With it's white sand beaches, palm trees and Caribbean waters of every shade of blue and turquoise you can imagine, the island of Cozumel is paradise - and San Miguel, the city in which most residents live and tourists stay, hosts people from around the world.
The predominant language on Cozumel is Spanish (Mexican Spanish. Castellano from Spain is slightly different and not what is used here), although you may also hear Mayan on the island. There are also many people that speak English as a first or second language. If you are English speaking and staying in the main tourist area, you'll manage fairly well. However, just in case, you'll find a link to a translator in the "Mi Vida" section. Most translators do not work perfectly but they will usually help when needed and this particular one is quite accurate. Keep in mind the translator will need WiFi or data to function as it is a linked website.
Cozumel is directly in the path of the north american, east-coast Lionfish invasion.
Cozumel is part of the mesoamerican barrier reef, the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world (second only to the great barrier reef) and as such, the diversity of coral and marine life is extensive and important. In 1996, a large part of the south-west area of the island coast was declared a national park and is protected under federal law.
Tap water? Noooo. Cozumel tap water is not potable, so unless you have a quality filtration system where you stay, don't drink it.
You're in a foreign country, you may not know the language (or be proficient in it), or you have no idea what to do in case of emergency or for assistance here. Here are some helpful things to know:
So what's it like to go to the Fat Tuesday parade? Is it family-friendly event, or a wild, drunken adventure? Or maybe it's a little of both?
What type of cash should I bring - MXN or USD?
If you've never driven on the island, hold onto your hat...