Cozumel
From MaxTravelz
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WARNING: Cozumel was directly hit by the eye of Hurricane Wilma on October 21 2005. The effect on tourist facilities in the short to medium term is unknown. Make flexible plans and consider alternate plans. |
Cozumel is an island in the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico.
It has great beaches, safe nice people, a little expensive.
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Get in
There are hourly boat rides to and from Playa del Carmen, as well as direct flights from Cancun, Denver and Houston.
Cruise ships also make constant stops in Cozumel, and have consequently damaged some of the reefs.
Get around
The docks are saturated by pushy agencies trying to lure you into car rentals and activities. A day car rental is around $55, and scooters half that.
Alternatively, taxis are always available and will take you to the west-shore beaches for $20 onwards, depending on distance and number of people. Taxis are fairly cheap and accept american money, but always give change in pesos.
See
Cozumel is a favorite cruise ship stop, and can at times have as many as 5 cruise ships docked. Generally, everything good to see in Cozumel is underwater. Snorkeling options are fairly limited due to boat traffic, but scuba divers can explore beautiful reefs via boat or shore dives for a relatively small equipment rental fee.
Do
Cozumel is the number 1 diving destination in the Western Hemisphere. The island abounds with dive shops, most willing to give you a pseudo-resort certification and take you out, but for an added price. A certified dive will set you back around $40.
Snorkeling, logically enough, is the second most popular activity. Many beach-side dive shops rent equipment for $7-10, though many beaches are private and require pay to enter.
Most dive locations are located well south of the city proper, as are the best dive shops if you want a short boat ride.
Buy
Eat
Local restaurants, most fairly good and fairly similar to each other, are plentiful in and around the city's "downtown" main square. Typical tourist restaurants "Carlos 'n Charlies" and "Senor Frogs" are visible from the main street. Farther south near the better dive shops, Ernesto's fajita factory is a personal favorite. But if you truly want to enjoy good food and hospitality, Kelley's Restaurant and Bar is the place to go.
Drink
Cozumel, being in Mexico, is rife with alcohol. Prices seldom vary, though there is a varied dropoff the farther you get from the center of the city.
Sleep
- DelMar Aquatics has two reasonably priced and convenient hotels and diveshops located near all of the major dive locations. The "Casa Del Mar" is generally less expensive than the "La Ceiba".
- Villa Anna Maria, stayed in an amazing bed and breakfast place run by a Scotsman and a Mexican. 65 bis Av. #171 entre 1 y Rosado Salas, Cozumel Island México. Email: info@mayaroute.org. Phone +52 (987) 869-1925. http://www.mayaroute.org