| Frequently Asked Questions & Travel Tips |
| |
|
|
| |
|
HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION? ^ |
|
To book a reservation, just complete our Online Reservation Form or email us at info@vipcozumel.com. Please specify the dates you would like to travel, the number in your party, and any special requests you may have. A deposit is required in order to confirm your reservation. Reservations require a 50% non-refundable deposit and full payment 45 days prior to arrival. |
| |
| WHAT IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY RESERVATION? ^ |
|
Deposits are refundable (minus a $100 handling fee per package & any applicable credit card fees) up to 60 days prior to the start of your trip. Within 60 days of your trip, your deposit is non-refundable unless we are able to resell your spot. No refunds are available for unused portions of packages. Trips that must be cancelled due to a Hurricane Watch or Warning for Cozumel, may be rescheduled within the next 12 months without penalty. If you think cancellation may be a possibility, we recommend that you look into cancellation insurance as a protective measure. It's available at all major travel agencies for a nominal fee. Contact your travel agent for further information. |
| |
|
WHAT TYPE OF DOCUMENTS DO I NEED? ^ |
|
A current passport is the most desirable identity document. Otherwise, a certified copy of your birth certificate (not a photocopy) will do. If you are traveling with children and both parents are not traveling together, you'll need a signed and notarized letter from the non-traveling parent authorizing the other to escort the child into a foreign country. Aboard the plane they will pass out your tourist visa forms, it is wise to have a pen in your pocket to fill out the forms. Remember these requirements apply to US citizens. Different rules may be in effect for citizens of other nations - including U.S. residents holding green cards. Beginning Dec 31, 2006 all travelers will be required to have a passport. |
| |
|
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE IN COZUMEL? ^ |
|
The weather is usually warm to hot, with a fair amount of humidity. The hottest months are July through October, but even during this time it's pretty tolerable, and there generally is a gentle breeze. The rainiest part of the year is September through November. It usually rains for a short time, then clears up. Actually, the off-season (May-October) can have its advantages in that there are fewer tourists. For current conditions CLICK HERE. |
| |
|
SHOULD I USE MEXICAN PESOS OR AMERICAN DOLLARS? ^ |
|
We don't recommend that you exchange money at the airport or hotels because rates are not usually in your favor. There are ATM cash machines on the island but you must have your PIN number to activate. You can exchange dollars for pesos at cambios, or banks, near the plaza. You can also use dollars, but it may be to your advantage to use pesos. Credit cards are accepted at many stores and restaurants, but be careful to note the exact type of credit cards accepted. Mexican banks will not cash foreign checks, so it's a good idea to know your credit card or debit card PIN number in case you run short on cash and need to use an ATM machine. |
| |
| HOW SAFE IS COZUMEL? ^ |
| Cozumel's people are, as a rule, friendly and courteous. The island is quite safe, although we recommend that you not leave your valuables sitting around on the beach. |
|
|
| CAN I DRINK THE WATER? ^ |
| We provide purified bottled water, and the maids will see that it is replenished as needed. The Boats all serve purified bottled water and ice is made from purified water, too. If in doubt, ask... or drink bottled beverages. |
| |
| HOW IS THE FOOD? ^ |
| The food is superb. All your meals in the villa will be under the supervision of your host, who has extensive experience managing some of the finest restaurants in South Texas. Have special dietary requirements or requests? Let us know before you arrive and we will accommodate if at all possible. |
| |
| |
| HOW CAN I BE REACHED IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY? ^ |
| We have on-site management for our accommodations, and we'll provide you with the phone number of your representative in Cozumel before you leave for the island. Any emergency can be directed there. Faxes can be received at the villa. If you must keep in contact with the real world, you have internet and phone access at the villa. Most cell phones will work in Cozumel, just make sure you have your service provider turn on international service for you before you leave home. |
| |
|
WHAT IS THE UNDERWATER VISIBILITY? ^ |
|
On an average day, you can count on 100 feet visibility. On an excellent day, you might see up to 300 feet. |
| |
|
WHAT IS THE TEMPERATURE OF THE WATER? ^ |
|
The temperature averages 75 degrees in the winter and 85 degrees in the summer. A light dive skin is often all you need to stay warm. |
| |
|
ARE THERE SAFETY RULES ASSOCIATED WITH DRIFT DIVING? ^ |
|
In drift diving you have to follow the dive guide and stay with your group. Your guide will maintain control by setting maximum depth and time limits. The dive boat follows the group's bubble trail and the guide's surface marker, so you must stay within visual range of your Dive Master. The excellent visibility allows you to stay in visual contact without crowding. |
| |
|
ARE THERE RECOMPRESSION CHAMBERS IN COZUMEL? ^ |
| There are three different chambers staffed with certified and trained personnel. |
| |
|
ARE THERE RESTROOM FACILITIES ON THE BOAT? ^ |
| Yes, the "Nena" has a real toilet onboard. |
| |
|
IS IT REALLY THAT COMFORTABLE? ^ |
| Yes - it is. The Nena, at 42', is large enough to walk around, find a place to stretch out in either the sun or shade, or sit in groups and talk about diving, fishing, or football. The boat does have protection from wind and rain, an area to keep your towels and cameras dry, and a padded seating area. You can get dressed as the boat approaches the dive site, and not have to sit around in your wet suit on the dock waiting. The crew will set up your equipment, prepare a weight belt, and help you get in the water. After the dive, all your gear will be taken by the crew and readied for the next dive while you rinse in a warm, fresh water shower, eat a delicious lunch, and take a short nap. The surface intervals are spent in calm shallow water where you can snorkel, splash around, or try out the sea kayak. After the last dive, your gear bags will be packed and ready to unload on the dock while you talk about all the beautiful things you saw in one of the best dive sites in the world. |
| |
|
WHAT IS DEEP SEA FISHING ? ^ |
|
Deep sea fishing is trolling along the channel between Cozumel Island and the Mayan Riviera, outside the protected areas of the Marine Park and in deep water about 1500 ft deep. This area is washed by the GULF STREAM and is followed by migrating fish, rich in nutrients allowing good deep sea fishing and excellent scuba diving year round. You can find sea turtles, dolphins, eagle rays, and sometimes migrating whales. |
| |
|
WHAT FISH WILL I LIKELY CATCH? ^ |
| Check out our fish chart to see what fish are running during your time of year. |
| |
|
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY FISHING TRIP? ^ |
|
Our professional crew welcomes you with a brief orientation and a "how to" on fighting a fish. Our mate will be preparing all bait and hooks prior to your trip so you can enjoy the most beautiful views of the Island and the Mayan Riviera. Fishing lessons are provided if necessary. |
| |
|
WHAT ABOUT TIPPING? ^ |
|
Tipping is totally discretionary, but expected and greatly appreciated in Mexico. The ship mates on both the Second Front, and the Nena will go above and beyond to make sure you have a great day on the water. Our Captain and Dive Masters pride themselves on offering personal service that is a cut above. A general rule of thumb is $20 per mate. If you happen to hook the big one, well...On our boats, all tips go to the mates. |
| |
|
HOW SECURE IS ON-LINE PAYMENT? ^ |
|
There are many reasons that we use PayPal...
1) It's Fast. Payments are made immediately.
2) It's Private. PayPal does not reveal your financial information to sellers.
3) It's Global. PayPal is accepted worldwide, and can be used to make payments locally or internationally. 4) It's Trusted. Industry-leading fraud prevention keeps you safe and secure.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
|
Getting To Cozumel Is As Easy As 1, 2, 3 |
| |
|
1. Continental, Mexicana, US Airways and American Airlines are the major air carriers that fly directly to the Cozumel International Airport. Book passage on a Continental, Mexicana, US Airways or American Airlines flight directly to the Cozumel International Airport (you can also charter flights for larger groups); or |
|
^ |
|
2. Take a flight to Cancun, and then hop over to Cozumel via a 15-minute Mexicana Airlines commuter flight; or |
|
^ |
| 3. If you fly into Cancun and prefer a more scenic route to Cozumel, you can also take a short air-conditioned bus ride or taxi from Cancun to Playa del Carmen (about 30 miles south of Cancun International Airport). From Playa del Carmen, take a 40 minute trip on an air-conditioned passenger ferry to the downtown pier in Cozumel -- just minutes from our Villa! Ferries depart about once an hour. |
|
^ |
|
Generally, vacation charter companies such as Fun Jet, Adventure Tours, Apple Tours, and Multi-vacation Tours can offer much more reasonable fares than the major airline carriers can, and you can book you flights on-line, or contact a local travel agent and ask for "air only" prices.
Special flights are also often advertised in the weekly vacations or travel sections of major newspapers. If you're interested, check out the ads marked "air only transportation." Once you've landed at Cozumel International Airport, you'll be met by a V.I.P. CoZuMel representative who will assist you in getting to our property. |
| |
|
^ |
