Frequently Asked Questions

What is the currency in Cozumel?

The currency is the peso. There are smaller coins for 5, 10, 20 and 50 centavos (100 centavos to the peso). You will save money in the long run if you change your money into pesos rather than US dollars. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted for large purchases. Banks are open Monday-Friday 8:30h to 16:00h and Saturday 9:00h to 13:00h.

See Currency converter. >Click here

How do I phone home?

Long distance payphones are in most tourist areas. Most take phone cards which can be bought at any shop with the blue and yellow Ladatel sign. If you have a mobile it will only work if it accepts the USA network. To call outside Cozumel dial 00 followed by the country code (44).

Can you drink the water?

It is best to drink the bottled water. When you order water in a restaurant you will be served bottled purified water. Many bars and restaurants also use it to make ice.

What is the electricity supply?

Electricity operates on 110 Volts. As in the US you will need a flat pin adaptor and a transformer to operate any 240 Volt appliances.

Is there a public transport system?

There is no public transport around the Island. Shuttle transfers are available from the Airport to San Miguel and Taxis are widely available.

What is the minimum age for diving in Cozumel?

The PADI dive courses start at the age of 10. However, there are programmes for youngsters aged 8 or older conducted in the safe environment of a swimming pool.

Are there any special requirements for scuba diving?

A self-assessment medical form has to be filled in and signed. If any medical condition that may restrict the diver/student from diving arises from this form, he/she will have a medical examination by a doctor (charge applies). If you are reasonably fit and have no breathing difficulties you should be able to pass this without any problems. Alternatively, divers can bring their own doctors certificate.

PADI self assessment form PDF. >Click here

Where can I get a copy of the PADI course books?

The Dive Centres can provide you with a course book. You can also buy PADI Course books from your local dive shop or from our on-line shop. >Go Shopping

Do I need health insurance?

You will need comprehensive travel insurance which covers cancellations, loss of baggage, theft, and medical costs. Also check that your policy will cover scuba diving.

Do I need a Visa to visit Cozumel?

All visitors fill in a Mexican Tourist Card. This is stamped and collected at the end of your stay (maximum length is 6 months). Passports must be valid for the duration of the stay.

Where is the best place to snorkel?

The Paraiso Reef is shallow and close to the shore. Parque Punta Sur is a nature reserve with a snorkelling area. Playa Villa Blanca (Villa Blanca hotel), Parque Chankanaab, Duzul-Ha (Presidente InterContinental hotel) and the plane wreck (El Cid La Ceiba hotel) are also worth a visit.

Where are the best beaches?

On the western shore: Playa Sol, Chankanaab Bay and Playa San Francisco are packed with facilities. Playa San Juan has plenty of shade and calm water. On the eastern shore: Playa Chen Rio is protected by a wall of rocks which keeps the water calm. Very quiet and secluded compare to the western beaches.

Where is the best place to shop?

The town of San Miguel offers a variety of giftshops, bars, restaurants and the Punta Langosta mall. The Market located at the corner of A. Rosado Salas and the 25 Ave. is an interesting, non-touristy place to shop with everything from meat, fish and produce to sandals and native clothing. Most shops open around 08:30h and close at 21:00h every day.

What is there to do apart from diving?

The Museo de Cozumel has a topographic map of the island's underwater reef system. There are also many exhibits showing how the island and the Yucatan were formed, along with a photo gallery portraying Cozumel's past and some of the devastating hurricane storms that have passed over the island.

Parque Chankanaab is a marine park with an aquarium featuring over 60 different species of turtles, coral and fish, and a place where tourists can dive, snorkel and swim with dolphins. Surrounding the lagoon is a nature trail and botanical garden displaying over 500 species of tropical plants from all over the world.

Cozumel Ruins - the island is dotted with many small, though interesting remnants of Mayan culture. A major excavation is at San Gervasio which covers about 10 acres situated in jungle surroundings. Admission to all Mexican national monuments and Mayan ruins are free on Sundays.

The Celarain Light-house and Wildlife reserve, located at the most southern tip of the island. It is quite a climb to the top of the light-house (127 steps), but well worth the trouble as the view is spectacular. It is a great place to spend an afternoon and see some extraordinary birds, turtles and other wildlife of the island.

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