The Endemic Birds of the Yucatán

The following 14 bird species are endemic to the Yucatán. See them while you're here, because you won't find them anywhere else on the planet: the black catbird, Cozumel emerald, Cozumel vireo, Cozumel thrasher, ocellated turkey, orange oriole, red-vented woodpecker, rose-throated tanager, yellow-lored (Yucatán) parrot, Yucatán poorwill, Yucatán nightjar, Yucatán flycatcher, Yucatán jay, and the Yucatán wren.

Cozumel's Coral Reef

Cozumel has been one of the world's top dive sites since Jacques Cousteau unveiled its wonders in a 1961 documentary film. The island is fringed by a coral reef system that grows into towering walls, peaks, valleys, arches, and tunnels inhabited by more than 4,000 species of fish and thousands of other plants and animals. Its colors and textures rival New England's fall foliage displays. This underwater mountain range, running for 32km (20 miles) along Cozumel's southwest coast, is part of the massive Great Mesoamerican Reef (also called the Great Mayan Reef) stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Honduras -- second in size only to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

What's Biting When?

It's fishing season year-round along the Caribbean coast. Here's a general breakdown of what to look for during your trip, and a handy guide for more information can be found at: www.deepseafishingcancun.com/season.htm.

  • Blue Marlin: March through August
  • White Marlin: March through August
  • Sailfish: January through August
  • Grouper: Most of the year, except July and August
  • Wahoo: November through August
  • Amberjack: August through March
  • Dolphin Fish: March through September
  • Blackfin Tuna: December through August
  • Bonita: February through October
  • Barracuda: June through March
  • Kingfish: October through February
  • Red Snapper: August through June

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.