Safety & Security Mistakes to Never Make (8 Things)
Cozumel is one of the safest and most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. It is famous for world-class diving, pristine beaches, and relaxed Mexican culture. Most of your trip will be perfect. However, every year, thousands of tourists make common, avoidable mistakes that cost them time, money, or worse, their health.
This article is your protective shield. We cut through the noise to give you 25 specific, actionable warnings. Read this checklist before you land, and you will save money, stay healthy, and ensure your trip is nothing but relaxing.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Basic Water Safety and Dive Limits
The water around Cozumel is stunning, but the currents can be strong, especially on the East Side (the “wild side”). Never swim alone in an isolated area. If you are a diver, do not ignore your dive computer or push beyond your certification limits. The most common dive safety mistake is failing to take sufficient surface time between dives or ignoring pressure issues, which can lead to serious health complications requiring expensive, urgent hyperbaric treatment. Always use a reputable, PADI-certified dive shop.
Mistake 2: Assuming Public Transportation is Available Everywhere
Cozumel is relatively small, but outside of the central city of San Miguel, taxis are the dominant mode of transport. Do not assume there is a bus line to your resort or to remote beaches like Punta Sur. Outside of the immediate downtown area, you will be entirely reliant on taxis or a rented car/jeep. If you are staying far from town, pre-arrange transport, or your taxi bill will quickly add up.
Mistake 3: Traveling Alone at Night in Unfamiliar Areas
While Cozumel is safer than most mainland tourist zones, petty crime can happen. Do not wander alone late at night in unlit or non-touristy areas outside of the downtown core. Stick to well-populated, main streets. If you are heading out late, use a licensed taxi for a door-to-door ride. This is a crucial rule for solo travelers and avoids unnecessary risk.
Mistake 4: Leaving Valuables Unattended on the Beach
Do not leave your wallet, phone, or passport unattended on the beach while swimming. While violent crime is rare, opportunistic petty theft happens everywhere, including Cozumel. Use a waterproof bag tethered to your chair or leave non-essentials locked up at your accommodation. The few seconds of risk are not worth the massive headache of replacing documents abroad.
Mistake 5: Failing to Confirm Your All Aboard Time (Cruise Passengers)
If you are visiting Cozumel via a cruise ship, do not assume you have unlimited time on the island. The single biggest mistake cruise ship passengers make is missing the “all aboard” time. This means being left behind, which is an extremely expensive and stressful mistake to fix. Always set an alarm and plan to be back at the dock at least one hour before the posted departure time, especially if taking an unofficial excursion.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Flags and Warning Signs on the East Side Beaches
The East Side, or “wild side” of the island (beaches like Chen Rio and Mezcalito), is beautiful but largely unguarded. Do not ignore warning signs or red flags indicating dangerous currents and high surf. While tempting, swimming in these areas when conditions are poor is a significant mistake that puts your life at risk. Stick to designated swimming areas or the calmer West Side if flags are up.
Mistake 7: Hiring Unlicensed or Uninsured Tour Operators
This is the biggest mistake you can make for your family’s safety. Do not book with an unlicensed tour operator offering cheap trips on the street or the beach. While the price is low, they often lack proper safety equipment, insurance, and professional training. If an accident happens, you have zero recourse. Always check for proper licensing, read reviews, and book through trusted hotel concierges or established local tour agencies.
Mistake 8: Forgetting to Lock Doors and Windows at Night
Even in a safe place, do not leave ground-floor doors or windows unlocked at night or when you leave for the day. Always use the safe provided by your hotel or rental for cash and passports. Basic security measures go a long way in deterring opportunistic theft.
Financial & Scams: Protecting Your Wallet (7 Things)
This section is where tourists lose the most money. Follow these rules to avoid getting scammed or overpaying.
Mistake 9: Exchanging Currency at the Airport or Cruise Terminal
This is a classic tourist trap. Do not exchange large amounts of money at the airport or near the cruise docks. Their exchange rates are significantly lower than those of local banks (Banamex, Santander) or reliable, official ATMs. You will lose 10% or more on the exchange alone.
Mistake 10: Relying Solely on Credit Cards (Carry Pesos)
Many smaller restaurants, street vendors, local shops, and especially taxi drivers do not accept credit cards. Even if they do, their card machine may suddenly “not be working.” Do not rely on a card for everything. You need Mexican Pesos (MXN) for tips, small purchases, and transportation. Carrying Pesos is the best way to pay in Cozumel.
Mistake 11: Falling for the Jeep Rental Deposit Scam
Be extremely careful with vehicle rentals. Do not rent a Jeep, especially without comprehensively documenting every scratch and dent. The most common rental car scams Cozumel tourists face involve uninsurable jeeps and deposit issues. Scammers will claim you caused minor damage upon return and keep your cash deposit. Always use a licensed, reputable agency that includes full, clear insurance and take photos and videos of the vehicle before you leave the lot.
Mistake 12: Using Standalone, Non-Bank ATMs
Do not use generic, standalone ATMs found in convenience stores, bars, or isolated tourist kiosks. These machines often have extremely high transaction fees and are the most common source of credit card skimming. Always use a well-lit ATM inside a legitimate bank branch (such as ScotiaBank or HSBC).
Mistake 13: Not Checking Your Restaurant Bill for Hidden Charges
After a great meal, do not pay your restaurant bill without carefully checking it first. A frequent mistake is finding small, extra charges added (sometimes labeled as a mandatory tip, or simply extra items you did not order). Confirm the total amount, verify the charges, and ensure the tip line is blank if you intend to leave a cash tip.
Mistake 14: Overpaying for Souvenirs (Avoid Tourist Traps)
Do not buy expensive souvenirs at the first shop you see near the port. Prices in the main cruise ship tourist traps are dramatically inflated. Walk a few blocks inland toward the central plaza, and you will find the same items for 30 to 50% less. This avoids Cozumel tourist traps and saves your wallet.
Mistake 15: Not Telling Your Bank You Are Traveling
A simple, major financial mistake: do not travel without notifying your credit card and bank company. If your bank sees transactions in Cozumel without prior notice, they will flag them as fraud and freeze your card, leaving you without access to cash when you need it most.
Health & Comfort Errors (5 Things)
Avoid these simple mistakes to ensure your trip is spent enjoying the beach, not recovering in your hotel room. How to avoid getting sick in Cozumel is simple: stay hydrated and be careful with what you consume.
Mistake 16: Drinking Tap Water or Using Unsafe Ice
Do not drink tap water in Cozumel. Tourists should avoid drinking Cozumel tap water. While some modern resorts have advanced filtration systems, assume all tap water is for washing only. Use only sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Only consume ice at reputable restaurants and bars that use purified water (purified ice is generally fine).
Mistake 17: Forgetting Reef-Safe Sunscreen
This is an environmental and legal mistake. Do not use non-biodegradable or chemical sunscreens. They contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that bleach and kill the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Using non-compliant sunblock is illegal in protected marine parks and can result in fines. Buy certified reef-safe sunscreen. Cozumel stores carry or bring it with you.
Mistake 18: Underestimating Tropical Heat and Dehydration Risks
The sun near the equator is intense. Do not underestimate the tropical heat. Headaches, nausea, and general exhaustion are often signs of dehydration, not illness. Drink more water than you think you need, especially if you are consuming alcohol. This is a critical health error to avoid.
Mistake 19: Eating Untreated Produce or Street Food That Looks Suspicious
While street food can be delicious, do not risk eating raw, untreated fruits and vegetables (like pre-cut fruit from a cooler) or food from a street vendor who lacks basic sanitation. Stick to hot, fresh food prepared right in front of you, or fully cooked items. The biggest health mistake is taking risks with raw ingredients that may have been washed with tap water.
Mistake 20: Bringing Non-Essential Prescription Medications
Check Mexican customs laws before packing. Do not bring non-essential prescription medications that could be restricted or cause issues at the border. Always keep medicines in their original, clearly labeled bottles and carry a copy of your doctor’s prescription, especially for controlled substances. Avoid bringing anything over-the-counter that you can easily buy locally.
Cultural & Environmental Blunders (3 Things)
Please show respect for the island, its people, and the environment. These points go beyond standard good manners.
Mistake 21: Haggling Too Aggressively at Fixed-Price Shops
Haggling (bartering) is acceptable in markets and with street vendors, but do not haggle aggressively. It is seen as disrespectful. Furthermore, never try to haggle in fixed-price restaurants, large retail stores, or official taxi queues—it is simply not done. Pay the posted price. Remember Cozumel local etiquette and be polite.
Mistake 22: Touching or Standing on Coral Reefs (The Law)
This is the most critical environmental warning. Do not touch, kick, or stand on the coral reef. This is a massive mistake with permanent consequences for the fragile ecosystem. It is also illegal. Dive guides and park rangers take this seriously, and the fines for damaging coral are significant. Keep a respectful distance while snorkeling or diving.
Mistake 23: Ignoring Tipping Etiquette (Propina)
While tipping is not legally mandatory, do not fail to tip (propina) in service industries. Tipping is a cultural expectation and a primary source of income for waiters, taxi drivers, hotel staff, and tour guides. Failing to tip (the standard is 10 to 20% in restaurants and $1-2 per bag for porters) is considered a significant cultural blunder.
Transportation & Navigation Pitfalls (2 Things)
Mastering local transport will save you both money and hassle.
Mistake 24: Not Confirming Taxi Fares Before Starting the Trip
Cozumel taxis do not use meters. Do not get into a taxi without confirming the price to your destination first. Taxis operate on a zone-based fixed-rate system, and the price should be clearly communicated. Confirm the Cozumel taxi fares before you start. If you do not, you are giving the driver the power to name a price upon arrival.
Mistake 25: Assuming Everyone Speaks English (Know Basic Phrases)
Cozumel is highly tourist-focused, but do not assume every local or service worker speaks fluent English. Learning basic Spanish phrases (hello, thank you, please, how much) is a sign of respect and will dramatically improve your interactions, especially with taxi drivers and in smaller, local eateries.
BONUS: Don’t Get Duped by Fake Cigars and Tourist-Trap Tequila
Listen up, because I’ve got a bonus tip for you that could save you some serious cash and a whole lot of disappointment.
First off, let’s talk tequila. You’ll see dozens of “tequila shops” near the cruise ship piers, all promising “free tastings” and “authentic” products. Let me be blunt: most of them are tourist traps. They’re selling overpriced, mediocre tequila that you could find for much less elsewhere. If you want to buy some good stuff, go to a proper liquor store like La Europea. They have a fantastic selection, and the prices are often much better than what you’d pay back home.
Now, about those famous Cuban cigars… I hate to be the one to break it to you, but most of the Cuban cigars sold in Cozumel, especially by street vendors, are as fake as a three-dollar bill. Don’t even think about it. But don’t worry, if you’re looking for the real deal, I’ve got the spot for you. There’s a place called Havana Bob’s Cuban Cigars, and let me tell you, it is 100% legit.
Imagine walking into Havana Bob’s and seeing this giant, walk-in humidor filled with genuine Cuban cigars. Bob even has his own hand-rolled cigars for true aficionados. The prices are fair, and you can be confident you’re getting exactly what you pay for.
BONUS#2: Beware the Timeshare Trap
If you spend more than an afternoon strolling around Cozumel, odds are someone will approach you promising “free tours,” “discounted excursions,” or even some “can’t-miss” gift—all you have to do is “check out a quick property presentation.” Sounds harmless, right? Well, here’s the real scoop: timeshare pitches are a dime a dozen on the island, and the freebie is rarely worth what you’ll give up in time (and possibly money).
Here’s how the game usually plays out:
- You’re lured in with a prize: Free tequila tasting, snorkeling trip, or even an “exclusive” gift.
- Next thing you know, you’re sitting in a windowless room: Cue the endless presentations, smooth-talking salespeople, and pressure to sign up for a timeshare—you know, today only!
- You walk out feeling more dazed than delighted: Best-case scenario, you lost half a beach day. Worst case, you’re now on the hook for a contract you never really wanted.
Want to avoid that vacation headache? Easy:
- Politely but firmly say no to offers of “free gifts” in exchange for attending a presentation.
- Don’t give out any personal info to anyone unless you’re absolutely sure who you’re dealing with.
- Stick with well-known companies for excursions and ticketed experiences—ask your hotel, your dive shop, or fellow travelers for real recommendations.
- And if you’re curious about timeshares—hey, it’s your money!—do your homework long before your flip-flops land on Cozumel.
Bottom line: keep your eyes open, trust your gut, and save your precious island time for coral reefs and tacos, not contract negotiations. Your margarita is a much better investment!
Final Thoughts: Don’t Forget Why You Came
Cozumel isn’t just another pretty beach destination on a map. It’s a place that genuinely invites you to slow down, unplug from the chaos of everyday life, and reconnect—with nature, with your loved ones, and with yourself. Whether you’re exploring the depths of the reef, wandering through the colorful streets of town, or just sipping a good tequila while the sun dips below the horizon, remember this: this island gives its best when you treat it with care, respect, and a healthy dose of curiosity.
And if you’re looking for a home base that truly gets it? Stingray Villa is a boutique mini-resort right in the heart of Cozumel, with comfortable rooms, thoughtful design, and a pool that’s absolutely perfect for those hot tropical afternoons. We love this island with all our hearts and are always happy to share its secrets with you.
So, pack your reef-safe sunscreen, practice your “buenos días,” and come see for yourself why Cozumel keeps people coming back year after year after year.
Here’s to a trip that’s more than just a vacation—it’s a memory in the making.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Generally, Cozumel is considered one of the safest destinations in Mexico, especially around tourist zones like San Miguel and the cruise ports, but travelers should always remain vigilant, especially at night, and be aware of petty theft.
No, it is strongly advised that tourists do not drink tap water in Cozumel. Stick to bottled water, purified ice, and ensure you use sealed bottled water for brushing your teeth to avoid health issues.
Many tourists make the mistake of relying solely on US Dollars or using airport currency exchangers. It is best to pay in Mexican Pesos (MXN) for the most favorable rates, which can be acquired using a reliable bank ATM (not a generic standalone one) or a local bank branch.
Yes, it is crucial to use only biodegradable or reef-safe sunscreen. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, and using non-compliant sunblock is illegal in protected marine areas.
You should not haggle over taxi fares, but you should always confirm the established price for your destination before getting into the taxi, as official rates are often fixed based on zones.
Tourists should generally be cautious about renting scooters or mopeds, as local driving habits can be unpredictable, the insurance coverage is often poor, and accidents are common. Stick to licensed taxis or jeeps from reputable companies.
While not legally mandatory, tipping (propina) is customary and expected in service industries in Cozumel (restaurants, bars, tour guides) and failing to tip is considered a major cultural blunder. The standard tip is usually 10% to 20% of the bill.
Absolutely not. Touching, standing on, or taking pieces of coral is strictly forbidden by law. The coral is extremely fragile, and causing damage can result in significant fines and environmental penalties.
