Cozumel is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great diving, nice people, safe streets, and prices comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations. The diving is the main draw to Cozumel; if you prefer white sandy beaches then other nearby destinations would be a better bet (e.g., Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres.) Cozumel is a popular port among cruise lines, particularly from December through April when a half dozen large ships may converge on the port each day.
Walk, rent a car, or take a taxi; there is no public transit out of town. The docks are saturated by pushy touts trying to lure you into car rentals and activities. Be skeptical to avoid getting scammed into a timeshare sales pitch (what a horrible waste of your precious vacation!). A regular 1-day car rental is around US$55, but speaking Spanish will get you a discount 95% of the places if you ask. For example, the posted price for a VW Pointer at Less-Pay (next to Hotel Barracuda) was US$40, without insurance and taxes. As an American who speaks Spanish, you can get that same car for M$350, with insurance and taxes. Even if prices are posted, they can be bargained.
Most visitors travel to Cozumel to dive and see its wonderful underwater life. While there are quite a few beach clubs that offer snorkeling, the main attractions are the reefs offshore and the multiple dive shops and operations are always ready to take you there. The main town, San Miguel, and dive operations are on the west side of the island, but if you rent a car or scooter then the east side of the island is the place to go. The east side of the island is mostly undeveloped, but there are beautiful beaches, big waves, and rocky outcrops over the ocean. If the waves are sufficient you can find a few small blow holes.
Cozumel is Mexico's top diving destination and is one of the premier scuba diving destinations in the western hemisphere. The island abounds with dive shops, most willing to give you a scuba class (resort course) and take you out if you are not yet certified. A boat dive for certified divers (two tanks) will cost around US$70, plus any equipment rental and Marine Park Fee. Most dive sites are located well south of the city proper, as are a number of dive shops if you want a short boat ride. Most diving in Cozumel is drift diving, where you are dropped off by the boat at the beginning of the dive, are carried along the reef by the current, and picked up at the end of your dive by the boat.
Local restaurants, most fairly good and fairly similar to each other, are plentiful in and around the city's "downtown" main square. 1 Casa Denis (Near San Miguel main square). This self-declared "oldest restaurant in Cozumel" has very good, reasonably priced entrees featuring some Mayan and Yucatan specialties, along with more conventional Mexican fare like tacos and enchiladas. The Mayan Pork is an interesting take on conventional barbecue - tender with a slightly sweet marinade, and no sauce needed - and margaritas are freshly made and strong. Dinner comes with a free Tequila shot at the end. (updated Sep 2022) 2 La Choza, ☏ +52 987-872-0958.
Downtown, bottled liquor prices seldom vary, though you'll find some dropoff the farther you get from the center of the city. Don Julio Tequila runs $45–50 at the tourist shops, but if you have time find a local grocery and get it at half price. Kahlua runs $10. Bars seldom monitor customers for age or drunkenness, so take care driving or walking as the evening wears on. Scuba divers should avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 12 hours before a dive (some say 24 hours). Additionally, divers should refrain from drinking alcohol for about 12 hours after a dive. 1 Cerveceria Punta Sur, 10a Avenida Sur 229, Centro, ☏ +52 987 117 4215. Daily 11:00 - 23:00.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Cozumel typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 19 rainy days.
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