The Top 5 Jeep Rentals on Cozumel

Here are the top 5 Jeep Rentals on Cozumel.

1. Ernesto’s Rental: https://www.ernestosrental.com Carretera costera sur km4 Zone hotelera sur. (Right Across Park Royal hotel)

2. HTL Rental: http://htlrentals.com 5 Avenida entre calle 2 y Calle 4 , Centro

3. SharkRider Rental: https://www.facebook.com/sharkridercozumel/ 5a Av. Norte 41, Centro

4. Fiesta Car Rental: https://www.facebook.com/fiestacarrentalcozumel/ Calle 11 sur 598 entre 25 av. y 30 av.

5. Darth Car Rentals CZM: https://www.facebook.com/DarthCarRentalsCZM/

There are many ways to travel to Cozumel, whether you are going on a cruise or exploring the beautiful island for a few days. There is no crowd and the freedom of driving your own car while in Cozumel will make your stay one to remember.

The island is quite small, so transport options aren’t great, and can be very expensive. Make the most of your vacation by avoiding the high-priced tours and making your own day trips. Follow these simple tips when renting a jeep in Cozumel.

Things to be aware of while renting Jeeps

You need to understand that even in a Jeep if you leave the paved road surfaces you will void all of your insurance coverage for the Jeep. To take an off-road trip you need to be on a tour. There are Jeep, ATV, and buggy tours available if that is what you are looking for.

In 2020, Cozumel introduced a dedicated, two-way bicycle lane along the main coastal road. The primary avenue running through the downtown area is Melgar, which starts from the southern end of downtown and goes to the south hotel district, passing the International and Puerta Maya ports.

These bike lanes are for bicycles only. Motorized vehicles (including scooters) are not allowed in them. You also may not pass cars on the bike lanes.

It is only on this stretch of the island that we have this bike lane, but that is a very busy stretch. If you find yourself slowing down behind some vehicles in that lane, just wait it out and avoid being tempted to pass.

Please pay careful attention to where the cyclists are #1. Many people bike to work, but for those who don’t have to, it’s great to use bikes for recreation and competition in the tropics. Slow down to help everyone–including yourself! You should also look both ways when crossing the street near the bike lanes. Bicycles move fast and you do not hear them coming.

What happens if you get pulled over in Cozumel?

First, don’t panic and stay calm. The police officers are not the bad guys. Even though they may look for a bribe from time to time, they’re still here to help the public.

The best thing you can do when the police officer speaks to you is to let them know if you know Spanish and how much.

The current procedure seems to be that an officer will ask for your driver’s license. He’ll then communicate what you did wrong.

That was easy. Here’s where it gets tricky: deciding whether what you did warrants a fine. If it does, the procedure is they will take your driver’s license to the local police station and you will pay there.

How do you tell whether the police officer is looking for a bribe? Just my feelings, but if the officer holds onto your driver’s license while talking to you and does not write anything on his ticket pad, he wants to talk to you about something off the books.

This is less likely if other officers are around, but not unlikely. Obviously, a bribe is frowned upon, but it happens.

Parking on the Island

Most places you want to stop outside of the city have very few parking restrictions and you can park on the beach as long as you respect the rules.

Inside the city, there are more rules. Follow all the posted signs, and also look at the curbs. DO NOT PARK in front of those areas that have no parking signs or where the curbs are painted yellow.

Written by Stingray Villa – the newest Airbnb in Cozumel Mexico.

Mar 14 2022March 23, 2022

Finding a Job or a Business in Cozumel

Cozumel MX

Work Visa

To get a job in Cozumel, you will need a work visa (not a tourist visa). A tourist visa is good for a finite amount of days, depending on what the customs agent puts down. From the day you arrive on your tourist visa, you will have between 7 to 180 days to vacate the country. However, even with this tourist visa, you may not work for a Cozumel company. Mexico grants work visas to companies that need a specific person, but cannot find them amongst Cozumel’s population. You may not work unless you have a business that will hire you and go through the lengthy process. Very few foreigners can get jobs in Cozumel. Please do not think you can just pick up a job under the table in Cozumel. Immigration often checks businesses that often employ people that might be foreigners. Cozumel Mexico is much more regulated, and it is not worth getting deported.

Working Online

Working online takes a lot of sorting through the options. The best thing about working online is that you do not have to deal with the long immigration process, or dealing with the many types of jobs. You just pick what you want to do and you do it. It is like playing the lottery, but instead of picking a number, you pick a job. There are plenty of jobs to choose from, but it takes a lot of work to find the best ones. There are many websites that you can use to find jobs. People searching can use sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. You can also check local sites that have jobs listed on them. You just have to search around a bit. Search for things like SEO, Social Media Marketing, Content Writing, Virtual Assistant, Blogging, and so on. Once you find a job that you are interested in, you will need to send them a message. They will ask you a lot of questions, and if you are qualified, they will hire you.

Opening a business in Cozumel

Many people have dreams of moving abroad to start a new phase of life. You may have saved up a little stockpile of money and want to work some in retirement years or move to work while still young.

We’re not going to talk about the legal paperwork and governmental requirements for any business. This is best discussed with a lawyer and the appropriate office at city hall.

Drawbacks of opening a business in Cozumel

Can we help you with factors to avoid? Here are a few tips that will help you stay ahead of the game.

1. Most businesses don’t generate profits in their first year. Inventory costs and a lot of paperwork can cause a business to lose money in the first year, but that doesn’t mean it can’t succeed. Think long-term instead of short-term if you want to succeed.

2. Don’t open a business just to cater to just ex-pats and tourists. It is a small and finite market (20 percent) compared to the overall population. So you have already eliminated 80% of the market.

3. Understanding the low and high seasons of any business, like a restaurant, that depends on tourism is vital to keep the business afloat during the off-season. If locals stop coming, then the restaurant will die. Many people will tell you it is the locals that carry you through the low seasons.

4. You need to have extra capital. You’ll blaze through your money and without a cushion, you may lose your investment money. It’s a shame when we see a new business open and then close within a year.

5. Buying and selling a business is not necessarily a simple process. You’ll need to carefully examine the financial situation of the business, make sure that all of the necessary paperwork is in place, and that the purchase agreement has been negotiated to your satisfaction.

Each owner prefers to custom design their company. But if the owner wants to keep the business running smoothly, they may need to work with the existing business model and adapt it to fit their own style and needs.

Written by Stingray Villa – the newest Airbnb in Cozumel Mexico.

Feb 27 2022March 17, 2022

Where to Exchange Money in Cozumel Mexico

Cozumel MX

Where to Exchange Money in Cozumel Mexico

People coming on vacation to Cozumel ask what type of currency is best to have for spending. Can you use US Dollars in Cozumel? Do I need to exchange money? Is it better to use pesos or dollars in Cozumel? We will break it down for you here so you can travel like a pro and get the most for your money.

Are US Dollars accepted in Cozumel?

The answer is yes, but not everywhere. For most tourists that are in Mexico for a week and will be in tourist areas, you will find most places to accept US Dollars. But there is the rate at which they will accept them.

We take US Dollars but at a cost

One very important thing you need to be alert to the rate at what people accept dollars. You might think, “Great, they take dollars!” but only to figure out it is at a lower rate than what the exchange is. Any business can decide to accept a non-official currency and they can set the rate at which they will exchange it. Most of the time their rate will be a couple of pesos less than the official rate, and you will pay 15-20% more for things. If you are going to be shopping around, it can add up. This is a “convenience fee” for not exchanging your money yourself. For this reason, we recommend people exchange money and use pesos. You will get the best prices. It might be a little confusing handling a new currency, but just take your time and figure it out when making a purchase.

The bottom line for how to pay in Cozumel

The bottom line is, they accept pesos everywhere in Cozumel! We know it can be a hassle to figure out additional money and do the calculations in your head. This is just part of traveling, and it is also more respectful to countries to use the national currency. Many Mexicans make it easy-to-use dollars and this makes it easier for many tourists that come to Mexico. You will, however, make the best use of your money if you exchange it and use pesos.

Where can I exchange currency in Cozumel?

If you find yourself in need of exchanging currency, then there are plenty of places in Cozumel where you can do this. You can exchange money at a money exchange shop. The rates will vary, as will the commission, so take your time to shop around a little for this.

If you want to use an ATM, then stick to using an ATM attached to a bank. They will also tell you the exchange rate so you know what you are getting. Often, this exchange rate is better than what you would get exchanging cash.

Written by Stingray Villa – the newest Airbnb in Cozumel Mexico.

Feb 26 2022March 23, 2022

6 Top-Rated Cozumel Businesses

Cozumel MX

6 Top-Rated Cozumel Businesses

Experience the liberating sensation of scuba diving as you glide above the reefs, taking in the beauty of Cozumel, or get your adrenaline pumping with lionfish hunting. Stingray Villa is a perfect “home base” for all your recreational activities. Have fun with your family and friends under the sun

Scuba Diving

The staff and attention to detail made ScubaTony one of the best. The captains are there waiting for you with fruit, water, and snacks after your dive as they store up all your equipment and get things ready for your next dive. If you’re looking for a dive company to cater to customers while facilitating expert dive experiences that align with the skill and needs of the diver, these are your guys.

Lionfish Hunting

If we are going to save our reefs and marine life from the non-native lionfish, we need to hunt them. Lionfish hunters are heroes. The best dive operation to used to hunt lionfish is Scuba Luis.

Discover Scuba

If you want to try scuba diving, but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a certification course, Discover Scuba is for you. While not a scuba certification course, Discover Scuba Diving is a quick and easy introduction to what it takes to explore the underwater world. ScubaTony, once again, is our favorite to introduce you to the underwater world of Cozumel.

Medical and Dental Vacations

When you think of health tourism in Mexico, you have one thing in mind: saving money! We are talking about 50 to 70% of savings just for going to Mexico for Medical and Dental care.

Dental Care

You can find great dental clinics in Cozumel with amazing technology and high-quality dental care. Cozumel Dental Services offers great prices and state-of-the-art technology, which makes the difference from other clinics. Dr. Nora Hernandez Lavie speaks english, spanish, and german to help you with your needs.

Diving Specialist & General Practitioner

When you are in a foreign country and you do not feel well, where do you turn? We recommend Dr. Pascual Piccolo for his diagnostic abilities and great bedside manner. He works out of the San Miguel Clinic at Calle 6 Norte # 135 between 5th and 10th. EMERGENCY PHONE LINE: 987-872-3070.

Cosmetic Surgery

Cozumel cosmetic surgery vacations are becoming more popular every year as high-quality services attract medical tourists at affordable prices.

Rejuvenation Clinic Cozumel offers treatments that can cost 40-50% less than in the United States.

Rejuvenation Clinic Cozumel not only offers excellent medical facilities but also a warm and welcoming environment to relax and recuperate after treatment.

Written by Stingray Villa – the newest Airbnb in Cozumel Mexico.

Feb 21 2022March 23, 2022

The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Places of 2022 According to Travel Experts

Cozumel MX

The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Places of 2022 According to Travel Experts

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, in this case, travel experts. While it almost seems impossible to pinpoint all of Mother Nature’s most beautiful offerings, these travel experts have picked their top 50, most beautiful destinations in the world.

1. Antelope Canyon, Arizona – “The place where water runs through the rocks.”

2. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Japan – Towering green stalks extending even beyond the visual realm.

3. Atacama Desert, Chile – The Atacama Desert is an alluring world of sand and rock. It possesses geologic formations and a landscape similar to a celestial body.

4. Angel Falls, Venezuela – Angel Falls is the world’s highest waterfall, with falls stretching 19 times higher than Niagara Falls.

5. Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar – The Avenue of Baobabs are trees that stretch 30 meters high and are approximately 2,800 years old.

6. Antarctica – Antarctica is an uninhabited, ice-covered landmass.

7. Banff National Park, Alberta – Canada’s oldest national park, accompanying kilometres of mountainous terrain.

8. Big Sur, California – Big Sur is the longest scenic stretch of undeveloped coastline.

9. Bagan, Myanmar – Thousands of stupas, pagodas, and temples dominate the Archaeological Zone of Myanmar.

10. Boracay, Philippines – A small resort island, Boracay’s White Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

11. Boulders Beach, South Africa – Boulders Beach is a home for African Penguins that features white sand and large granite boulders.

12. Cozumel, Mexico – Cozumel is a sought-after paradise in the Caribbean Ocean. The sea provides shades of turquoise blue, offering sea life of every size and color, while the island holds ancient Mayan ruins.

13. Cappadocia, Turkey – Cappadocia is known for its enchanting cave dwellings. Carving homes into rock faces is dominant throughout central Turkey.

14. Crater Lake National Park, Oregon – Crater Lake is the cleanest and clearest body of water in Oregon; it is known for its purity and lively blue color.

15. Cirque de Gavarnie, France – A green valley enclosed by a ring of sheer granite mountain walls.

16. Dal Lake, India – An urban lake called the “Lake of Flowers.”

17. Death Valley, California – The hottest place on earth. Death Valley is a vast area of extremes ranging from wildflower meadows to scorching sands and snowy peaks.

18. El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, Mexico – El Arco is a geological formation of natural rock.

19. Fernando de Noronha – Fernando de Noronha is a unique ecological sanctuary with a toothed coastline.

20. Grand Canyon, Arizona – With countless layers of colorful rock and mesmerizing vistas, this geological phenomenon is called the Grand Canyon.

21. Grand Canal, Venice – The grandest waterway features a canal running straight through the center of the “Floating City.”

22. Glencoe, Scotland – Famous for its astonishingly scenic glens.

23. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam – A place home to jungle-covered karsts, emerging out of emerald, green water.

24. Iguazu Falls, Argentina, and Brazil – Iguazu Falls comprise 275 cascades on the Argentina-Brazil border, forming the world’s largest waterfall.

25. Jodhpur, India – Jodhpur is the “Blue City.” Most of the city’s architecture is built in vivid shades of blue.

26. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – The highest mountain in Africa.

27. Lake Como, Italy – Como is the most profound lake in Italy.

28. Li River, China – The karst hills: surrounding the river are the oldest and most beautiful phenomena in China.

29. Lake Eyre, Australia – Eyre is one of the world’s largest salt lakes, with its location at the lowest point in Australia.

30. Lake Baikal, Russia – A massive, ancient lake circled by a network of hiking paths called The Great Baikal Trail. It is the deepest lake in the world.

31. Lake Tekapo, New Zealand – Lake Tekapo is known for its beautiful watercolor.

32. Mount Fuji, Japan – The tallest peak in Japan, Fuji-sun, is a sacred mountain and symbol.

33. Milford Sound, New Zealand – Milford Sound is a place where plunging cliffs meet dark inky waters.

34. Matira Beach, French Polynesia – Matira is a beach in Bora Bora, with miles of white flour-fine sand and a bright blue lagoon.

35. Maasai Mara, Kenya – Maasai Mara is an area of preserved savannah wilderness; it is a golden grassland with acacia trees.

36. Norman’s Cay, The Bahamas – Norman’s Cay is an exclusive island only accessible via private jet. Rent a private jet to see it.

37. Pamukkale, Turkey – Pamukkale is the “Cotton Castle,” featuring layers of white travertine terraces of icy-blue pools.

38. Provence, France – Provence is a purple landscape in summer, where endless fields of lavender bloom.

39. Svalbard, Norway – Svalbard is the Arctic archipelago where the Northern Lights become visible.

40. Socotra, Yemen – Socotra is an island with surreal landscapes and Dragon Blood trees.

41. Salar De Uyuni, Bolivia – Salar De Uyuni is the world’s most monumental salt flat covering miles of the Bolivian altiplano.

42. Shark Bay, Western Australia – The place where the teal waters of the Indian ocean meet the red earth. It is home to the biggest and copious meadows of seagrass.

43. Taormina, Sicily – Famous for its beauty in archaeology and architecture.

44. The Alps – The most extensive mountain range in Europe, stretching over eight countries.

45. The Great Barrier Reef, Australia – The world’s largest coral reef extending over 14 degrees of latitude.

46. The Azores, Portugal – Nine volcanic islands, showing nature in its purest state.

47. Ubud, Bali – Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali and a center for traditional crafts and dance.

48. Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Zambia – Victoria Falls is known by the locals as the “smoke that thunders.”

49. Wadi Rum, Jordan – Wadi Rum is a dessert that features natural arches and dramatic sandstone mountains.

50. Wulingyuan Scenic Area, China – In China exists the rarest forest of sandstone pillar formations on the planet. Mother Nature truly is the gift that keeps on giving.

Written by Stingray Villa – the newest Airbnb in Cozumel Mexico.

Dec 31 2021February 26, 2022

Where is Cozumel?

Cozumel MX

Where Is Cozumel?

The island of Cozumel is located just off the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula – across the water from Playa Del Carmen and about an hour and a half from the Cancun airport. The Latitude and the Longitude of the Island of Cozumel is 20.422984 latitude and -86.922343 longitude.

Since the Yucatan Peninsula is part of Mexico, traveling to Cozumel is simple and economical.
Cozumel is the closest Caribbean island to the mainland United States and accordingly has much more direct tourist traffic from the U.S. than any other island in the Caribbean.
In fact, many individuals who visit Cozumel decide to remain a few days or a week instead of just a day or two because it is so simple to fly back and forth between Cozumel and the U.S. Also, since everything you require is so close by, many visitors to Cozumel decide to extend their trip to other parts of Mexico or even to Central America.
Quintana Roo was known as a part of the Yucatán state until October 8th, 1974. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico. It also has a wonderful historical past. The Maya inhabited it and later, Quintana Roo became part of the Spanish empire.
Cozumel is 34 miles long by 11 miles wide just off of Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Cozumel is quite unlike its neighbor. It’s largely undeveloped, with expanses of jungle and untouched shoreline that are a rarity on the mainland. Travelers don’t come for partying, boisterous beach bikini volleyball games, or designer shopping. Instead, it’s about unplugging and enjoying the sun.
There’s also plenty to see and do in Cozumel aside from the beach. The city of San Miguel has a laid-back vibe, and there are stunning stretches of untouched nature to be found along the eastern and southern shores.

Getting to Cozumel

The best way to get from Cancun to Cozumel is with the ADO bus from the Airport to Playa del Carmen and then take the Cozumel Ferry. This is because the bus ride is only about 1 hour long and it is a much nicer way to travel. The ferry for Cozumel runs every 60 minutes, and it is very inexpensive. You can buy your ticket at the ferry terminal.

Some notes about the ferry to Cozumel from Playa del Carmen:

You can take your bike on the ferry no problem for no extra charge, they will direct you to a different entrance on the ground floor so you don’t have to get up the escalator with your bike!
It’s the same if you have a lot of luggage or are in a wheelchair. You just go under the escalator and enter from there.
I always sit indoors in the a/c rather than outside, but that’s because I’m not a tourist and it’s not so exciting for me anymore.

Whatever your travel plans, you should also know that airlines fly directly into Cozumel, which we recommend that you look at first. Airlines flying into Cozumel include; American Airlines, United, Southwest, Frontier, Sun Country, Air Canada, Rouge, WestJet, Volaris, and VivaAerobús.

When To Visit Cozumel

The tropical climate in Cozumel is quite predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83 degrees F) it’s the rainy hurricane season that most travelers need to pay attention to.

January – April

Peak season. Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists. If you are not a people person this is something to consider.

May–October

The hottest and most rainy months of the year, but still plenty of sunshine and fantastic warm water for snorkeling & diving. Also, the hurricane season peaks in September and October, so monitor the forecasts and get travel insurance just in case. Fewer tourists mean you can expect lower rates at hotels, resorts, and tour companies during this time.

November–December

Many consider the autumn-winter months to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time and the humidity is low. Can be a little “chilly” in the evenings sometimes though.

What Is There to Do in Cozumel?

Cozumel is Mexico’s premier diving destination, so if you would like to explore the marine life of the Mesoamerican Reef, this is the ideal place to do it. There are great options for both scuba diving and snorkeling. Cozumel’s beaches are great for a relaxing afternoon. You can also visit San Gervasio archaeological site, wander through the botanical gardens at Chankanaab Park, or go shopping in the island’s principal town of San Miguel.

Written by Stingray Villa Cozumel

Dec 11 2021March 17, 2022

Immigration Changes in Cozumel

Cozumel MX

For many years, Cozumel immigration has set the duration of tourists’ stays up to 180 days. Most people got 180 days recorded on their tourists’ visas, which was enough for a trip or spending winter in Cozumel. However, there is an evolving landscape and 2 considerable factors have evolved.

Tourist visas are no longer issued for 180 days. Some individuals have gotten as little as a week since it is now up to the immigration agent to make this determination.
In Cozumel, we now have immigration checkpoints. This calls for individuals to have their tourist visa or residential identification with them at all times.

Covid-19 and Airbnbs

In these times of covid-19, the incursion of foreigners migrating to Cozumel has broadened its levels by 50%. People from all over the world visited Cozumel because of fewer covid-19 regulations and the upswing of luxury Airbnb rentals. This, however, has generated a severe strain on the service systems of the island. If you want to come to Cozumel and spend months on the island, we recommend applying for a residential visa.

What are the benefits of obtaining a residential visa for Cozumel?

Acquiring a visa and tax id for Cozumel can provide you to scale down your tax burden and you can write off liabilities connected to your property.
They will not question you as you arrive in Cozumel and can remain as long as you like.
You can open bank accounts and have vehicles in your name.
Residents receive discounts at local restaurants, transportation, and parks.
If your aim is to gain Mexican Citizenship, having a residential visa is a stepping stone for this process.
You can likewise protect yourself from further reforms to tourist visas in Cozumel.

What type of residency is best for you?

For most individuals, the best is a permanent resident visa, but not all people show the economic numbers that the law requires. We suggest that no matter what residence you get, the most significant element is to start now. How do you get started seeking a residential visa in Cozumel? First, you can search for the legal qualifications on the official Mexican government website. If you meet the requirements, you then set up an appointment at the nearest Mexican consulate in your home country. Consulates are now putting constraints that only residents of their state can apply to their consulate. If you are planning to visit a consulate that is not in your state, be sure to check first to see if you can apply there. Then, once approved, you have a certain amount of time to get to the island and then complete the process at the Cozumel immigration office.

Next, it’s important to know the “green card” process in Mexico. Once you obtain your visa and start working here, you will be given a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) is Mexico’s version of Social Security or Social Insurance number. This number will be valid for the rest of your life. An individual with an CURP can open a bank account, get a driver’s license, purchase insurance, and pay taxes. All of these things are significant because they allow you to legally reside and become a part of this society. The Cozumel immigration checkpoints are not the only challenge to having a residential visa. There is another issue: The Mexican government has implemented an e-visa program. What this means is that if you are applying from outside of Mexico, you must upload all of the required documents into your application via an internet connection.

Moreover, if you want to extend your stay in Mexico after the initial 30-days, you must upload additional information regarding your extension request. This new process was put into place in November of 2019 and it has been causing a lot of problems for foreigners trying to enter Mexico. As soon as you obtain your visa, we recommend you keep a low profile and avoid using your SSN unless you absolutely have to. This is especially true if you are going to be uploading any supporting documentation. Finally, it is important that you become familiar with the laws surrounding immigration to Mexico.

UPDATE: Experts in the field have notified us (Cozumel Immigration Consultant & more) that custom agents have put 180 days back on tourist visas. Tourists being dissatisfied caused this change in Mexico.

Written by Stingray Villa

Oct 18 2021February 26, 2022

Cozumel’s Cruise Ship-Dependent Economy

Cozumel MX

The COVID-19 pandemic helped uncover the susceptibility of Cozumel Mexico’s cruise ship-dependent economy. This stresses the need to further expand Cozumel’s economy, develop more housing and use the Scuba Diving/Snorkeling industry better. A down economy over the recent 2 years points to an economy that is not repairing itself. Relying on just one industry for inhabitants’ incomes is an unsound proposal.

Many people are not getting their usual income and this has created a mass migration of people to find new ways to make money. This situation will not correct itself overnight, but with sound planning, they can manage it.

Cozumel, like many other cruise ship resorts, is very susceptible to economic changes in the U.S. economy. Cozumel needs to diversify its economy by developing land-based activities and tourism besides cruising but it will still feel the impact if there is a prolonged economic downturn in the U.S. It must be stressed that Cozumel’s economy is ship-dependent and losing a single cruise ship will cause a drastic drop in its economy. In 2007, before the great recession hit, Cozumel had an unemployment rate of only 2.9%. When the great recession hit in 2008, this number skyrocketed to 3.4%.

A big difference between Cozumel’s economic situation and that of places like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta is that Cozumel does not have a single primary industry that could serve as an alternative for the people in case of an economic downturn. Cozumel Mexico is the second-largest cruise ship port in Latin America, with many cruise ships calling at the port daily. The cruise ship industry is very important to the economy of Cozumel, Mexico. Its high-profit margin can characterize the cruise ship industry in Cozumel, very low unemployment rate (only 3.9% in the most recent available data), and high disposable income per capita compared to other cities in the Caribbean and Mexico. In fact, this income is comparable to that of some cities in California. However, the cruise ship industry is not immune to the U.S. economy. In 2010, the year the last of the cruise ships calling in Cozumel departed for home, the U.S. economy entered a prolonged economic recession. In response to this economic downturn, the cruise industry in Cozumel declined.

This means that if there is a major drop in the economy, this would be felt throughout the entire island. In order to have a stable economy, Cozumel must work with the government to develop more housing so that its inhabitants do not have to rely on their cruise ship jobs to make money. Since Cozumel is very susceptible to economic changes in the U.S. economy, it is also susceptible to coronavirus. This has made the island’s people become a lot more aware of the need to prepare for any future economic changes and how to survive them.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also helped expose the fragility of the Cozumel economy and will force the island’s residents to prepare for any future economic changes by having adequate supplies of food and other necessities. The island must take into account that it is located close to both the U.S. and Mexican borders. A drop in the economy in the U.S. could cause a significant drop in the economy of Cozumel and this could lead to a drop in the tourism industry. This means that Cozumel should work with the government to ensure that there are adequate supplies of food for all its inhabitants.

Written by Stingray Villa Cozumel.

Oct 12 2021March 2, 2022

Cozumel Carnival 2022

Cozumel MX

The new dates for the Cozumel Carnival 2022 have been announced:

PRE CARNIVAL 2022

April 23 Presentation of candidates, farewell kings 2020

April 30 Presentation of candidates in individual costume

May 6 Ladies show

May 7 Voting night, kings of carnival 2022

May 13 Voting night, kings of diversity

May 14 Youth kings election.

May 15 Popular presentation for children and youth kings.

CARNIVAL

May 18 Coronation of kings

May 19 Children’s category comparsas contest

May 20 Costume contest, maternal, kindergarten, children, and pets

May 20 Youth and free comparsas contest, Presentation of emperors

May 21 First Carnival Parade

May 21 Fantasy night and masks. Costume contest.

May 22 Second Carnival Parade

May 22 Tropical night. Show Presentation of the queen of nobodies.

May 23, Ceviche festival

May 23. Paint & Run 5k race

May 23 Artistic presentation in Benito Juárez Park.

May 24 Third and last carnival Parade. Closing concert.

May 25 Burning of Juan Carnival.

Cozumel Carnival 2022

Whether you’re daydreaming of joining the Cozumel Carnival 2022 festivities or simply want to better understand this iconic holiday, read on for an extensive explainer that includes everything you need to know about Carnival, including how best to enjoy it in Cozumel.

When is Cozumel’s Carnival in 2022?

This year, Carnival day falls on March 1, 2022. Carnival festivities in Cozumel are scheduled to take place from Wednesday, February 23th through Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Parades start the weekend before Carnival, which is February 25–28, 2022.

The Cozumeleno people determine their king and queen in fierce dance and talent competitions before choosing who will represent them in Carnival. Among other activities, they encourage individuals to take part in the body of dance that will establish the group of artists who will perform in the most original float.

Where are the best Airbnbs to stay during Carnival?

Location is everything if you’re visiting Cozumel during Carnival because parking is difficult, and you’ll want to walk if you’re planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades stay in the charming el Centro. This neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and the downtown festivities are just five minutes away.

Even if you don’t plan to visit Cozumel for Carnival in 2022, it’s a popular time to visit and never too early to start thinking about (or booking) a 2022 trip—in normal years, Airbnb’s sell out fast

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The performers will drive you to dance with their marvelous moves and contagious dances. Multicolored costumes, ornate plumes, shimmering jeweled costumes, and that burning rhythm will roar through each intersection of The Isle of the Swallows.

Still haven’t made your arrangements? Remember, we can assist you with accommodations at Stingray Villa in Cozumel. Click here to see our rates.

Sep 20 2021February 20, 2022

5 Reasons NOT to Live in Cozumel

Cozumel MX

5 Reasons NOT to Live in Cozumel

It is possible to miss the USA when you move, here are the 5 reasons not to live in Cozumel. Although Cozumel is a stunning, and magical place, you may miss some things about the USA after your move. I recall visiting Cozumel during the ’90s and missing a few things about the USA that you cannot get in Cozumel. There are some popular chain restaurant meals that you cannot get on Cozumel, along with specific events–like snow skiing!

#1: Seasonal Changes

As we all know, seasons do not change on Cozumel. It is temperate year-round and there is only cold weather in the elevations of central Mexico. So, when residing on Cozumel, you will not experience the changing of the seasons. That means no snow, no fall leaves, no spring flowers, and no late summer nights. Although in the USA, daylight can stretch all the way until 9 PM at night at the peak of summer, that’s not the case on Cozumel. On Cozumel, the sun still goes down around 7:30 PM during the summer months.

#2: Cross-country Road Trips

There’s no interstate to travel on between Cozumel and the mainland! This means no road trips, no easy cross-country traveling and weekend trips out of state. This should be something to keep in mind when moving to Cozumel because you will lose out on all of this. Traveling out of state from Cozumel is going to be at least $35 USD just to get off the island, per ticket. Keep this in mind. We love going on weekend road trips across states, but you can’t do that on Cozumel!

#3: Winter Sports

Winter sports are huge in the eastern USA area. Everyone skis and snowboards at the resorts. It’s a big deal. If you’re into these winter sports, prepare to not have them at all when you move to Cozumel. The closest thing to winter sports will be water sports and the two are profoundly different. Die-hards for winter skiing passes need to have a conversation or two before the move to Cozumel. I know individuals in Vermont that will ditch work for days when the powder is fresh.

#4: Mainland Chain Restaurants

Although this seems like a trivial thing, there are no In-N-Outs on Cozumel. I am an In-N-Out fan myself and love their burgers. I miss them when I visit Cozumel for an extended period. If your mainland chain restaurants are important to you, then think again before moving to Cozumel. This is just one example of several other chains that are not on Cozumel, like Chick-Fil-A and Popeyes. There are a few USA chains in Cozumel, but we have Hooters.

Luckily for us, we did not fall into any of these categories and love our life on this island. If you visit us at Stingray Villa, you will see our love of the island and enjoy our recommendations.