The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around Cozumel
Hey there, fellow wanderers! Welcome to the mesmerizing island of Cozumel, a slice of paradise nestled off the Yucatán Peninsula's coastline in Mexico. Get ready to be swept off your feet by its breathtaking beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and the echoes of ancient Mayan tales. What makes exploring this gem even more fantastic? It's the fact that you can easily navigate the island of Cozumel wonderland without breaking a sweat, thanks to its wonderfully compact size. So, let's dive into the best ways to whisk yourself away to Cozumel's hidden treasures! 🌴🚗
But before we dive into the best ways to explore Cozumel, let's discuss how to get here.
✈️ The most convenient way to reach Cozumel is to fly into the Cozumel International Airport via American Airlines, KLM, United, Delta, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico. From the airport, a quick shuttle or taxi ride from 5 to 20 minutes will have you at your destination.
Getting to Cozumel from Cancun - Often the most budget friendly flights go into Cancun International Airport but it is important to take into account the additional costs for multiple shuttles / taxis as well as the cost for the ferry from Playa del Carmen. Upon arriving at the Cancun airport, take a shuttle or taxi to the Playa del Carmen Ferry Terminal and board the ferry to Cozumel. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and takes around 45 minutes. Once you arrive at Cozumel's ferry terminal, you'll be ready to embark on your island adventure. You will find a taxi stand on the main road, Av. Rafael E. Melgar, near the Cozumel Ferry Terminal exit.
If you are heading to We’ve Gone Coastal Cozumel, give your taxi driver the address of Costa del Sol, Carretera Costera Sur km 12.5 in the South Hotel Zone and you will be dropped off at the entrance of the property.
Exploring Cozumel: Taxis 🚕 and Shuttles 🚌.
When it comes to navigating Cozumel, you'll find a variety of transportation options that cater to different preferences and budgets.
🚕 Taxi’s are a popular choice for visitors who value convenience and comfort. They are readily available not only at the ferry terminal and airport but also throughout the island. Taxis offer the advantage of personalized service, and drivers often double as unofficial tour guides, providing insights into local attractions and culture.
🚌 Shuttles are another reliable option for group travel or when you want a cost-effective solution. Shared shuttles provide a comfortable and efficient way to reach popular destinations, such as beaches, restaurants, and attractions. If you're traveling with a larger group or family, booking a private shuttle ahead of time allows you to customize your itinerary and travel at your own pace.
If you are staying at We’ve Gone Coastal Cozumel, let us know if you need assistance setting up your shuttle or personal driver and we can assist you.
Taxi drivers carry a rate fee card that you can ask to see but it is important to negotiate the price before you get into the vehicle.
Rufo, taxi driver (available on WhatsApp at +52-987-113-8147 ) provides air conditioning, is always on time and can arrange for a van if you are transporting more than 5-8 people. Tell him Dory and Jeffe’ sent you!
Rental Car Companies
Avis and Hertz are outside of the baggage claim and Budget is a short walk across the parking lot. This is your best option if you prefer to explore the island on your own to allow you to easily make grocery runs, get to restaurants, bars and drive the beach bar loop (referenced in this guide).
If you are renting a car on a site from the US, make sure it includes the mandatory liability or you can just as easily add it when you are renting the vehicle on the island. It runs about 15 dollars a day and it is mandatory. If your credit cards include insurance it likely only covers physical damage to the vehicle, not liability. You can check with your insurance company to confirm but you don’t want to end up in an accident without the mandatory liability in Mexico. There is nothing that can mess up a trip quicker than a trip to the local jail.
Easily Navigate the Island of Cozumel
Waze and Google Maps work great on the island and are your go-to for navigating the island. Streets are not marked well here and one-ways have no method. Drive very cautiously and stay on the larger cross streets or you can easily find you way into an unintended accident.
Driving in Cozumel - Scooters have right of way and the right lane is reserved for them, except for when you are making a right turn at a light or moving over for parking. Always keep a lookout in your passenger mirrors for scooters passing on the right and when moving into the right hand lane to make a right turn.
My recommendation for those who are not accustomed to driving in Mexico is to stay on the main roads and not venture into the smaller streets within the city. Streets on Cozumel are not well marked and there is no set location for stop signs, which can be easy to miss. Many streets are one way without any type of commonsensical repetitive order which makes it difficult to navigate with all of the obstructed views while working to avoid the scooters and other cars zooming by.
Mopeds: A Cautionary Tale
While the idea of zipping around the island on a moped might seem appealing, it's important to exercise caution when considering this mode of transportation.
Cozumel's roads can be uneven and unfamiliar to tourists, and traffic rules might differ from what you're used to. Additionally, some parts of the island lack proper street lighting, making nighttime moped rides potentially hazardous.
To ensure your safety and the safety of others, it's advisable to opt for more stable and familiar forms of transportation, such as taxis or shuttles, especially if you're not an experienced moped rider.
Getting Around Cozumel
Cozumel's compact size and abundance of transportation options make exploring and navigating the island of Cozumel a breeze. Whether you choose taxis for a convenient ride, shuttles for a budget-friendly option, or opt for the cautionary tale of mopeds, you're sure to find the ideal mode of transportation to suit your preferences. So, buckle up and get ready to uncover the wonders of Cozumel, where every corner is waiting to enchant you with its natural beauty and rich history.
~ Explore the beauty of Cozumel ~