Cozumel Local Guide
Practical info from the island — where to eat, what to know, and how to make the most of your time in Cozumel.
🍽️Where to Eat
Local favourites — price guide: $ cheap · $$ mid · $$$ treat
Los Otates
Tacos — local institution
Hole-in-the-wall taco spot on the south end of town. Legendary al pastor and carne asada. Packed with locals at lunch. Cheap, authentic, delicious.
Jeanie's Waffle House
Breakfast — tourist favourite
The island's famous breakfast spot on the main drag. Belgian waffles, eggs, fresh fruit, and strong coffee. Get there before 9am or expect a wait.
Kinta
Mexican fine dining
Chef Kris Rudolph's flagship restaurant. Contemporary Mexican using local ingredients — cochinita, fresh fish, excellent mezcal list. Reserve ahead.
El Moro
Seafood — family restaurant
Local family seafood restaurant off the waterfront. Massive portions of ceviche, fish tacos, and camarones. Order the Camarones al coco.
La Choza
Yucatecan home cooking
Traditional Yucatecan kitchen in the heart of town. Famous for poc chuc, lime soup, and slow-cooked pibil. One of the longest-running restaurants on the island.
🧭Island Essentials
Practical info for a smooth trip
🛒Supermarket
- ·Chedraui — full supermarket near downtown, best prices on the island
- ·Walmart Express — on Av. Rafael Melgar near the cruise piers
- ·Municipal Market — fresh produce, local cheese, spices, bulk goods
💊Pharmacy
- ·Farmacia Similares — affordable generics, locations throughout downtown
- ·Farmacia del Ahorro — open late, on Av. Rafael Melgar
- ·Chedraui pharmacy — full-service inside the supermarket
💰Money & ATMs
- ·USD widely accepted at tourist spots — but pay in MXN for better rates
- ·Best exchange rate: use bank ATMs (HSBC, Banamex on main plaza)
- ·Avoid airport/hotel exchange booths — rates are 10–15% worse
- ·Tip in pesos at local restaurants, USD at beach clubs
📶Internet & SIM
- ·Telcel has the best island coverage — buy a prepaid SIM downtown
- ·AT&T and Movistar also work well in town
- ·Free WiFi at most restaurants, cafes, and the main plaza
- ·International roaming: check with your carrier before arrival
🚨Emergency & Medical
Save these before you need them
⚠️ Tap water is not drinkable — always use bottled or purified water.
🎯Island Experiences
Beyond the beach clubs — what to do on the island
🦎Punta Sur Ecological Park
Lighthouse, crocodile lagoon, and the island's southernmost point. Best at sunrise. Bike here from town (~25km) or taxi (~$25 USD). Entry ~$15 USD.
🏛️San Gervasio Maya Ruins
The only Maya site on Cozumel. Dedicated to Ix Chel, goddess of fertility. More intimate than mainland sites. Combine with a bike ride through the island interior.
🌺Chankanaab National Park
All-day beach, snorkeling, sea lion shows, botanical garden, and cenote swimming. Good value if you want a lazy beach day. ~$29 USD entry. Skip on heavy cruise days.
🛺East Coast Self-Drive
Rent a scooter or golf cart and loop the island. East coast has wild beaches, blowholes at Playa Bonita, and the legendary coconut shrimp at Punta Morena. Half a day.
💧Cenote Diving & Snorkeling
There are small cenotes near San Gervasio. Day trips to the mainland offer access to Dos Ojos and Cenote Azul (~$80–120 USD with transport from Cozumel).
💡 Quick Tips
🕐 On cruise ship days — avoid the waterfront 9am–4pm. Go early or late.
🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen is required in the Marine Park. Bring yours from home.
🚕 Taxi fares are fixed by zone — agree the price before you get in.
💬 A little Spanish goes a long way. "¿Cuánto cuesta?" (How much?) is your best friend.
🌅 San Gervasio at sunrise — almost no one there. Mystical experience.
🍺 Local beer: Victoria and Montejo. Cerveza Sol is for tourists 😉