![The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef](https://media.timeout.com/images/105815377/750/562/image.jpg)
1. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
What is it? Cozumel is surrounded by a section of the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
Why go? The island’s southern reefs are protected by the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and have sites suitable for divers and snorkelers of all abilities. Highlights include the Punta Sur reef, which features a stunning coral formation known as ‘The Cathedral’, and also the Columbia reef, where you can spot turtles swimming amid a sweep of towering coral pinnacles, caves, and tunnels.