Cozumel was shocked, this week, when it emerged that a famous statue of the Virgin Mary had disappeared from the bottom of the sea at Chankanaab Park.

Authorities think thieves dived down and hacksawed it from its base around 10am on Tuesday, said local media reports.

The figure, which is made of bronze-plated tin, has been in Cozumel for some 50 years and is an attraction for divers and snorkelers to the natural park.

Two giant US-owned hotel groups rumored to be planning new projects in Cozumel are remaining tight-lipped and refusing to confirm any details.

Local newspapers have claimed a Sheraton complex is being built on the island and that AMResorts is also planning two hotels.

Guest feature article.

A few months ago my family and I took a vacation to Cozumel.

There are many reasons to like Cozumel (nice beaches, clear water, friendly people, good food, Mayan ruins and more), but one thing I was excited about was cycling on the island.

A new wind farm the size of almost 7,000 American football fields will be built in the south of Cozumel, announced Mexican president, Felipe Calderón, last Thursday.

The farm's turbines will generate some 60 megawatts, enough to power about 19 thousand homes, said the government's international investment agency, ProMexico.

In partnerhsip with Cozumel's friendliest cabbies, we can now show you the island safely and comfortably on your own tailor-made taxi tour.

Stop at the beach, go shopping, eat a real Mexican lunch.

Do whatever you like, it's your own private tour!