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
Taxis are abundant on the island. The government and the taxi union regulate them. The union sets the fares, both in pesos and US dollars. Theoretically, each driver should have a card with all the fares listed. Fares depend on the distance traveled (starting and destination zones), number of passengers (1-4, 5, 6+), and number of pieces of luggage or bags. Residencias Reef is located in Zona Hotelera Sur (8). A ride to the center (Zona 1) currently costs 170 pesos. The 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 marked taxi cab. It is a good idea to take a note of the taxi’s number. Before you get in the taxi, always ask how much they will charge you. Taxi drivers will gladly accept a tip, like everybody else providing services in Mexico.
It is important to note that taxis are not allowed to make pickups at the airport – only drop-offs. Unfortunately, when you arrive at the Cozumel airport, 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. On the other side of it, 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 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, several taxis are usually available at the parking lot across the road from the entrance to Sunscape Sabor Hotel. To get there, exit Residencias Reef at the gate and turn left. It is about a 3-minute walk down the road. To save you a walk there, you can call the gatehouse and ask them to get a taxi for you in exchange for a small tip.
Passenger Ferry to Playa del Carmen
The island is connected to the mainland via a frequent (every 30 minutes) passenger ferry to Playa del Carmen. The ferry terminal is in downtown Cozumel along the waterfront, across from San Miguel Square. Currently, three ferry companies operate the Cozumel—Playa del Carmen route: Winjet, Ultramar, and Xcaret. Schedules and fares are published on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WinjetMx/, https://www.facebook.com/ultramarferry/, and https://www.facebook.com/XcaretXailing. It takes approximately 45 minutes to cross.
Car Ferry to from Cozumel to Calica (Punta Venado) near Playa del Carmen
Two companies operate car ferry services between Cozumel 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/ The websites have the most up-to-date information about schedules and costs. To get on the ferry in Cozumel, you have to turn right, away from the ferry pier, into Calle 31 Sur, take the first 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 ferry space is limited, and cars often line up well in advance. Arriving at least an hour and a half early is wise, depending on the season. Sometimes, even two hours or more may be needed. When you arrive, park in line, and a crew member will come to issue a ticket. They will either collect payment or direct you to pay at the office. If the ferry reaches capacity before you board, you will need to wait for the next one. Both ferry companies offer reservations for an additional (significant) fee, and we recommend using them during busy times, such as holidays or when you have to ensure a spot on a particular boat.
Other Practical Information
Money
The local currency is the “peso.” In most places in Cozumel, you can use pesos and US dollars. The establishments that allow you to pay in dollars must post the exchange rate they use in a visible place. Usually, you will get a better rate if you use pesos, so we recommend obtaining 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. Getting Mexican pesos at a trusted ATM using a bank (debit) card is much better. Generally, you will be charged a small transaction fee (some US banks reimburse you for it), but you will get a better exchange rate even with the fee. However, always DECLINE currency conversion offered to you at the ATM—it carries a hefty (15%) conversion fee.
Credit Cards
Most establishments accept major credit cards. When paying with a card, always request to be charged in Mexican pesos to avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
Do not hand your credit card directly to the waiter—they will bring a portable terminal to your table. Most terminals require inserting the card into a slot; contactless payments are less commonly supported.
ATM
MEGA – There are several ATMs located upstairs in the MEGA grocery store. When you enter MEGA and head upstairs, the ATMs will be found 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 using ATMs not owned by major banks (HSBC, Scotiabank, BBVA, Banorte, Citibank, etc.) or located in remote places. Other types of ATMs can be tampered with more easily than bank-run ATMs.
Driving Tips: Local Rules and Practices
Pay attention to some of the unique traffic rules and driving habits in Cozumel:
At a green traffic light, you may go straight, turn right, or—unlike in many countries—turn left.
Speed bumps (“topes”) are frequent and often appear in unexpected places, sometimes without warning signs. The best way to avoid hitting them at high speed is to observe the traffic ahead—if cars are braking or slowing down for no apparent reason, be ready to do the same. Be aware that mopeds and aggressive taxi drivers use speed bumps to pass you on the right when you slow down and then try to merge back in front of you.
Many road signs differ from those used in the U.S. or Europe. For example, a red circle sign without a slash may indicate permission to do something typically prohibited elsewhere. Sometimes, a “road sign” might be a handwritten board saying, “no cars, no motos.” Watch how other drivers behave when in doubt to better understand the local norms.
On divided roads, car traffic usually stays in the left lane, while mopeds use the right lane and often pass cars on the right. Be constantly aware of traffic in the right lane next to you and behind you, and double-check your right side before making a right turn.
Do not block the right lane when waiting at a red light; other drivers expect to use it to turn right and get impatient if you block them.
Most downtown streets are one-way, often with unclear signage. Look for arrows or street name plates on the corners of buildings. If in doubt, assume it’s a one-way street based on the direction of parked or moving cars.
Even if traffic may seem chaotic at times, it generally follows the rules of the road. Avoid hesitating or being overly cautious, as this can confuse other drivers and might be interpreted as permitting them to act inappropriately.
Do not try to enforce traffic rules based on your home country’s standards—local drivers may not respond the way you expect.
Respect all stop signs (“ALTO”), even if other drivers seem to ignore them.
Bike Path Guidelines
Dedicated bike paths or ones that run alongside roadways are not always clearly marked, so it’s important to be aware of where bikes are expected to travel:
In town, on the main coastal road from Mega to Puerta Maya, the right (seaside) lane serves as a bike path; bikes can use it in both directions i.e, also against car traffic.
On Carretera Costera Sur (aka the old or scenic road), the left lane is designated for bicycles from the InterContinental Hotel to Playa Palancar. Cars and mopeds can travel one way southbound in the right lane.
From Playa Palancar southward, Carretera Costera Sur becomes bike-only. Motor vehicles are prohibited; they must use the parallel new road (Q.R. C-1).
The same rule applies to the old road along the east coast (nearer to the sea) from Rasta Bar to Mescalito’s, which is also reserved for bicycles.
Please note that “no cars, no motos” roads are frequently patrolled, and receiving a ticket for driving a motor vehicle in these areas is very easy.
Parking in Downtown Cozumel
Parking is enforced along the main oceanfront road, Avenida Rafael Melgar, and nearby streets. Be sure to observe posted signs and curb colors:
- Red — No parking. Also, indicated by a “crossed E” sign
- Yellow – No parking; loading and unloading only
- Blue – Handicapped parking only
- White – Parking allowed (but not for motorcycles and mopeds)
- White stripes – Motorcycles and mopeds only
Parking is generally permitted on the seaside of Avenida Melgar after 5 PM, except in marked taxi zones, where parking is always prohibited.
If you receive a parking ticket, the police typically remove your vehicle’s license plate. To retrieve it, you must pay the fine at the police station. If you pay the same day, you can ask for a discount on the fine.
Gas Stations
There are several gas stations on the island. Locations:
- Corner of Ave 30 and Benito Juarez
- Calle 75 and Benito Juarez (Cerretera Transversal)
- Calle 95 and Benito Juarez (Cerretera Transversal)
- Avenida 11 and Calle 135
- Carretera Costera Sur 4 km - across from the Puerta Maya & International Cruise Pier
Food Delivery
Many restaurants on the island offer meal delivery—check local listings or apps for options near you.
Grocery Delivery
Two major grocery chains, Soriana (Mega) and Chedraui, offer home delivery for a small fee (typically around 35 pesos, if any). Orders can be placed online at:
- www.soriana.com (or via the Soriana App)
- www.chedraui.com.mx
Both apps allow you to choose your delivery time and preferred payment method. We recommend selecting credit card payment upon delivery. Most foreign credit and debit cards are accepted. Aside from occasional app issues, the ordering and delivery systems work reliably and efficiently.
Online Shopping
You can also order a wide range of products from:
- Amazon Mexico – www.amazon.com.mx
- Mercado Libre Mexico – www.mercadolibre.com.mx
Deliveries are made to the front gate. Security guards notify you upon arrival or bring the package directly to the condo. In our experience, both services are punctual, often delivering ahead of schedule.
Address for deliveries: Residencias Reef Condos, Carretera Costera Sur Km 14, Zona Hotelera Sur, Edificio 4, Depto 8140, Cozumel, Quintana Roo, 77675
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
Grocery Stores
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!