Great news for those that like a walk on the wild side: Cozumel's east coast is now officially protected.

Mexico's Department for the Environment (SEMARNAT), announced, this week, that this new area of the island's rugged Caribbean shoreline will be safeguarded under federal law.

Known to locals affectionately as the Other Side, the windswept eastern coast is home to precious dunes, rock formations, coastal lagoons, and native wildlife, including nesting grounds for sea turtles. Not to mention incredible views and some great bars and restaurants.

"The area contains ecosystems of high environmental value that must be conserved," said the government in the bulletin where the announcement was formally made.

Unlike the calmer western shore, the east side faces open ocean, with strong currents, more wind and surf, and minimal development. The new federal ruling restricts certain types of construction and land use, helping ensure the coastline remains largely unchanged.

It covers 1.1 million square meters (equivalent to more than than 200 NFL fields) and stretches from Punta Sur at the island's southern tip, to Punta Molas at its northern point.

The existing Cozumel Reefs National Park on the south and west of the island, which covers both sea and coast, is not affected. The ruling simply adds a newly protected strip of land along the right hand side of the island instead.

If you're visiting Cozumel and have an urge to escape the more touristy areas, be sure to head over to the Other Side and see for yourself why it is so important to protect for future generations. You can find all our tours and activities to the east coast here.