Getting around Cozumel Island is nothing short of smooth, easy, and laid back, despite being one of Yucatan’s best, still remains true to its Mexican Caribbean spirit, offering a little piece of paradise that is less “party central”, and more relaxed and chill.
How Many Miles Long is Cozumel Island?
Cozumel Island measures about 29 miles long or 46 km from its northeast-southeast stretch. The island is one of Mexico’s largest inhabited islands, Cozumel has all the features of mainland Yucatan, complete with lush, green vegetation, pristine blue beaches, and even its own Mayan ruins.
The island’s more authentic Mexican Caribbean feel is one of the reasons why it’s always a frequent entry on tourists’ Yucatan trip. Cozumel boasts the most laid-back atmosphere, and the best diving spots, making it yet another Yucatan star.
Is It Safe to Explore Cozumel on Your Own?
Relatively, it is safe to explore Cozumel for solo travelers and even for families. Traveling to this side of Mexico, or any touristy parts of the country always has its safety and security protocols in place.
The island sees huge swaths of tourists coming in from Playa del Carmen and Cancun in the mainland Quintana Roo. This makes Cozumel rely upon and adhere to security protocols that protect its visitors.
Can You Walk Around Cozumel?
Cozumel is a relatively bigger island than most islands in Mexico, while possible, people don’t recommend walking to explore the island. You can rent different types of vehicles in San Miguel de Cozumel, the island’s central town. Explore the rest of the island via the Avenida Rafael E. Melgar.
You can, however, walk around San Miguel de Cozumel, as it is the most developed area on the island, and everything is within walking distance if you’re staying along the main avenue.
If you’re thinking about safety concerns, don’t worry the island is generally safe, especially the western side as it is more developed than the rest of the island.
How Do I Get from Cozumel Airport to Hotel?
You can take various options to get from Cozumel airport to your hotel. From taxis, shuttle buses, private transfers, or rental cars.
There are taxis that line just outside the airport but be informed about the kind of taxi you’re taking. Airport taxis, are those regulated by the airport so that they have fixed prices and you wouldn’t have to haggle off. Should you take unregulated taxis outside of the airport, make sure you’ve polished your haggling skills so that you could bargain off a lower price.
Buses are cheaper and convenient given the facilities they have. However, it takes you to your hotel a little bit slower than a taxi does – buses follow routes and stops across the central town.
Private transfer companies have late-modeled, well air-conditioned vans that offer swift, and convenient transfers from the airport, or the pier to your hotel safely. This option is somehow a bit pricier than other options but it is the fastest and the most convenient.
How Much is a Taxi Ride in Cozumel?
Taxi prices traveling from north to south hotel zones have varying prices ranging from 5-8 US Dollars. Traveling around the town of San Miguel de Cozumel will typically cost 3 US Dollars.
Regulated Taxis from the pier or the airport starts at about 8 US Dollars, prices differ from there depending on the point-to-point distance. It is best to take regulated transportation from the pier and the airport as they have better prices and you won’t have to haggle.
Do Taxis in Cozumel Take Us Dollars?
Regulated taxis from the airport and pier are already priced in dollars. Tariffs implemented by the government of Quintana Roo, give visitors a reference on taxi prices in getting to and from different points across town. It is safe to assume that most taxis will charge in dollars.
Do Taxis in Cozumel Take Credit Cards?
Taxis in Cozumel usually take cash, credit cards are best used for restaurants and shopping. It’s best to pay in cash for taxi fares – make sure you have smaller denominations for haggling, short trips, and tipping.
Does Cozumel Have Uber?
Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft do not have operations on the island. However, you have other various means of getting around Cozumel, especially around the central town of San Miguel.
You can either take the many options that the island has for transportation like buses and taxis, or you can take rental cars, scooters, and mopeds. And if you’re staying around the central avenue of San Miguel, you can just walk around.
Is There Public Transportation in Cozumel?
There are many public transportation options in Cozumel. In getting around the town, and outlying areas along the main avenue of Avenida Rafael E. Melgar – especially along the northern and southern hotel zones.
Taxis and Buses are the most common public transportation options. Taxis around town can be found on taxi ranks or sitios, and they have fixed prices for certain areas around the city, and along hotel zones – but you can always haggle your way for a cheaper price.
Buses have fixed routes around town, each bus has scheduled stops running from early morning to late night.
Can You Drive Around Cozumel?
There are several ways you can drive around town. You can get to any point around Cozumel by using rental cars – especially if you’re a group of 4, as taxis take 4 passengers max.
Another option to drive around the island is Scooters and Mopeds. These motorcycles are the best and most popular option for those traveling solo, or in pairs.
Scooters and Mopeds are the best when it comes to mobility and accessing different terrains across the island.
How Long Does It Take to Drive Around Cozumel?
If you drive around the island non-stop, it will take you 45 minutes to see all of Cozumel. Should you decide to take an excursion across the entire island, you can drive along the Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, the main avenue that runs through central San Miguel.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Cozumel?
Cozumel has cheap car rental fees. An economy sedan fit for 2 adults can range from 6 US Dollars a day. Minivans, perfect for families can range from 17 USD a day, while luxury types can be from 70 USD a day.
Is It Safe to Rent a Car in Cozumel?
It is generally safe to rent a car on the island. Even though there are few roads on the island, there are fewer cars on the road especially outside the central town, heading to major tourist destinations.
If you’re thinking about road conditions, roads in Cozumel are generally in good shape. But as long as you’re observing proper road etiquette, and practicing safe driving, you should not have much reason for concern.
Can You Rent Scooters in Cozumel?
Scooters are a common option in Cozumel for solo or duo travelers. If you come from a ferry from Playa del Carmen, there will be heaps of Scooter rental companies just off the pier. They can also be found across town; you can look up google for scooter rentals and look up companies near your hotel.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Scooter in Cozumel?
Most scooter rental companies on the island price range from 40 US dollars a day. But it is also recommended to try and haggle for a lower price, the lowest possible price you can go is 30 US Dollars.
It’s best to arrange the price in peso and throw out some Spanish along, speaking the local language can get you to amazing experiences. But if you only have dollars, you can always whip out your haggling skills.
Can You Rent Golf Carts in Cozumel?
There are no Golf Cart rentals in Cozumel. If you want a four-wheeler to get around the island, you can only rent cars, from sedans to SUVs or minivans. The island is way too big for Golf Carts to go around, unlike Isla Mujeres that actually have Golf Cart Rentals available.
