Cozumel

Things cool down in the early mornings and late evenings, when the fragrant tropical winds roll in off the waters. It’s not a bad idea to bring along a cover-up of some kind to ward off a chill, if you plan to be out late.

During the hottest part of the year, the coastal waters warm up dramatically, creating perfect conditions for snorkelling and scuba diving. The balmy water teems with colourful fish and aquatic life.

Besides a swimsuit, make sure you bring along a hat with a good-sized brim, sunglasses and sunscreen.

By the 1970s, the population had grown to 10,000, exploding over the next four decades to reach its current status of more than 90,000 people. Most are employed or live on the island as a direct result of tourism, Cozumel’s biggest industry.

As is the case with most islands, there is a laid back, casual charm that won’t necessarily be found on the mainland. With a special police force in place just for tourists, and a built-in safety net that comes courtesy of being such a small island and close community, Cozumel is extremely safe – even late at night.

People come here for the low-key, friendly vibe evident in the warm hospitality and genial nature of the Cozumel people. These are traits associated with the early Mayans who first inhabited the island. It’s not uncommon for visitors to make long and lasting friendships with the locals.

Families and couples looking for a perfect sun vacation appreciate Cozumel for its reputation as a friendly, welcoming destination. Only two resorts on the island are adult-only facilities, and almost all of the hotels have policies in place to deter and discourage spring break party crowds.

It takes less than two hours to completely circle the entire island by car, since the actual land mass is only 48 km from north to south and 16 km from east to west. The island is divided in half by a transversal road running to the Caribbean Sea.

From the sky, it is easy to see how the majority of the island’s commercial development and infrastructure is centered close to the city of San Miguel, located in the northwest quadrant of Cozumel Island.

Further north, you find one of two hotel zones – home of the island’s only golf course, the Cozumel Country Club, as well as the family-owned and operated El Cozumeleno Beach Resort, the first all-inclusive property to open in the area back in the 1970s.

The other hotel zone is along the shoreline south of San Miguel, close to the cruise ship terminals and not far from world-famous Chankanaab National Park. Follow the road south past popular beach clubs and public beaches until you reach Celarain Lighthouse, located at the southernmost tip.

The east side of the island is home to tiny beach cafes and rugged, windswept beaches popular with surfers and locals who want to escape the crowds.

Cozumel is known for its clear blue waters and Mesoamerican Reef. The island also happens to be a popular habitat for the birds and waterfowl that make their homes in the mangrove jungles and marshlands populating much of the interior.

It’s no wonder that Cozumel – an island with a Mayan presence dating as far back as 300 A.D. – is inhabited today by a culture of people who know a thing or two about making visitors feel at home.

Tourism is the main industry, thanks in part to the vibrant cruise-ship industry, as well as the steady supply of professional and recreational divers who frequent Cozumel’s stunning coral reef, ranked second largest in the world. The cruise ships dock across from San Miguel in the west central part of the island, while the two hotel zones sit further out on the north and south sides.

In total, more than 2.5 million people visit Cozumel each year, significantly adding to the local population that hovers around 90,000 permanent residents. Spend a few days visiting the shops and cafes lining the Malecon and don’t be surprised if you end up making a few good friends. The majority of the population is centered in San Miguel.

This small, close-knit island has an incredible advantage in regards to safety. After all, it’s hard to be a bully when everybody in town knows your business (besides the fact Cozumel is known for its exceptional and helpful police force, and for its overall safety).

Another advantage is the small-town vibe and ongoing presence of local people in everyday street life. If you want to hang out like a local, all you have to do is ask one where to go. Generally speaking, locals are more than happy to share any information to enhance your visit and make you want to return.

Public buses are virtually non-existent, so most locals rely on mopeds and bicycles, which can be rented at shops and kiosks throughout town. It’s a fun and carefree way to get around, but be forewarned that road rash (or worse) is a souvenir you don’t want to be bringing home with you. Make sure to learn the rules of the road before heading out on your own.

Other transport options include Jeeps, small sedans and even dune buggies. You will be amazed at the bizarre and colourful vehicles coasting up and down the main roads.

Those who prefer their creature comforts can rely on the good old-fashioned taxi system. Drivers are everywhere and easy to spot. Just make sure to ask for a price before heading out. Also note that fares on the island are fixed. There is absolutely no need to tip the drivers – in fact, locals discourage the practice.

To exchange your Canadian cash or travellers cheques, stop by one of the many banks, exchange kiosks or your hotel front desk. Just don’t forget your passport – it’s required to cash your travellers cheques. You can also withdraw cash from ATMs found in banks, grocery stores and hotels.

Although American money is widely accepted, regulations are now in place to limit the amount of U.S. cash both residents and visitors can exchange in Mexico.

By regulation, the maximum visitors can exchange per month is US$1,500. Many financial institutions have imposed additional rules, limiting this amount further to US$300 per transaction.

As for using American money for purchases, local businesses will only accept a maximum of US$100 per transaction; however, there is no limit on the maximum number of transactions per customer. You should also keep in mind that many businesses in Mexico have chosen to forgo accepting U.S. money altogether. The best way to pay is therefore with Mexican pesos or credit card.

In Mexico, there is a tourism tax of US$20 per person. For your convenience, when you fly WestJet, this tax is included in the price of your airfare

Upon arrival in Cozumel, a Mexican immigration officer will ask you for your passport and photo ID and for your FMM. The immigration officer may ask you a few questions as to the purpose of your trip, how long you will be staying and if this is your first time in Mexico. The officer will then stamp the card and return a portion of it to you.

Keep your FMM in a safe place – you will be asked for this document when you depart Mexico.

After passing through immigration, you will collect your bags and proceed to customs. A customs agent will ask you for your Customs Declaration Form and ask you to press a button on a device that looks like a traffic light. A green light means "pass through without inspection" and a red light means "your baggage will be inspected." If you get the red light, you will have to open your bags for a quick inspection.

If you’ve booked hotel transfers with WestJet Vacations, look for a friendly Fantasy Travel Experts representative holding a WestJet Vacations sign once you depart customs. Be sure to identify yourself as a WestJet Vacations guest.

Do be aware that there are timeshare sellers who may try to stop you to chat as you make your way out the glass doors. Unless you’re looking to purchase a timeshare, feel free to walk past these individuals.

Departure

When departing Cozumel, you’ll need to provide officials with your signed FMM card. Lost FMMs can be replaced at the airport or at the immigration office before you check in for your return flight. However, there is a fee to obtain a replacement card.

Vaccinations

Be sure your routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, typhoid and tetanus are commonly recommended. The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that all travellers to Mexico get vaccinated for the H1N1 flu virus before leaving Canada.