Why Cozumel?
For us, there are a number of factors that makes Cozumel the ideal vacation destination. It might not be number one for everyone, but we love it there and are sure you'll find plenty of things to do and enjoy!
*The climate is perfect, the beaches are beautiful, and the water is warm, calm, and oh so beautiful (water temperatures average over 80 degrees).
*Regular flights are available at reasonable costs -- typically $500-800 from Billings, MT (not a big airport), depending on deals and season.
*Safest place in Mexico, it has a really big moat around it.
*Foreign charm and culture, but it's not 3rd world, and many people speak English, just in case your Spanish is lacking.
*Cozumel attracts families and adventure-seekers, as opposed to places like Cancun and Tulum which seem more geared to college students and partiers.
*Hawaii?? Cozumel is much less crowded, way more affordable, far more interesting and has a shorter flying time (for most people).
*You don’t need a visa, however you do need a passport.
*The food is outstanding. If seafood and Mexican food aren't your thing, you can find Italian, Indian, Asian, American, Lebanese, European, and just about anything else you can think of, and at far more affordable prices than most anything back home.
*US dollars accepted most places, though we recommend you bring pesos to avoid less favorable exchange rates.
*The best $$ option is to use a good credit card. We use the Chase Sapphire, which is geared to travelers. There are no exchange fees, you get the actual (not discounted) exchange rate, great rewards for buying airline tickets, along with a number of other great traveler protections. If you decide to apply for this card, let me send you a referral so I can earn some extra bonuses.
*US cell carriers work well there for most people, but check your plan to be sure.
*Cozumel is tourist focused, so lots and lots of things to do.
*Convenient access to historical sites and other attractions on the Yucatan with an easy ferry ride to the mainland, where you can join a tour or take a taxi to see the sites.
For us, there are a number of factors that makes Cozumel the ideal vacation destination. It might not be number one for everyone, but we love it there and are sure you'll find plenty of things to do and enjoy!
*The climate is perfect, the beaches are beautiful, and the water is warm, calm, and oh so beautiful (water temperatures average over 80 degrees).
*Regular flights are available at reasonable costs -- typically $500-800 from Billings, MT (not a big airport), depending on deals and season.
*Safest place in Mexico, it has a really big moat around it.
*Foreign charm and culture, but it's not 3rd world, and many people speak English, just in case your Spanish is lacking.
*Cozumel attracts families and adventure-seekers, as opposed to places like Cancun and Tulum which seem more geared to college students and partiers.
*Hawaii?? Cozumel is much less crowded, way more affordable, far more interesting and has a shorter flying time (for most people).
*You don’t need a visa, however you do need a passport.
*The food is outstanding. If seafood and Mexican food aren't your thing, you can find Italian, Indian, Asian, American, Lebanese, European, and just about anything else you can think of, and at far more affordable prices than most anything back home.
*US dollars accepted most places, though we recommend you bring pesos to avoid less favorable exchange rates.
*The best $$ option is to use a good credit card. We use the Chase Sapphire, which is geared to travelers. There are no exchange fees, you get the actual (not discounted) exchange rate, great rewards for buying airline tickets, along with a number of other great traveler protections. If you decide to apply for this card, let me send you a referral so I can earn some extra bonuses.
*US cell carriers work well there for most people, but check your plan to be sure.
*Cozumel is tourist focused, so lots and lots of things to do.
*Convenient access to historical sites and other attractions on the Yucatan with an easy ferry ride to the mainland, where you can join a tour or take a taxi to see the sites.
Some websites that give you good information about and a feel for things to do in Cozumel:
Some of the things you can find to do in Cozumel:
SCUBA and Snorkel
The western shore of Cozumel is home to crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, making Cozumel the premiere destination for underwater enthusiasts in the Western Hemisphere.
A variety of reefs are accessible from shore, including The Money Bar, right beside the Landmark Resort. Or you can hire a boat to pick you up at the condo's pier and go diving at other locations around the island.
Beach Clubs
Numerous beach clubs dot the west side of the island, offering amazing sand, great food & drink, relaxing massages, swimming pools, snorkeling and more. Larger clubs charge an entry fee, others just ask that you order food and beverage.
Fishing
Mahi, Marlin, Tuna, and Barracuda are some of the varieties of fish caught offshore in the Caribbean’s warm waters. Many reasonably priced charters are available.
Fish from shore and catch Bonefish, Tarpon, and other native species, or try underwater spear fishing. Cook up your catch at the end of the day in the condo’s fully-stocked kitchen.
Dining & Nightlife
There are over 300 restaurants on Cozumel Island, including The Money Bar, a great restaurant at the resort that offers oceanfront dining as well as room service. A city full of other dining options are just a short drive away, or you can have meals delivered to the resort from town. The quality is fantastic, as are the prices. On a budget? Visit a local grocery store in town and cook up some of your own island eats.
Shopping
Cozumel is a tourist island, catering to foreigners. Shop for pearls, silver, jewelry, and other high-end items, along with local hand-crafted specialties, souvenirs, t-shirts, vanilla and tequila.
Visit the Mainland
Take a short ferry ride to Playa del Carmen and discover the Yucatan -- Tulum, Chichen Itza, Xcaret, cenotes, and more. Ferries start early, run late, and are affordable.
Transportation
Taxis are plentiful, affordable, safe, and have set pricing. Or rent a car (~$300/week) and tour the island at your pace. Mopeds and motorcycles are also available to rent (but be careful, and wear a helmet -- it's the law!)
Turtle Rescue
3 species of sea turtles call the east side of Cozumel home. You can help to mark nests (May-Aug), or help hatchlings make it to the ocean (July-Nov).
Other Activities
*Watch the sun rise over the Caribbean
*Swim with dolphins
*Read a book
*Go ziplining
*Sleep in
*Rent an ATV
*Lay on the beach
*Take SCUBA lessons
*Swim in the pool
*Visit Mayan sites
*Take a chocolate tour
*Enjoy a health spa
*Visit Cozumel Pearl Farm
*Ride a submarine
*Paddleboard
*Parasail
*Go dancing
*Go horseback riding
*Hire a chef
*Do a tequila tasting tour
*Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary next to the resort
*Ride the glass-bottom boat
*Photograph island scenery
*Search for pirate treasure
*Bicycle around the island
*Learn to cook Mexican cuisine
*Stroll through town
*Ride a jet-boat
*Visit the museum
*Go to the planetarium
*Catch a movie
*Learn to surf
*Watch the sun set over the Caribbean
SCUBA and Snorkel
The western shore of Cozumel is home to crystal clear water and some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, making Cozumel the premiere destination for underwater enthusiasts in the Western Hemisphere.
A variety of reefs are accessible from shore, including The Money Bar, right beside the Landmark Resort. Or you can hire a boat to pick you up at the condo's pier and go diving at other locations around the island.
Beach Clubs
Numerous beach clubs dot the west side of the island, offering amazing sand, great food & drink, relaxing massages, swimming pools, snorkeling and more. Larger clubs charge an entry fee, others just ask that you order food and beverage.
Fishing
Mahi, Marlin, Tuna, and Barracuda are some of the varieties of fish caught offshore in the Caribbean’s warm waters. Many reasonably priced charters are available.
Fish from shore and catch Bonefish, Tarpon, and other native species, or try underwater spear fishing. Cook up your catch at the end of the day in the condo’s fully-stocked kitchen.
Dining & Nightlife
There are over 300 restaurants on Cozumel Island, including The Money Bar, a great restaurant at the resort that offers oceanfront dining as well as room service. A city full of other dining options are just a short drive away, or you can have meals delivered to the resort from town. The quality is fantastic, as are the prices. On a budget? Visit a local grocery store in town and cook up some of your own island eats.
Shopping
Cozumel is a tourist island, catering to foreigners. Shop for pearls, silver, jewelry, and other high-end items, along with local hand-crafted specialties, souvenirs, t-shirts, vanilla and tequila.
Visit the Mainland
Take a short ferry ride to Playa del Carmen and discover the Yucatan -- Tulum, Chichen Itza, Xcaret, cenotes, and more. Ferries start early, run late, and are affordable.
Transportation
Taxis are plentiful, affordable, safe, and have set pricing. Or rent a car (~$300/week) and tour the island at your pace. Mopeds and motorcycles are also available to rent (but be careful, and wear a helmet -- it's the law!)
Turtle Rescue
3 species of sea turtles call the east side of Cozumel home. You can help to mark nests (May-Aug), or help hatchlings make it to the ocean (July-Nov).
Other Activities
*Watch the sun rise over the Caribbean
*Swim with dolphins
*Read a book
*Go ziplining
*Sleep in
*Rent an ATV
*Lay on the beach
*Take SCUBA lessons
*Swim in the pool
*Visit Mayan sites
*Take a chocolate tour
*Enjoy a health spa
*Visit Cozumel Pearl Farm
*Ride a submarine
*Paddleboard
*Parasail
*Go dancing
*Go horseback riding
*Hire a chef
*Do a tequila tasting tour
*Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary next to the resort
*Ride the glass-bottom boat
*Photograph island scenery
*Search for pirate treasure
*Bicycle around the island
*Learn to cook Mexican cuisine
*Stroll through town
*Ride a jet-boat
*Visit the museum
*Go to the planetarium
*Catch a movie
*Learn to surf
*Watch the sun set over the Caribbean