Cozumel MX

Dental Work on the island of Cozumel

Dental Work on the island of Cozumel

Cozumel MX

The dentist has never bothered us. We have had cavities and had to have braces. I once had all 4 wisdom teeth pulled, but I was asleep for that. However, I know that many people are terrified by the dentist, because they have had complicated, painful work done. In addition, dental work is expensive, if you don’t have insurance.

More and more people are traveling to Mexico to get expensive dental work done for a fraction of the price. It’s more economical, yet at that same time, well-trained dentists in professional, high-tech medical offices are there for you.

How do we know? Because we have always had exceptional experiences with Cozumel Dental Services. We have crossed paths with many tourists who also had dental work done at Cozumel Dental Services too. A tourist had to stop there while on a cruise. They could accommodate her mother on brief notice and gave her wonderful care. She’s been to other dentists in Cancun, and this was by far the best experience she’s had. They performed a root canal for a tenth of the price she would have paid in the USA.

When we need cleanings, we head to El Centro (20th Avenida between 7th Calle Sur & Hidalgo). When you arrive, you will meet Dr. Nora and Dr. Nayeli. They take the time to always listen, get to know and understand the needs and concerns of their patients, and explain treatments in understandable terms. We also recognize them for their gentle touch and many patients comment on having painless treatments.

I feel very comfortable recommending Cancun Dental Services for any dental work. The atmosphere is always very relaxed. Everyone is very nice, professional, and they all speak English. You will also find all the equipment is modern.

They located Cozumel Dental Services in Centro Colonia, four blocks from the ferry. Their local number is 987-872-5753.

4 Simple Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Cozumel

4 Simple Tips to Avoid Getting Sick on Cozumel

Cozumel MX
1. Wash Your Hands

I realize this sounds basic, but remarkably, how many people neglect it. The basic act of washing your hands is a key factor in infection management.

Hand hygiene is essential to avoid the advance of infection and can reduce your chances of diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning, gastroenteritis, flu, norovirus, MRSA, or even hepatitis A.

Many travelers carry small bottles of hand gel, and these are good as a backup, but they aren’t a replacement for good old soap and water. Wherever possible, wash your hands under hot water for at least thirty seconds before and after eating and always after going to the lavatory.

2. Drink Bottled Water

When you can’t be sure of the purity of the local water, then you should avoid the local tap water. Even if locals drink it with no problems, your stomach may not have the right bacteria to protect you from becoming ill.

3. Protect Yourself Against the Sun

Sunburn can seriously ruin a good travel experience! I became badly sunburned years ago in Florida after snorkeling for too long and neglecting to reapply suntan lotion. It is not an event I wish to repeat! Current recommendations on sun protection claim that you should use a minimum of SPF 30 or higher.

Protecting yourself from the sun goes beyond getting a bad sunburn, though. You should also stay well hydrated in Cozumel and cover up with loose clothing and even a hat or scarf. If you don’t, then dehydration can set in quickly, and that can lead to more serious conditions such as exposure, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, which if left unattended can become a medical emergency. It happens a lot more easily than many people think so be sensible, use sunscreen, cover-up, and stay hydrated.

4. Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

Mosquito bites are an absolute horror for any traveler. They will trouble you with severe and itchy welts, but at worst they can transmit a whole variety of diseases, such as dengue, and chikungunya.

Here in Cozumel, it is still a good idea to prevent mosquitoes from biting you in the first place, even if it is only to avoid the annoyance of painful bites. It should go without saying that the best thing you can do to protect yourself from being bitten is to use preventive measures:

a. Air-conditioned rooms are great for minimizing mosquito bites, as they are usually better sealed and less likely to let them in.
b. Cover up. Wearing proper attire is essential. Wear lightweight, loose cotton clothing that covers most of your skin, especially around peak exposure times and places, for example, near bodies of water or at twilight or after dark, the peak time for dengue-carrying mosquitoes to feed.
c. Sleep under permethrin-coated nets where necessary.
d. Always apply a good dose of 30–50% DEET spray and reapply it regularly. Some people prefer more natural alternatives, but these are usually clinically proven to have no effects on mosquitoes.

It is important to remember that none of these methods is foolproof. You can do everything right and still get bitten. My wife Silvia once caught dengue fever despite taking all the usual preventive measures, and it was one of the most unpleasant experiences of her life. However, you can always minimize your risks with the tips above.
                                                                               ……
These very simple steps will dramatically reduce your risk of getting ill on Cozumel, but they are often so simple that many people overlook them. Before you set off on your trip of a lifetime, take a moment to think about your health and prepare properly. That way you will enjoy your trip with peace of mind.

Remember that these are general health tips only, and other things can happen. Also, never leave home without comprehensive travel insurance. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

What is there to do for Singles in Cozumel?

What is there to do for Singles in Cozumel?

Cozumel MX

When we say that Cozumel is a land for everyone, that includes singles too. If you do not believe us, you will once you read what Cozumel offers for singles too. Cozumel has some amazing bars and nightlife where there are great chances for you to meet someone you will admire. And even if you do not want to find someone and just want to chill by yourself, Cozumel is the right location for that too.

We understand how sometimes one just requires vacations as some time off from the chaos of everyday life. So, the beaches of Cozumel are the perfect spots for you to relax and detox at. And if you are looking for someone, these might be a good spot for that too. Fancy this! You are soaking some golden beams of the sun while lying on the sandy beach of the Caribbean Sea, and you forget all the sorrows of this life. Don’t you want that kind of relaxation? Well, do not know about you, but this is our top favorite thing to do when in Cozumel.

The primary sector for nightlife is on the west side of the island in Centro San Miguel. This is where many visitors stay and you will find plenty of bars and clubs to meet others in Cozumel. We need to point out that the nightlife here is tourist-based. Cruises visit the island all the time, but not all of them dock overnight and some that force the guests to get back on the boat before sundown. We base the nightlife on how many tourists are out partying. If there is a lot, then you will have a great chance of meeting friends as they will want to have some fun on their trip. Also, because many tourists leave early, many bars also close early.

Here is a list of the bars and nightclubs to meet people in Cozumel:

Metropolitan at Av. Rafael E. Melgar 125
Senor Frog’s at Av. Rafael E. Melgar 599
La Internacional Cerveceria at Avenida Rafael E. Melgar 590
Thirsty Cougar at Calle 3 Sur entre Rafael E. Melgar
Wet Wendy’s at 5a. Avenida Rafael E. Melgar 2 km
Turquoise Beach Bar at Avenida Rafael E. Melgar 2
Palancar Beach at San Miguel
Viva Mexico at Av. Rafael E. Melgar 801
The Money Bar Beach Club at Carretera Costera Sur
Coconuts Bar & Grill at Carretera Costera Oriental
Carlos & Charlies at Carretera Cozumel Sur Km 14 +250

If you are a guy, you need to sit in on the Men’s Breakfast Club. They meet at Casa Mission Restaurant every Friday at 8:30 am. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet others who came to Cozumel from somewhere else. This includes long-time residents, snowbirds, and everything in between. There is a wealth of information available because everyone will share their experience and point you in the right direction. This group has diverse backgrounds but, is a remarkably open, accepting, and non-judgmental. In spite of the good-humored, male chauvinistic, meat-eating propaganda displayed in their advertisements, vegetarians are welcome. Attending will be one of the highlights of your week. There is also a Cozumel Ladies Breakfast Club Ladies that meet every Wednesday at 9 AM for breakfast to share information and stories.

If you happen to get a day pass for a beach club, chances are, you might end up making random friends, who might be singles like you. So, do not think you are in this boat all alone! After-all, shopping at the duty-free centers in Cozumel are most enjoyed by singles. Imagine, there is no one to nag you, just you and your favorite duty-free shop.

 

Which Cozumel Excursion is the best?

Which Cozumel Excursion is the best? 

Cozumel MX

If you have been planning a trip to Cozumel, gear up because this will be like a once in a lifetime experience. One that will make you come back to Cozumel. Cozumel has a massive number of tourists all year round for a reason. So, are you ready for a fun-filled, super exciting and adventurous trip to Cozumel? Then hold tight because this is everything you will ever need!

Do you have a taste for the finest Cozumel excursion? We suggest you purchase yourself a day pass for the Iberostar resort at Cozumel. This is an amazing experience that you will cherish forever. The Iberostar resort is unbelievable and looks comparable to picturesque resorts that one gets to see in Hollywood movies. The beautiful sun rays falling on the glistening waters are a sight for sore eyes.

This is a super popular resort in Cozumel, that the locals and tourists alike are head over heels for. Imagine witnessing a stunning beach, beautiful vegetation and top-notch experience, all in one. From the very instant you reach, it will take your breath away by the aura and beauty of this resort. If one has to see heaven on earth, the Iberostar resort is a true depiction of that. The resort itself is a vast, sprawling retreat. They locate the lobby area in a gigantic open-air atrium. Although you are a day guest at a hotel resort, admittance to Iberostar Cozumel gives you access to everything a resort guest would get. The grounds at Iberostar are flawless and sprawling. Not only is there a magnificent assemblage of flora to see anywhere you walk, but you will likewise find flamingos, peacocks, and other wonderful animals along the way.

Iberostar describes its pool as “lake style” and it is vast. It is three major pools, along with a large kiddie (shallow) pool that all mesh. The result is one of the prettiest resort pools at any resort in the Caribbean. There is a swim-up bar in the middle, lounge chairs in the shallow end of the pool, and a good deal of area to unwind. In short, it is a remarkable pool. Iberostar offers an enormous white sand beach space. The pool is close enough to the beach that you can wander between the two sections.

The day pass means you have access to the bar, endless meals, and even snacks offered there. There are a few restaurants around the resort that you may inspect and appreciate. Something that distinguishes Iberostar is the fact breakfast is served along with lunch later in the day. They will serve you at any of the buffet-style restaurants, with one large restaurant and a grill within steps of the pool and beach. Much of the cuisine provided is American fare, with a few Mexican dishes thrown in. The menu at Iberostar rotates daily, with the idea that resort guests will be there for a week or so, and thus, get different choices each day to mix things up. As a result, the exact menu you get may differ depending on the day. Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available as part of admission. There are roaming waiters around the pool and beach area, along with the aforementioned swim-up bar, and some bars around the resort you can visit.

For anyone looking to enjoy a relaxing day at a beautiful resort, Iberostar Cozumel fits the bill nearly perfectly. It is an impressive resort that rivals many all-inclusive experiences in the Caribbean.

The coffee served at Stingray Villa Cozumel

The Coffee Lovers Guide to Cozumel

Cozumel MX
If you are coming to Cozumel and looking for your daily buzz and fix of caffeine, we have you covered. In this guide, we have all the best Cozumel coffee shops. Not only is there your Starbucks but also local coffee cafes. Mexico is a big coffee producer, and they serve this great Mexican coffee up in Cozumel.
 
El Coffee Cozumel
El Coffee Cozumel not only has some of the best coffee they also have fresh pastries to go along with it. Breakfast menu items are “taste bud” knockouts! Desserts are out of this world delicious! You will see more smiles on people’s faces (servers, staff, and customers) than anywhere on the island! The design of this café is also inspiring and a place you will want to sit around. The temptation will overtake you to order something off the menu. The prices will also be lower than the chain places, and we think the taste is better. Give a local coffee shop a shot.
 
Starbucks
Starbucks has multiple locations on Cozumel. Yes, it tastes the same as everywhere in the world. Most of the staff speak English here, so it makes it easy for a tourist.
 
COZ Coffee Roasting Company
We always come here for the peanut butter coffee because we can’t find anything like it anywhere else! They brew it with the coffee in it so it’s magical. The coffee arrives here from Oaxaca & Veracruz and is freshly roasted. This will be the freshest roast coffee you can get. Do not forget to get your coffee bean bags for those coworkers and for yourself so you can reminisce on your vacation over a cup of Tom’s top coffee beans. COZ Coffee Roasting Company location is by Wet Wendy’s and Dick’s Dive if you have any trouble finding it.
 
Buying bags of coffee in Cozumel
As mentioned above, there are two places that sell their own roast and blends. These are Oro Magico and COZ Coffee Roasting Company. Oro Magico is our favorite because the plantation owner brings his Chiapas beans to Cozumel right after he picks them. This is the only organic coffee Stingray Villa uses.
 
If you are shopping in a grocery store for coffee, we recommend La Finca brand in a white bag. Just make sure you don’t get the white and green bag because it is decaf coffee. Cafe Punta Del Cielo is another recommended brand. They have metal tins with a pin to pop the seal on the top. If they do the packing right, there will be a burst of air that comes out with intense coffee smell. The pricing of both brands is excellent, and the quality is too. For coffee in supermarkets, these are the best brands.
Sharks in the waters of Cozumel

Sharks in the waters of Cozumel

Cozumel MX

There are sharks in the Cozumel waters and being able to meet them in their common environment is a dream come true. Cozumel provides some of the clearest and warmest waters on the earth. Therefore, it is such a popular diving destination, drawing international visitors all year round. We can find here part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest reef of its kind on our planet. It is a true diving utopia, with impressive corals, fascinating invertebrates and diversity of fish, which includes sharks. Let’s look at more common varieties of sharks found in Cozumel you may face while scuba diving or staying at Stingray Villa.

Nurse sharks:
This shark is the most prevalent in Cozumel’s waters. Nurse sharks are slow-moving bottom-dwellers and are harmless to humans. Many divers in Cozumel encounter the nurse shark because during the day they can often find them resting on the sandy bottoms of underneath ledges or in crevasses. However, they can be massive, up to 14 feet, and have powerful jaws loaded with thousands of tiny, serrated teeth, and will bite if stepped on or disturbed by divers who presume they’re gentle. They apply their powerful jaws to crush and eat shellfish but prefer to consume on fish, shrimp, and squid. They’re colored gray-brown and have extraordinary tail fins that can be up to one-fourth of their total length. Unlike most other sharks, nurses are smooth to the touch.
 
Caribbean Reef Sharks:
The Caribbean Reef Shark is known to be relatively passive and rarely poses much of a hazard to scuba divers, snorkelers, swimmers, or other humans it comes into contact with. They avoid human interaction entirely. Also known as the “Reef Shark”, it has a unique color and is white to light yellow on the ventral side and grey-brown to dark-grey on the dorsal side. It has larger eyes, and the snout is rounded and short compared to other sharks. The Caribbean Reef Shark also finds its food in the reefs, such as bony fishes, crustaceans, and cephalopods. We also know this shark will feed on yellow sting-rays and eagle rays frequently.
 
Hammerhead Sharks:
The Hammerhead is one of the most elusive sharks in Cozumel. In 20 years, I have only seen one on the reefs of Cozumel. These sharks enjoy the tastes of various animals such as other sharks, squids, crabs, jacks, herrings, tarpon, sardines, boxfish, toadfish, sea catfish, groupers, and their absolute favorite dish, rays. These sharks hunt for their creature of choice twice a day around dawn and dusk. The most well-known factor about them would undoubtedly have to deal with their namesake. These sharks have flat, T-shaped heads that make them stand out from other sharks.
 
Bull Sharks:
These sharks are magnificent creatures. They can grow to be bigger than any scuba diver, and they are graceful and powerful. Whenever you get to see them on the reef, other fish seem to be a little more careful. Divers have seen bull sharks on Playa del Carmen reefs for over 30 years. Los Arcos, one of the more popular deep dive sites north of Playa del Carmen, used to be known as Sharkies Place, named after the common shark sightings, rather than its deep swim-throughs. These sharks are even more elusive in Cozumel than the hammerhead.
Atlantis Submarine Cozumel Expedition view out a porthole

Atlantis Submarine Cozumel Expedition

Cozumel MX

Want to experience Cozumel, but you don’t want to get your feet wet? The Atlantis Submarine Cozumel Expedition is for you. Cozumel offers an air-conditioned, submerged, Cozumel experience that will take you to the most beautiful spots in the Caribbean Sea.

The Atlantis Submarine will submerge itself in the crystal clear waters of Cozumel to provide you with breathtaking views of some of the most diverse marine life that you’ll find anywhere in the world.

They depart from their own pier on Melgar between the car ferry and the international cruise ship pier. From there, the captain will take you to an area where the submarine’s high visibility windows will give a picture-perfect view of Cozumel’s abundant marine life. From tropical fish and majestic sea turtles to the occasional eagle ray, you’ll see it all from the comfort of a 48-seater air-conditioned submarine without ever having to immerse yourself in the water. With over 26 side portholes and one large viewport across the bow of the submarine, everyone can marvel at intimate views of the extraordinary Chankanaab reef, the second largest in the world. Witness the eerie sunken ship, the Felipe Xicotencatl, over 50 feet below the surface as a member of our crew narrates the tale. The sea life varies during the seasons, so you may see species that are only passing through on their long journeys or Cozumel regulars. For the pièce de résistance, prepare yourself for The Wall. It will disappear from your site as the sheer drop-off plunges 1800 feet below. You are witnessing the roots of Cozumel!

After two hours of exploration, jaw-dropping views, and plenty of photo opportunities, you rise back to the surface of the water, the secrets of the deep will be forever imprinted in your recollections. After your time in the submarine, soak in the sun on the decks of their ship, Ana, as she takes you back to their private pier. Sip a complimentary drink and let your mind wander over the magic of the day where you and your group can rejoice in the marvels you saw under the sea. There’s no better way to see Cozumel beneath the surface. Why not choose the plunge today? We can help you book this adventure when you stay with us at Stingray Villa.

Low season is the perfect time to enjoy Cozumel.

Low Season – The perfect time to enjoy beautiful Cozumel

Cozumel MX

Low season is the perfect time to enjoy beautiful Cozumel. The water is calmer and warmer, the snorkeling and diving are better. The snowbirds have migrated too, so the rental rates are now lower. We offer some attractive deals this time of year that people would be crazy not to make use of. It’s not just accommodation that you can save on, however. Fewer tourists around town mean you can bargain more at the stores in town and get much better deals on your souvenirs and handicrafts. And don’t worry, bargaining is all part of the shopping culture here, so don’t be afraid to haggle hard for a good deal! Another gift of the off-season is quieter beaches both in town and on the eastern side where you’re almost guaranteed an empty patch of sand to relax on.

Scuba diving is a dream in the off-season, with far fewer tourists occupying the crystal clear waters to observe sea turtles feeding. You may even be the only ones out there, with prime viewing of the majestic creatures. Fall back into the water with that wonderful calm feeling. Punta Sur is one of my favorites, but please check out this comprehensive blog for all you need to know about Cozumel. 

Summer is also a great time to enjoy specials and perks. Airlines charge the most during higher demand times and can raise it daily to adjust. I you did not know Southwest Airlines now flys into Cozumel with considerable savings over the other guys. The best times to get a cheap flight are late April – October. Please see our summer rates, which should entice you to book your travel at Stingray Villa.

The summer months are the time to enjoy the laid back vibe our guests love about Cozumel. The locals are relaxed and unhurried. Guests love strolling the streets in offseason, around dusk. When the sun drops into the horizon, the sky comes alive in a blaze of orange and pink, it’s the perfect time to be out for an evening stroll.

There are so many rewards for visiting Cozumel in the off-season. I just wonder why the secret hasn’t gotten out yet. From making use of better deals and discounts to enjoy a slower pace of life, it’s a great time to travel. The busyness of the peak holiday season can be fun too, but, I like this time of the year and the relaxed atmosphere it brings. It’s truer to the Mexican way of life; the manana lifestyle that helps you slow down and appreciate the simple things in life like the ocean, good food, and beautiful sunsets.

Wondering the future on a Cozumel beach

What will Cozumel be like in the future?

Cozumel MX

Everyone needs to know what the future will produce. With Cozumel, if you want to vacation in the area, you will no doubt like to know how it evolves and changes. If you are living in Cozumel or seeking to invest in the area, seeing the future is a vital topic for you. Knowing what areas will develop and what places might not be a desirable investment can be the difference between a good investment and a bad one.

Goodbye to more local restaurants and institutions

As rents rise and low seasons kill more business, it will be the larger restaurants and businesses that survive. The business environment has changed in the past few years, and the cost of running a business in Cozumel has become more trying. Smaller business owners are looking for options out of downtown.

The competition of restaurants has raised the quality and variety of food options in Cozumel, which has been nice. There is, however, a downside. Without the best locations, budgets to advertise, the cost of doing business here will have a strenuous battle over the next 5 years.

Cozumel will continue moving East.

Already Cozumel is springing up new developments along 11th and the Transversal. We predict this trend to continue. The business sector has already taken note and is moving in.

We also foresee that more residents will move from downtown to these new developments. This is because greedy property owners will now sell and cause a construction boom to take place. This will cause rents to increase as landlords move away from long-term rentals to the short-term Airbnb rental portfolio. 

Faster ferries

You might assume the ferries are fast now but imagine how it would be if they were faster? More people would visit Cozumel for the day if it were quicker and smoother to get there. It also means that the thousands of people who arrive at Cozumel via cruises would have more time to see things on the mainland. With faster ferries, the island of Cozumel can increase business opportunities.

Our ferries have been running for a decade at this speed. We predict it is only a matter of time that the business world figures out how to be profitable and run faster ferries.

Airbnb will boom as Cozumel builds more condos.

Airbnb has developed in Cozumel as an investor’s dream of buying a condo and paying it off.  The short-term rental market has affected Cozumel. Because the Airbnb market is so vast, many individuals use it. We predict that people over the next 5 years will want more services and convenience. These factors will mean that the low-quality Airbnbs will no longer get bookings in this market.

The real estate market will loosen.
There will be a lot more buildings in the next 5 years, which means more supply. More people will look and buy, and the rental market will become more competitive. We advise people to be vigilant buyers and educate themselves to make smart investments. Our prediction for the next 5 years is a looser market with more condos.
 
Southwest Airlines will be Godsend

The arrival of Southwest Airlines will be the biggest tourism boost the island has seen in the past 20 years. Many USA citizens have southwest credit cards and get points when they fly for business. Our market will explode and the other guys will scramble to lower their rates to compete with Southwest. The “Southwest effect” became a major reason that overall fares dropped in its new markets, and the phenomenon was studied in business schools and the halls of government. The Department of Transportation marveled in a 1993 report: “The principal driving force behind dramatic fundamental changes that have occurred and will occur in the U.S. airline industry over the next few years is the dramatic growth of low-cost Southwest Airlines.”

Competitors see Southwest as cold-blooded and ruthless.

“Their approach is to search out weak companies and contest them out of business,” says Bryan Bedford, the chairman and chief executive of Republic Airways, which bought Frontier out of bankruptcy 11 years ago. “It’s no different than Wal-Mart plunking a big-box store near a local family-owned grocery store; you either respond to the competition, or you get out.”

 
What should you pack for a trip to Stingray Villa on Cozumel?

What should you pack for a trip to Cozumel? 

Cozumel MX

Are you heading out for your ultimate vacation at Cozumel and do not know what it requires? Well, do not worry fellas! We are here at your rescue. Follow our guidelines and get ready for a wholesome trip to your much-awaited destination. Trust me, you will love a tour to Cozumel. Especially if you have all the right things packed with you.

Cozumel is hot yet breezy on most days of the year. So, you do not want to pack any super warm stuff. The warmest you may go is perhaps a denim jacket or a light cardigan for nighttime by the sea when the air gets cool. Oh, and not to forget, do not head out to Cozumel with a proper sunscreen. Cozumel is all about beaches and sun fun, but if you have not prepared yourself, you may suffer a sunburn. And so, packing the right of kind sunglasses that protect your eyes from the constant sun rays is also essential.

You also need to prevent mosquito bites and avoid disease on your Caribbean trip. Look for a repellent that contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535. Always follow the instructions on the label when you use the repellent. Repellents protect longer against mosquito bites when they have a higher concentration (percentage) of these active ingredients.

Your trip to Cozumel will be incomplete if you do not experience snorkeling firsthand. And for that, it is vital for you to bring along snorkeling gear and extra t-shirts and swimsuits. So, are you ready to get into the beautiful waters of Cozumel, snorkel through them and witness the marine life and splendor of Cozumel’s waters? Yes! It is as surreal as it sounds here. And you do not want to miss out on it.

And if you are heading to Cozumel with your friends, we must prepare you for the nightlife. Perhaps carrying along a fancy dress or an adequate dress shirt would make your nighttime party complete. You do not want to feel left out, right?

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