Cozumel is a large Mexican island well-known for its natural landscape and water adventure activities. People find this place suitable for living due to its relatively lower cost of living, beautiful nature, and adventure activities like scuba diving and surfing. But beyond its scenic beaches and top-tier diving, this place has become one of the most popular digital nomads and expat hotspots in the world.
It is a famous tourist destination located close to Cancun and just off the coast of Playa del Carmen. This place is renowned for its picturesque beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and vibrant marine life. Once revered by the Maya civilization, it has now transformed into a thriving tourist destination, especially for tourists interested in water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. Besides, the digital nomad community is also on the rise, drawn by the excellent facilities offered here.
Cozumel Mexico Map
When to visit Cozumel
The peak tourist season in Cozumel is during the winter months. In winter, you’ll experience drier and cooler weather. So, the best time to visit Cozumel is between December and April. As the weather is still warm and sunny, and the humidity is low, you can enjoy a tropical climate in this season. You can expect minimal rain and comfortable temperatures in this period, but you might have to face bigger crowds and pricier tags
If you want the best deals on hotels and resorts, you might consider the low season, which is between June and November. However, keep in mind that during this season, hurricanes can break out with maximum potential.
Where to stay in Cozumel
Cozumel is a laid-back city that offers a range of affordable accommodation options without any noise issues. With a budget of around $600-$800, you can comfortably find a place to stay. As a digital nomad, you can prioritize factors like affordability, good internet connectivity, and proximity to co-working spaces when choosing your base. Centro, also known as Downtown San Miguel, is a top choice for digital nomads and expats. Its lively atmosphere, walkable streets, historical sites, and various accommodation options with good internet connectivity have made it the most popular area for digital nomads, creating a thriving community that you can be a part of.
Apart from that, places like San Miguel Beach Front, Northern Hotel Zone, South Post Highway, and Corpus Christi are some of the best and most digital-nomad-friendly areas in Cozumel. If you want to experience Cozumel all inclusive facilities, check out this inclusive resort- Iberostar Cozumel.
Cost of Living
Unlike many other tourist places like Playa del Carmen, Cozumel isn’t that expensive to live and work from. The average cost of living for a digital nomad is $2,711 per month (source: Nomadlist ). Hotels are affordable, food is cheaper, and renting transport is relatively inexpensive.
At a glance (monthly)
➢ Accommodation: $700-$900
➢ Food: $400- $500 (groceries, restaurants, cafes)
➢ Transportation: $300- $350 (rental, taxis, and gas)
➢ Internet Packs: $40- $70
➢ Activities: $250- $350
➢ Others: $100 (laundry, health insurance, etc.)
Food Scene
Cozumel’s food scene is a mix of fresh seafood, Mexican cuisine and Mayan influences. From famous street tacos to delicious Tamales, Cozumel offers a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes. Food like Cochinita pibil (roasted Yucatan pork), Ceviche (Mexican shrimp cocktail), Panuchos (made out of a corn tortillas), and Enchiladas (topped with mole sauce) are also well-renowned in Cozumel. Since Cozumel is an island, it offers a bunch of fresh seafood and delicacies like fried lobster, ceviche mixto, and fish tacos made by local snappers.
As we know, Cozumel went through the Mayan civilization, which influenced the local food scene in Cozumel. You should try Mayan dishes like Sikilpak (pumpkin seed dip), Pascado a la Tikin Xic (grilled fish with achiote paste marinade), and lime soup to get the Mayan taste. Besides international foods like pizza, burgers are also quite famous in Cozumel.
Internet Speed
According to Nomadlist, the average internet speed in Cozumel is around 18Mbps, which is relatively moderate. However, it’s important to note that the actual speed you experience can vary depending on factors such as your location in the city, internet service provider (ISP) and the type of connection you choose.
The good news is that Cozumel has witnessed a rise in fiber optic internet availability. Popular ISPs such as Telmex and Izzi are providing excellent service there. Some cafes and co-working spaces offer reliable and high-speed internet access, which can be a good option if you prefer to work from there or your accommodation needs a better Wi-Fi connection.
Best Cafes and Co-working Spaces for Digital Nomads
Cozumel has seen an increased number of cafes and co-working spaces in the last few years. For digital nomads, it’s great news as these places help to build community and enhance productivity with minimal distraction. Some of the well-known cafes and co-working spaces among digital nomads are-
➢ Cafes
Aqui + Ahora Coffee Bar: Good food, comfortable spaces with strong wifi.
The Coffee Cozumel: Relaxed atmosphere, variety of food options, and good wifi.
Sucré Salé: Bit of a bohemian vibe, good food options, and an outdoor seating facility.
Coco Cafe: Good wifi and quiet space that makes it great for focused work.
COZ Coffee Roasting Company: Big-comfortable space with good wifi and a wide variety of coffee brews.
➢ Co-working spaces
Coworking EMbii Coffee: Located inside a cafe, you can have both a productive work environment and a taste of coffee.
Sundesk: Professional setup with dedicated workspaces and high-speed wifi.
Remember to check out some essential factors beforehand, such as ambiance, internet speed, and proximity to your stay.
You may also like this- The 15 Best Things to Do in Medellin (and some Don’ts!)
Things to do in Cozumel
Cozumel is a big island, which makes it obvious that it is heavily rich in water activities. It is also home to some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. Tourists here often experience snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, fishing and many more activities. For scuba diving, it takes around $100 for two tank dives. By snorkeling or scuba diving, you can experience Cozumel’s vibrant coral reefs and over 500 species of fish. By booking a cruise, you can have both a relaxed tour (you may also enjoy a mesmerizing sunset!) and go for these adventure activities.
Another thing you must do during your stay in Cozumel or Mexico is dive into underground cenotes. Mexico is renowned for its exceptional underground cenotes, so why not try one time here? Plus, if you are a fan of surfing, make sure to visit Punta Morena, where you will face both beginner and advanced waves depending on the weather and wind.
Apart from water activities, you can explore different areas and cultures. Make some time to explore the colorful town of San Miguel. There you can visit art galleries, go shopping, or explore the main square- Parque Benito Juarez. There are more fun activities you can do in Cozumel; this was just a quick overview.
Is Cozumel safe for nomads?
Cozumel is by far one of the safest places in Mexico, with a safety index of 66.17 (source: Numbeo). As a digital nomad, you can expect a safe environment to live and work here, even at night. Before arriving on this island, you’ll be searched thoroughly by the security at the ferries.
The crime rate is relatively lower than in most other parts of Mexico. As this place depends mainly on tourism, the authority imposes strong security measures to ensure tourist safety.
Why should you visit Cozumel as a Digital Nomad
Cozumel is an excellent option for digital nomads looking for a healthy work-life balance. This massive Mexican island offers a relaxed atmosphere with a beachside vibe, making it great for slightly older digital nomads. But let’s not forget this is an island that is home to many popular water activities, such as scuba diving. So, people seeking adventure activities can also enjoy their time. Plus, locals are very welcoming here, and the increasing digital nomad community makes it easy to network and grow.
While choosing a nomad destination, you should consider factors like cost of living, internet speed, co-working facilities, digital nomad community, environment, and so on. Currently, this place has limited co-working options in contrast to the size of the population. But with a rising number of cafes, co-working spaces, and reliable-fast internet speed, this place offers great value for compared to many other place.
If you love a laid-back lifestyle and stunning natural beauty, which also offers water activities, Cozumel can be a great location for you.
Final Thoughts
Cozumel, with its rising facilities, relatively safer environment, and welcoming locals, offers a unique blend of a relaxed atmosphere with a beachside vibe and thrilling adventure activities. These positive aspects make it an excellent option for digital nomads and expats seeking a new and exciting location to live and work.
While Cozumel may not cater to the hustle culture of some digital nomads, it makes up for it by offering lots of adventure activities. It’s important to note the limited co-working options and variable internet speeds, which can pose challenges. However, these minor issues are outweighed by the unique and memorable experience that Cozumel offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cozumel is a Mexican island located in the Caribbean Sea. It is about 10 miles or 16 kilometers off the eastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the state of Quintana Roo. It takes around 45 minutes to reach Cozumel from Playa del Carmen by ferry.
Pros of living in Cozumel, Mexico:
• Breathtaking natural beauty
• Relaxed atmosphere
• Relatively lower cost of living
• Lots of adventure activities
• Great food scene
• Growing digital nomad & expat community
• Friendly locals
Cons of living in Cozumel, Mexico:
• Limited co-working options
• Occasional internet disruptions
• Language barrier
• Seasonal destination
• Isolated (common island problem)
Characteristics of Cozumel and Cancun are discussed below-
Cozumel:
• Great for the laid-back lifestyle
• Growing digital nomad community
• Detached from the mainland (it’s an island)
• Lower cost of living compared to Cancun
• Seasonal tourist destination
• Relaxed nightlife
Cancun:
• Great for the fast-paced lifestyle
• More established digital nomad community
• Connected to mainland
• Higher cost of living compared to Cancun
• Touristy all year round
• Vibrant nightlife
So, this was it! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section, and share this article with your friends and family. Until then, keep reading, keep nomading!
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