According to forum posts, travelers seeking authentic local cuisine in Cozumel recommend La Cocay for its upscale dining experience. La Cocay is well-regarded for its Cowboy steak and seafood options, with many travelers returning multiple times during their stay. El Moro is another favorite, celebrated for its friendly service and delicious, reasonably priced local dishes.

For those interested in seafood, Pescaderia San Carlos is highly praised for its fresh ceviche and fried seafood. Buccanos Beach Club is recommended for high-quality beachfront dining, offering both exceptional food and drinks, with the added bonus of a picturesque setting by the sea.

For breakfast, travelers enjoy Islander Cozumel, Sucre Sale, and Maple Bakehouse, known for their delightful breakfast menus. For casual and inexpensive dining, El Pique and Los Seras are popular for tacos, while Abuelo Gerardos is noted for offering a genuine taste of Cozumel with its local dishes.

According to forum posts, Cozumel Palace is highly recommended for its great food, top-shelf alcohol, and ocean views. It is also conveniently located downtown, close to a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. However, it does not have a beach.

Some travelers have praised Fiesta Americana/Explorean for excellent snorkeling and food, although it lacks a natural beach and currently does not offer beachside services like chairs or restaurants. Iberostar is mentioned for having a nice beach area and decent food, and it is positioned further south, offering a quieter atmosphere.

For those seeking a quieter stay away from party crowds, it was noted that Cozumel doesn't attract many spring breakers, making resorts like Allegro and Park Royal favorable options. Allegro is recognized for its beautiful beach and pools, while Park Royal offers good proximity to town despite its smaller beach area.

Travelers looking for more budget-friendly options might consider Melia Cozumel, which was mentioned as an enjoyable yet more affordable all-inclusive resort. It is located on the ocean and offers easy access to town and other activities.

Some travelers have recommended various snorkeling tour operators in Cozumel, such as VIP Tours, Tours Aloha Cozumel, and Cozumel Cruise Tours. These operators offer different packages, typically including snacks and drinks, with prices ranging from around $35 to $50 USD per person. Travelers have praised these tours for their value and the inclusion of extras like hotel pickup and marine park entry fees.

For those seeking a more personalized experience, private tours are available through operators like Adrian Cozumel and VIPTOURS Rogelio Narvaez. Prices for a private tour can vary, with one option costing $395 for up to 10 people for a 4-hour tour, which includes beer and snacks.

Snorkeling tours in Cozumel vary in what they offer; some provide unlimited drinks and snacks, while others may have more limited offerings. Travelers emphasized the importance of checking what is included in the tour price to ensure it meets their expectations. Some tours also include unique stops like El Cielo, known for its starfish and stingrays.

Several travelers have discussed various car rental options in Cozumel. Isis Rentadora is frequently mentioned as a reliable choice, with many users expressing long-term satisfaction with their service. Other companies like Fiesta and HTL are also recommended by forum members for their fair pricing and service quality.

Some travelers reported issues with email communication, particularly with Isis, suggesting using Facebook Messenger or contacting their Playa del Carmen office for better response rates. Additionally, direct contact through local phone numbers or WhatsApp is advised for quicker arrangements and confirmations.

It is crucial to opt for comprehensive insurance when renting a car in Cozumel due to the local legal system treating vehicle collisions as criminal offenses. Some posts highlighted the importance of getting full insurance coverage to avoid significant financial and legal consequences in case of accidents.

At Iberostar Cozumel, guests have various room options. Some travelers mentioned booking family rooms suitable for two adults and two children, highlighting the resort's accommodation flexibility. However, the rooms at Iberostar are noted to be smaller compared to other resorts.

The resort offers good food quality, which is a significant aspect as most Cozumel all-inclusive resorts reportedly do not have high food standards. Iberostar, along with Fiesta Americana and the Palace, is specifically mentioned for having the best food offerings among all-inclusives on the island.

Iberostar provides a tropical ambiance with palm trees and beach access, though the beach is described as somewhat rocky, suggesting that water shoes might be necessary. Activities and entertainment for children are well-regarded, with a great kids club that can keep younger guests engaged.

The location is somewhat remote, which implies a longer ride to town and potentially higher taxi costs. Despite its distance from urban centers, the resort's setting offers tranquility and an escape from busier areas, suitable for guests looking to relax away from crowded spots.

According to forum posts, travelers visiting Cozumel by sea, such as via cruise or ferry, are subject to an Environmental Sanitation Law (DSA) tax, which is 13.03 pesos for visitors staying less than 24 hours. Additionally, those staying in accommodations like hotels or motels will encounter a higher room tax per night.

Travelers have noted that, apart from the DSA tax, Cozumel also includes various other taxes and fees typically bundled in port taxes for those arriving via cruise. These can range from $63.14 to $401.14 and are assessed per guest based on the itinerary.

For air travelers, some users have inquired about a specific tax collected at the Cozumel airport, known as Visitax, although no specific amount was confirmed in the posts. It's suggested to have sufficient cash on hand to cover these fees upon arrival.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend using pesos in Cozumel for everyday transactions such as dining, shopping, and local transportation. They note that while U.S. dollars are accepted, using pesos can often save money and is more convenient for smaller purchases.

Travelers have called out that the exchange rates offered by local businesses for U.S. dollars can vary and may not be as favorable as those obtained from ATMs or banks. Some users reported that paying in pesos can lead to savings, especially in restaurants and local stores.

For many users, accessing pesos through ATMs in Cozumel provides a reliable exchange rate close to the official rate. It is advised to use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines to avoid higher fees and less favorable rates. Additionally, tipping in pesos is preferred by local workers as it spares them the inconvenience of exchanging currencies.

For travelers focusing on snorkeling and a quieter atmosphere, Cozumel is often recommended. According to forum posts, Cozumel offers clearer water and abundant marine life, which makes it ideal for snorkeling enthusiasts. However, it's noted that Cozumel has fewer sandy beaches compared to Cancun.

Cancun is favored by those seeking more vibrant nightlife options and easier accessibility. Some travelers mentioned that Cancun has livelier bars and clubs. Additionally, Cancun's proximity to the airport reduces travel time and complexity compared to Cozumel, which might require a ferry transfer if arriving through Cancun.

When it comes to beaches, several posts highlight that Cancun has superior sandy beaches that are more suitable for typical beach activities like swimming and sunbathing. Cozumel, while having beautiful waters, has more rocky shores and fewer expansive sandy areas.