Cozumel Visitor's Guide

Welcome to your Cozumel vacation! Here’s some important info that will help make your vacation more fun & hassle-free. Please feel free to contact us for more info!

MEXICO - Though only a couple of hours away by plane, Mexico can sometimes seem a very foreign place for visitors. It’s important to keep in mind that things will be different – after all, that’s why you’re going on vacation – and that you shouldn’t expect things to run exactly as they do “back home.” Be assured that Mexico and Cozumel welcome visitors, and that you will be treated with warmth and friendly hospitality during your stay. Spanish is the main language spoken on Cozumel, though English is widely understood. It’s not necessary for you to speak Spanish, but if you try to communicate even just a few words in Spanish – such as gracias, por favor, adiós, etc. – you’ll find that your efforts are greatly appreciated.

DOCUMENTATION – all visitors need a valid passport to travel to Mexico; no vaccinations are required. Non-U.S./Canadian/EU citizens may need a visa (check with a Mexican consulate for specific requirements). Be sure that you are carrying correct documentation – you will not be able to board your airplane without it. Minors traveling with only one parent no longer need a notarized letter of permission from the absent parent.

FLIGHT INFO – Airlines often make changes to flight itineraries – sign up for text message updates from your airline, or at minimum keep an eye on your flight times on the airline’s website. International flights require check-in at least 2 hours prior to departure. If you are flying directly to Cozumel from a US gateway, you will be able to check your luggage all the way to the island. If Cancun is your first entry point into Mexico you will retrieve your luggage and clear immigration & customs in Cancun. There’s a ferry between Playa del Carmen (30 miles south of Cancun) and Cozumel, which leaves every hour or so from 5:00 am through 10:00 pm - about $15 per person. Take a shuttle (we like Super Shuttle) or the ADO Bus from the airport to Playa del Carmen (also departs hourly, more or less). The ferry pier is down the hill and across the square from the bus station (you can buy tickets for the ferry at a small booth next to the pier). Ask us to send detailed instructions and times, if you need that info.

ENTERING MEXICO – the Mexican “Tourist Card” that was used for many years is no longer used for tourists – the immigration agent simply stamps your passport when you enter Mexico, and there is no longer any paperwork you need to turn in when you leave Mexico. You WILL still need to complete a paper customs declaration form (one per family) on arrival – airlines will sometimes have these forms to give you before arrival, or you may not be able to get a form until you’re about to go through customs (have a pen handy!) At customs - after your bags are x-rayed, a customs official will ask you to press a button on a stop/go “traffic light.” If the light turns green, you’re waved through; if it lights red, your bags will be subject to a brief inspection. Carrying contraband like guns or drugs is a very bad idea.

TRANSPORTATION - getting to your hotel: by law, taxis cannot pick people up at the airport. Instead, after you clear customs and walk through the arrival hall, go to the glass booth marked “taxi” next to the exit doors. There you can purchase transit to any area of the island (the cost depends on where you’re going) – just tell the attendant the name of your hotel. Walk outside to the white vans and see one of the drivers – they’ll put you on the right vehicle. Rental vehicles are easy to rent once you’re on the island. Vehicles come in all shapes, sizes and states of repair. Check the vehicle before you drive away, as you will be held responsible for any damages when you return it. We recommend buying the local insurance offered with your rental. If an accident occurs you’ll be glad you didn’t try to save a

few bucks. Taxis are everywhere, and you’ll use them to get around. They don’t have meters, so you’re charged a standard rate – ask the price first if you’re not comfortable with this. At this time rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are not available on the island.

WEATHER - Balmy breezes all year, with rare cold snaps (60s – brr!) in the dead of winter. Highs April-November: high 80s-low 90s, December-March: around 80. Lows usually in the 70s. Light jackets are a good idea in the winter.

LUGGAGE – most airlines charge for checking bags. Policies differ and change frequently – if you are unsure about the baggage charges that apply to your ticket, check the airline’s website. Checked bags are generally limited to 50 pounds each. Pack lightly – Cozumel is informal and tropical, and you’ll be living in swimsuits and sunglasses most of the time. Some items to remember: several swimming suits, mostly t-shirts, shorts and casual wear, comfortable shoes, flip flops, reef-safe sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, windbreaker or light jacket. As a safety precaution, don’t pack your valuables in checked luggage (or just leave non-essential valuables at home. You’re going to a very casual island!) Check www.tsa.gov for the latest baggage rules and restrictions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE – We always recommend spending a little more and buying travel insurance to protect you against financial loss in case of emergency or unplanned circumstances (hotel/dive packages are almost never refundable). Things happen! - you or a family member gets sick and you’re unable to travel at the last minute - weather prevents you getting to the airport and you miss your flight, and you have to buy another ticket. You miss a connection and arrive two days later than planned. An airline cancels your flight, and you incur unplanned hotel expenses. An emergency back home forces you to cut your trip short. Your luggage is lost and you have to buy new clothes to wear. You get sick and have to go the hospital, and your home insurance doesn’t cover all your expenses. All these and more happen every single day, and travel insurance would cover these circumstances. Check what the policy covers before buying, of course – travel insurance isn’t perfect, but the more expensive and the more complex the trip, the more important it becomes. Travel packages can cost thousands of dollars, and route deviations can get very expensive. Please protect yourself in case of emergency!

MONEY – Cash is always welcome, and you’re almost always better off paying in pesos than in dollars so you avoid unfavorable exchange rates offered on the street. For cash - there are lots of ATMs on the island. ATMs at banks and large stores are generally safe to use; freestanding ATMs machines on the street are not – so AVOID FREESTANDING ATMs! Withdrawals are paid in pesos. When you get cash, the ATM may ask if you “accept the exchange rate” – that sounds good, but it’s not: they’re trying actually to get you to agree to a bad exchange rate, so decline the conversion & enjoy the extra cash you’ll get for your money! Credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants (if you’re offered the option, tell them to run the charges in pesos and not in dollars since merchants are able to set their own exchange rates. You’ll find that small bills are very useful – consider taking a supply of $1 and $5 bills with you to Mexico.

TIPPING - of course, tipping depends entirely on the quality of service you receive. Waiters and bartenders get 15-20% of the bill. Dive boat personnel: about $10 for a two-tank dive; a few $$ for a one-tank dive boat (usually paid to the divemaster, who will split the tips with the rest of the crew.) Some people prefer to tip daily, since boat crews and divemasters may change from day to day. Your hotel maid will appreciate $2-3 per day, left in the room daily or upon departure. Wages are low in Mexico, and many people depend almost entirely on your tips to earn a living… if you’re pleased with the service, consider tipping a bit extra.

CRIME - almost unheard of on the island. You’re safe walking on Cozumel most anywhere, anytime. Still, take sensible precautions… as you would anywhere. Don’t leave valuables lying around, and don’t flash large amounts of cash in public. Most hotels now have in-room safes – if not, they will offer another way to secure your valuables. We think it’s a good idea to just leave expensive watches and jewelry at home.

ELECTRICITY - 110 volt, 60 cycle, same as in the U.S. Occasionally, blackouts do occur. They’re usually brief, and can be kind of fun, if you let them.

EATING & DRINKING Cozumel’s water supply comes directly from underground wells. The contamination problems common in other areas of Mexico are rare, but drinking water from the tap may subject you to different bacteria than you’re used to… so we recommend that you not take the chance. Instead, use bottled water, which is provided at your hotel and widely available, for drinking AND tooth brushing. Also available: soft drinks (U.S.-type and more exotic flavors), juices, beer and stronger liquids. Locally produced booze, like tequila, mezcal and rum, is reasonably priced, but imported liquor can be very expensive. Water & ice served in restaurants is purified. You’ll find food of every kind on the island, from seafood, burgers, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and almost anything else you can think of. As a general rule, the further you get from the waterfront, the more authentic (and cheaper!) the food gets.

HEALTH - though stomach troubles do sometimes occur, most people don’t experience any trouble at all (it’s not like the “old days”). To avoid “traveler’s diarrhea” we recommend:

Moderation in eating and drinking at all times.
Avoid excessive fatigue – relax, and take it easy.
Don’t drink tap water. Also use bottled water to brush your teeth.
Avoid eating from street vendors’ stalls, & limit greasy/spicy foods, if you’re not used to them.
Squirt lime juice (a natural anti-microbe agent) on food, especially salads and vegetables. Notice how restaurants almost always give you a lime wedge on your plate? If you do experience “intestinal distress” Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol may help, or try Lomotil or Immodium. In extreme cases, ask your hotel to call a doctor: they will make house calls to your hotel room. IMPORTANT: DRINK LOTS & LOTS OF WATER if you get diarrhea.

SHOPPING - Cozumel is a duty-free port, and there are good deals on some items. Bargaining is not as active as in other places in Mexico, like Acapulco or Tijuana, but is practiced. U.S. Customs generally allows you to bring back $800 in merchandise duty-free, with limits on certain categories of merchandise, like alcohol and tobacco. Silver is usually a good buy. Almost all of the Cuban cigars you see are fakes. For food, toiletries and a sometimes surprising assortment of other articles (cheap vanilla, for example), try the larger stores like Chedraui (across from Cozumel Palace) and Mega (across from the Barracuda). Prices can vary widely, so shop around for the best deals.

PROBLEMS - Staff at the hotels and dive shop will be able to help you resolve almost any problem that comes up. If you’re unhappy with your hotel room for any reason, tell the front desk or manager, and ask them to resolve the situation. For serious situations, emergencies, or assistance with problems you can’t resolve locally, call us at Bay Adventures (Miami) at 305-892-4280 or email info@bayadventures.com. IMPORTANT: if you believe you are being charged unfairly for something, get a receipt and the name of the person who insists on payment – otherwise there is no recourse for getting your money back! And while we’re on the subject of problems…

TIMESHARES - there are battalions of people selling timeshares (also called “vacation club” memberships, or similar). They have one intention: to separate you from your money. We’re not in a position to evaluate specific timeshare deals – but we can tell you that we’ve heard from many people who were conned into buying something they didn’t really want or need… and who later regretted their purchase and were not able to get their money back. Or the people who bought and paid for timeshares, only to find that they weren’t able to stay in the hotel they were promised – or who found that their timeshare company went bankrupt and their timeshare became worthless – or those who found that the service and maintenance charges attached with their timeshare added up to more than they would have paid for a standard hotel stay. BUYER BEWARE: don’t get stuck with a bad timeshare deal, and don’t fall victim to a slick timeshare salesperson - and they are very, very good at what they do. The people greeting you in the airport lobby (who may say they’re trying to “help” you) are mostly timeshare employees, Their job is to get you to come to a presentation… walk near them and you’ll be invited to breakfast, promised a free jeep, or anything else to get you to subject yourself to several hours of a high pressure sales tactics. You may also be approached in some hotels on the island (“come to our free tour of the property!”). If you don’t want to be bothered, tell them you already have a timeshare, ignore them completely, or pretend to speak only Swahili.

COMMUNICATIONS - telephone service has improved greatly in Mexico in the last several years. Careful: pay phones on the street that offer international long distance with a credit card, and dialing direct plans from your hotel room, can result in shockingly large charges! Better: your cellular phone will probably work in Mexico – check with your provider and ask about charges before you leave for your trip. Some providers include calls/texts to & from Mexico as part of your plan. Others may offer a daily international plan for about $10/day. If you’re not sure if your plan covers data, it’s best to turn off data roaming to avoid big surprises on your phone bill! To call from the US and Canada, direct-dial 011-52-987 then the local number.

THINGS TO DO - when not eating, drinking, sunning, napping, diving, or telling “big fish” stories…

RENT A BIKE or moped, but PLEASE be careful. Cars and trucks enjoy – really enjoy – the right of way over bikes, mopeds and pedestrians. Moped accidents are unfortunately quite common – look both ways twice, and please wear helmets.

WALK AROUND TOWN to check things out! Cozumel is filled with interesting locals and visitors. Get out of the tourist area to get a real feel for the local culture. Hidden treasures like graveyards and local markets are tucked around town away from the town square.

RENT A CAR and drive around the island. The windward side has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, but be super careful of the undertow at some beaches, if you plan to swim. From town, drive east on Juarez Street. This cuts across the island to the other side. Be sure you have gasoline, since there are no gas stations out of town. On the windward side of the island don’t try to drive north of Mezcalitos. The road’s terrible, you’ll get stuck, and insurance is void there. Consider negotiating a “round-the-island” trip with a taxi driver – definitely worth considering if you’re planning to have a beer or two.

GO SNORKELING AND SHORE DIVING at El Cid / La Ceiba, Villablanca, Chankanaab Park, Fiesta Americana – pretty much anywhere between downtown and just south of the Fiesta Americana.

Mayan ruins on the island are at San Gervasio and El Cedral. Don’t expect large, intact structures. It’s best to have a guide who can bring the ruins alive with stories.

Visit the Cozumel Museum, just north of the square on Melgar Avenue (the waterfront road).

Sun – a great tan awaits you. But watch for sunburn, which can happen quickly. Bring reef-friendly suncreen (which can be expensive locally).

OFF – ISLAND EXCURSIONS

VISIT RUINS OF MAYAN CIVILIZATION – The best sites, like Tulúm and Chichén Itzá, are on the mainland, and require a full-day trip.

TULUM, considered among the most beautiful of Mayan sites, is located high on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean about half an hour drive south of Playa del Carmen. Take the 30 minute ferry ride at Cozumel’s town pier (about $15 one-way) across to Playa del Carmen. Bargain for a taxi or rental car (several agencies are located near the pier). Bring your bathing suit for a dip in the ocean!

CHICHEN ITZA was the most important civic and religious center of the Mayan world. It’s a three hour (one-way) bus ride from Cancun or short flight from Cozumel. Tours by plane are sporadically offered. Consult a Cozumel tour agency or the activities desk at your hotel for information and ask about any additional airport taxes ahead of time.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN – this once-small town is still filled with Mexican charm, despite the exponential growth in the last several years. It is a short 30 minute ferry ride from Cozumel. Filled with lots of shops and restaurants, it is located on a beautiful white beach.

XCARET (pronounced ish-ca-RET) – this ecological water park is filled with enough activities to fill a day. It is located 5 km south of Playa del Carmen. (www.xcaretcancun.com)

XEL-HA (pronounced shell-HA) – another beautiful ecological water park located between Playa del Carmen and Tulúm along the mainland coast www.xel-ha.com.mx)

CENOTE DIVING AROUND AKUMAL – some of the world’s most famous caverns and caves are located in this area, and they are spectacular! The crystal-clear fresh water is filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Guides through the cavern (not cave) are given by certified cave instructors. Openwater certification is required (cavern certification is not necessary).

AND A FEW MORE SUGGESTIONS

Be at the airport AT LEAST 2 hours before departure time.
Reconfirm flights by checking the airlines’ websites.
Know where your money and passport are at all times.
Essential medicines and irreplaceable items should be kept with you in carry-ons.
Don’t pack nonessential valuables in carry-on luggage.
An easygoing attitude and a smile are the most important things you can bring with you to Mexico!
Use our advice as a starting point for your own exploration, and you’ll find that great sunsets, exhilarating diving, and the beautiful waters of the Mexican Caribbean are only the beginnings of a great vacation!

YOUR VACATION BEGINS THE MOMENT YOU WALK OUT YOUR FRONT DOOR. ENJOY!

COZUMEL SCUBA DIVING TIPS

DIVE GEAR – tanks & weights are usually included in your package. You bring (or rent) the rest. Remember mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BC, booties, slate, dive light, depth gauge, bottom timer or watch, computer/dive tables, camera, logbook and weight belt (without weights). A mesh bag packed inside your gear bag for traveling, can be handy for carrying and rinsing your gear while on the island. Bring extra: mask and fin straps, snorkel keeper, batteries. Water temperature varies from about 74 in the winter to the mid 80s in the summer. A light tropical shorty or dive skin is great for summer and fall; you may want more thermal protection in the winter. NOTE – dive knives & gloves are prohibited while diving in Cozumel’s waters.

DIVING - Diving days usually go something like this: for morning departures, meet the boat about 8am (the dive shop or your group leader will advise you exactly when and where), and motor out to the reef for your first dive. It takes 30-60 minutes to get there, depending on the site. Some of the best sites may take a bit longer, but they’re worth it! Relax and catch rays, watch for dolphins and flying fish, nap, or whatever. The first dive is normally a deeper dive, to 70-100 feet. The deeper reefs and walls are spectacular! After the first tank, you’ll spend an hour or more surface interval. The second dive is normally 35-60 feet deep. You’ll be back at the dock around 1 pm (“fast boats” return around noon). For other than a.m. departures: the shop will advise departure time/place. The dive crew will brief you on what to expect on every dive. Drift diving is always practiced, since there’s almost always some current. If you haven’t tried this laid-back style of diving, be warned – it may spoil you forever! We allow the current to provide the momentum during the dive, keeping kicking to a minimum. The boats follow us, and pick us up as we surface. No more swimming back to the anchor line! (See the next section for more information on drift diving). For safety reasons, groups stay together throughout the dive, and dive the same profile. We practice no-hands diving to preserve the reefs. Please also steamline your equipment and clip your gauges to your BC. The beautiful corals and marine life are what you came to see, and we’ll always point out interesting, exciting and sometimes unique animal life. Remember that your group leaders and boat crews are there to help you enjoy yourself, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, discuss problems, or make a request. If you feel like skipping a day’s diving to pursue other interests, don’t feel guilty! This is your vacation, so do what makes you feel happy. So what if you miss those eagle rays and sea turtles? Remember to stay well-hydrated for diving – drink lots of water during your entire trip.

DRIFT DIVING TECHNIQUES as currents usually run south to north, most all diving in Cozumel is drift diving. Just follow your divemaster and the boat will pick up the group at the end of the dive. Stick with the divemaster to see the most exciting creatures. Here are some suggestions.

ENTERING WATER FROM BOAT: all divers must be ready to enter the water at the same time. Double check all your gear & speak up if you are not ready.

DESCENDING – as always, stay close to your buddy. Equalize your ears and mask. If your descent is slower than the group, swim slowly down and towards the group. If you don’t, the current may separate you from the group.

DURING THE DIVE:

A few feet before you complete the descent, adjust buoyancy.
Always remain neutrally buoyant to avoid touching the coral. Pay attention to your buoyancy. Currents may have sudden upward- and downward-moving eddies.
Swimming position – head down and fins up. This position makes it easier to avoid kicking the coral with your fins, and keeps you from clouding the visibility for the people behind you by kicking up sand.
Stopping – fast-moving currents sometimes makes it difficult to stop. There are two ways to maintain a position: turn around and swim into the current, or “hide” behind a large coral head to block the current.
Stay behind group leader. If you get in front, turn around and swim into the current until leader is ahead.

ASCENDING:

Maintain close contact with your buddy when ascending. Currents can separate you from your buddy.
Hold on if necessary.
Continually look at your depth gauge to monitor rate of ascent, and vent BC.
Avoid ascending over deep water; swim diagonally towards shallower areas.
During precautionary decompression stop, maintain contact with buddy. Once on the surface, STAY TOGETHER and always, always maintain eye contact with the dive boat!

EXITING FROM WATER ONTO BOAT:

If you stay with the group during the dive, the boat will be nearby to pick you up upon ascent.
If you get separated from the group, the boat might not see you immediately. Signal to the boat that you are okay.
If necessary, use your surface markers to mark your position.
Wait for the boat. Do not try to swim against the current.
When the boat comes to pick you up, stay back until signaled to move up to ladder or platform.
Do not approach boat while motor blades are turning.
Exit the water following instructions from the boat crew.

PLEASE DIVE SAFELY AND TAKE CARE OF THE REEFS!