One of the Restaurants at Chankanaab Park in Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico Information
Tom Ogg

Language and Currency
What is Cozumel Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Cozumel Port Reviews
Cozumel Shore Excursions

Language and Currency

The official language of Cozumel is Spanish, however English is widely spoken by everyone. This is a great place to try your Spanish out, as the locals really appreciate your attempts and will reward you with smiles and hospitality.  The currency is the Mexican Peso, but the U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

What is Cozumel like?

Downtown Cozumel

Cozumel is a small island off the east coast of Mexico in the Caribbean Sea.  It is the proverbial fishing village in paradise with all of the creature comforts that anyone could want. Recently, Cozumel has exploded with growth and is somewhat hectic with congestion, noise and aggressive street vendors. Remember to be friendly and respectful and you will have a great time. Many days it is not uncommon to have tens of thousands of visitors in a town that was built for the occasional fisherman.

What is the weather like?

Cozumel can be hot (especially in the summer months) It is blessed with a tropical climate and lots of sunshine.

Where does the ship dock?

Cozumel's International Pier

There are actually three different pier locations. Punta Langosta is located right downtown and after leaving the ship and walking towards the city down the dock, you will go over an overpass into a shopping mall.  You are right in the heart of downtown Cozumel. The International Pier is about a 10-minute taxi ride south of town (you can walk it in about 30 minutes right along the coast line, but if it is hot, take a taxi.) The third pier (Puerto Maya) is just beyond the International Pier and has the same dynamics. Finally, when there are too many ships in port, some ships will anchor outside and tender into the Punta Langosta pier.

Cozumel's Langosta Pier Right Downtown

Hint: If the taxi queue is quite long at the International pier, simply walk past the queue out onto the street and start walking into town.  You will be able to hail a cab without wasting time standing in a long hot line.

The Langosta Pier and Downtown Cozumel

Hint: Do not use the pay phones that say "Call the U.S. Here" or something to that effect. You will pay dearly if you do. Cozumel has a good number of communications centers that offer fair rates and you can also purchase a MexTel prepaid telephone card for 100 Pesos that will allow you to call home as much as you want. Simply ask around where you can buy one, as they are widely available

Where is the shopping?

There is an extensive shopping center at Puerto Maya and along the street fronting both out-of-town piers, but for unlimited, non-stop shopping one must go downtown. The new mall at the foot of Punta Langosta is a large multi-story mall full of shops, stores and boutiques. The downtown area along the ocean front street is loaded with boutiques, shops, stores, restaurants, bars and just about everything you could imagine. Behind, and to the right (looking inland) of the town's main plaza is an extensive local crafts market. If that is not enough, there are many local "mercados" on the sides streets leading to Cozumel's interior.

What is there to buy?

Everything Mexican and then some. Jewelry, art work, duty free shopping, Mexican crafts, blankets, liquor, leather goods, simulated Mayan artifacts, onyx carvings and lots more.

What is there to do?

There is so much to do in Cozumel that it is astounding. First is the shopping. Downtown Cozumel is a shopper's paradise. The prices are much less than they are in Cancun and the selection, so much more. Then there are the ocean activities. The beaches are wonderful and offer a good assortment of activities.  Here are the favorites.

Chankanaab National Park Beach

Chankanaab Marine National Park:  One of the first beaches south of town, Chankanaab offers visitors a glimpse of several attractions.  First, there is a replica of an ancient Mayan Village to explore. Then there is a formidable botanical and archaeological garden with an inland lagoon. All of this is on top of a great beach and mediocre snorkeling. There is a fee to get in (currently $12) but many find it well worth the price.  Chankanaab is very popular with first-time snorkelers and folks wanting to experience Cozumel's beauty without too much effort. There are also several unique experiences offered (swim with the dolphins, deep sea helmet diving and so on.) Of course, this will all cost a good amount of money. Check out the thorough report on Chankanaab if your a considering a visit.

Cozumel's Playa Palancar Beach

Cozumel's West Coast Beaches on the South Side of Cozumel: Here is a special report of Cozumel's incredible west coast beaches and beach clubs. Be sure to read this report if you want to find just the right beach for you. While you would think they are all the same, each beach caters to a different clientele. Like to party? Want a family friendly environment? Want adventure? Find out where to go by reading this report.

Cozumel's Chen Rio Beach

Cozumel's East Coast Beaches: Here is a special report of Cozumel's beautiful and remote east coast beaches. Be sure to read this if you are looking for some solitude. You might be enticed to places like Chen Rio or Playa Bonita.

The diving in Cozumel is legendary, as is the snorkeling. The fishing is outstanding for both offshore saltwater and inshore varieties (especially bonefish). Exploring the island via rental car or moped can be a lot of fun, as can simply hanging out at Fat Tuesdays.

Many visitors elect to visit the Mayan ruins on Mainland Mexico, but this is a full day's trip requiring crossing over to Playa Del Carmen on the ferry and also returning the same way.  If you are going to another Mexican port on the mainland, then you may want to wait until then to visit these fascinating sights.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

I would say that if you visited Cozumel and did not enter Carlos and Charlie's (see below) that you missed a major attraction.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Pancho's Backyard

Yes, first, Tom Milano suggested "Pancho's Backyard" and I would have to second the recommendation. If you want superb Mexican cuisine, don't miss it. I have also enjoyed "La Cabana del Pescador" for an outstanding meal of lobster (a tad expensive but worth it.)

Senior Frog's at the Foot of the International Pier in Cozumel

As for bars, one of my favorites is Senior Frog's (was "Fat Tuesdays") at the foot of the International Pier.  It offers great snorkeling, cold beer, volleyball and friendly folks.

Carlos and Charlie's New Location

Of course, no visit to Cozumel would be complete without a visit to "Carlos and Charlie's" It has relocated to the new shopping center at the foot of the Punta Langosta pier, but is still the same outrageous party scene, as found in its former location.....be sure to bring Advil for your headache when you leave.

Feature Articles
(Information you Might find Interesting)

Cozumel's San Gervasio Ruins by Nancy Norris 
Cozumel's West Coast Beaches on the South Side of Cozumel by Tom Ogg
Cozumel's East Coast Beaches by Tom Ogg
Chankanaab National Park by Tom Ogg

Feature Reviews
(Thorough Reviews of the Port)

Pete Petersen; Great Island Overview
Gretchen Winters;  How To Do Tulum On Your Own 
J Dalles; Great Advice if You Are Taking the Tulum Ruins Tour 
Pete Peterson; Excellent Island Overview 
Nancy Norris; Overview with detailed suggestions 
 

Port Reviews
(Click on the Review you are Interested in Reading)

Reviews After the Hurricane

Amy Beasly; Palancar Beach and Snorkeling 
Crystal; A Day of Shopping
Nancy Zupancic; Scuba Dive with Eagle Ray Divers
Horace Plotkin, San Miguel, Cozumel After the Hurricane 
Stephanie Wright, Party Boat and Beach Break Excursion 
Bob; Deluxe Beach Break and Palancar Snorkeling Trips

Reviews Before the Hurricane

Nancy Zupancic; Scuba Diving with Eagle Ray Divers
Christie; Fiesta Boat Party
Joanie Ogg CTC, MCC; Walk into Town, Shopping and Carlos and Charlies 
Rex Ungericht; Submarine Tour
K Porter; A Day Around Cozumel
Lori Curtis; Carnival's Swim and Dolphin Adventure
Cheryl; A Snuba Adventure
Robert and Angela; Sea Trek helmet dive and Mayan Sunset Cat. Cruise
Nicole Long; A Day at the Beach
Ryan; Snorkeling off a Glass-Bottom Boat
Balann; Self Tour of the Island
Michael Scott; Dune Buggies and Snorkling
Beverly Grey: Buying Booze and Chankanaab Park
Patricia; Jeep Rental and A Day of Shopping
Leslie Baker; A Swim With the Dolphins
Anthony Jones; Chankanaab Park
Gburau; Nachi-Cocum Beach on Your Own
KAZ; A Day of Shopping
Don Doyle; Snorkeling with Eagle Ray Divers
Rose Killeen; Inexpensive Horseback Riding
Nancy Weldon: Passion Island, Fishing and Ocean Explorer 
Mitsy; Palm Beach Bar & Grill then Downtown Shopping
Gary Baily; Swim with the Sea Lions and Shopping 
Marilyn; Passion Island Tour 
Bill Smith; Tour of the Mayan Temples
Gena Steward; Chankanaab and Shopping Downtown 
Carol; Chankanaab National Park and Shopping Comments
Yvette Harvey; A Day of Shopping
George Leppla; Miniature Golf and American Discount Drugstore
Annemarie Young; Passion Island Ship's Tour
Stephen A. Fox; ATV Excursion and Chankaab Park
Lauretta S. Arnold; ATV Excursion
Lynne Davies; Playa Mia 
Sue/Mike McCulley; Xel Hal and Tulum
Kevin and Sandee Chambers; Passion Island
Natalie Evans; Dune Buggy Tour
Tania; Cozumel on Your Own
Bob McGorkic; A Variety of Activities to do
Sue Clark Koenig; Atlantis Submarine Excursion and Some Shopping
Diane; Chankaanab Beach and Park
Bruce Fritzges April 2004; Dzul-Ha Snorkeling
Denise Banko; Horseback Riding Excursion
Juleigh DePriest; Playa Del Sol On Your Own 
Scott Thompson; Mr. Sanchos Beach Resort Followed by Senor Frogs
Diana Lamberth; A Day at Mr. Sanchos Beach Resort
Emily; Snorkeling at Parque Naturale
Pat Cain: Jewelry Buyers Beware!
Lori Z; San Francisco Beach Followed by Carlo's And Charlies
Curt Talbot; Shopping and Chankanaab National Park
Cliff Demczuk; SCUBA Diving (Ship's Shore Excursions
Tina & Kevin: Xcaret and Playa Del Carmen Shopping
Craig Ibbotson; Passion Island
Kathryn Whelan; Paradise Beach 
Dan; Paradise Island Beach and Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Andy K; Chankanaab National Park Snorkeling Tour
John Gawne; Mr. Sancho's Beach
Donna; Passion Island Beach Excusion
Cyndee; Passion Island Snorkeling Rip Off 
Julie Pomerleau; Tulum and Xel-Ha (Ship's Tour)
Tom & Megan Carpenter; Mexican Folklore Show & shopping tour
Rebecca: Private Tour, Beginning SCUBA Diving 
Pam Hoffman; Royal Dolphin Swim at Chanankaab Park
Diane: Playa Azul
Bill Downs; Shopping and a Submarine Adventure
Paul Jule; All Terrain Truck Eco Adventure & Snorkel.
Susan Barker; Poor Snorkeling at Chankanaab Park
Wayne Sahsltrom; Carlos and Charlies and Senior Frogs 
Ruth Hunter; Shopping and SNUBA
C Moore; Car Rental and Sandy Beaches 
Robert Rose; SCUBA Diving in Cozumel  
Joe Ciardiello; Jeep Rental and Paradise Beach 
Huck Finn; Moped Rental Advice 
Karen Ford; Swim with the Dolphins 
George & Joyce Enstedda; Recommend Ship Excursion & Senor Frogs
Allyson Quick; Horseback Riding and Swim with the Dolphin
Barry Hester; Recommend Senor Frogs, but Not Dolphin Encounter Excursion
Heather Heartfield; Great ATV Eco-Tour with Wild Tours\
Manya; Recommend Dolphin Swim and Shopping
Ara: Discover SCUBA 
Martijn Nathan; All Day Tulum
A. Carr; Party at Carlos 'n Charlies
Janet Johnson; Ship's Snorkeling Tour and Shopping Downtown 
John Gawne; Playa del Sol 
Deanna Dinielli; Shopping & Dining
Michele Dalton; Senior Frogs on Your Own 
Joanne & John Bowers; Mayan Ruins and Playa Sol Beach Break Excursion
Nina Palit; Rent Bikes for Snorkel Trip to Playa Azul
Matthew F. Carr; Independent Dune Buggy Safari 
John Sims; Tips and Recommendations from Frequent Visitor
Dave; Chankanaab on Your Own & Tulum
Tom Duran; Highly Recommend Tulum/Xel Ha Ship's Excursion
Yvette; Jeep Rental Advice

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