FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the weather like?
Most of the year, Cozumel is warm and sunny. However, there are fluctuations in the seasons. During the winter months (November to March) the temperature in the daytime is in the low 80′s, with lows of high 60′s at night. If you are visiting the island during these months, it is wise to bring a light jacket and jeans or pants. During the summer months (April to October), it is hot and humid in Cozumel. The average daytime temperature is in the upper 80′s to low 90′s with high humidity, and at night it’s in the lower 70′s or high 60′s. These months offer perfect diving weather. The water is warm and so is the boat ride back to shore.

How safe is it in Cozumel?
Cozumel is one of the few places left where crime is at a minimum. Feel free to walk around and explore during the day or in the evening. In fact, some of the best shopping deals and restaurants can be found off the beaten path. There are no muggings, and guns are not allowed on the island. But do pay attention to your wallet and purses and don’t leave valuables like cameras unattended. Many of the locals on the island make significantly less money than foreigners, so temptation can sometimes be overwhelming.

Is it okay to drink the water and eat the food?
All of the restaurants and bars on the island serve purified water and ice. All of our houses offer either purified drinking water systems or bottled water. Even the locals drink purified water. For our houses that offer bottled water, do not drink the water from the faucets. This water is safe to bathe in, shave with, and even brush your teeth with, but it is not healthy to drink. The food on the island is quite good, and there are many restaurants to choose from. We provide recommendations in your vacation villa. However, don’t be afraid as you are exploring the island to try little hole-in-the-wall restaurants where you can find some excellent fresh fish like grilled or fried whole Red Snapper or delicious Mayan and Yucatecan dishes.

Is it appropriate to bargain when shopping?
Yes it is at many places, especially in the small boutiques off the front street or with the street vendors selling jewelry, hammocks, etc. The larger established stores, especially on the front street or in the cruise ship malls, have marked prices and do not negotiate.

Do people speak English in Cozumel?
Yes, many do, especially the ones working in the tourist industry. You will find many waiters, vendors, dive masters, tour operators and store owners who speak very good English. Basically, the farther back from the ocean front street you go, the less English is spoken. But don’t let that deter you! If you know basic Spanish words (beer-cerveza, bathroom-ba??where?-?donde?, how much (cost)? -?cuanto cuesta?), and can gesture with your hands (that’s very popular here), you’ll get by just fine.

Are credit cards widely accepted?
No, they’re not. Many places do take them now, such as higher-priced restaurants and numerous dive shops and stores, including Chedraui, the largest grocery store on the island. However, some places charge an additional fee such as 5% extra to process a credit card. So be prepared with a back up plan in case you need cash.
There are numerous ATMs on the island that you can access during your stay. All of our homes come equipped with a lock box, so you don’t have to worry about leaving extra cash in the rental house.

Can I exchange my money for pesos?
There are many money exchange houses on the island. The current exchange rate to buy pesos is approximately 10.20 dollars to 1 peso. We recommend that you do not exchange currency at the airports, because they tend to offer the lowest exchange rates. There are also ATMs on the island that give you the absolute best rate, but keep in mind that you pay bank fees to your bank and the Mexican bank (about $3.00 US) with every withdrawal. Wherever you exchange money, keep an eye on the math and count what you receive!

Are essentials – toiletries, etc. easy to find?
If you unpack and find that you’ve forgotten your toothbrush or razor, don’t worry. Toiletries are a breeze in Cozumel. Many of the pharmacies and grocery stores, especially Chedraui, sell familiar products including Colgate, Oral-B, Kleenex, Oil-of-Olay, Gillette, Pantene, etc. You can also easily find ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, Tums, and Sudafed. And don’t forget the mosquito repellent! They sell plenty of it, along with fun in the sun items, such as Banana Boat sunscreen, Chapstick, and aloe vera lotion. If you are bringing a baby, you will be able to find diapers, many products from Johnson & Johnson, Pedialyte and Gerber.

What is the best mode of transportation on the island?
There are several different options to choose from. First, there are taxis, which are plentiful and fairly easy to find. However, prices have gone up in the past 5 years, and a trip from downtown to a beach on the Southern part of the island can now cost you $100 to $150 pesos (around $10 – $15 USD). There are also bicycle, moped and car rentals. Please use caution if you are renting a moped. Too many tourists end up cutting their trips short after having moped accidents. Car rental is a good option – we can even have one waiting for you at the airport when you arrive. And it’s the only way to travel to the other side of the island. There is also an inexpensive public bus (about $2 USD) that now runs from downtown to both the South and North ends of the island.

Can I access the Internet or a phone?
There are Internet cafes with modern computers and DSL or cable Internet connections on almost every corner in Cozumel. They charge approximately 10 pesos (a little less than a dollar) per hour to surf the web. There are some locations that will allow you to hook up your own laptop to the Internet for the same fee. Many employees of the Internet cafes are knowledgeable professionals who speak enough English to help you out if you run into problems. Some cafes also offer printing, scanning, and faxing service. Telephones & fax machines are also available for use, but they can be a little pricey. You will find many signs posted around town, especially in the areas in front of the cruise ship piers – Punta Langosta & Puerto Maya – advertising long distance telephone service with rates posted clearly.