An Introduction to Cozumel

With a Mexican heart and a Caribbean soul, Cozumel is a paradise where tradition, flavor and joy come together. You will always find a friendly face and a warm welcome to make your stay an unforgettable one.

Famous all over the world for its coral reefs, there are plenty of water sports such as diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, kayaking and more. Cozumel's mostly undeveloped territory at the center of the island is covered by jungle and swampy lagoons, which are home to tiny mammals and endemic birds that have never left the island. Noteworthy is the Chankanaab National Park, a Cozumel icon, and the Punta Sur Ecological Reserve. This huge protected area at the southern tip of the island includes Punta Celarain and its historical lighthouse, as well as the Colombia Lagoon, a shelter for many of the island's endemic species, as well as other endangered forms of life, such as marine turtles and their nesting areas.

With its beautiful beaches and exotic locale, Cozumel is an ideal destination where honeymooners can enjoy colorful and breathtaking sunsets, moonlit walks on secluded beaches, swim through crystal clear blue waters and romantic candlelight dinners.

The choice of activities are boundless in Cozumel: golden beaches, turquoise waters, friendly people, typical festivals, scattered Mayan ruins, great restaurants, a myriad of duty-free stores, diving, golfing, romance, and a whole new world where everybody has a place under the sun. Let the magic surround you; let us captivate your heart with the sweet magic of paradise. Come to Cozumel and Live the Experience!

What to Expect in Cozumel

CLIMATE:

Weather: Average temperatures range between 77° F to 86° F (25° C to 30° C).
The hottest time of the year runs from May to September (especially on the coasts), and it gets cooler from October to April.

CURRENCY:

Mexico's currency is the Mexican Peso. There are one hundred Mexican cents (centavos) to every Peso.
The rate of exchange fluctuates daily against the Dollar.
Most of Cozumel's Banks with ATM machines are found within the commercial centre of the main town.
During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's checks and cash from you as well.

DEPARTURE TAX:

Departure tax is normally included in the cost of your ticket. Please check with your airline or ticketing agent for details. If it is not included, it is payable at check in for your flight home. You may use Pesos, U.S. Dollars, Visa or MasterCard.

DRINKING WATER:

Generally, the tap water in Mexico is not safe for drinking; however, in tourist areas, many larger resorts purify their water for consumption.
Most hotels and restaurants will provide bottled water in your room or upon your request.

DRIVERS LICENSE:

U.S. drivers’ licenses are valid in Mexico.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

U.S. and Canadian citizens must carry a valid passport and return or ongoing ticket.
There are special requirements concerning minors under the age of 18 years old.
Please contact the Department of State for more information.

ELECTRICITY:

120 V; 60 Hz. Any electrical equipment you carry with you that operates at the higher (240v) rate will need to be dual-voltage (e.g. hair driers).
A lot of electrical equipment (like video cameras, digital cameras, laptops) that operate on 12 volts via a product-specific adaptor should easily work with dual voltage - check the adaptor and the device instructions to be sure.
You may need a socket adaptor. Most plugs in Mexico are the same as in the US, ie. two flat prongs.
Some have a third, circular prong for grounding, and adapters can be sought for these too if the plug you want to connect to doesn't have the third (grounding) prong socket.

MARINE PARK FEES:

Cozumel charges a $2 U.S. per day marine park fee.

TOURISM SEASONS:

The climate in Cozumel is hot and humid, but the humidity is not as drenching as it can be in some other places in Mexico.
August through October is hurricane season in this part of the world - and the weather becomes more changeable and less predictable during these months.
The rainy season is May through October.
November through February is the high season in Cancun, and quite hot.
Evenings can be cooler, so a wool pullover may be a useful item to pack with you during these months.

VACCINATIONS:

No vaccinations or preventative medications are required for travel to Cozumel.
However, we always suggest that you speak to your family physician for a personal recommendation.

WATER TEMPERATURES AND WETSUITS:

Water temperatures generally range between 78 – 82°F
Most people find wearing a 1mm – 3mm wetsuit keeps them comfortable.

Visual Tour: Cozumel