Mexican Caribbean Travel Information
Here you can find useful travel information to plan your trip in the Mexican Caribbean.
Things To Know
Currency & Time Zone
The official currency is the Mexican peso, but the main credit cards and US dollars are accepted in most tourist points of interest.
There are banks, ATMs and exchange houses available in several of the destinations, however, it is recommended to always load with Mexican pesos.
Southeast Time (UTC-5), which remains fixed throughout the year.
Passports & Visas
Mexico Visa Policy permits citizens of the countries listed below to travel to Mexico without a visa. (FMTTV):
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Irland, Island, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweeden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
Weather
Most of the year we have a warm and humid climate.
The average annual temperature is 26 ° C, the average maximum temperature is 33 ° C and it occurs in the summer months (April and August), the average minimum temperature is 17 ° C during the month of January. The rainy season is from May to October.
What to Pack
When you do aquatic activities that involve marine flora and fauna, we ask you not to use the blocker (even if it is biodegradable), instead you can use a neoprene shirt that protects you from the sun.
In case of doing some other type of activity (hiking, rappelling, bike rides) we recommend the use of sunscreen, sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent.
Don't forget to bring a hat or cap to reduce the possibility of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Bring tennis, sandals and water
When you do aquatic activities that involve marine flora and fauna, we ask you not to use the blocker (even if it is biodegradable), instead you can use a neoprene shirt that protects you from the sun.
In case of doing some other type of activity (hiking, rappelling, bike rides) we recommend the use of sunscreen, sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent.
Don't forget to bring a hat or cap to reduce the possibility of sunburn and heat exhaustion.
Bring tennis, sandals and water shoes, the latter will be of great help when you visit one of our water parks.
Bring comfortable and fresh clothes.
In the rainy season (May to October), we recommend you bring a light sweater, as the temperature tends to fall.
Don't forget to bring a bathing suit, so you never have a pretext not to get in the water!
We suggest you pack clothes and accessories for special occasions or to go out for dinner, as some restaurants have a dress code.
In Mexico it is considered a gesture of gratitude for the good service provided to give tips, usually it is between 10 and 15% that is why we recommend you take this into consideration and although in some places load with cash at all times.
Getting Here
Airway
In the Mexican Caribbean we have four international airports in the destinations of Cancun, Cozumel and Chetumal.
It is located 16 kilometers (9.94 miles) from the Hotel Zone and 20 kilometers (12.42 miles) from the city center. It has 4 terminals fully equipped and designed with the latest technology to meet the needs of passengers.
Cozumel International Airport is located just a few kilometers from the island’s main attractions. It serves both domestic and international flights, primarily from the U.S. and Canada. The airport offers modern facilities and transportation options, including taxis, shuttles, private transfers, and car rentals, making it convenient for travelers to reach Cozumel’s resorts and tourist areas.
Chetumal International Airport is located just 3 kilometers (1.86 miles) from the city center, offering flights mainly to domestic destinations. It provides a gateway to the southern region of Quintana Roo, including popular spots like Bacalar and the Belize border. The airport features essential services and transportation options, such as taxis and car rentals, for easy access to nearby attractions.
Tulum International Airport, located near one of Mexico’s most iconic tourist destinations, is designed to cater to the growing number of visitors to the Riviera Maya. Although still under development, the airport will offer modern facilities and direct flights to key domestic and international locations. Once completed, it will provide convenient access to Tulum’s stunning beaches, archaeological sites, and eco-tourism activities.
Upon arrival in Mexico, you will need to produce an up to date passport plus a visitor’s permit which is now known as the FMM “Forma Migratoria Multiple”. This form is provided free of charge by your travel agent, airline or at point of entry. As before, passport holders from countries on Mexico’s no visa required list do not need to apply for a formal visa to visit Mexico. If you’re visiting Mexico from the US or Canada, this applies to you.
The immigration officer at passport control may also ask you to prove the necessary economic means and a return ticket to your country.
Immigration will check your documents and stamp and process the form, handing you back the right-hand portion, which you must keep and surrender when you leave Mexico. If you lose this form, you will have to go to the immigration desk at the airport and may have to pay a fine for another one, so it is best to attach it to your passport so it cannot be misplaced.
Road
To arrive through Yucatan you must take the Federal Highway 180 that connects the state with Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum; or Highway 184 that connects Yucatán with the southern part of the State (Maya Ka´an and Grand Costa Maya).
Through the state of Campeche, you can reach the northern area of the Mexican Caribbean on Federal Highway 180 and the southern area, along the Villahermosa-Chetumal 186 road.
The gateway from Central America to the Mexican Caribbean is through the Chetumal Libramiento- Subteniente López, which connects with the town of Corozal in Belize, where the Free Zone is located.
Seaway
Cozumel
Mahahual
Mahahual Port, located on the Costa Maya, is a small but popular cruise ship destination known for its tranquil beaches and vibrant marine life. It serves as a gateway to the region’s coral reefs and nearby attractions like the Mayan ruins of Chacchoben. The port area offers various services, including shops, restaurants, and tour operators, providing a relaxing stop for travelers looking to explore this Caribbean gem.
Transportation - Travel Information
Getting around within the Mexican Caribbean is very easy thanks to the wide range of means of transport that each of the destinations has and which also allow you to connect comfortably to each other.
Buses
The main destinations have different urban bus routes that run practically throughout the city and tourist sites, in continuous frequencies and the price is very accessible.
Taxis
The taxi service in the Mexican Caribbean is available at the main sites and tourist attractions. It is advisable to check the hotel rates; most hotels publish a list of prices from the hotel to various points of interest.