Discover Mexico, a major shoreside attraction in Cozumel<

COZUMEL FACTS and TRAVEL TIPS

FACTS

Official Language: Spanish
Currency: Peso
Time Zone: Central Standard Time Zone
Est. Population: 90,000
Cruise Port City: San Miguel

TRAVEL TIPS

The island's tropical climate averages 80 degrees from October to April and 90 degrees during the summer with humidity (110 degrees weather occurs during summer). As a result, the "dress code" is always "island casual." Anytime is a great time of the year to travel here, however, to avoid crowds and high prices, March to May is off season. It is important to note that a rainier season starts in October and ends in November, but because it is a tropical climate, brief showers can come at any time.

Currency is the Peso with U.S. dollars and major credit cards accepted by most establishments. Cozumel is on Central Standard Time (CST). Spanish is the official language and some English is spoken by locals. If you use a few key Spanish phrases, then you will have a better experience. You can make phone calls or use the internet at stations near the cruise port. Get a local phone card for the best rates. The post office is located on Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, across from Punta Langosta Mall. Post office hours are 9am-6pm (Monday-Friday) and 9am-12pm (Saturday).

Banks are open from 9am-5pm (Monday-Friday) and 10am-1pm (Saturday). The most common ATMs are part of the Cirrus or Plus network (Some ATMs only allow PINs with 4 or less digits).  Most stores are open 9am-9pm (Monday-Saturday).  Passports are required for U.S. citizens.

You should drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled. Bring sunglasses, hat and plenty of sunscreen. Electricity is the same as the U.S. however some outlets may not accept a three prong plug, so bring a converter. If you plan to use a laptop, purchase a surge protector in Cozumel to protect your computer. Bring plenty of film, since film is more expensive in Cozumel. Don't take photos of military, high security areas or local people unless you have their permission.

Cruise ships dock at one of three piers (Punta Langosta Pier, International Pier, Puerta Maya Pier). Punta Langosta Pier is in the middle of downtown. International Pier and Puerta Maya Pier are a $6 cab ride to downtown or 45 minute walk.  If your cruise ship docks at International Pier or Puerta Maya Pier, women traveling alone should consider taking a cab or horse drawn carriage ride ($20) to downtown. The local men love to flirt with female tourists.

The major holidays in Cozumel are New Year's Day, Constitution Day, Flag Day, Holy Week, Primero de Mayo, Navy Day, Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, State of the Union Address, Independence Day, Day of the Race, Day of the Dead, Mexican Revolution Day, Christmas Day. For specific dates, go to the Mexico Tourism Board website.

The crime rate here is probably no different that in any major metropolitan city but of course both visitors and residents should use common sense when out and about. To avoid harassment by the local men, women should consider traveling in groups. Unfortunately, many local men have been exposed to the images of Black women shown in many Rap/Hip Hop videos so this impacts their attitude towards sisters.