Guidebook for San Miguel de Cozumel
Food Scene
Go all the way into the restaurant and you'll find a great courtyard. Their wood-fired oven produces delicious lasagna and pizzas, plus the daily specials of fresh fish, seafood platters and meats provide a taste of the local foods.
80 locals recommend
Guido's
23 Av. Rafael E. MelgarGo all the way into the restaurant and you'll find a great courtyard. Their wood-fired oven produces delicious lasagna and pizzas, plus the daily specials of fresh fish, seafood platters and meats provide a taste of the local foods.
La Choza gives you a chance to experience the local foods. Ask what the fresh fish of the day is and you can order it grilled, deep-fried or in a fish taco. Reasonable prices and outstanding service.
64 locals recommend
La Choza Cozumel
# 216 10 Avenida Nte.La Choza gives you a chance to experience the local foods. Ask what the fresh fish of the day is and you can order it grilled, deep-fried or in a fish taco. Reasonable prices and outstanding service.
Walking distance from the condo. During the day it's a beach club with swimming, snorkeling and a sandy beach. Can get touristy because of cruise ship visitors, but the meals are very good. They are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily and from 6 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Local seafood with fresh ingredients.
60 locals recommend
Buccanos
Walking distance from the condo. During the day it's a beach club with swimming, snorkeling and a sandy beach. Can get touristy because of cruise ship visitors, but the meals are very good. They are open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily and from 6 PM to 11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights. Local seafood with fresh ingredients.
Rolandi's offers an extensive Italian menu, but they also have a catch of the day that goes great with their wine selection. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the oceanside dining. You're right on the water while you enjoy a great meal.
66 locals recommend
Rolandi's
Carretera Federal 180 de CuotaRolandi's offers an extensive Italian menu, but they also have a catch of the day that goes great with their wine selection. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the oceanside dining. You're right on the water while you enjoy a great meal.
This is a must see. It's south on the island, but is a great place to spend the day. They have snorkeling, swimming and a nice beach to relax on. It's one of my favorite places for breakfast - relaxing while looking out onto the Carribean.
91 locals recommend
The Money Bar Beach Club
Km 6.5 Carr. Costera SurThis is a must see. It's south on the island, but is a great place to spend the day. They have snorkeling, swimming and a nice beach to relax on. It's one of my favorite places for breakfast - relaxing while looking out onto the Carribean.
Our friends run this small hotel/beach club. It's just north of the condo and is a nice place to spend the day. They have a beach bar, snorkeling locations and a nice chair to sit in while enjoying the view.
27 locals recommend
Playa Azul
Km. 4 Carretera a San JuanOur friends run this small hotel/beach club. It's just north of the condo and is a nice place to spend the day. They have a beach bar, snorkeling locations and a nice chair to sit in while enjoying the view.
Located on Ave. 5 between 6th & 8th North. Angie & Matt are the owners. Their peanut butter tequila is a must and they have the best Chicago deep dish pizza! They also have great local fare.
Ohana
S/N 5a Av. Nte.Located on Ave. 5 between 6th & 8th North. Angie & Matt are the owners. Their peanut butter tequila is a must and they have the best Chicago deep dish pizza! They also have great local fare.
Located on Calle 6 Ste, just up the street from the Flamingo Hotel. Breakfast served daily - until 5 PM (closed on Mondays). Great eggs Benedict, omelettes and pancakes.
11 locals recommend
Jolly Cafe and Late Breakfast
33 Calle 6 NteLocated on Calle 6 Ste, just up the street from the Flamingo Hotel. Breakfast served daily - until 5 PM (closed on Mondays). Great eggs Benedict, omelettes and pancakes.
Drinks & Nightlife
Mike Slaughter the owner is a good friend of ours and Jan, the evening bartender in the sports bar is one of the nicest people on the island. Stop in for a drink and enjoy that favorite sporting event (in English).
7 locals recommend
No Name Bar
600 Av. Rafael E. MelgarMike Slaughter the owner is a good friend of ours and Jan, the evening bartender in the sports bar is one of the nicest people on the island. Stop in for a drink and enjoy that favorite sporting event (in English).
Wet Wendy's is located off the town square and provides an opportunity to watch the activity on the streets during the day and possibly meet some of the local people. Great margaritas!
18 locals recommend
Wet Wendy's
Calle 2 NorteWet Wendy's is located off the town square and provides an opportunity to watch the activity on the streets during the day and possibly meet some of the local people. Great margaritas!
This bar is located right on the main street (Melgar) and is a nice place to sit during the day and watch the people go by. It's across the street from the ocean so you'll also see a lot of boat activity.
29 locals recommend
Thirsty Cougar
317 Calle 3 SurThis bar is located right on the main street (Melgar) and is a nice place to sit during the day and watch the people go by. It's across the street from the ocean so you'll also see a lot of boat activity.
Parks & Nature
Chankanaab is the premier Eco-Archaeological Park. It's located south on the island and features museums, snorkeling from the beach, relaxation in hammocks, and tiki drinks from the bars. Cost for entrance is $21 for adults, $14 for children, 12 & under are free.
125 locals recommend
Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park
Km. 9 Carretera Costera SurChankanaab is the premier Eco-Archaeological Park. It's located south on the island and features museums, snorkeling from the beach, relaxation in hammocks, and tiki drinks from the bars. Cost for entrance is $21 for adults, $14 for children, 12 & under are free.
Sightseeing
If you are not a diver, taking this submarine down to the reef was just an amazing way to see the ocean life down below. It's expensive (about $90 per person), but there's no better way for a non-diver to see the wonders found below the water level - coral reefs, critters, plant life. It's another world down there!
16 locals recommend
Atlantis Submarines Cozumel
Km 4 Carretera Costera SurIf you are not a diver, taking this submarine down to the reef was just an amazing way to see the ocean life down below. It's expensive (about $90 per person), but there's no better way for a non-diver to see the wonders found below the water level - coral reefs, critters, plant life. It's another world down there!
This site does not come close to other Mayan ruins in Mexico, but this particular one is very well preserved and the guides do a very good job explaining the buildings, the old mayan traditions and culture. The guides are inexpensive and highly recommend hiring one. This is also in the jungle so bring the bug spray.
23 locals recommend
Zona Arqueológica San Gervasio
This site does not come close to other Mayan ruins in Mexico, but this particular one is very well preserved and the guides do a very good job explaining the buildings, the old mayan traditions and culture. The guides are inexpensive and highly recommend hiring one. This is also in the jungle so bring the bug spray.
Tucan is a catamaran sailing adventure that includes snorkeling, lunch (great fajitas), fishing, music and beach time. Costs are around $90 per person ($45 for children) and you can make reservations at http://cozumelsailing.com/tucan.html.
Cozumel Sailing Co
S/N Av. Rafael E. MelgarTucan is a catamaran sailing adventure that includes snorkeling, lunch (great fajitas), fishing, music and beach time. Costs are around $90 per person ($45 for children) and you can make reservations at http://cozumelsailing.com/tucan.html.
This Maya site may formerly have been known by the name Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulúm is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian. From numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending god.
Tulum is about 60 miles away from Cozumel
973 locals recommend
Archeological Zone of Tulum - Mayan Port City Ruins
Km 230 Cancun - ChetumalThis Maya site may formerly have been known by the name Zama, meaning City of Dawn, because it faces the sunrise. Tulum stands on a bluff facing east toward the Caribbean Sea. Tulúm is also the Yucatan Mayan word for fence, wall or trench. The walls surrounding the site allowed the Tulum fort to be defended against invasions. Tulum had access to both land and sea trade routes, making it an important trade hub, especially for obsidian. From numerous depictions in murals and other works around the site, Tulum appears to have been an important site for the worship of the Diving or Descending god.
Tulum is about 60 miles away from Cozumel
This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Several buildings have survived, such as the Warriors’ Temple, El Castillo and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
This is about 141 miles away and plan on at least a full day to visit it.
1362 locals recommend
Chichén Itzá
This sacred site was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula. Throughout its nearly 1,000-year history, different peoples have left their mark on the city. The Maya and Toltec vision of the world and the universe is revealed in their stone monuments and artistic works. The fusion of Mayan construction techniques with new elements from central Mexico make Chichen-Itza one of the most important examples of the Mayan-Toltec civilization in Yucatán. Several buildings have survived, such as the Warriors’ Temple, El Castillo and the circular observatory known as El Caracol.
This is about 141 miles away and plan on at least a full day to visit it.
Two scenic stop, drink and play taxi drivers you can hire to take you around to the East side or to visit the many tourist areas are frank-cozumel@live.com (Frank) or Mario Espinosa via Facebook-Mario. Both have vans you can rent for large groups. For some reason AirBnb forces you to select a specific company/location. "Taxi Drivers Union Sharks Caribbean" is not who we recommend.
21 locals recommend
Taxi Drivers Union Sharks Caribbean
Mza 4 Avenida TulumTwo scenic stop, drink and play taxi drivers you can hire to take you around to the East side or to visit the many tourist areas are frank-cozumel@live.com (Frank) or Mario Espinosa via Facebook-Mario. Both have vans you can rent for large groups. For some reason AirBnb forces you to select a specific company/location. "Taxi Drivers Union Sharks Caribbean" is not who we recommend.
Entertainment & Activities
Cozumel Country Club, north of the condo, features 18 holes of great golf from Nicklaus Design Group. Home to Mexico's first Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course, we also offer tours for bird watchers. They have specials such as the $99 green fee, including cart & Nike clubs.
101 locals recommend
MEGA
799 Av. Rafael E. MelgarCozumel Country Club, north of the condo, features 18 holes of great golf from Nicklaus Design Group. Home to Mexico's first Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Golf Course, we also offer tours for bird watchers. They have specials such as the $99 green fee, including cart & Nike clubs.
Cielo Cruise - They will take you to a few different reefs where you can snorkel and later to the "El Cielo (The Heaven) experience", which is the final destination. A secluded beach beyond unimaginable beauty, snorkeling in one of the best sites on earth over an unspoiled coral reef, full of tropical fish.
The guide will get you there, while they cater your drinks for everybody on a personal open bar service. Margaritas, vodka, rum, beers, cubitas or soft drinks will be at your disposal.
Blue Angel
Km. 2.2 Carretera Costera SurCielo Cruise - They will take you to a few different reefs where you can snorkel and later to the "El Cielo (The Heaven) experience", which is the final destination. A secluded beach beyond unimaginable beauty, snorkeling in one of the best sites on earth over an unspoiled coral reef, full of tropical fish.
The guide will get you there, while they cater your drinks for everybody on a personal open bar service. Margaritas, vodka, rum, beers, cubitas or soft drinks will be at your disposal.
Getting Around
HIKING TRAIL: Right in front of the condo there’s a path that you’ll see people walking on all the time. It will take you to the North point of the island and if you go south - downtown, which is about 2 miles away from the condo. There’s also a marina half-way between the condo & downtown that is interesting to walk through.
18 locals recommend
Palancar Beach
Calle PalancarHIKING TRAIL: Right in front of the condo there’s a path that you’ll see people walking on all the time. It will take you to the North point of the island and if you go south - downtown, which is about 2 miles away from the condo. There’s also a marina half-way between the condo & downtown that is interesting to walk through.
This is the best car rental place on the island. The owner is extremely honest and gives you a good deal on her cars. You can make reservations through her website: www.isiscarrental.com.
17 locals recommend
Rentadora Isis
10 Avenida NorteThis is the best car rental place on the island. The owner is extremely honest and gives you a good deal on her cars. You can make reservations through her website: www.isiscarrental.com.
When you arrive, you’ll go through customs. The first stop is when you give them your passport and tourist card. After you get your baggage, you’ll go through customs. They’ll screen your baggage and if they don’t find anything suspicious, you’ll push a button - red, they search your bag, green, just go through the doors and get out.
9 locals recommend
Cozumel International Airport
When you arrive, you’ll go through customs. The first stop is when you give them your passport and tourist card. After you get your baggage, you’ll go through customs. They’ll screen your baggage and if they don’t find anything suspicious, you’ll push a button - red, they search your bag, green, just go through the doors and get out.
Do Not rent a moped!!!! I’ve seen more people get their vacation ruined because of them - you’re probably a good driver, but no one else is. You can get a taxi about anywhere and they’re pretty cheap. About $10 (including tip) to go anywhere in town and you can also hire one to drive around the island if you want (about $50).
317 locals recommend
Cozumel
Do Not rent a moped!!!! I’ve seen more people get their vacation ruined because of them - you’re probably a good driver, but no one else is. You can get a taxi about anywhere and they’re pretty cheap. About $10 (including tip) to go anywhere in town and you can also hire one to drive around the island if you want (about $50).
The Hop is a way to see the east side of the island with the rustic beach bars and wonderful, unspoiled scenery. Most tourists have never even seen the unique beauty of the east side of the island, where you won't find resorts, houses, crowds... not even electricity!
Cozumel Bar Hop Tour
The Hop is a way to see the east side of the island with the rustic beach bars and wonderful, unspoiled scenery. Most tourists have never even seen the unique beauty of the east side of the island, where you won't find resorts, houses, crowds... not even electricity!
Best Bikes Cozumel rents bikes and you can find information about them through Facebook. They're located downtown behind the square and I believe if you contact them ahead of time they will deliver the bikes to you. There's a nice path in front of the condo and you can easily ride downtown or up north toward the golf course.
Best Bikes Cozumel
14 Calle 10 NteBest Bikes Cozumel rents bikes and you can find information about them through Facebook. They're located downtown behind the square and I believe if you contact them ahead of time they will deliver the bikes to you. There's a nice path in front of the condo and you can easily ride downtown or up north toward the golf course.
This company rents bikes and offers different tours around this island - The Basic Route, Route With Snorkling, Natural Route.
Cozumel Bicycle Xperience
131 Av Lic Benito JuárezThis company rents bikes and offers different tours around this island - The Basic Route, Route With Snorkling, Natural Route.
Essentials
They take credit cards at most places, but people have had their numbers stolen if you go to some of the places off the main drag. I’d take my cash card to MEGA (grocery store) and go to their cash machine. But if you don’t want to do that, most places take dollars, you just may not get as good of an exchange rate.
91 locals recommend
The Money Bar Beach Club
Km 6.5 Carr. Costera SurThey take credit cards at most places, but people have had their numbers stolen if you go to some of the places off the main drag. I’d take my cash card to MEGA (grocery store) and go to their cash machine. But if you don’t want to do that, most places take dollars, you just may not get as good of an exchange rate.
Located on the oceanfront road south of Calle 11, across from Plaza Las Glorias Hotel. Plenty of parking. Instore bakery, deli, large selection of fresh fruits/vegetables, liquor/beer, and full line of groceries.
59 locals recommend
Chedraui Cozumel
1001 Av. Rafael E. MelgarLocated on the oceanfront road south of Calle 11, across from Plaza Las Glorias Hotel. Plenty of parking. Instore bakery, deli, large selection of fresh fruits/vegetables, liquor/beer, and full line of groceries.
Santander Bank is located on Avenue 10. If you're looking for an ATM, all banks have them, but our favorite is at the grocery store Mega. There's a guard close by so no one can tamper with the machine. Would recommend against using any of the ATM's located on the street.
31 locals recommend
Santander
101 30 Avenida Nte.Santander Bank is located on Avenue 10. If you're looking for an ATM, all banks have them, but our favorite is at the grocery store Mega. There's a guard close by so no one can tamper with the machine. Would recommend against using any of the ATM's located on the street.
Hopefully you never need this service, but this is the hospital that you can visit.
7 locals recommend
San Miguel Clinic
132 Calle 6 NteHopefully you never need this service, but this is the hospital that you can visit.
CMC Costamed
101 C. 1 SurThis hospital has the hyperbaric chamber and a dentist.