Cozumel

Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great diving, nice people, safe streets, and prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations. The diving is the main draw to Cozumel; if you prefer white sandy beaches then other nearby destinations would be a better bet (e.g., Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres.) Cozumel is a popular port among cruise lines, particularly from December through April when a half dozen large ships may converge on the port each day.

By plane


Alternatively, you can fly into Cancún International Airport which generally has more flights, then take a bus or van south to Playa del Carmen and take the ferry across to Cozumel. A shared van from Cancun airport to Playa Del Carmen will cost around M$300 (pesos) per person one-way. A bus to the ferry terminal will be M$216 (or equivalent US dollars if you do not have pesos handy) as of February 2022 per person one-way.

Also you can take a small plane to Cozumel from Cancun airport's domestic terminal. It takes 15 minutes and the trip is an amazing experience for about US$75 per person one way.

By boat

 * . There are hourly ferries costing about US$13 per adult each way (Feb 2022). There are two companies: Winjet and Ultramar. So buy a single (one-way) ticket because you may need to use the other ferry company coming back and the tickets aren't transferable (two one-way tickets cost the same as a return anyhow).
 * . It leaves a few kilometers south of Playa del Carmen (pass Xcaret). There are 4 ferries each day, but the first at 4AM and the second at 8AM are specially for supply and logistics of the locals and islander. So take the ferry at 12:15PM and 6PM. From Cozumel back to the mainland you can take all ferries: 6AM, 10AM, 4PM and 8PM. Rental cars are not allowed on the car ferry and you wouldn't want to do it in any case as taking the car ferry is a huge hassle involving a lot of waiting on both ends. Not recommended for anyone on a one- to two-week vacation.

Cruise ships often visit the island. A few can dock virtually downtown. A larger pair of piers lies about two miles south of downtown San Miguel, and primarily serves Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ships. If many ships arrive the same day (occasionally in "high season"), some may moor offshore and tender passengers to docks downtown.

Get around
Walk, rent a car, or take a taxi; there is no public transit out of town. The docks are saturated by pushy touts trying to lure you into car rentals and activities. Be skeptical to avoid getting scammed into a timeshare sales pitch (what a horrible waste of your precious vacation!). A regular 1-day car rental is around US$55, but speaking Spanish will get you a discount 95% of the places if you ask. For example, the posted price for a VW Pointer at Less-Pay (next to Hotel Barracuda) was US$40, without insurance and taxes. As an American who speaks Spanish, you can get that same car for M$350, with insurance and taxes. Even if prices are posted, they can be bargained. Scooters half that (~US$25). Alternatively, taxis are always available and will take you to the west-shore beaches for US$20 onwards, depending on distance and number of people. Taxis cost M$30-60 for intra-town destinations. Like most businesses on Cozumel, they accept US dollars at a disadvantageous exchange rate.

Car rentals
Scooters can be a great way to explore the island, but should only be driven by experienced riders. If you are not experienced, please do not rent them. The majority of traffic accidents that befall tourists involve scooters (known locally as "motos"). These accidents seem to be due to a few factors:
 * Some inexperienced riders expect that if they can drive a car, then they can drive a scooter.
 * Some riders are unfamiliar with driving practices and conditions in Mexico.
 * Roads are not always in the best condition, and potholes are generally unmarked.
 * Scooters offer substantially less protection from accidents than anything with four wheels.
 * Many accidents are also caused by tourists having too many alcoholic drinks and then driving "motos."

Car rentals are widely available and most popular are Jeeps, dune buggies, and modified Chevy economy sedans with the doors and roof removed.



See
Most visitors travel to Cozumel to dive and see its wonderful underwater life. While there are quite a few beach clubs that offer snorkeling, the main attractions are the reefs offshore and the multiple dive shops and operations are always ready to take you there.

The main town, San Miguel, and dive operations are on the west side of the island, but if you rent a car or scooter then the east side of the island is the place to go. The east side of the island is mostly undeveloped, but there are beautiful beaches, big waves, and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blow holes. The waves and attendant undertows can make swimming on the east side very dangerous, however. You will also find a restaurant on the beach every few kilometers.

Cozumel also offers several Mayan archaeological sites. The most extensive vestiges are those at "San Gervasio", an inland site a few kilometers north of the "Carretera Transversal" highway. Another site is located near the village of El Cedral, inland from the "Carretera Costera Sur" highway. In Punta Sur Park, at the southern tip of the island, there is the "El Caracol" temple, believed to have been used as a lighthouse by the Mayans.

Scuba diving
Cozumel is Mexico's top diving destination and is one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the western hemisphere. The island abounds with dive shops, most willing to give you a scuba class (resort course) and take you out if you are not yet certified. A boat dive for certified divers (two tanks) will cost around US$70, plus any equipment rental and Marine Park Fee. Most dive sites are located well south of the city proper, as are a number of dive shops if you want a short boat ride. Most diving in Cozumel is drift diving, where you are dropped off by the boat at the beginning of the dive, are carried along the reef by the current, and picked up at the end of your dive by the boat. There is some shore diving, but it is limited compared with what you can enjoy further out and places like Palancar Reef and the walls. Along with other marine life divers are able to see seahorses and eagle rays and turtles especially during turtle nesting season sees large numbers of Turtles on Cozumel's beaches during nesting seasons.



Other activities
If diving or tours are not what you're looking for, there are still plenty of to do:


 * Snorkeling &mdash; logically enough, the second most popular activity after diving. Many beach-side dive shops rent equipment for US$7–10. Even though all beaches in Mexico are public some require fees to enter and use the facilities. Beaches with a rocky limestone shoreline on the west coast are the best for snorkeling or shore dives since less sand is disturbed so visibility and coral growth are better.
 * Catamaran Sail and Snorkel Excursion &mdash; a great excursion operated by Cozumel Water Sports taking you snorkeling to 2 reefs with music, open bar, snacks of fresh fruit and guacamole, 2 daily departures.
 * Glass Bottom Boat Tour &mdash; a twist to snorkeling. You visit about two or three reefs, which are small parts of the second largest coral reef in the world. It costs at the most about US$40 a couple but you can get it a little cheaper depending on where you buy your tickets. While heading to the snorkeling sites you have the privilege of looking through the glass bottom of the boat to see all the sea-life you pass on your way. Very fun to do as a couple or a family.
 * Mini Submarine Tour &mdash; a new way of exploring the underwater world. This new activity by Cozumel Water Sports offers all non divers and non snorkelers to explore the reefs and sea life of Cozumel. Riding your underwater scooter with your head dry in the air filled helmet, you can drive around the reefs. Especially great for people who wear glasses as you can have them on under water.
 * Beach lounging &mdash; most of the calm western side of Cozumel has rough rocky beaches not suitable for swimming or sun bathing. The areas that are suitable have been turned into small parks. Some charge entrance fees which includes a beach chair and umbrella as well as access to the washroom and shower facilities; others are free to use, and offer many of the same amenities, while relying on visitors to purchase food or drinks. Playa San Francisco is 20 minutes by taxi south of town and has a restaurant on site.
 * The "Other Side" &mdash; the beaches on the east (windward) side of the island. Sandy surf and large waves alternating with rocky limestone coastlines on the east side of the island are beautiful but can be dangerous for swimmers. The roaring surf creates strong breakers and undertows in many areas. Never enter the water alone. There are now many areas where flags are displayed showing the level of safety for a particular area. Despite the potentially dangerous swimming conditions, these beaches are stunning and serene for enjoying sunbathing, long walks or playing in the water very close to shore. These beaches are popular with surfers and kite surfers, and with locals on the weekends.

Buy
ATMs with low withdrawal fees in the center are: • Banco Azteca • banamex • Santander • Banorte (near the ferry to Playa del Carmen)

For buying groceries are Oxxo and minimarkets (tiendas) around. A bigger variety of products have the Dunosusa and Waldo's. A large supermarket called Súper Aki is in the east of the center. In the town is also a Soriana Súper available.

Silver is cheaper here than in the U.S. but be sure to look for the .925 stamp as some places do sell fake silver jewelry.

Tip: To avoid being caught out, carry a small magnet when you shop. If the silver sticks to the magnet then it is not sterling silver.



Eat
Local restaurants, most fairly good and fairly similar to each other, are plentiful in and around the city's "downtown" main square.

Mid-range




Drink
Downtown, bottled liquor prices seldom vary, though you'll find some dropoff the farther you get from the center of the city. Don Julio Tequila runs $45–50 at the tourist shops, but if you have time find a local grocery and get it at half price. Kahlua runs $10.

Bars seldom monitor customers for age or drunkenness, so take care driving or walking as the evening wears on.



Sleep




Consulates

 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next
Hostels and private rooms are available ...:

To the west:

 * Playa del Carmen
 * Valladolid
 * Tulum

To the north:

 * Cancún

By air
Cozumel has direct low-cost flights to Mexico City and Monterrey (updated April 2022). You have more options from the Cancun airport.