until 1848, where people sought refuge from the war of the Castes on the Mexican mainland. This struggle, an often-violent attempt by natives of Mayan ancestry to regain their lands, lasted until a surrender to the government in 1901.

By 1970 the population had reached 10,000 and now is nearly 55,000.. About 20 years ago treasure of immeasurable value was discovered. Lucky for us, the location of this treasure was probably one of the worst kept secrets in all of Mexico. Today divers enjoy the treasure that is the second largest barrier reef in the world. Every day divers descend upon the miles of pristine coral reef that lies just offshore.

With visibility often exceeding 150 feet, Cozumel offers some of the best diving in the world - easy enough for the first time diver and exciting enough for the old pro (we have been there 84 trips). With drift diving as the norm you can cruise for miles on the splendid reefs without so much as moving a fin. You don't have to worry about getting back to the boat; the boat will be there wherever you ascend.

Join FDU in Cozumel

Don't worry about what to do with your non-diving wife/husband, boyfriend/girlfriend, or children (except to guard your money and credit cards...).

There is more to Cozumel than diving. You can shop at any of the multitude of quaint little shops, go sport fishing, visit Myan ruins, and lie in the sun or party to your hearts content.

You do not have to be from our local area to join us on this trip. We have customers from all over the world travel who travel with us.

Package includes:

Round trip airfare from Miami (we can book airfare from any worldwide location, price will vary)

Lodging (double occupancy) at Safari Inn 5 days, 4 nights.

For Single Occupancy add $100.00 to the trip price

For non-divers, deduct $100.00 from total trip price

Trip Dates: May 7-11 and Nov 26-30

Book now, don't be left out! This will be another FUN FDU Cozumel adventure...

For more information, please call, fax or e-mail us

800-779-3483 or 941-922-3483 or FAX 941-922-5118