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Cozumel Travel Information

sun.gif (1280 bytes)Cozumel: Useful Travel Information

Located just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the island of Cozumel often sits in the shadow of Cancun's illustrious reputation as the "best" resort on the peninsula.  Mexico's most popular sun destination boasts an enormous array of activities.  Golf, snorkeling, scuba diving, wind surfing, water skiing, deep sea fishing and even jungle tours are just a few of the options Cancun is famous for.   Cozumel is home to the world's largest coral reefs. Jacques Cousteau discovered black coral here nearly 20 years ago, and during the summer months, visibility is often 300 feet. There are 20 miles of incredible reefs and caves and over 200 varieties of magnificently-colored fish. The most famous reef, "Palancar" is a mountainous underwater formation six miles long and 300 feet wide.  In order to protect the unique beauty beneath the waters of Cozumel, all of the reefs 
around the island have been declared National parks.

The first inhabitants on Cozumel Island were the Mayans.  Cozumel, in Maya means "Island of the Swallows." The remains of the Mayan temples and ceremonial centers are proudly preserved and makes for an interesting excursion.   Cozumel is only 32 miles long, and 9 miles wide, enticing visitors to rent a jeep or a moped and  explore its beaches.  The wonderfully quaint town 
of San Miguel faces the sea.  Its long palm fringed malecon filled with courtyard cafes, colorful shops, and art galleries is the perfect setting for evening strolls.

The perfect climate to relax!  Average year round temperatures in Cozumel stay around 77 degrees.   Perfect for the sports enthusiast or for those who prefer 
to spend lazy days in the sun or soaking up the lush surrounding poolside. 

diver.gif (1443 bytes)Watersports & Land Activities

Water sports are popular in Cozumel. Although the major focus in on snorkeling and scuba diving, there are many other activities available.  Have fun on water skis, hobie cats, jet skis or sailboats.   If you want to stay dry, you can still capture the amazing beauty of the sea life below as you cruise along the clear waters in a glass bottom boat. 

mexicofish.gif (1135 bytes)Fishing trips can be chartered for anglers who want to try their hand at catching sailfish, swordfish & marlin.  Many fishing records have been set here. 

Cozumel: Diving

OVERVIEW:

The reefs of Cozumel, popularized by Jacques Cousteau are among the finest in the Caribbean and the world. The warm water and strong currents that sweep the island make the weather predictable but not stable. The beautiful reefs hidden below the calm surface generally range in depth from 40 feet to 100 feet and are quite diverse from location to location. The world famous Palancar is known for its cavernous buttresses and nearly unlimited visibility. Cozumel is also the home of many awe-inspiring wall dives of unlimited depth. Depending on the dive site, skill level ranges from the novice to the expert.

For the non-diver there are plenty of activities on the island and the mainland. Cozumel has plenty of shopping, restaurants, beautiful secluded beaches, and ruins. A short ferry ride to the mainland will offer day trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Xcaret, and Xel-Ha, all worthwhile sites.

 COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What "skill level" must I have in order to dive in Cozumel?

An Open Water Certification is all that is necessary. Most charters will have dive instructor and/or Dive Master on all trips. Since the current is quite strong, you can expect to "drift dive" on nearly all of your dives.

Do I have to dive from a charter boat?

No, but it is highly recommended. The best sites are only accessible by boat 
and it would be a shame to miss them. There are several good shore dives 
around Cozumel and many hotel/resorts offer unlimited shore diving.

 Should I bring my own gear or rent?

Quality gear can be rented at most dive shops and is usually in like new 
condition and extremely reliable. The choice to bring your own gear or rent is a personal one. Most divers prefer to dive with their own equipment because they are comfortable with it and trust it but traveling with diving gear can be a hassle so many divers prefer to rent.

Do I need to be certified to SCUBA dive?

Unless you have a certification with you, you will not be able to rent tanks or charter boats. The bottom line is; no card no diving. However, you do not need 
a certification to go snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is available in Cozumel and the mainland.

Can I get certified to SCUBA dive while in Cozumel?

Yes. Many dive shops and resorts offer SCUBA instruction. Reservations are recommended. The certifications vary from short term, single dive, "Resort Certifications" to full certifications recognized worldwide. A "Resort Certification 
is a single dive under direct supervision of an instructor. You will not earn a certification and the cost is usually the same as a complete certification. If you would like to a full certification, you must allow yourself at least 4 days to do so.

Can flying and diving be a problem?

When planning a trip, remember that you must schedule your flights and diving, taking into consideration the 24 hour minimum decompression time following your last dive before getting on a plane. As a general rule, you can dive every day except the days you are flying.

shopper.gif (1189 bytes)Shopping & Exploring 

Thanks to its increasing importance as an international port-of-call developed into a wonderful place to shop.  Mexican handcrafts, cotton sportswear, hammocks and black coral jewelry can all be purchased at excellent prices!  
The colorful town of San Miguel is the center of activity.   Its main square is surrounded by many shops and eateries.  Nightlife is varied, too with exciting clubs, lively discos, and quiet, romantic strolls around the quaint city plaza or along the miles of beach.
 

Day trips are available to the mainland to visit the Chichen-Itza and Uxmal 
Mayan ruins; however, if you prefer to say on the island, their are smaller 
ruins which are hidden in the jungle.
 

Dining and Dancing 

Wonderful restaurants can be found at the major resorts, as well as downtown within walking distance of the main square.  Nights in Cozumel end early - oftentimes following a long meal.  Since the main attraction is diving, many vacationers want to wake up early to get the most out of their time in Cozumel.  So wether you want relaxation and exploration, this scenic playground gives you the best of Mexico with a Caribbean flare!

quest.gif (430 bytes)OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION:from the Mexico Tourist Department

HEALTH:Health problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico. Information on health precautions can be obtained from local health departments or private doctors. It is wise to review your health insurance policy before you travel. 
There are short-term health insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.

Most hotels offer purified water, but it is always advised to drink bottled water. Be aware of ice cubes (sorry, this includes Margaritas) that may not have been made with purified water Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in 
a purifying solution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, do 
not eat it. Diarrhea may benefit from antimicrobial treatment which may be prescribed or purchased over the counter. Travelers should consult a physician, rather than attempt self-medication, if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.

A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations

Getting Into Mexico:
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and remaining within 25 kilometers of the border do not need a permit to enter. Those wishing to travel past the 25 kilometer border

area of Mexico must be properly documented. Those transiting Mexico to another country need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days.

Tourist Cards:
All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or study for up to 180 days need a document, called a tourist card in English or FMT in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico, The airlines will provide you with one prior to landing. Upon entering Mexico, retain and safeguard the pink copy of your tourist card so you may surrender it to Mexican immigration when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist card expires or you are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico by the Mexican immigration service (Direccion General de Servicios Migratorios).
 
Traveling With Minors
A child under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry, if applicable, 
a decree of sole custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate 
for the other parent. Children traveling alone or in someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents to travel, or if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation that the parent is the only custodial parent.

Returning to the United States

You must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your point of departure from Mexico.

The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens returning from international travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including 1 liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items brought back is subject to a duty of 10%. In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor, wine, and beer imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring back alcoholic beverages, inquire about these restrictions from the liquor control office of the state through which you plan to return.

TIPPING:In Mexico, it is customary to tip 10 percent in restaurants, and you 
may also give a couple of dollars to any
passing band whose playing is particularly pleasing. However, the American custom of tipping 15 to 20 
percent is practiced at
international resorts.  Housemaids in hotels may be covered by an all-inclusive charge, but welcome US$2-$3 tips per night, and don't forget to hand over something small to the little boy who runs to clean
your windshield or who fills your car up with gasoline for you. Mexicans always 
tell you that tipping is not expected; it may, however, be well deserved and

they always thank you.

For Cozumel Packages: Click Here
For Travel Books on Mexico: Click Here
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