Cozumel is a well-established tourist destination with good infrastructure, but the island has quirks that catch first-time visitors off guard. The tap water is not safe to drink, the taxis do not use meters, and the best beaches require wheels to reach. This guide covers the practical details: how to get to Cozumel, how to get around, what to budget, what to pack, and the answers to the questions travelers ask most often. See our weather by month guide.
Cozumel Travel Tips: Getting to Cozumel
Cozumel International Airport (CZM) receives direct flights from several US cities including Houston (United, ~2.5 hours), Dallas (American, ~2.5 hours), Miami (American, ~1.5 hours), Charlotte (American, seasonal), and Atlanta (Delta, seasonal). Air Canada and WestJet fly direct from Toronto and Montreal in winter. From Europe, there are no direct flights to CZM. Most European travelers fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN) and take ground transport plus the ferry, which adds 2 to 2.5 hours to the journey. The CZM airport is just 3km (2 miles) from downtown San Miguel. A taxi from CZM airport to downtown costs about MXN$150 to MXN$200 (US$8 to US$11) depending on your exact destination. There is no Uber on Cozumel. Shared van shuttles from the airport cost about MXN$80 per person (US$4) but wait until the van fills before departing, which can take 20 to 30 minutes. See our best time to visit.
If you fly into Cancun (CUN), the most common route to Cozumel is a shuttle or bus from CUN to Playa del Carmen (about 1 hour, US$25 to US$50 for a private shuttle), followed by the passenger ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. Two ferry companies operate the crossing: Ultramar and Winjet (now branded as Mexico Waterjets). The crossing takes 40 to 45 minutes. One-way tickets cost MXN$280 to MXN$320 (US$15 to US$17). Ferries depart every hour from roughly 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Buy tickets at the pier, not from resellers. The ferry docks at the San Miguel pier in downtown Cozumel, where you can walk to many hotels or grab a taxi from the stand immediately outside the terminal. See our things to do in Cozumel.
Cozumel Travel Tips: Getting Around Cozumel
Taxis are the primary form of transport on Cozumel. They do not use meters. Fares are loosely set by zone: trips within San Miguel cost MXN$40 to MXN$60 (US$2 to US$3). From San Miguel to the North Hotel Zone: MXN$80 to MXN$120 (US$4 to US$6). From San Miguel to the South Hotel Zone or Chankanaab: MXN$150 to MXN$250 (US$8 to US$13). Always confirm the fare with the driver before getting in. Taxis are plentiful at the ferry terminal, at resort entrances, and along Rafael Melgar Avenue. You can also have your hotel or restaurant call one for you. See our events and festivals.
Renting a car or scooter is popular for independent exploration. The island has roughly 80km (50 miles) of paved road in good condition, and traffic is light outside San Miguel. Scooter rentals start at about MXN$400 to MXN$500 per day (US$22 to US$27), while compact cars run MXN$600 to MXN$900 (US$33 to US$49). The main rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget) have desks at the airport and in San Miguel. Local agencies like ISIS and Fiesta often have lower rates than the international chains. You will need a valid driver’s license. The east coast road is scenic but has no services, no cell reception, and no lighting; plan your fuel and return before dark. Helmet use on scooters is mandatory and enforced with fines. See our neighborhoods guide.
There is no public bus system on Cozumel. The colectivo (shared van) system that serves much of mainland Quintana Roo does not operate on the island. For getting around without a rental vehicle, taxis are your only option aside from walking within San Miguel. See our where to stay in Cozumel.
Cozumel Travel Tips: Money and Costs
The currency is the Mexican peso (MXN). As of mid-2026, the exchange rate hovers around MXN$18 to US$1. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you will get a better rate paying in pesos. ATMs are available at the CZM airport, in San Miguel (Banamex, Santander, Banorte are the most reliable), and at some resort lobbies. ATMs dispense pesos. Decline the ATM’s conversion rate when prompted to get your bank’s wholesale exchange rate. See our Cozumel travel guide.
Sample costs: street tacos MXN$20 to MXN$35 each (US$1 to US$2), a sit-down dinner with a drink MXN$250 to MXN$500 (US$14 to US$27), a dive trip (two tanks, equipment included) US$90 to US$110, a snorkel tour (half day) US$55 to US$75, a local beer at a bar MXN$35 to MXN$60 (US$2 to US$3), a taxi across town MXN$80 to MXN$250 (US$4 to US$14).
Cozumel Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the tap water in Cozumel?
No. Tap water on Cozumel is not potable. Drink bottled or filtered water. Most hotels and restaurants use purified water for ice and food preparation, but confirm if you are eating at a street stall. Brushing your teeth with tap water is generally fine for healthy adults, but use bottled water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Do I need a visa for Mexico?
Citizens of the US, Canada, the UK, the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and most Latin American countries do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days. You will receive a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist card on arrival, either on the plane or at the airport immigration counter. Keep this card; you must return it when leaving Mexico. There is a tourism tax of roughly MXN$250 (US$14) that is often included in your airfare. If it was not, you pay it at the airport before departure.
Is Cozumel safe?
Cozumel is one of the safest destinations in Mexico for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is very rare. The most common safety issues are petty theft (do not leave valuables unattended on the beach or in a rental car) and traffic accidents involving scooters. If you rent a scooter, wear the helmet, drive defensively, and avoid riding at night. The east coast road has no lighting and potholes can be deep. For water activities, use reputable dive operators with current PADI or SSI certification and check that boats carry functioning radios and oxygen.
What is the tipping custom in Cozumel?
Tipping follows Mexican norms: 10% to 15% at restaurants, MXN$20 to MXN$50 (US$1 to US$3) per tank for dive masters and boat crew, 10% to 15% for tour guides, MXN$20 to MXN$50 per day for housekeeping at hotels, and no tip necessary for taxi drivers unless they help with luggage. At all-inclusive resorts, tipping is at your discretion; a MXN$50 tip for the bartender or server once a day goes a long way.
Do I need travel insurance for Cozumel?
Travel insurance is recommended, especially if visiting during hurricane season (June through November). A standard policy covering trip cancellation, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation costs about 4% to 8% of your trip cost. If you plan to dive, verify that your policy covers scuba diving (many standard policies exclude it or limit coverage to 18 to 30 metres / 60 to 100 feet). Divers Alert Network (DAN) offers dedicated dive accident insurance for about US$40 to US$75 per year.
What should I pack for Cozumel?
Lightweight clothing (the temperature rarely drops below 19°C/66°F even at night), reef-safe sunscreen (mandatory in the marine park; regular sunscreen containing oxybenzone is prohibited on many boat tours), insect repellent (mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, especially near mangroves), a rash guard or light wetsuit for snorkeling, and a reusable water bottle. A light rain jacket is useful during the wet season (May through October) for afternoon downpours. Electrical outlets are the same as the US (Type A/B, 110V, 60Hz).
Suggested Hotels in Cozumel
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort & Spa
A 220-room luxury resort on the island’s largest private beach with two pools, a full-service spa, and its own dive center offering daily trips to the southern reefs 10 minutes offshore. Best for couples and divers seeking a luxury base close to the marine park. Check rates and availability
Casa Mexicana Cozumel
A mid-range hotel on the main plaza in downtown San Miguel with free breakfast, a pool, and walking access to the ferry terminal and dozens of restaurants and dive shops. Best for first-time visitors and independent travelers who want to be in the center of everything. Check rates and availability
Hotel Mary Carmen
A small family-run budget hotel two blocks from the waterfront with clean air-conditioned rooms and a courtyard garden, popular with repeat divers for over 30 years. Best for budget-conscious divers who just need a clean, quiet room between dive days. Check rates and availability
