What to Bring to Cozumel

Wear your swimsuit under lightweight shorts and a t-shirt or cover-up. Bring water shoes or sport sandals with straps (flip-flops are fine for beach days but not for jeep, ATV, or jungle tours). For boat tours, wear clothes you do not mind getting wet. A hat and sunglasses are essential because the sun is intense at 20 degrees latitude.

Yes. Cozumel is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and the marine park requires reef-safe (biodegradable) sunscreen for all water activities. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned. Look for brands labeled reef-safe or biodegradable. We provide reef-safe sunscreen on all our snorkeling and boat tours, but bring your own for the rest of the day.

Highly recommended. A waterproof phone pouch ($10-15 on Amazon) lets you take underwater photos while snorkeling and protects your phone on boat tours. We see phones go overboard every week. If you do not have a waterproof case, leave your phone in the dry bag we provide on all water tours.

No. All Cozumel Cruise Tours snorkeling excursions include high-quality masks, snorkels, fins, and life vests at no extra charge. If you wear prescription glasses, you may want to bring your own prescription snorkel mask for the best experience. We also provide flotation noodles and vests for non-swimmers.

If you have a pre-booked tour: bring $50-100 USD for tips, drinks, and small purchases. For a self-guided day: $100-200. Credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Always have some cash for tips. Our guides appreciate cash tips and it is customary to tip $5-10 per person for half-day tours.

No, do not drink tap water in Cozumel. Drink bottled water, which is available everywhere for $1-2 USD. Restaurants use purified water and ice, so drinks with ice at established restaurants are safe. On all our tours, we provide unlimited bottled water, soft drinks, and beer.

Leave expensive jewelry, large amounts of cash, and your passport (keep it in the ship safe and carry a copy). Do not bring non-reef-safe sunscreen. Do not bring valuables you cannot afford to lose on water tours. Leave high heels and formal shoes on the ship. Cozumel is a casual island.