I was wrong on the size of the island, it is actually 29 miles long by just under 10 wide. Still fairly small.
The hotels line mostly one side of the island. More packed together on the northern area & central are(central is town area), more spread out south.
San Miguel is the name of town.
Town is not bad. I did venture around quite a bit (back then was searching for some smoke) but didn't go deep out of town. Felt safe wherever I went.
I think I may have scared some of the locals,as half thought I was a devil man due to the tattoos I have, with them saying Diablo, diablo as I walked by, and the ones I was trying to get smoke from thought I was a cop I think LOL.
Its kind of touristy, but not anywhere near as pressure driven as say Cancun. I felt it was a very laid back little town compared to Cancun.
There were little beggar kids here and there, other youngins trying to slip a handmade rope bracelet on your wrist, then ask for money, and others walking around with a broom stick with a mannequin head with Bo Derek braids on it, trying to get you to let them braid your hair for a fee. No big deal, just say no gracias.
Not like if you walk a block from the main strip that your in danger or anything. I walked quite a bit of that town.
I wish I could remember the restaurant we ate at in town. The owner was from Los Angeles and imported their beef in. Not sure it is even there anymore. Hell back in 97, a huge steak & lobster surf and turf dinner cost me $19.00, I was both full, and very happy.
I have not been back since 2000, so not sure how much has changed. Not sure how much has changed in 14 years. Can't imagine it has changed a super lot.
Cozumeleno is more north and closer to everything, Iberostar is the most southern resort, you can get anywhere for a reasonable taxi ride. Iberostar is about 11 miles south of town.
I think it was about 5 bucks taxi ride to town. The cost has most likely risen over the years. The locals love US currency, and you can negotiate some great deals using US dollars. Only exchange as much as you need in a day or so, as exchanging it back, you will take a loss, if you can exchange it back there at all. I used US dollar as much as I could, which was almost everywhere.
I preferred a more secluded resort, rather than town. Guess it depends on what you like. It is easy enough to get to town as the island is not huge to start with.
If your do go to Cozumel, most resorts offer a quickie course in scuba, and will take your out after for a shallow dive 30-40' deep. If you are interested, I suggest doing it.
It is truly beautiful down there. The diving is drift diving, meaning the slight current moves you along, minimal effort involved. Just try not to touch anything, coral, fish etc. Touching coral kills it. And as for the underwater life, if you don't bother it, it won't bother you. I had a 5' Barracuda come right up to my face checking me out, while I checked him out, we just looked at each other a few, then he went his way, I went mine.
I love diving, so peaceful and beautiful.
Also if you do go, check out Chakanaab Park, I snorkeled there and ended up swimming with a wild Manta Ray, had a wingspan wider than I am tall. One of my favorite highlights.
(broken link removed to http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/chankanaab.cfm)
There are also jungle rides etc. Plenty to do, or plenty of relaxation.
I love the place and hope to get back there some year soon. I'll never consider Cancun again after having been to Cozumel.
You have no cartel worries on Cozumel. The islanders are super friendly, and very accommodating, as you are also their main source of income, and they unlike many elsewhere, are very appreciative of that, in a genuine way.
