Cozumel – General Overview
by Beach Wedding Planning

Cozumel is a beach lover’s paradise. Its close proximity to the United States and easy accessibility make it a favorite spot for Spring and Winter Breaks. Many people escape here during the winter months to bask in the sand and sun, while enjoying the hospitality of the locals. Filled with a rich history and culture, tourists of all ages will enjoy exploring this Mexican gem. Don’t forget the wonderful beach life, with cozy beach chairs, inviting waters, and cool, refreshing drinks beach-side!

Most Popular Cozumel Beaches

Playa San Juan, north of Melian Mayan Hotel, offers excellent windsurfing with its calm waters. This is a great place to kick back and relax, watching the calm waters and resting in the shade.

If you are looking for the best snorkeling location in Cozumel, head for Chankanaab Bay, which boasts a gorgeous Lagoon and Botanical Gardens. Great for swimmers and those who just want to bask in the beautiful Mexican sun.

Considered the best of all Cozumel, Playa San Francisco is almost 3 miles long and offers a breathtaking seascape. There are also plenty of boats for rent to go diving off the shore at the reef.

If you are looking for a more private location to escape to, try Playa Escondida. You won’t find as many amenities here, but it’s a good trade off for the more quiet and secluded location.

Travel & Transportation

There are direct flights to Cozumel available from Dallas, Houston and Miami. You can also catch a small plane from Cancuun or ride the water jet over as well.

Entry Requirements 

To enter Mexico, visitors need a tourist permit (tarjeta de turista) which is free and available through airlines, Mexican government tourism offices, Mexican consulates or at the border customs office when crossing by land. The card is only good for one entry of a maximum of 180 days. You are also required to have a passport if flying or if driving or arriving by sea, you can provide proof of citizenship.

Languages Spoken / official language - The official language is Spanish, but at the resorts and in many restaurants and shops, employees will speak English.

Currency

The official currency is the Peso, but U.S. Dollars are widely accepted.

Tipping

Most wait staff in the local restaurants do not expect tip, but in the resorts 15% is standard. 10% tip for the hotel housekeeping staff is also generally left if you have stayed in the same hotel for several days. A small tip of one US dollar or less is acceptable for other service people like bell hops, car park attendants, and taxi drivers.

Taxes - 12% Hotel / Tourism Tax

Electricity - Generally you will find 110 volt, 60 cycle electrical outlets of either the three prong (American) type outlet or, in older locations, the 2 slot outlets without a ground. You may need to purchase an adapter for the 2 slot type.

Immunizations & Other Health Concerns

The island has its own water purification plant (more modern than many in North American communities) and bottled water is used for food preparation, drinking, and the making of ice for use in drinks. Tap water should not be consumed for safety reasons.

Cozumel Marriage License Requirements & Wedding Information

Each individual must present the following 72 hours in advance:

• Original passport or birth certificate with apostille (annotation) from Secretary of State where the certificate is registered.
• Birth certificate must be accompanied with a valid government-issued photo ID with matching name.
• Copy of tourist card.
• Medical certificate (blood test) issued within 20 days of the wedding date. It is recommended that the blood test be taken in Mexico, where the medical certificate can be obtained in one day. If taken in the United States, verification of the tests will need to be obtained by a Mexican doctor.

• Four witnesses, above the age of 18, are required.
• Mexican nationals need a copy of their official I.D.
• American citizens need a copy of their tourist card and I.D.

There are no minimum stay requirements for couples getting married in Cozumel.

Each couple is required to pay $350 for a marriage license and judge’s services.

Cozumel Tourism Office Information

Other Cozumel Related Websites

Climate Information (When is the Best Time to Travel)

The early summers in Cozumel are wet, hot and muggy. Most travelers avoid the island at this time of year because of the high temperatures and humidity. However, summer tourists are common in July and August. The best time to go to the island is November to early December while the climate is drier, and you can beat the peak season rush that starts in mid-December.

High & Low Season for travel - High Season: December 15- April 30, Low Season: May 1- December 14

Cozumel Local Attractions & Must Do’s

Some of the best attractions include the Mayan ruins on the north side of the island, and you can take numerous day tours there and to other historical sites on the Yucatan Peninsula. Also check out the Museum of the Island of Cozumel for some great history behind the island. If you want to see the oldest structure on the island, go to El Cedral which was built in the year 800. The famous Punta Celarain lighthouse offers you a 360-degree view of the island. There is also a great eco-tourist park in the Colombia Lagoon and Botanical Gardens located at the Chankanaab Park. If you would like to swim with the dolphins, head to Dolphinorium. 

Most Popular Cozumel Hotels

The Presidente Inter-Continental is the island’s only 4-Diamond award winner. You will find a private beach and luxurious amenities. 

If you want to stay in the heart of downtown Cozumel, try the Casa Mexicana Cozumel. Close to shops, entertainment and numerous restaurants, this makes a great home base from which to explore the city. 

On the northwest side of the island, just 10 minutes from the airport is the Sol Cabanas del Caribe, offering a gorgeous white sandy beach and beautiful sea views. 

The Coral Princess Hotel & Resort is also on the north side of the island, and is one of the best spots on the island to see the sunset. They have a gorgeous pool and the San Juan Reef, excellent for snorkeling, is literally just steps away. 

If you wish to stay on the south side of the island, check out the Fiesta Americana Cozumel, which is a dive resort, where all hotel management is certified dive instructors. The entire hotel is oriented towards diving, so if you are a diver, or want to become one, this is the place for you.