Your Essential Travel Guide to Cozumel
Cozumel is a laid-back island situated off the Eastern Coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. While it's renowned as a cruise ship port hotspot, it offers much more to travelers, from its crystal-clear waters to its incredible 100-meter visibility for scuba diving. The abundance of underwater life and vibrant colors is unparalleled in many parts of the world.
Having spent several months living on the island, I've compiled the ultimate Cozumel Travel Guide for Travelers and Digital Nomads. Below, you'll find some basic information on Cozumel to serve as your travel guide while planning your adventure or long-term stay, along with more in-depth links to travel itineraries and must-see attractions while in Cozumel.
Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling and respect the locals—the island is their home :)
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The Essential Travel Guide: Cozumel
Official Language: Spanish
Official Currency: Peso
Visa:
A valid passport is required for entry into Mexico. Typically, tourists are granted 180 days, and this period cannot be extended. There is no fee for this entry. However, the length of stay is at the discretion of the immigration officer. While I have never encountered issues with being granted the full stay, there are stories of others not receiving the same treatment. Expect longer passport control lines and remember to remain patient and courteous! Click here for a list of countries that do NOT need a visa to visit Mexico.
Best Time to Visit:
Cozumel is great to visit 365 days a year, but I think the best time is March to early June–after peak season and before the real rainy season begins. Peak season is December-February so expect it to be busy. Rainy and hurricane season is mostly July-November but of course, it can expand into before or after those months. I have been here during March, April, May, June, and July.
Note: The farther south you go on the island, the windier it can get, especially during the "rainy" season. Be sure to check the wind forecast before making any plans in the southern half of the island.
Dive Tips:
How to Get to Cozumel:
Flying (the best option): Cozumel (CZM) has an airport right on the island that is located only 3-4 km from downtown San Miguel. We flew from Boston to Cozumel for around $150 USD.
Ferry: You can take the 45-minute passenger ferry into Cozumel from Playa del Carmen. This ferry runs every hour with 3 companies running them: Winjet (orange) Xcaret (blue) and Ultramar (yellow). Check the sites for updated schedules and pricing. Prices are usually upwards of 260 pesos (15 USD).
Transcaribe and Ultramar Carga also run a car ferry between Calico and Cozumel for those needing to take their motor vehicles across. The price starts at 710 pesos with Transcribe being slightly cheaper.
Mode of Transport in Cozumel:
Taxi, bicycle, ATV, Jeep, or motorbike. Cozumel is very walkable, and transport is only really needed to tour the entire island or to reach specific beach clubs or beaches that are further away. I took 1 taxi during my time here (from the airport to our first stay near 3 Sur and 20 Avenida) and it cost around 200 Pesos. I walked out of the airport and across the street to catch one for a more reasonable price.
Motorbikes and bicycles can be a bit expensive to rent daily in my opinion, especially if you are here long term. I rented a motorbike for 350 pesos plus an additional 100 pesos for insurance if you choose (I did because it included all bike incidentals, as well as for me to be covered in the hospital if injured). That's nearly 26 USD for 24 hours. I highly recommend Santi Rentals, they were great.
Bicycles are around $15 USD and up. If you are here long term, then that can add up quickly. I found it to be cheaper to purchase a bicycle on FB Marketplace for my time here. I paid around $2800 pesos from a local man who was selling his bike. This ended up saving me loads of money. I did not find it necessary to have a motorbike here, but I would guess that buying one outright could be cheaper than renting.
Note: Be sure to read the signs when driving in Cozumel; some lanes are labeled for bicycles only. If you are caught driving a motor vehicle in a bike lane, the cops will pull you over and fine you. Speaking from experience… oops.
Where to Stay:
I recommend staying right in San Miguel to be within walking distance of nearly everything you need. There are some additional shops and restaurants located near each of the cruise terminals, should you decide to stay in one of those areas. If you plan to stay in an all-inclusive beachside resort, rent a vehicle for transportation, and do not mind driving a bit out of the way for activities and food, then you should be fine no matter where you stay. I recommend checking Google Maps before booking, though.
Neighborhoods in San Miguel I have stayed:
Centro: Closer to the water and right in the action of everything.
Andres Quintana Roo / Corpus Christi Area: Built-up area with many ex-pats and retirees living here.
Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler
Best Backpacker/Hostel Option: Hostel Auikyani or Cozumel 568 - Vacation Rental
Best Low-Budget: Casa del Solar Centro Cozumel
Best Mid-Budget: Kippal - Modern Oasis - ApartHotel or Casa Mexicana Cozumel
Best Luxury: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort & Spa
Grocery Options:
There are many options throughout Cozumel. I have listed a few below for you!
MegaMart Soriana: One of my go-to markets. It is set up similarly to Walmart or Target, offering a wide range of products including clothing, bicycles, pharmacy items, home goods, and food. Pricing is quite good here, and it has all the items I need, including tofu, almond milk, vegan treats, produce, and other soy products.
Mercado Municipal: This is a local market where I would get items I went through quickly, such as watermelon, garlic, and bananas. Prices are cheaper here since they are sold by locals. See the map above for location information.
Chedraui: Another shop similar to Target or Walmart. Pricing is comparable to Soriana. They do delivery in most areas of Mexico!
Nirvana: A tiny shop with vegan and gluten-free options (prices can be quite high due to many imported items). La Cuisine, the vegan restaurant, offers a similar selection as well.
Sam’s Club: Membership required, best for buying items in bulk.
Remember to tip your baggers - they are volunteers.
Frequently Asked Questions…
How Long Do You Need?
It depends on what you want to do here. I happily spent a few months here before I moved to our next destination. I would say if you do not like water activities such as scuba diving, then much less time is "needed" to experience it all (2-3 days not including any day trips). For those who enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, free diving, etc., add in the number of days you want to dive.
Are There Vegan Options?
YES! SO MANY. Here are a few:
Is It Safe?
Is Cozumel safe?… This is such a huge debate with Mexico in general, and it all depends on what you will be doing here, where you will be going, etc. However, for Cozumel and its income being largely dependent upon cruise ships and tourism, it does feel quite safe. I have walked around at night (with my boyfriend) in many neighborhoods and never felt unsafe. The locals here are extremely welcoming, and there is a large community of older expats. I want to preface that I do not drink, I do not wander around after 9:00 PM, and I do not engage in any illegal activities in general.
I have been pulled over by the cops here for accidentally driving a motorbike in the bicycle lane (oops). They were respectful to me and gave me the option of either bringing my license to the station or paying them 1,000 pesos–which eventually was lowered to 500 pesos ($30 USD). I did not know the laws, my rights, etc., enough at the time, but I did not feel like $30 USD was a big deal to just continue with my day. I saw the same cops a few days later while snorkeling, and they stopped to simply warn me about how to keep my stuff safe in my bike while in the water.
How To Stay Safe:
This is all opinionated and based upon my experiences only, but you should always stay up to date with your country’s travel advisories regardless. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling, in addition to:
Don't walk around dark areas or non-tourist areas alone at night.
Keep valuables locked up and hidden in your room when you are not there.
Never carry large amounts of money with you (but carry some for bribes if needed).
Do not leave valuables unattended, and always lock up your bike and helmet (bicycle locks are necessary for extra safety).
Do not swing your phone, money, etc., around while walking or biking.
Do not argue, disrespect, or aggravate the locals. This is their home, to be fair, and you are a visitor.
Never travel without the right insurance in case of any sickness, injuries, or theft. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Emergency Contact Number: 9-1-1
Best Things to Do?:
Digital Nomad Community?
The community of expats here seems to be an older crowd. There are few cafes available to work in. I spent most of my "work" time in the kitchen area and cozy room. I am more introverted at times rather than extroverted, which probably did not aid my situation in trying to meet people. However, Cozumel is an ideal digital nomad spot in my opinion, with great wifi, amazing food, and walking distance to the beaches. The entire island is walkable, and day trips to other areas of Mexico are easy and cheap. I would not be surprised if it turns the tide to a younger community in years to come.
Cost of Living (Monthly) :
My boyfriend and I spent around $1,000 USD per month each. When renting a place monthly, plan to pay for "light" (electricity) and WiFi separately from your monthly rent. This total includes the following items (in pesos)…
Rent: 9500 (Studio)
Electricity: 248
Wifi: 250
Groceries: Purchased Weekly in Bulk
1 Taxi (From the Airport: 200)
Drinking Water (25-50 Per 20 Gallon Bottle)
Eating Out (10-12 times)
Shore Diving 4-5 times (See Article for Cost Information)
2 Boat Dives: 2,000 Per Person
Rent a Motorbike (2 Days): 450 Per Day
Purchasing 1 Bicycle: Bought for 2800 on FB Marketplace | Sold for 2500
