Getting to Cozumel
Cozumel’s International Airport (CZM), is served by most major North American airlines.
For more flight options, you may also want to consider flying into Cancun International Airport (CUN). You can then take a bus, shared ride transfer, or taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and then take a Winjet or Ultramar ferry to Cozumel. Or, you can fly from Cancun to Cozumel on MayaAir – be sure to check with the airline re: current luggage weight limits.
Airport Shuttle Bus Service: Cancun Airport – Playa del Carmen
Buses are new, modern, and comfortable with A/C, Toilets, TV, Video and Reclining seats. After exiting the terminal, walk to the right, where you’ll find Greyhound size buses with signs denoting their destination ~ a bus for Playa del Carmen is clearly marked. The cost is 155 pesos each way (approx. $11 USD ~ It’s an approximate 50 minute ride each direction).
Bus from Airport to Playa Del Carmen
10:45am, 11:45am, 12:45pm, 1:45pm, 3:00pm, 4:45pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:30pm
Bus from Playa Del Carmen to Airport
8:00am, 9:00am, 10:30am, 11:45am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:15pm
Playa del Carmen Ferry
Playa del Carmen to Cozumel Ferry – daily
6:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am,
1:00pm, 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm
Cozumel to Playa del Carmen Ferry – daily
5:00am, 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 12:00pm
2:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm
Please Note: the ferry schedule can change due to weather conditions; ie high winds or waves. Currently the costs are one way, $13 USD; round trip, $26 USD
Please refer to theis website for the ferry’s most up-to-date schedules and pricing:
Airport Transfers
Unless you have pre-purchased transfers to your hotel, the transportation available from the airport is via shared vans (“colectivos”), priced per ride for private or shared rides along fixed routes. The Colectivo kiosk is in an open air hallway just outside baggage claim.
Resorts and condos are not permitted to provide alternate/private shuttles.
Purchase a one-way ticket, as a taxi will be the best option for return.
USD, credit cards and MX Pesos accepted.
Taxis
To catch a taxi (a cheaper and faster option) from the airport, you will need to go out to the street, beyond the airport (go to Airport Boulevard or 65 th Av.). From the Ferry terminal, simply proceed to the street. Taxis generally only accept cash and will accept US dollars, but generally at a poor rate, so it is best to pay in pesos. There are several ATMs at the Airport as you exit customs where you can get pesos. Fares are regulated based on location with the tip built in. However, if they offer extra service — like helping you load heavy luggage or groceries – a tip is a nice thing to do. It is always a good idea to ask what the fare will be before you get into the cab.
Packing Considerations
● Water bottles – To reduce waste and protect the ocean, we no longer provide disposable plastic water bottles. You can collaborate on this conservation effort by bringing your own bottle, or by purchasing a Dive Paradise reusable thermos from our on island shop.
● Reef safe, biodegradable SPF sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is the only type of sunscreen that is allowed on any snorkeling tour, scuba diving trip, or other water activity inside Cozumel’s protected marine park. Dive Paradise has reef-safe sunscreen available for purchase in our shops.
● Pack light! Cool, casual, comfortable wear is acceptable everywhere. A light sweater may be welcome on some breezy evenings and after diving, especially in December, January and February. A windbreaker or rain slicker should also be considered.
● Log book to record all your new dives.
● Medications. Some people love diving although they get sea sick. Bring your remedy of choice to be prepared for those days when the ocean is a little choppier. We also recommend Ginger (tablets, cookies) to settle tummies.
● Airline luggage restrictions are constantly changing. Check your airline’s website(s) for the most current information on baggage allowances and restrictions. For most international flights, any luggage over 50 lbs will have a surcharge and you could potentially be told to remove something from the bag. In most cases luggage over 70 lbs will not be accepted.
● Carry-on baggage: In the unlikely event you arrive in Cozumel without your luggage, please make sure you have packed your “trip essentials” in your carry-on bag, such as your diving C-Card, DAN or other dive insurance card, shorts, bathing suit, dive mask, dive computer, medicine, sunglasses or anything necessary to begin enjoying your stay from the moment you arrive.
● Batteries: Your devices and dive equipment might require special batteries. Some batteries are difficult to obtain in Cozumel. Please bring your own spare batteries with you. Reminder: The airlines require that all spare (uninstalled) lithium batteries be packed in carry-on baggage only. When a carry-on bag is checked at the gate or at plane side, all spare lithium batteries must be removed from the bag and kept with the passenger in the aircraft cabin. Dive Paradise is fully committed to recycling and conservation; our office staff can assist with proper disposal of spent batteries.
Insurance
Due to our cancellation policy and the unexpected events that can occur, we strongly recommend that all divers obtain international medical coverage, and/or a comprehensive travel insurance policy for their reservations, with coverage that includes cancellation, medical, personal liability and effects.
Why?
1. Because you don’t want to lose money if you have to last-minute cancel!
2. Bad weather and other unforeseen circumstances can occur that prevent diving.
3. Accidents can — and do — happen while traveling. Medical emergencies and evacuations can be really expensive.
4. Your health insurance probably won’t work internationally.
5. Only 80% of U.S. flights arrive on time.
6. A missing bag can ruin your trip.
Recommendations
For US and Canadian citizens, we suggest travel insurance from either The Divers Alert Network (DAN) or DiveAssure. For all other nationalities, we recommend travel insurance from DiveAssure.
About Cozumel
To learn more about Cozumel and chat with locals (Mexican and ex-pats), visit the public Facebook group Cozumel 4 You.
Cozumel Dive Sites
Visit our Reefs page for detailed information on Cozumel’s amazing underwater world. Visit the Cozumel Marine Park’s Facebook page for up-to-date information on which dive site are currently open.
Credit Cards
Using a credit card for payment is a good option, as you will get the best exchange rate from your bank.
We recommend getting a credit card that does not charge international transaction fees before you travel. Notify your credit card company in advance that you may be making charges in Mexico.
MasterCard, Visa and debit cards are widely accepted. American Express is not accepted at many locations.
Phone Service
If you want to use WhatsApp for free calls & texts while traveling, it must be downloaded to your phone from the USA prior to travel. It will not download in Cozumel. International calls are expensive, so local prepaid sim cards are a good way to go and can be purchased from TelCel or another local provider. You can use your local cell phone on Wi-Fi service. To call Cozumel, dial +52 1 (987), then the number.
Currency
In advance:
All retail prices listed online in USD are available when prepaid through our USA Reservations office.
On the island:
The official currency is the Mexican peso; however, the US dollar is also accepted at many businesses, including Dive Paradise. Our on-island shop accepts $USD at the conversion rate posted in the shop.
Using a credit card for payment is a good option, as you will get the best exchange rate from your bank.
If you’re coming from the US, it is recommended that you bring some small $USD denominations ($1’s and $5’s) for tipping porters, van drivers etc.
You can use a Mexican ATM machine to access your accounts and obtain pesos at a good exchange rate. (There are ATMs at Cozumel Hotel and the Royal Village that also dispense US dollars.). Notify your hometown bank before you leave that you’ll be making withdrawals in Mexico, so they don’t block the charges. Plan to pay a fee (usually per transaction, not by the amount), so it is best to take out larger amounts in fewer batches.
Tipping
If you receive good service, please consider showing your appreciation with tips. Dollars are universally and happily accepted by service providers, as are pesos. Tour guides and dive professionals customarily receive tips and split them between the captain, the dive master and any other helpers on board. Restaurant tipping should be in line with what you pay elsewhere — typically 15% of your bill. Tour operators will be happy to suggest an appropriate tipping range for their workers if you ask ahead of time.
Dive Equipment Rental
Rental gear is not included in trip prices. If you know you will need gear, please specify this ahead of time in your Diver Registration Form, to ensure the proper size is available to you. While we always do our best to provide requested sizes, gear is provided on a 1st-come 1st-served basis.
Wetsuits – Do You Need One?
Everybody generates a different level of body heat and has different needs. If you are traveling in the “cooler months” (December – March), a shorty or 3mm wetsuit is a good option. Those who are more sensitive to water temperature might also benefit from wearing a hoodie, dive skin, or vest under wetsuits for added warmth. In the warmer months (April – November) many guests are comfortable enjoying our beautiful waters with only a rash guard or dive skin, which can also protect you from sunburn.
Boat Pickups
The first pick-up is at Hotel Cozumel & Resort at 8:30 AM. Dive tours on fast boats (Lanchas) return approximately 41⁄2 hours after departure; big boats (Barcos) return from 5 to 51⁄2 hours after departure. The boats then head south, for pick-ups at other Dive Paradise locations and affiliate resorts:
● Villablanca Resort / Dive Paradise
● Casa Del Mar
By prior arrangement, our boats can make additional pick-ups at the following resorts.
● Barracuda, Cozumel Palace, Park Royal, El Cid La Ceiba, Intercontinental Presidente, Fiesta Americana, Sunscape Sabor, Secrets Aura Cozumel, Allegro Cozumel, Occidental Grand Cozumel, Iberostar
* Be sure to verify with your hotel if you can use their pier for pickups, and if that is included in your hotel package/inclusions. Some hotels charge an extra fee to their guests. Dive Paradise does not charge any extra fees for pick ups at their docks.
Welcome Tanks
For any certified diver who has booked a boat dive with us, we provide a complementary Welcome Tank on the arrival date, at the check-in location specified in the trip instructions. Use of this welcome tank is optional, though we strongly advise all divers to take advantage of this opportunity to do a shore dive for a buoyancy/equipment check, to prepare for their first boat dive. The welcome tank must be used and returned during daylight hours, prior to boat diving.
COVID-19 Protocols
Read about our new health safety practices HERE
Maximum Peace of Mind
We provide one Divemaster for each eight divers. For more personal attention, a Personal Divemaster can be hired for 1 or 2 divers. This service is available on the morning Caribbean 2-tank Trip or the Afternoon 1-tank Trip.
Diver Minimums
For fast boat and specialty dives, please check in with the main shop at least 24 hours before your scheduled dive to confirm if your trip has met the minimum number of divers to run. If we haven’t filled enough spots, you will have the following options:
1) Cover the cost of the vacant diver spots on the boat
2) Re-schedule your dive for next best available trip
3) Rain check for future diving with Dive Paradise
4) Refund for your trip
Group Bookings
For information on booking groups of 12 or more, please contact our Reservations Manager about our Travel Partners Program by sending a message HERE.
Medical Treatment
For Medical Treatment, Consultations, Emergencies, and to complete Medical Release Forms as needed, Dive Paradise is affiliated with:
● Clínica San Miguel, on Calle 6 Norte (6th Street North) #135, between 5th Ave. and 10th Ave.
● Meditur Hyperbaric Chamber, (987) 869-0300 or hipercozumel@meditur.com. This is a recompression chamber facility connected with the hospital. Dr. Pascual Piccolo is the presiding hyperbaric physician and general practitioner.
All divers are advised to purchase Travel Insurance for their reservation. Meditur accepts DAN and DiveAssure for direct billing with no out-of-pocket expenses. (PADI insurance members pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement).
Re-compression Services
In the event of a diving emergency, Dive Paradise is affiliated with the Meditur Hyperbaric Chamber, a re-compression chamber facility located on Cozumel Island. The chamber is connected with the hospital “Clinica San Miguel” on Calle 6 Norte (6th Street North) #135, between 5th Ave. and 10th Ave. Dr. Pascual Piccolo, the presiding hyperbaric physician and general practitioner, can be reached at (987) 872-3070.
All divers are advised to purchase Travel Insurance for their reservation. Meditur accepts DAN and DiveAssure for direct billing with no out-of-pocket expenses. (PADI insurance members pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement.)
If you have any questions regarding the chamber or insurance coverage, feel free to contact us. We stress both safety and fun without compromise!
Rough Weather
If the ocean swells make docking on the piers unsafe, we may move boarding to Marina Fonatur for everyone’s safety. In these cases we organize taxi services and it is very important that you stay in contact with us. Please stop by or call our Cozumel Hotel shop 011 52 (987) 872-1061, or call our cell/WhatsApp line 011 52 (987) 101-8585.
Please read our policies HERE regarding any cancelations caused by bad weather.
Enjoying Your Stay
We want you to have the scuba diving vacation you’ve been dreaming about! If you have any questions or concerns while on island, please bring it to our attention as soon as possible by communicating with our General Manager in Cozumel, or by sending a message to our Customer Experience team.
Before you Travel: