Below we have included some travel tips that will help you get the most of out of your visit to Cozumel. If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact us via email at info@cozumelluxuryrentals.com or phone us toll-free at 877.696.5367.

Be an ECO-Friendly Tourist

Cozumel is home to a unique and important reef eco-system. Coral reefs and the animal life that depend upon them are threatened every day world wide.

A few ways you can help the coral reef:

• Please take only your memories and not anything dead or alive from the sea.
• A touch, a step, or a kick with your fins will damage and may kill the coral.
• Most of Cozumel waters are within a national marine park, and you are requested not to fish in the bays, lagoon or on the reef.
• Please respect the signs on the beach.
• Please deposit your trash in the proper receptacles.

Did you know?

• Corals are fragile animals
• Corals grow very slowly, some no more than 1 or 2 centimeters per year.
• Coral reefs grow in clear, nutrient-free, tropical waters. Coral-killing algae thrive on the nutrients that come from our waste.
• Coral reefs act as natural barriers along the coast, protecting it from erosion and storms.
• There are 25,000 species of corals in the world.
• More than 2,500 species of fish and other animals depend on the coral reef as a principal habitat and nursery.
• The coral reefs of the Mexican Caribbean are part of the second longest barrier reef in the world, known as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. It is more than 1,000 kilometers long.

Driving in Mexico

Driving in Mexico is very similar to driving in the US or Canada and is very safe. You will find that Mexicans are very polite and quite willing to help. As with anywhere, drive slowly, respect traffic laws, WATCH out FOR SCOOTERS, and never drink and drive. This is your vacation, so please take your time and enjoy the scenery.

A few practical tips:

• Drive defensively. Drive slowly, keep your distance and be aware of pedestrians, scooters and animals on the road. This is the most important thing we can say. Many drivers in Mexico do not use their turn signals and some vehicles will not have functioning brake lights. Avoid accidents by keeping your distance, using your turn signals and being aware.
• Buy Mexican Auto Insurance. In the event of an accident Mexican authorities will not accept foreign auto insurance policies. Having Mexican auto insurance means an adjustor is there to assist you.  In the event of an accident you may not be allowed to move your vehicle and could be detained by police until fault can be established. This is especially true in cases where someone is injured. Mexican insurance companies are professionals at dealing with these situations.  Rental car agencies will often send a client representative to translate if needed and generally will walk you through the process.
• Watch out for “Topes.” Widely used in Mexico, “Topes” or speed bumps have proven to be very effective in decreasing speed and encouraging drivers to drive cautiously. They are found in most commerical and many residential areas.

Important Things to Know:

• Left turn signals. A difference in driving in Mexico and driving in the US is use of left turn signals. This is also one of the most frequent causes of vehicle accidents in our area. What you need to know: While driving on the highway, a left turn signal is an invitation for the car behind you to pass. Trucks and buses frequently use their left turn signal as a way of communicating an opportunity to pass. If you are turning left, pull off to the right and allow vehicles behind you to travel through. DO NOT STOP in the highway with your left turn signal on. The person traveling behind you may interpret this as “an all clear” signal and attempt to pass. Remember to use common sense and good judgment.
• The "Green Angels" patrol Mexico’s highways and provide free roadside assistance should you break down or be involved in an accident. You will know them by the bright green and white truck.

Buying Fuel in Mexico

PEMEX is the only official outlet. PEMEX stations are easily recognized by their bright green color scheme. All stations on Cozumel offer unleaded gasoline, referred to as “Magna,”  and Premium, a more expensive gasoline due to its higher-octane level.

• Be prepared to pay for your fuel with Pesos. Although many PEMEX stations accept US Currency, the exchange rate is very poor.
• During busy travel times, gas shortages are not infrequent. Always top off your fuel tank when near a station.
• Gasoline is measured in liters in Mexico, 1 gallon = 3.3785 liters
• Always make sure the fuel pump is set to $0.00 when you begin fueling.
• Pay attention to how much change you receive. Gas station attendants have been known to accidently give tourists the incorrect amount of change. This is especially true during busy times.

Taxis

Taxi cabs are fairly affordable and easy to find. Most cab drivers are very polite, honest and helpful. Rates are established and it is very rare that any driver deviates from this, but we do recommend that you have the rate clearly communicated to you before getting in the cab to avoid any confusion.  By law, all taxis must have a rate card in the car or van.

We  recommend renting a car,  but a cab can be called from the front security desk at Costa del Sol; security guards have a radio to call taxis. It is also possible to make prior arrangements with a particular cab to be picked up at a specific place and time. The cab fare from Costa del Sol into downtown will run about $15 U.S. dollars. Taxi cabs allow a maximum of four passengers per vehicle. Vans will take more, but the fare will increase. 

Car Rentals

We recommend that you rent a car during your stay in Cozumel. It allows you more freedom to explore the island and will save you money in the end. Always check the internet for rental rates. We can assist you with arrangements.

General Ferry Information

There are two separate ferry companies running ferries between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel.  Both ferries are more or less the same in comfort, speed, and amenities. The ferries run on the hour every hour from Cozumel (5am-10pm) usually, but make sure you check the schedule at the ferry pier a couple hours in advance of your planned departure, as the schedule changes quite often.

The ferry fee is approximately $11 U.S. dollars one way.

Healthy Trip Tips

BEFORE YOU GO:

A few things that could save your vacation and can be taken care of  before you go:

• If you wear eye glasses or contact lenses, take spares.  Carry your prescription in case of need.
• If you require a particular medication be sure to bring an adequate supply. It may not be available locally.
• If you plan to enter the country with a prescription drug, bring along a clear copy of your written prescription or a letter from your doctor. This can help you avoid delays in Customs and prove handy should you need to replace your medication during your stay.
• A good plan is to bring the actual packaging of your medication showing the generic name. It may not be known by the brand name in Mexico, and the generic name is helpful if you have to find medication at the “Farmacia.”

STAYING HEALTHY DURING YOUR VISIT

It’s true, you usually can’t drink the water. Be aware of what you eat and drink, but don't be too worried. You will find that most of the eating establishments in Cozumel want to you to return for more delicious food! They do not want you getting sick anymore than you want to be sick. Unfortunately, stomach upsets can happen. Most cases are relatively minor, but can be avoided if you follow these easy steps:

• The water in your villa is presurized and purified, so you can drink from every faucet!  The water in town is potable, but not purified.  When ordering water in a restaurant ask for bottled water specifically, “Agua purificada, por favor” or “Agua en botella, por favor.”  You will find that most restaurants and other eating establishments purchase ice from purified water companies, but it never hurts to double check. Make sure you stay hydrated. Carry a bottle of water with you everywhere. Don't rely on feeling thirsty to indicate when you should drink. Excessive sweating can lead to loss of salt and therefore muscle cramping. Salt tablets are not a good idea as a preventative; however, adding salt to food can help.
• Watch out for too much sun. Too much can cause sunburn, stomach upset, and headaches. The sun is very bright and intense in Cozumel and people find that they burn quickly without sun block. Stay covered with a light T-shirt when snorkeling or swimming, and try and choose a shady spot when you spend the day at the beach.
• Many of the illnesses reported are a direct result of too much alcohol.  Temptation is great with the wonderful drinks available, but moderation pays off!

STAY HYDRATED!

• Drink water.
• Stay out of the sun and wear a hat.
• Eat foods high in water, like fruits and salads.
• Take it easy with caffeine and alcohol.

Immigration Requirements

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including US citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

For parents traveling with children. Mexico requires that the guardian or parent of any child traveling internationally with only one parent provide a notarized consent from the absent parent to immigration authorities in order enter Mexico.

Non-U.S. citizens must contact both the Mexican Consulate and/or U.S. Immigrations regarding required documents. Please be advised that laws and regulations regarding documentation for international travel change frequently, and should be checked each time you travel internationally.