Allegro Resort Cozumel Cozumel, Mexico   A treasure for water and diving buffs Allegro Resort Cozumel is situated on one of the worlds premier resort islands just five minutes from the legendary Palancar Reef. Here amidst the azure seas of San Francisco Beach youll find great fishing and an astonishing diversity of underwater lif.. more »   Casa Del Mar Cozumel, Mexico   In Cozumel Mexico...Welcome to Casa Del Mar...Your Casa by the sea. Located in Cozumel Mexico Casa Del Mar is a totally affordable resort hotel set on the crystal waters of Cozumels Mexican Caribbean. Designed for the sun lover and ocean sports enthusiast youll enjoy scuba diving snorke.... more »   Grand Cozumel Cozumel, Mexico   Grand Cozumel by Occidental is situated on the southwest part of Cozumel Island on the beautiful San Francisco beach. The hotel is ideal for divers and those who enjoy the aquatic sports. Just a five minute boat ride is the legendary Palancar Reef........ more »

Cozumel Travel and Scuba Diving: Frequently Asked Questions

Mexico - though only a couple of hours away by plane, Mexico can sometimes seem to be a very foreign place for visiting gringos. It's important to keep in mind that things will be different - after all, that's why you're going on vacation - and that you shouldn't expect things to be exactly as they are 'back home'. Be assured that Mexico and Cozumel welcome visitors, and that you will be treated with warmth and friendly hospitality during your stay.

Don't speak Spanish? Don't worry. Though Spanish is the main language spoken on Cozumel, English and Maya are widely understood. It's not at all necessary for you to speak Spanish, but if you do try to communicate even just a few words in the local language - such as gracias, por favor, adiós, etc. - you'll find that your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Documentation - Proof of citizenship is essential! U.S. citizens must have one of the following:

* Valid passport. Expired passports are not acceptable. * Certified birth certificate from state or county office, with raised seal. * Naturalization certificate. * Notarized affidavit of citizenship, signed by 2 witnesses, issued by the airlines.

Note that each of the above, except passport, must be accompanied by a picture ID. Minors under the age of 18 must travel with, or with the consent of, BOTH PARENTS. If a minor is traveling with only one parent, that parent must hold a notarized letter of consent from the other parent. We will provide the appropriate forms upon request. Minors require their own tourist cards, separate from their parents. Newlyweds' tickets and documents must be in the same name. If not, the passenger must carry additional documentation to explain the discrepancy, such as a marriage certificate or notarized affidavit, as above. Non-U.S. citizens, please check with us or with a Mexican consulate for entry requirements. No vaccinations are required to travel to Mexico.

NOTE THAT A VOTER'S REGISTRATION IS NO LONGER ACCEPTED BY UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION FOR RE- ENTRY INTO THE USA.

PLEASE BE SURE that you are carrying the required documentation -- you can't get on the plane without it.

Entering Mexico - When you check in for your flight, or on the plane, you'll be given a Mexican 'Tourist Card' (a 2-copy form with carbon paper between, not really a 'card'). Complete this form before you land in Mexico. As you clear immigration, you'll show this and your proof of citizenship to the agent. After he signs it, you'll keep one copy of the tourist card - keep it in a safe place; you'll need it to leave the country. Lost paperwork can be remedied, but at considerable hassle. If you lose your tourist card, get to the airport several hours before departure, and ask airline (probably English- speaking) or immigration (maybe not) personnel what to do.

You'll also complete a customs declaration form (one per family). Customs officials will ask you to press a button on a stop/go 'traffic light'. If the light turns green, you're waved through; if it lights red, your bags will be subject to a brief inspection. This rarely involves more than a cursory search. However, carrying any contraband, particularly guns or drugs, is a very bad idea - Mexico has serious laws regulating the possession of both. Avoid Mexican jails.

Transit to your hotel - by law, taxis cannot pick people up at the airport. Instead, once you walk through the glass doors of the arrival area, you'll see a booth near the exit doors. Here, you can purchase transit to any area of the island - the cost depends on where you're going - by telling the attendant the name of your hotel. Give the coupon to the man with the clipboard outside near the curb, and he'll direct you to the appropriate vehicle. Going home, to get back to the airport from your hotel, grab any taxi.

If your airport/hotel transfers were included in your package, you'll receive vouchers before you leave on your trip. Read the instructions to find out who/what to look for -- a representative will be at the airport to assist you.

Weather - Balmy breezes all year, with rare cold snaps (60s - brr!) in the dead of winter. High temperatures - April-November: 90s, December-March: 80s. Lows are usually in the 70s. Light jackets are a good idea in the winter.

Luggage - Airlines enforce a 3 bag limit, including carry-ons. Remember to pack depth gauges in your carry-on bags, and dive knives in your checked bags. Pack lightly - Cozumel is informal and tropical, and you'll be living in swimsuits and sunglasses most of the time. Some items to remember: several swimming suits, mostly t-shirts, shorts and casual wear, comfortable shoes, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses, windbreaker of light jacket.

Money - your money goes a long way in Cozumel, and you'll find bargains everywhere, from food and drinks to souvenirs and handicrafts. Most people spend US$30-50/day, allowing for cocktails, eating out and shopping, but bring extra. Credit cards are widely accepted in larger stores and restaurants. There are ATMs on the island, though sometimes sporadic service means you can't depend on them for your cash needs. ATM withdrawals are paid in pesos.

It's useful to bring about $50 in small bills, and the rest in $20 traveler's checks. Keep a record of your travelers checks' serial numbers in a safe and separate place. Although US dollars are accepted everywhere it's a good idea to use pesos as much as possible; that makes change counting and life in general much easier.

Non-US currencies should be changed into pesos; you'll have trouble trying to spend yen, pounds, deutschmarks, or Canadian dollars at most places on the island. Money may be changed at your hotel, at banks and exchange houses (look for signs saying 'Casa de Cambio' ) and restaurants. You may get 5-10% more pesos for your dollars by paying attention to varying exchange rates. The Nuevo Peso exchange rate, as of summer 1998, is about 8.5 to the U.S. dollar.

Remember to save US$16.50 cash (dollars or pesos, but NOT traveler's checks) to pay your departure tax when you leave the country if this was not included on your airline ticket.

Crime - almost unheard of on the island. You're safe walking on Cozumel most anywhere, anytime. Still, take sensible precautions... as you would anywhere. Don't leave valuable lying around, and don't flash large amounts of cash in public. Your hotel has a safe-deposit service for your valuables - take advantage of this, for your own peace of mind.

Eating and Drinking - Cozumel's water supply comes from underground wells, and the contamination problems common in other areas of Mexico are rare. However, drinking water from the tap may subject you to different bacteria than you're used to... so we recommend that you not take the chance. Instead, use bottled water, which is provided at your hotel and widely available, for drinking AND tooth brushing. Also available: soft drinks (U.S.-type and more exotic flavors), juices, beer and stronger liquids. Locally produced booze, like tequila, mezcal and rum, is reasonably priced, but imported liquor can be very expensive. Please remember that dehydration is a serious diving safety issue, and take care of yourself by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and by drinking LOTS of water.

You'll find food of every kind on the island, from seafood, burgers, Mexican, Italian, Chinese, and almost anything else you can think of. Traditional favorites include Santiago's, Pizza Rolandi, Ernesto's, Costa Brava, Pepe's Grill, and Joe's -- but things change rapidly, and new places open daily. Almost all restaurants serve clean, quality food. Use your judgment, however, before eating at places without much business and food turnover, since they may not be in a position to throw out marginally fresh food. Water and ice served in restaurants must be purified, by law.

Montezuma's Revenge - though stomach troubles do sometimes occur, most people don't experience any trouble at all. To avoid 'traveler's diarrhea' we recommend:

* Moderation in eating and drinking at all times. Avoid excessive fatigue - Relax, and take it easy. * Don't drink tap water. Also use bottled water to brush your teeth. * Avoid eating from street vendors' stalls, and limit greasy and very spicy foods, if you're not used to them. * Squirt lime juice (a natural anti-microbe agent) on food, especially salads and vegetables. Notice how restaurants almost always give you a lime wedge on your plate?

If you do experience symptoms, Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol may be helpful (available locally, but you might consider bringing a bottle with you). If one of these doesn't work, Lomotil or Immodium might. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER!

Shopping - Cozumel is a duty-free port, and there are bargains everywhere. Most shops open around 9 am, close for siesta around 1 pm, and reopen from 5-9 pm, more or less. Bargaining is not as active as in other places in Mexico, like Acapulco or Tijuana, but is practiced. U.S. Customs allows you to bring back $400 in merchandise duty-free, with 1 liter of liquor.

Taxis - They're everywhere, and you'll use them to get around. Cheap and often exciting. They don't have meters, so the driver will charge you the established, standard rate depending on your destination. Ask the price first if you're not comfortable with this, but you'll rarely be taken advantage of.

Tipping - Of course, tipping depends entirely on the quality of service you receive. Waiters and bartenders get 10-15% of the bill. Dive boat personnel: boat crew, $2/day (usually paid to the captain), and divemaster, $3/day. Your hotel maid will appreciate $1 or so per day, left in the room upon departure. Many people in Mexico depend almost entirely on your tips to earn a living... if you're pleased with the service, consider tipping a bit extra.

Electricity - 110 volt, 60 cycle, same as in the U.S. Occasionally, blackouts do occur. They're usually brief, and can be kind of fun, if you let them. Voltage spikes wreak havoc with sensitive equipment, like laptops; use surge protectors!

Dive gear - We provide the tanks, weights, and great dive sites. You bring (or rent) the rest. Remember your: mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BC, booties, knife, slate, dive light, depth gauge, bottom timer or watch, computer/dive tables, gloves if you use them (but HANDS OFF the coral!), camera and film (expensive on the island), logbook and weight belt (without weights). A mesh bag, packed inside your gear bag for traveling, can be handy for carrying and rinsing your gear. Bring extra: mask and fin straps, snorkel keeper, batteries. The water temperature varies from about 74 in the winter to the high 80s in the summer. A light tropical shorty or dive skin alone is great for summer and fall; you may want more thermal protection in the winter months.

Diving - Diving days usually go something like this: for morning departures, meet the boat at 8:15 or so (the dive shop or your group leader will advise you exactly when and where), and motor out to the reef for your first dive. It takes an hour or so to get there, depending on the site.... some of the best sites may take a bit longer, but they're worth it! Relax and catch rays, watch for dolphins and flying fish, nap, or whatever. The first dive is normally a deeper dive, to 70-100 feet. The deeper reefs and walls are spectacular! After the first tank, you'll spend an hour or more surface interval and have a snack. The second dive is normally 35-60 feet deep. You'll be back at the dock around 1 pm ('fast boats' return around noon). For other than morning departures: the shop will advise departure time/place.

We'll always brief you on what to expect on every dive. Drift diving is usually practiced, since there's almost always some current. If you haven't tried this laid-back style of diving, be warned - it may spoil you forever. We allow the current to provide the momentum during the dive, keeping kicking to a minimum. The boats follow us, and pick us up as we surface (no more swimming back to the anchor line!) For safety reasons, groups stay together throughout the dive, and dive the same profile. We practice no-hands diving to preserve the reefs.

The beautiful corals and marine life are what you came to see, and we'll always point out interesting, exciting and sometimes unique animal life. Remember that your group leaders and boat crews are there to help you enjoy yourself, so don't hesitate to ask questions, discuss problems, or make a request. If you feel like skipping a day's diving to pursue other interests, don't feel guilty! This is your vacation, so do what makes you feel happy. So what if you miss those eagle rays and sea turtles? Remember to stay well-hydrated for diving - drink lots of water during your entire trip.

Communications - Telephone service has improved greatly in Mexico in the last several years, but can still be unpredictable and frustrating at times. Pay phones are widely available. Some public phones advertize international long distance with a credit card (rates vary widely, and some people describe getting stuck with EXTREMELY HIGH bills on their credit card - don't put your credit card in a phone!). Calling the US is almost always cheaper if you call collect from a TELMEX public phone, or use a US carrier, like AT&T. Dialing 95-199-52-987- 58 will connect you with an AT&T operator in the U.S. Some pay phones require a nominal amount (about US$1.50) to make this connection; others are free. Hotels are beginning to charge for this connection as well; ask first. In any case, know that making direct-dialed long-distance calls from your hotel room can result in BIG phone charges: hotels may double or triple the rates you would pay from a public phone. Prepaid TELMEX cards are also available in stores; with these, you can't spend more than you intend. Some cellular phones may roam in Mexico - check with your provider in the U.S., and ask about charges first.

Fun Diversions - when not eating, drinking, napping, or telling 'big fish' stories, we have the following suggestions:

* Rent a bike or moped, but PLEASE be careful. Cars and truck enjoy - really enjoy - the right of way over bikes, mopeds and pedestrians. Moped accidents are unfortunately quite common - look both ways twice. * Rent a car and drive around the island. The windward side has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Note - if you depend on your own car insurance to cover you, call before you leave the U.S. to verify your coverage. On the 'other' side of the island, don't try to drive north of Mezcalitos. The road's terrible, you'll get stuck, and insurance is void there. Taxis also offer a half-day 'round-the-island trip', worth considering if you're planning to have a beer or two. * Snorkeling and shore diving - at La Ceiba, Villablanca, Chankanaab, Playa Corona, Little Paradise. * Visit ruins of Mayan civilization - There are ruins on the island (at San Gervasio and El Cedral), but the best-known sites, like Tulúm and Chichén Itzá, are on the mainland, and require a full-day trip. * Visit the Cozumel Museum, just north of the square on Melgar Avenue (the waterfront road). * Sun - a great tan awaits you. But watch for sunburn, which can happen quickly. * Walk around town to check things out! Cozumel is filled with interesting locals and visitors. * Shop in hundreds of stores. Silver is usually a good buy. Cuban cigars are available if you're so inclined; remember that it's illegal to bring them back into the U.S. * Sunday nights - the town fiesta, popular with locals and visitors, is held in the main square. Music, dancing.

And a few more suggestions -

* Be at the airport 2 hours before departure time. * Have your proof of citizenship handy. * Know where your money is at all times. * Register new cameras and other valuables with US customs before leaving the U.S. * Essential medicines and irreplaceable items are best kept with you in carry-ons. * Did we mention that staying well-hydrated by drinking lots of water is muy importante? * An easygoing attitude and a smile are the most important things you can bring with you to Mexico. * Your vacation begins as soon as you walk out your front door. Make every minute count! * Use our advice as a starting point for your own exploration, and you'll find that great sunsets, exhilarating diving, and the beautiful waters of the Mexican Caribbean are only the beginnings of a great vacation. Have a great trip!

Wherever you go, there you are! *

* I can't resist 'borrowing' part of the title from the best book ever written about life, travel, and the people of Mexico: The People's Guide to Mexico: Wherever You Go, There You Are! - by Carl Franz. Santa Fe, NM: John Muir Publications. 10th Ed., August 1997.

It's filled with much more than you need to know for traveling to Cozumel, but you may find that you're still reading and enjoying this book 20 years after you first picked it up, as I am. I can't think of better reading for a trip to Mexico - AB

By: Al Bay Bay Adventures, Inc Specializing in Cozumel Dive Travel http://www.discovercozumel.net