Beach, sun and fun in Cozumel

Traveling on a Cruise is an exciting adventure that allows you to visit several countries in a few days at affordable prices. However, when it comes to visiting a new destination, you might encounter with some problems such as how to deal with the local language and currency, and a lack of knowledge about what are the best attractions to visit. In this blog, I would like to give you some advice on how to tackle those potential problems to make the most of your Cruise vacation while you are in Cozumel.
I.    The language.
Cozumel’s local language is Spanish (or Mayan), but most people are well versed in English, specially on the most touristic spots in the island. Menus in restaurants are usually written in English and Spanish, so language won’t be a problem during your stay in Cozumel.
II.    Currency.
You don’t have to worry too much about the currency. A good chunk of the Cozumel’s income comes from tourism, and as a result Dollars are as widely accepted as Pesos (the local currency), so there is no need to change currency.
Traveler checks and credit cards are usually accepted in major stores. However, if you go to small stores and restaurants, it is better to carry some cash.
III.    Best attractions.
Cozumel is one of the destinations in the Caribbean with the most activities. It might be confusing to chose from a list of more than 100 attractions, however, most attractions and excursions fall on the following categories:
•    Beach excursions. Cozumel has some of the most beautiful beaches, however, many of the beaches located in the western side of Cozumel are crowded and have a lot of rocks. If you are looking for the best beaches in the area, it is best to go to the northern Cozumel. Isla Pasión (Passion Island) and other beaches are located in this zone.
•    Water activities. Snorkel and diving have been one of the most demanded activities in Cozumel, since Jacques Costeau commented on the beauty of the island’s coral reefs. It is best to snorkel in the Palancar area.
•    Motorized activities. It includes Jeeps, speedboats (like the Twister), and others. It is an option for those people looking for more adrenaline.
•    Cultural and sightseeing activities. There are some Mayan ruins in Cozumel and on mainland as well. These excursions usually take the whole day but are worth it.
It is wise to look for all-inclusive tours and excursions. Even when they might seem pricier at a first glance, the truth is that they are usually cheaper than buying the separate parts independently (transportation, the excursion and the food and drinks). It also offers the additional advantage that it is easier and faster to arrange all-inclusive tours than to try to bond the separate parts.
If you would like to get a third party review about the best places to spend your time in Cozumel, feel free to make some research in sites such as Trip Advisor and Cruise Critic. There, you can get first hand testimonials from tourists like yourself, so it is usually a good place to find unbiased reviews.
IV.    Security issues.
Cozumel is one of the safest places in the Caribbean and elsewhere. However, it is convenient to take the regular precautions you would take elsewhere.

I hope these recommendations are useful for you, and I hope you have a great time in Cozumel.

This entry was posted on Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 5:21 am and is filed under Travel tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.