Local Info
Emergency
911
Police / Policia +52 987 872 0092
Fire Department / Bomberos +52 987 8000
Red Cross / Cruz Roja +52 987 872 1058
Public Safety / Protección Civil +52 987 872 6452
Health & Safety
Hospitals
CostaMed Grupo Médico
Calle 1 Sur #101 between Ave 50 & 50 Bis, Cozumel Q.R. 77640,
ph. +52 987 872 9400
https://www.costamed.com.mx/en/hospital/cozumel
Medica San Miguel
Calle 6 Norte #132 between Ave 5 & 10, Cozumel Q.R. 77640,
ph. +52 987 872 0103 (appointments),
+52 987 872 6194 (emergencies)
https://www.hospitalmsm.com/en/home-2/
Cozumel International Hospital / SSS Chamber Network
Calle 5 Sur #21 between Av. Melgar & 5a, Cozumel Q.R. 77640,
ph. +52 987 872 1430 (appointments),
+52 987 878 6161 (emergencies)
Health Advisories
Follow the travel and health restrictions and advisories set by both your own and Mexican governments.
Follow the local health regulations and guidelines. See https://qroo.gob.mx/sesa/semaforo-estatal-de-riesgo-epidemiologico for the current COVID-19 information.
Do NOT drink the tap water. Use purified water for brushing teeth, washing foods and cooking.
Drink plenty of purified water. Dehydration is a common occurrence in Mexico, especially when there is a lot of alcohol consumption or sun exposure involved. Drinking plenty of water not only keeps you hydrated, but it also assists your body in its defense against bacteria.
It is in the best interests of dining / drinking establishments to make sure you do not get sick as they are trying to make a living. It is safe to eat in almost all restaurants, even the smaller ones. The one thing you can do to protect yourself is trust your instincts and your stomach. If the place does not look clean enough to meet your standards, then do not eat there.
If you get very sick, please contact our Guest Manager who can help you find a good doctor or hospital. The hospitals and doctors here on the island are very good and they all speak English.
WEAR SUNSCREEN. Sunburn on day one can ruin a good vacation. Please be sure to apply sunscreen daily and every couple of hours if you plan on spending time in the sun.
WASH YOUR HANDS with antibacterial soap often.
JELLY FISH, FIRE CORAL & other stinging things: If by chance you come into contact with any of these living creatures; first, DO NOT wash your skin with fresh water, but instead apply any acidic liquid. The most effective is uric acid, but if you find this disgusting, apply vinegar, lime juice or tomatoes. Note: be careful with lime juice because it can create brown skin spots when you go in the sun.
Safety
Residencias Reef is a gated property and all visitors are checked at the gate. When you arrive, security guards will have your name listed along with the unit number, so if you are asked, please give the guards your name and the unit number—'8140”. There are several security cameras monitoring the beach, gate and areas around the buildings. Only authorized security personnel has access to the camera system and has to follow privacy and use policies.
Although Cozumel is a very safe island, don’t do anything you would not do at home. In regards to anything you may hear in the news about Mexico, Cozumel is an isolated and safe island and its distance from the things you hear about is far. The crime that does exist is mostly petty theft.
Please follow our recommended guidelines listed below to help prevent anything from happening:
- Lock the doors and windows of the unit while you are not there. For convenience use the main entrance electronic lock—just pull the door tightly and press the upper portion on the lock panel. The lock will display a green check mark when the door is locked successfully. Use the code provided to you at check-in to unlock the lock.
- Use the safe in the bedroom closet for important documents and valuables. Use the key provided. (The electronic lock cannot be used currently.)
- Don’t leave items of value out in the open. Place computers and anything of value in closets or drawers when you are away.
- Don’t leave diving equipment outside at night.
- Lock the doors of rental vehicles and place personal property out of sight, in the glove compartment or trunk.
- Carry limited amounts of cash and do not flash large sums of money.
Services
Taxis
There is an abundance of taxis on the island and they are regulated by the government and the taxi union. The union also sets the fares, both in pesos and US dollars. Each driver should have a card available to view with all the fares listed. Fares depend on distance traveled (starting and destination zones) and number of passengers (1-4, 5, 6+). Residencias Reef is located in Zona Hotelera Sur 8 and a ride to the center (Zona 1) currently costs 170 pesos. Taxi fare to the Cozumel Airport is 350 pesos. For all the current fares see http://everythingcozumel.com/cozumel-info/taxi-rates/
Make sure you are getting into a clearly marked taxi cab. Before you get in the taxi, always ask how much they will charge you.
It is important to note that taxis are not allowed to make pickups at the airport – only drop-offs. So unfortunately, when you arrive at the airport on the island, you can only take a taxi to your rental property if you walk outside the airport to grab one. (If you choose to do this, follow the oval service road to the roundabout just outside the airport area. Here, you can catch cabs for less than half the price of an airport van). For taxi vans at the airport, exit the customs area. You will see an airport van ticket booth to your right. Rates vary based on distance and whether you share a van with someone else or choose to take your own. Once you have your tickets, exit through the doors in front of the ticket booth and go to the vans parked outside.
If you want to take a taxi from Residencias Reef, usually there are a number of taxis available at a parking lot across the road from the entrance to Sandscape Sabor Hotel. To get there, exit Residencias Reef at the gate and turn left. It is about a 5-minute walk down the road. To save you a walk there, you can also call the gatehouse and ask them to get a taxi for you in exchange for a small tip.
Ferry to Playa del Carmen
The island is connected with the mainland via passenger ferry service to Playa del Carmen. The ferry terminal is located in downtown Cozumel along the waterfront, across from San Miguel Square. Currently there are two ferry companies that operate the Cozumel-Playa del Carmen route — Winjet and Ultramar. Schedules and fares are published on Facebook at, respectively, https://www.facebook.com/Winje... and https://www.facebook.com/ultramarferry/. It takes approximately 45 minutes to cross. Ferries may be crowded. Please take this into account.
Car Ferry to from Cozumel to Calica (Punta Venado) near Playa del Carmen
Another option to get off the island is via car ferry. Two companies operate car ferry services between Cozumel (Calle 31 Sur) and Calica (Punta Venado), about 7 miles south of Playa del Carmen—Ultramar Carga https://www.facebook.com/Ultra... and Transcaribe https://www.facebook.com/transcaribe/ websites have the most up to date information about schedules and costs. In order to get on the ferry in Cozumel, you have to turn right, away from the ferry pier, into Calle 31 Sur take the next left and then turn left into a big parking area where the cars and trucks assemble before boarding the ferry. Follow the signs and crew instructions.
Please be advised that the ferry has limited space and very often cars line up far in advance. Depending on the season, it is wise to arrive an hour or an hour and a half in advance. There are times when it is good to arrive two hours in advance. If you arrive before crew is there to direct cars, you will see a line forming. Park in line and a crew member will come and give you a ticket. They will either collect payment or direct you to pay at the office. If you arrive after the ferry has been filled to capacity, you will have to wait for the next ferry.
Money Exchange
The local currency is the “peso.” In most places in Cozumel, you can use both pesos and dollars and the establishments that allow you to pay in dollars are required to post in a visible place the exchange rate they use. Usually, you will get a better rate if you use pesos, so we recommend you obtain some pesos through an ATM.
We don’t recommend exchanging money at the airport or other locations throughout town as these rates are usually not in your favor. It is much better to get Mexican pesos at a trusted ATM by using a bank (debit) card. Generally, you will be charged a small transaction fee (some US banks reimburse you for it), but even with the charge, you will get a better exchange rate. However, always DECLINE currency conversion offered you at ATM—it usually carries a substantial (15%) fee.
ATM’s:
MEGA – There are several ATM’s located upstairs in the MEGA grocery store. When you enter MEGA and head upstairs the ATM’s will be located to the right near the food court. MEGA is located on Avenida (Avenue) Rafael Melgar, on the corner of Calle (Street) 11
Banks — All local bank branches have several ATMs open 24/7.
We do not recommend to use ATMs that are not owned by major banks (HSBC, Scotiabank,.BBVA, Banorte, Citibank, etc.) and placed in places frequented by tourists—they can be easier tampered with than the bank run ATMs .
Parking Restrictions on the Ocean-Front Drive
Cozumel installed parking meters on the main ocean-front drive, Avenida Rafael Melgar. Parking is metered Monday-Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm. Parking on Sundays and holidays is free. Meters are in English and Spanish and take pesos (12 pesos/hour). Pay the meter and place your ticket so it is displayed prominently on your vehicle’s dashboard.
If you do receive a parking ticket during your stay, it can be paid at a collection booth located by the ferry pier. If you pay your ticket within five days you will pay a reduced rate of 50%.
NOTE: Boots are being used to immobilize your vehicle to make drivers pay the fine, so please pay the meter so as not to inconvenience yourself any more than necessary.
Gas Stations
There are currently four gas stations on the island. Gas prices remain relatively stable around $1 per liter.
Locations:
- Corner of Ave 30 and Benito Juarez
- Corner of Calle 75 and Benito Juarez
- Corner of Ave 11 and Calle 135
- Across from the Puerta Maya & International Cruise Pier of Ave Rafael Melgar
Grocery Stores
There are several different grocery stores on the island that you an choose from. We recommend the following:
Cozumel Chef
Why even bother wasting time grocery shopping when someone who knows the stores well can stock your pantry and fridge. Cozumel Chef can send you a list of groceries to choose from and have everything ready and organized, so you can have some fun in the sun!
Email: emily@cozumelchef.com
Phone: (987) 105-5300
MEGA
Cozumel’s major superstore! This is a one-stop-shop, offering everything from appliances, clothing and food. Mega has an excellent selection of imported products, organic goods as well as a great produce and bakery department.
Location: Rafael Melgar, near Calle 11
Hours: Daily 7am-11pm
Services: grocery, alcohol, hardware, housewares, clothing, pharmacy
Chedraui
This is Cozumel’s first major superstore. Similar to MEGA, Chedraui has a fantastic wine and foreign goods isle. Chedraui is a great alternative to MEGA as many of the items are the same, but less expensive. FYI we have been noticing an increase in American brand name products (i.e. JIFF, Poptarts, Snyders & more!)Chedraui’s plaza also has a major cinema where you can watch the latest releases (with Spanish subtitles).
Location: On the corner of Rafael Melgar and Calle 15 Sur
Hours: Daily 8am-10pmPhone: (987) 872-5404
Services: grocery, alcohol, hardware, housewares, clothing, pharmacy, cinema
San Francisco
Primarily a grocery store, San Francisco is a great option when shopping on a budget. San Francisco offers brand name items for less as well as a small selection of housewares, hardware and clothing. You will also find a deli, produce department, bakery and even a pharmacy.
Location(s):
North Store On the corner of Ave 30 and Benito Juaréz
South Store On the corner of Ave 65 and Calle 27 Sur
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Phone: (987) 872-5959
Services: grocery, alcohol, hardware, housewares, clothing, pharmacy
Soriana
Soriana is a popular grocery store among locals. It’s a great “quick stop” to pick up odds and ends that you may have missed at the major supermarkets.
Location: On the corner of Ave 30 and Calle 8 Norte
Hours: Daily 24 hours
Phone: (987) 872-4440
Services: grocery, bakery, alcohol
Mercado Municipal (Traditional Mexican Open Air Market)
Maybe not the best place to grocery shop, but it is a great way to experience a traditional Mexican Market and potentially pick up local produce and other Mexican ingredients. This a great place to pick up the “fresh catch of the day”, but be sure to come early to get the best selection. The only thing we recommend not purchasing is meat as this product is not kept on ice.
Location: On the corner of Ave 25 and Rosado Salas
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-6pm
Services: Local produce, fish, meat, loncherias (misc eateries), local hand crafts, knick-knacks and more!
El Maharaja
This small grocery market has a fantastic selection of spices and for some odd reason Asian goods. El Maharaja offers some of the nicest fruits, vegetables, cheese and meats on the island. The newest location even has a sit down diner-style restaurant where you can grab breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Location(s):
Ave 15 between Calle 1 and Rosado Salas
Ave 65 between Calle 1 and Calle 7
On the corner of Ave 65 and Calle 3
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 8am-2pm
Services: Basic grocery, deli, diner
Sam’s Club & Bodega Aurrera
It has arrived! Opened on time/ early June 30, 2011 this place was a mad-house! Aurrera is Walmart’s Mexican brand store and carries things you would see in a traditional Walmart. Both stores are offering an array of products, produce, electronics, housewares etc. for less!
Location: Ave 11 between Ave 75 and Ave 80
Hours: Daily 7am-10pm
Phone: (987) 118 7529
Pacsadeli
This is a great wholesale food supply store, geared more so to the restaurants. However, you can find IBC root beer here, some import beers that most grocery stores do not carry as well as a decent selection of frozen meat (types and varieties you won’t find in the other stores).
Location: Calle 2 Norte between Ave 45 and 50
Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-3pm
COVIS Liquor Store
A quick-stop liquor store, this store has a great range of products. If MEGA and Chedraui do not have what you are looking for, this store certainly might.
Location: Ave 30 between Calle 2 and Calle 4 Norte
Europea
The BEST liquor style to come to the island. Sells a variety of hard to find liquors, champagne and more!
Location: Corner of Ave 11 and Ave Melgar
OXXO
Think of OXXO like a 7-Eleven. There are several of these convenience stores located on the island distributed throughout major and not so major areas of the island. Look for the large bright yellow and red sign. You can shop for miscellaneous grocery items, beer, candy etc. Great stop before heading to the beach!