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Cozumel Packing List
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We've seen incredibly long and comprehensive packing lists on other Cozumel travel sites. But, since we live here and shop weekly at the groceries and other stores, we can tell you with considerable authority that most of the stuff on those lists can be bought easily right here on the island. So we suggest buying things as you need them. And bring as little as possible. |
Big Tip # 1 -- Pack Light |
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We just can't emphasize enough how happy you'll be if you don't bring anything more than what is truly necessary. Take our advice to heart and only pack what you see on this list and you'll be glad you did. Also if you find we've missed something, please let us know and we'll add it to this page!
Our list includes items that are either hard to find here or far more expensive than they would be if you brought them with you.
Clothing: Unless you plan to eat at the best diningroom as one of the fanciest resorts like Iberastar or El Presidente, you will have little if any need for fancy duds. So pack light. And think hand wash and fast dry.
Bring the very lightest weight material you can find. Mid-weight cotton polo shirts are going to be too hot except for in the evenings in the winter.
For men we suggest very light-weight cotton lawn or Rayon Hawiian shirts if you can find them. Put this together with two pairs of quick dry mesh lined swim trunks, a pair of teva sandals and a sun/rain hat and that will do it for clothing.
For women, two swimsuits and a coverup (which you can also buy cheap locally). A pair of shorts and a very light-weight short-sleeved shirt for evenings in the winter or to protect you if you get sunburned. One cool, sleeveless sundress. tevas and comfortable walking sandals. A sun hat is awfully nice. But, you can buy them here, too.
Highly recommended accessories
Cozumel map -- Purchase one ahead of time from the Cancun Map Company.
Your own snorkel equipment if you plan to do much snorkeling. We also recommend bringing along a lightweight tee shirt (silk is great) to wear while snorkeling to protect your back. Booties to protect your feet as you walk out over the ironshore to get in the water are a great idea. And if you can find a pair that will slip under your fins, you've got it made in the shade.
Mosquito repellant. -- Sometimes hard to find the good stuff here.
Over the counter meds you use often --ibupropen, imodium AD, peptobismal, etc. are available locally but at surprisingly expensive prices. We suggest bringing a supply of anything like this you use. On the other hand, there's no need to bring antibiotics. They are available inexpensively and without prescription here. Ask your doctor about types and dosages on the off chance that you become ill. In the unlikely but possible event this happens, you'll know what to get at the local pharmacy.
Books -- if you like to read, bring plenty. English language paperbacks are available here but they average around $12 US per book (!)
Soft-side cooler that folds up and can be packed in your suitcase. Regular coolers are available here. But you will be shocked at the prices. Try $30 US for a cooler that you could probably get at Wal-Mart for $8!
Papers: Passport plus a current driver's license with a photo of you on it is best. Birth certificates with a RAISED seal plus your driver's license are also accepted. Plan ahead about two months if you can to get your passport in hand with plenty of time to spare and you won't have to pay extra fees.
TIP: Purchase one of those large plaid, plastic weave bags with handles and zippered top at the mercado . They are extremely strong and perfect for carting back non-fragile extra presents you may acquire during your trip.
Ziploc bags--These are quite difficult to impossible to find here. Big sizes are excellent for carting home the dirty clothes or wet suit you didn't quite get to.
Film and camera batteries -- These items are very expensive here and certain batteries will be difficult or impossible to find. Bringing plenty of extras because you could spend a lot of time on a fruitless treasure hunt for replacements.
Rainy Day Entertainment--Not much worry of rain from December through April but the rest of the year, you never can tell. So come prepared to enjoy yourself under a palapa if you get a rainy day or two on your vacation. In addition to a couple of books, we suggest you pack a deck of cards. If you're staying in a rental villa, virtually all now have DVD's and VCR's. So if you're staying in this type of accommodation (which we highly recommend, by the way) you may want to toss in a couple of music CD's and a couple of your favorite movies you wouldn't mind seeing again.
Cord and Clothesline -- We've seen this tip on other people's packing lists. And its a good idea if you're staying somewhere that turns out not to provide you with a convenient place to hang out your wet and hand-washed clothing to dry. However, little bags that contain a length of line and clothespins are available at all the groceries stores here for about $1.50. So if you want to pack really light. this is one item you can leave at home.
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