For all general questions about Cozumel, I recommend you join the very active ‘Cozumel 4 You’ Facebook group. Use the search feature within the group to find your question/answer.
If you are future guests at Casa Sunshine, you will receive the full welcome guide including arrival instructions 2 weeks before your trip. Below are the questions I receive most often as guests are preparing to visit Cozumel.
Should I rent a car from the airport?
As you exit the customs area, go to the Transportation Ticket Counter to purchase van/taxi transportation to the house. As of January 2024, you can use CozuShuttle or FlexShuttle. CozuShuttle is about $13/person for their van service.
If you are renting a car, you can also do this at the airport or there are other places if you want to do it later. I recommend a small family-owned business called ‘Emily Car Rental‘. You can find them on Facebook. They can pick you up at the airport or deliver the car to the house. They make it very simple.
How busy is the airport?
You can’t predict which day will be busy or not. I’ve departed on days when it’s been empty and some when it’s taken 1.5 hours to get through security.
When arriving, getting through customs can be 15 minutes to 2 hours. It depends on how many immigration officers are working and the amount of airplanes that have unloaded ahead of you. Always be flexible with your arrival plans.
When departing, always make sure you have ample amount of time to check-in at the airport. I would always give yourself 2-3 hours ahead of your flight. While the airport is very small, it can be very congested at times. Try to bring snacks to the airport as there is only one restaurant and you can’t guarantee that you’ll be able to find food.
Can I request a late check-out time?
Normal check-out time is 10:00am. If your flight isn’t until later in the afternoon, please contact us to request a later check-out time. If we are unable to accommodate your request, you have the option to leave your luggage at the house until 2:00pm and come back to get it. The lockbox with the key will still work. I understand that there are not many places to hang out near the airport, so we’ll do our best to make your departure day as stress-free as possible.
Is there fresh drinking water provided?
Yes, I supply several large (10 liter) Cristal purified drinking water jugs. One is hooked up to the water dispenser that supplies cold and hot water. As for ice, we have ice trays you can fill and put in the freezer. There is also a jug in the refrigerator where you can store water that is extra cold.
If you run out of drinking water, let me know and we’ll supply you more.
If you’re at a restaurant, they will always serve safe drinking water, whether that is in a bottle or not. I always request “Vaso de agua” (Glass of water) when ordering as it’s very inexpensive and the same water that is from the Cristal water jugs.
Is it worth flying into Cancun rather than Cozumel?
This is a highly debatable topic for travelers looking to come to Cozumel. When looking at flights, it can seem like a much better option, sometimes saving up to $300/person to fly to Cancun rather than direct to Cozumel.
If you are traveling without kids, and are looking to explore Playa Del Carmen as well, then it can be worth the time and money.
But for all other scenarios, I would always recommend flying direct to Cozumel. The time and effort of taking the ferry and taxi to the airport is just not worth it.
Is there free or covered parking at Casa Sunshine?
There is ample free parking outside the front gate you can use. It’s well lit and I have installed security cameras that overlook the area. The neighborhood is very safe with many Americans owning houses in the area. I’ve never had any issues with security or rental cars.
Note: Parking inside the courtyard is prohibited.
Is it safe to walk to a restaurant
Yes. The neighborhood is very safe with many Americans living in the area. New construction is always going up in the area. There are several restaurants, taco stands, grocery stores, etc. in walking distance, but we do recommend that all guests rent a car to get around the island.
Where do dive shops pick you up? At a dock or the marina?
I cannot speak to all dive shops, but from my experience with Blue Project Cozumel, they will ask that you meet them at the Marina around 9am. There is free parking at the marina and a 5min walk to the boat.
While driving around, where can I park on the street?
The only color curbs that are safe to park on is white. Yellow or red curbs are prohibited. You also cannot park on the oceanfront (main drag) until after 6pm.
Rule of thumb – If you see other cars parked in an area, and it’s white curbs, it’s generally safe to park there. If there is a long empty stretch that is free and there are diamond-shaped signs on each end, these are normally reserved for scooters or taxis.