Destination: Cozumel

Cozumel ("Coh-zoo-mel") is Mexico's original "Caribbean" destination; an island about 40 miles south of Cancun and Mexico's largest Caribbean island with a total land area of approximately 308 square miles.

Cruise ships make regular stops at the port, and as a result of this, the island itself ranks among one of the top 10 most visited tourist places in the world. Despite this, the island is tranquil, laid-back with a traditional Mayan-Mexican feel about it.

There is only one main town on the island - San Miguel de Cozumel. During the daytime when the cruise ships are docked, the town becomes quite busy, although at night, when the cruise ships pull away, the feel and atmosphere of Cozumel changes remarkably.

Less than 5% of the island is developed; and most of the undeveloped land is rugged jungle with quiet, deserted beaches.

Besides quiet relaxation, a few small Mayan ruins and some general water sports, diving and snorkeling are the main attractions here, and this is directly attributed to the fact that there are around 100 dive sites that are recognized as being "world-class" - some deep enough for SCUBA divers, and some shallow enough for snorkeling.

Without doubt, Cozumel is a diver's paradise, and if you are a diver, or you want to learn how to dive, Cozumel is a must do destination.

If you're seeking non-water based activities, then Cancun or Playa del Carmen on the mainland will probably be a better base, although boat excursions to the mainland archaeological parks in the area are available from Cozumel.

If you want to spend your holiday diving, snorkeling and relaxing away from the commercialized resort scene of Cancun, with occasional easy access to more active pastimes a short ferry ride away on the mainland, the island of Cozumel may be just what you are looking for.

Regional Highlights and Activities  

• Diving/Snorkeling
• Sport Fishing
• Mayan Ruins
• Golf (Cozumel Country Club - Nicklaus Design Group)
• Chankanaab National Park

 

Documents Needed for Travel

U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport.  Special restrictions apply to children ages 17 and under.  Children who are only traveling with one parent must have a letter from the other parent giving permission to travel to Mexico. If one is deceased, a death certificate is needed. To obtain the latest U.S. passport information, click here or on the passport icon.

 

Language 

Spanish is the official language, however English is widely spoken and understood.

 

Beaches

There are many great beaches and beach clubs on the island of Cozumel such as Chankanaab National Park, Paradise Beach, Playa San Francisco and Playa Palancar. These beaches can be found about 5-10 miles south of the main town and cruise ship piers.

The east side of the island has a more rugged coastline and offers miles of quiet windswept beaches.

 

Currency and Credit Cards 

The Mexican Peso is the official currency. Most places take U.S. Dollars, traveler's checks and credit cards, but you should exchange some money for Pesos.  Airports, banks and Hotels will change for Pesos. Tipping custom in Mexico is 15% to 20%.    Latest Dollar/Peso Exchange Rate.

 

Marriage Requirements

To have a legal wedding ceremony the following requirements must be met: 

• Valid passports
• Birth certificates (Original or certified copy of each one)
• Original blood test taken by medical professional at the resort
• Original or certified copy of former spouse's death certificate (if applicable)
• Divorce decree (if applicable)
• Tourist ID (provided by customs upon your arrival at the International Airport
• Legal documentation of adoption or name change (if applicable)
• Name, age, nationality, home address and occupation of 4 witnesses

 

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