Click to reveal site search
The Cozumel’s reputation for healthy reefs with healthy fish populations and excellent underwater clarity is well deserved as these waters are home to more than 100 types of coral and 260-plus species of fish

The Cozumel’s reputation for healthy reefs with healthy fish populations and excellent underwater clarity is well deserved as these waters are home to more than 100 types of coral and 260-plus species of fish

Technicolor Reefs, Plenty of Fish and Easy Drifts

Cozumel brings together all the elements needed for a perfect dive vacation. A small, friendly town sits on the sheltered western shore of an island washed by warm, clear waters. This life-giving flow nurtures luxuriant growths of sponges and corals that cover the ledges, ridges and drop offs and support an underwater menagerie of fish and invertebrates. These same currents propel divers on exhilarating but controlled drifts as they go with the flow. Adding to the appeal are direct flights from the US, a wide range of beachfront hotels to enjoy, and dive boats that make easy runs in calm waters to sites less than a mile from shore.

Highlights

  • Best for: Macro photographers, underwater naturalists, explorers and whale watchers
  • Best season to visit: Year round, thanks to calm, consistent water conditions
  • Weather: Winter temperatures stay in the 70s, with pleasantly low humidity. Summertime highs approach 90 but cool at night. The rainy season, June to October, bring afternoon thunderstorms and increased humidity, but underwater visibility isn't compromised

Cozumel Information

About Diving in Cozumel

All diving in Cozumel takes place on the island's western shore, which is sheltered from prevailing easterly winds and surf. The shore drops from shallow reefs to a series of mid-depth shelves and  ledges that culminate in high profile coral ridges that drop from depths 50 to 90 feet into deep water. Steady north-flowing currents are found on all sites, and drift diving is the norm. Water temperatures range from the high 70s to the mid 80s.

Diving in Cozumel Tips

The techniques of drift diving may seem intimidating to those who have never tried it, but in fact, nothing could be easier. Simply step off the swim platform, allow the current to carry you, and resurface to find the boat waiting. Because neither you or the boat are tethered, there is no sense of moving water when you are on the surface.

Best Places to Dive in Cozumel

Sites such as Palancar Deep, Colombia Reef and Santa Rosa Wall combine steep wall-like outer profiles with intricate mazes of swim-throughs and arches. Tormento and Punta Tunich provide lively drifts over ridges and valleys, while shallow sites such as Palancar Garden, Cordona and Las Palmas combine mild currents with abundant fish life. The wreck of the Felipe Xicoténcatl  adds variety.

What to Pack for Diving in Cozumel

A 3mm suit is adequate for most all divers. Though you will be following a dive master's surface marker, it's a good idea to carry your own deployable surface marker in case of separation from the group.

Specials

Dive

Cozumel

Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

COZUMEL MEXICO DIVE PACKAGE 5 nights superior accommodations, one welcome tank for shore dive, 4 days of 2-tank boat dives with Cozumel Marine World, free WiFi, hotel taxes, eco tax and resort fee.

Valid for travel through 7/9/24. Rates from $820 per person, double diver.
Valid for travel 7/10/24-8/15/24. Rates from $860 per person, double diver.
Valid for travel 8/16/24-12/25/24. Rates from $767 per person, double diver.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $767 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

COZUMEL DEEP DIVE MEXICO 7 nights superior accommodations, one welcome tank for shore dive, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives with Cozumel Marine World, free WiFi, hotel taxes, eco tax and resort fee.

Valid for travel through 7/9/24. Rates from $1,079 per person, double diver.
Valid for travel 7/10/24-8/15/24. Rates from $1,140 per person, double diver.
Valid for travel 8/16/24-12/25/24. Rates from $999 per person, double diver.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $999 per double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

El Cid La Ceiba Beach

COZUMEL MEXICO SCUBA DIVE PACKAGE + $600 Resort Credit includes 5-night Deluxe Room accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives including free tanks for shore diving with Babieca Dive Center, hotel tax and service charges.

$600 Mega Pass Resort Credit Coupon Book (per booked room) can be used towards diving, snorkeling, spa, restaurants, room upgrades, car rental (non- transferrable/non-refundable, specific credit amounts set by hotel).

Optional add-ons for Watersports & Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid for travel 5/1/24-12/21/24. Rate from $696 per person/double diver.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $696 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

The Explorean Cozumel

COZUMEL EXPLORING-SNORKELING-CYCLING-HORSEBACK RIDING-KAYAKING-DUNE BUGGYING AND MORE!!!

5-night Deluxe Casita accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, plus wake-up breakfast basket delivered to the room daily, snacks, and by the glass beverages including house brand alcohol, hotel tax and service charges.

Daily activities including a variety of on-site entertainment, and off-site adventures include: coastal road cycling, snorkeling at Columbia Reef, horseback riding to the Mayan Ruins, kayaking discovery at Passion Island, hiking and dune-buggy island adventure, Punta Sur park tour, snorkel expedition at Dzul-Ha Beach, sailing and snorkeling the Caribbean, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid 8/22/24-10/31/24. Rate from $744 per person.

Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $744 per person double

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Occidental Cozumel

COZUMEL 2024 SCUBA DIVE SPECIAL includes 7 nights in Deluxe Room accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives with Pro Dive Cozumel, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily including alcohol, scheduled resort activities and entertainment, use of non-motorized watersports, hotel tax and service charges.

7 Night Package rates starting from $1,154 per person/double diver including 6 days of 2-tank boat dives.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid for travel 8/20/24-10/31/24. Book by 3/31/24. Some blackout dates may apply.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $1,154 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Allegro Cozumel

COZUMEL - 2024 EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT includes 7 nights in Superior Room accommodations, 6 days of 2-tank boat dives with Pro Dive Cozumel, breakfast, lunch and dinner daily including alcohol, scheduled resort activities and entertainment, use of non-motorized watersports, hotel tax and service charges.

7 Night Package rates starting from $1,056 per person/double diver including 6 days of 2-tank boat dives.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Valid for travel 8/20/24-10/31/24. Book by 3/31/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $1,056 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Secrets Aura Cozumel

COZUMEL SPRING-SUMMER SCUBA DIVE SPECIAL + $200 IN RESORT COUPONS includes 5 Night Pool View Jr Suite King accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank morning boat dives with Dive House, all Inclusive, breakfast/lunch/dinner daily, snacks, international & domestic brand beverages, fruit juices & soft drinks, free WiFi, daily activities, hotel tax, and service charges.

Valid travel 4/1/24-6/8/24 & 8/11/24-10/30/24. Rate from $1,124 per person, double diver. Book by 4/15/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $1,124 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort and Spa

COZUMEL SPRING-SUMMER SCUBA DIVE SPECIAL + $200 IN RESORT COUPONS 5 Night Preferred Club Jr Suite Tropical View accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank morning boat dives + complimentary tanks for shore diving with Dive House, all Inclusive, breakfast/lunch/dinner daily, snacks, international & domestic brand beverages, fruit juices & soft drinks, 24 hr. room service, free WiFi, daily activities, hotel tax, and service charges.

Valid travel 8/18/24-10/18/24. Rate from $977 per person, double diver. Book by 4/15/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $977 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

COZUMEL CARADONNA SCUBA DIVE SPECIAL + $200 IN RESORT COUPONS includes 5-night Deluxe Tropical View accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank morning boat dives with Dive House, all Inclusive, breakfast/lunch/dinner daily, snacks, international & domestic brand beverages, fruit juices & soft drinks, free WiFi, daily activities, hotel tax, and service charges.

Valid travel 8/11/24-10/9/24. Rate from $757 per person, double diver. Book by 4/15/24.

Additional room categories and other dates also available! Book on-line or Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 or email us sales@caradonna.com.
Read More

From $757 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel

2024 HALF PRICE FALL COZUMEL DIVE PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, unlimited shore diving, private gear locker (bring padlock), breakfast and lunch daily, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid 10/1/24-10/31/24.
Read More

From $976 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel

2024 HALF PRICE FALL COZUMEL DIVE PACKAGE includes 5 night’s accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank boat dives, unlimited shore diving, private gear locker (bring padlock), breakfast and lunch daily, hotel tax and service charges.

Valid 10/1/24-10/31/24.
Read More

From $699 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Cozumel Hotel and Resort by Wyndham

COZUMEL DIVE PARADISE SCUBA PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank standard morning boat dives, 1 welcome tank for equip. check (shore) with Dive Paradise Scuba, 3 meals daily, snacks, domestic drinks, hotel tax & service charges. ** Prices subject to Currency Exchange Fees on Diving**

Rates from $1,199 p/p based on dble diver. Valid 1/3/24-1/31/24 & 8/12/24-12/20/24.
Rates from $1,234 p/p based on dble diver. Valid 2/1/24-4/6/24.
Rates from $1,171 p/p based on dble diver. Valid 4/7/24-8/11/24.

CUSTOM UPGRADES: Disc rates avail for opt’l add-ons for Nitrox Tanks, 1-tank aft trips, 2-tank aft express trips, night dives, and unl shore diving. Excursions & private grp beach parties can be req’d.

Book Online, Call 800.328.2288 or Email sales@caradonna.com for add’l info, airfare spcls, or grp rates.
Read More

From $1,171 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Cozumel Hotel and Resort by Wyndham

COZUMEL DIVE PARADISE SCUBA PACKAGE includes 7 night’s accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank morning boat dives, 1 welcome tank with Dive Paradise Scuba, daily breakfast, hotel tax and service charges. ** Prices subject to Currency Exchange Fees on Diving**

Rates from $999 per person based on double diver. Valid 4/7/24-12/20/24.
Rates from $1,034 per person based on double diver. Valid 2/1/24-4/6/24.

CUSTOM UPGRADES: Discounted rates available for optional add-ons for Nitrox Tanks, 1-tank afternoon trips, 2-tank Afternoon Express trips, night dives, and unlimited shore diving. Excursions and private group beach parties can be requested.

Book Online, Call 800.328.2288 or Email sales@caradonna.com for additional information, airfare specials, or group pricing.
Read More

From $999 per person double diver

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Presidente InterContinental Resort

COZUMEL 2024 MEXICO SCUBA SALE includes 5-night Pool View accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank morning boat dives + complimentary tanks for shore diving Scuba Du, daily breakfast, FREE WiFi, hotel tax, and service charges.

Advertised rates from $1,047 per person double/diver sharing applicable 8/13/24-12/21/24.

SPECIAL ADDED VALUE $50.00 Resort Credit (per room, per stay) ONLY for Premium Pool Access to Junior Suites categories.

Valid travel through 12/21/24. Book by 4/30/24! Other room categories and dates available-some blackout dates apply
Read More

From $1,085 per person double diver

Book Now

Packages

Dive

Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel

5 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes accommodations, 3 days of 2-tank diving, unlimited shore diving on dive days, breakfast & lunch daily, Free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges.
Read More

Book Now
Dive

Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel

7 NIGHT DIVE PACKAGE includes accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank diving, unlimited shore diving on dive days, breakfast & lunch daily, Free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges.
Read More

Book Now

Resorts

Dive

Cozumel

Secrets Aura Cozumel

Located on beautiful Cozumel and the only all inclusive, adults only, beachfront resort. Unlimited-Luxury®, limitless gourmet a la carte dining, premium beverages. Blended with the natural charm of Mexican hospitality, this property features 266 luxurious suites each decorated with a unique style. Private terrace or balcony, full bathroom with whirlpool and mini bar. Activities & entertainment, spa, tennis court, infinity-edge pool with ocean view and much, much more.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort and Spa

Located with the perfect ambiance for a family vacation on Cozumel Island. Welcome to Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa, under our Unlimited-Luxury® concept where everything is included. This resort boasts 154 preferred suites, luxuriously decorated rooms with outstanding ocean views, landscapes, as well as Jr Suites with swim-up access and ocean front.
Unlimited-Luxury: everything is included, no wristbands, no tips and unlimited food and beverages with our premium top shelf liquor in all our bars, a large variety of gourmet menus, room service, minibar restock daily, waiters for pool service and beach, plus much more!

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Sunscape Sabor Cozumel

Situated on 2,000 feet of beach on the southwest side of Cozumel, just five minutes from Chankanaab Ecopark on beautiful Cozumel you will find an all-inclusive getaway for vacationers and divers of every sort. Stays at this resort come with all privileges of an Escape to Unlimited-Fun® vacation including countless daytime land and non-motorized water activities, limitless food and beverages. Three bars and lounges serving international and domestic brand beverages Explorer’s Club for Kids (ages 3-12) and Corezone teenager club with fun-filled activities. On-site Dive House Cozumel PADI 5-Star Dive Resort- offers valet diving, gear storage lockers, fresh water showers and gear-washing facilities and Scubapro rental equipment.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Allegro Cozumel

Located on the magnificent Playa San Francisco, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches on the island of Cozumel. This All-Inclusive offers rooms with a subtle tropical decor that are perfect for relaxing. In addition, the resort offers a superb gastronomic array of 5 restaurants and 5 bars to enjoy after a long day of activities. Excellent packages for diving experiences at one of the world’s top destinations for scuba divers. Includes an on-site Pro Dive International, PADI Dive Center and dock. When Jacques Cousteau visited the Santa Rosa Reef and the Palancar Gardens, he defined it as "paradise." Guests can enjoy daily thanks to the resort’s proximity to both of these dive sites. Various leisure and entertainment options both top-side and under water, to spot dolphins and sea turtles, or lying in the sand at the beach, or next to one of the 5 pools.

Optional add-ons for Watersports & Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Iberostar Cozumel

A warm and inviting, open-air resort, where charmimg bungalows replace typical hotel rooms. The bungalows are complete with private patios and hammocks, where you can relax after a long day of diving. Iberostar Cozumel is an excellent place to take advantage of some of the greatest scuba diving and snorkeling you'll ever experience.

Call 800.328.2288 For Special Pricing and Information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Casa del Mar Cozumel Hotel & Dive Resort

One of Cozumel´s most popular hotels located across the street from the crystal clear waters of Cozumel´s Mexican Caribbean. Five minutes from the heart of town. Superior rooms with private balcony or terrace and spacious Deluxe Cabanas. A-la-carte restaurant, swim-up bar, beach area with “palapas” and hammocks. Designed for the sun lover and sports enthusiast, here you will enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and much more. Dive concierge and beach diving on site.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Presidente InterContinental Resort

Located on a palm fringed island, luxurious and secluded surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, situated on a half mile stretch of private sand beach, only minutes from the abundant coral reefs. Four restaurants, spa & two pools (one for adults only), buffet breakfast included in the room rate. PADI 5-Star Center (Scuba Du) on site. Valet dive service including gear rinse and storage.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Occidental Cozumel

Located on one of the best beaches in Cozumel, this all-inclusive luxury and world class diving resort is top-notch on famed San Francisco Beach, offering a range of room categories, six restaurants, gourmet dining, daytime activities, evening entertainment, turn-down service and room service in an authentic hacienda-style resort. Relax on the beach or at one of the 3 pools or partake in on-site watersports including kayaking, windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling. Upgrade to The Royal Club, with personal concierge service, hydro-massage bathtubs, private whirlpool and other exclusive amenities. Dive operation Pro Dive International offers PADI certifications & daily excursions. The Palancar Reef is 10 minutes away by boat.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Scuba Club Cozumel

This divers resort located on the waterfront one mile south of the downtown ferry dock. The 60-room beachfront dive hotel features air-conditioned accommodations, each with ceiling fan, hair dryer, mini fridge, and a private porch or balcony, just steps away from great shore diving. Rooms are ready for wet divers and have drying racks for dive suits on each terrace. Packages typically include the room, meals and diving. On site is a PADI 5-Star Dive Center with seven custom boats and a private pier. Caters to individual divers as well as groups.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

Cozumel Hotel and Resort by Wyndham

This well-known Resort located near the newly renovated center square with shopping, local restaurants and bars, and minutes from the colorful and abundant coral reefs that have made Cozumel one of the world’s top snorkeling and diving destinations. A 180-room resort, newly remodeled, free Wi-Fi in public areas. Adjoining and disabled rooms available. Resort offers all-inclusive or breakfast accommodations, friendly staff, the largest pool on the island, and an expansive beach club. On-site legendary Dive Paradise offers dive lockers, rinse tanks, & hangers for dive gear. 1-free Scuba Diving introductory lesson in the swimming pool per guest.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More
Dive

Cozumel

El Cid La Ceiba Beach

Beachfront resort located on the southern end of Cozumel. Completely renovated. All-inclusive and room only options. Deluxe rooms and suites with kitchens or kitchenettes. Oceanfront restaurant and bar, massage cabins, beautiful tide pool with cascading waterfalls and hot tub. On site PADI Dive Center with PADI certified dive-masters and instructors. Unlimited shore diving from private dock.

Optional add-ons for Watersports Activities and Topside Activities available in the shopping cart after room category is selected.

Contact Caradonna Adventures at 800.328.2288 for additional information.
Read More

See Packages & Learn More

Diving in Cozumel

One of the most notable features of Cozumel's underwater landscape is the health of the reefs themselves. The majority of Cozumel's dive sites lie within the 30,000-acre marine park and enjoy a no-touch, no-take policy, But protection is only half the story. It is the steady flow of oceanic water washing over the reefs that promotes life and growth, while also supplying the excellent water clarity divers crave. Healthy reefs mean healthy fish populations, and these waters are home to more than 100 types of coral and 260-plus species of fish. Another unique aspect of Cozumel's underwater landscape is the configuration of the coral structures. As the topography transitions from shallow reefs to high-relief coral heads, these don't take on the typical spur-and-groove configuration. Instead, the corals grow upwards and outwards in convoluted patterns that create maze-like networks of canyons, swim throughs and arches. The outer edges of these coral castles often present wall-like vertical faces, but these faces are often riddled with crevices, caverns and vertical chimneys. These structures shelter a variety of marine life, and Cozumel is one of the best places in the Caribbean to see larger grouper, which roam the reefs with no fear of meeting hook and line or speargun. A common first-dive profile might involve a game of follow-the-leader through clefts in the reef line to overlooks of blue water. Second dives might be a drift across a mid-depth coral ridge such as Cedar Pass, or an exploration of fish-laden coral gardens such as Dalila or the Palancar Horseshoe. A number of waterfront hotels and other locations provide access for shore diving on sites within easy swimming distance of the shore. These include both reefs and several small artificial reefs that hold a vareity of fish. All boat diving diving in Cozumel is drift diving. Standard practice is to stop the dive boat and drop divers far enough up current of the target site to allow divers ample time for a comfortable descent. An in-water dive master deploys a tethered surface marker, and the dive group is carried along the reef by the currents. As divers complete their underwater tour, they are picked up by the waiting boat. This process makes making navigation easy, and save for the flight-like sensation of the drift, there is no sense of water movement as divers exit, as both boat and body are moving with the flow. One site where divers may want to hang out rather than drift away is the artificial reef known as the Felipe Xicoténcatl. The 184-foot former Mexican Navy minesweeper sits upright and intact on a white-sand bottom near Chankanaab Bay. The wreck has been placed to allow experienced divers to explore the interior on guided dives, with permanent lines for reference. Interior spaces hold large schools of glassy sweepers and large grouper. Because guides can bring no more than four divers into the wreck at a time, it’s advisable to reserve a tour well in advance. Night diving reveals another facet of Cozumel's reefs, as octopus, lobster, moray eels and a menagerie of crustaceans come out after dark. This is also a good time to hunt for one of the area's signature finds, the splendid toadfish. Just four to six inches in length, these homely reef dwellers are endemic to Cozumel, and can usually be found lurking in small holes where the reef meets the sand. At night, they emit croaking sounds in hopes of attracting a mate.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A valid, undamaged passport is required. No visa is required for stays less than 180 days. One page is required in your passport for entry stamp. Other required items include a return ticket and confirmation of hotel reservation. All persons leaving Cozumel pay a departure tax of approximately $34 USD which should be included in your international ticket. Check the entry/exit requirements here.

Immunizations

Vaccinations are not required for entering Mexico if you’re coming from the United States. Check with the Centers for Disease Control on recommended vaccinations for travel www.cdc.gov.

Culture and Customs

Though no longer the sleepy fishing village that divers first discovered in the 1960s, the island of Cozumel retains much of its small-town charm. Cruise ships come and go, but move beyond the waterfront souvenir shops and tourist-centric watering holes and you will discover a culture that combines memories of the Maya with traditions of old Mexico. Many local shops close for an afternoon siesta and as the big ships sail off into the night, residents come out for paseos around the town square. Also in the mix is a vibrant and sophisticated art and music scene. Cozumel has been called Mexico's equivalent of Key West, attracting creative types from across the country and beyond. This influx of talent also extends to the kitchen, adding creative cuisines to a dining scene that also includes a number of family-operated favorites that have been pleasing hungry divers for decades. Surface intervals are typically spent relaxing at beach clubs, with perhaps one day set aside for an island tour. A handful of bars and clubs stay open late, while ferries connect to the lively scene at Playa del Carmen, which lies just across the channel.

Electricity, Phone and Internet Access

Electricity is 110 volts, 60 cycles, same as in the U.S., so converters are not necessary.

Cozumel has a modern, fully digital and reliable telecommunication system. The long distance dialing code is 52, while the area code for Cozumel is 987. Check with your cell provider for International plans and costs. The Internet is available at many hotels, restaurants, bars and stores.

Water Quality

Most restaurants and bars in tourist locations use purified water. Outside of resorts, be cautious with ice in drinks or vegetables which may have been washed in tap water. Bottled water is available for purchase and is recommended for drinking and brushing your teeth.

Language & Currency

Spanish is the official language but English is widely spoken.

The Mexican peso is the official currency of Cozumel (MXN). Due to new regulations, merchants and businesses can no longer change U.S. Dollars for Pesos. That must be done at a currency exchange office. U.S. credit cards are widely accepted. Check the current exchange rate here.

Time

Mexico spans four different time zones. February 1, 2015, the state of Quintana Roo which includes Cozumel, changed to Eastern Standard Time Zone (Zona Sureste). They do not observe daylight savings time, which puts them 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT).

Location, Size and Population

Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, sitting just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It is approximately 250 square miles. Cozumel is 43 miles south of Cancún and 12 miles southeast of Playa del Carmen. Ferries take passengers between Playa del Carmen on the mainland side to Cozumel island in about 1/2 an hour. Cozumel measures 28 miles long & 10 miles wide.

The population of Cozumel is estimated at 100,000.

Top
#

caradonna