Fast Facts

Area Code -- The telephone area code is 987.

Climate -- From October to December, there can be strong winds all over the Yucatán, as well as some rain. June through October is the rainy season.

Clinics -- Médica San Miguel (tel. 987/872-0103) works for most things and includes intensive-care facilities. It's on Calle 6 Norte between avenidas 5 and 10. Centro Médico Cozumel (tel. 987/872-3545) is an alternative. It's at the intersection of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 50.

Currency Exchange -- The island has several banks and casas de cambio, as well as ATMs. Most places accept dollars, but you usually get a better deal paying in pesos.

Diving -- Bring proof of your diver's certification and your log. Underwater currents can be strong, and many of the reef drops are quite steep, so dive operators want to make sure divers are experienced.

Emergencies -- To report an emergency, dial tel. 060, which is similar to 911 emergency service in the United States. Dial tel. 065 for the Red Cross.

Internet Access -- Several cybercafes are in and about the main square. If you go just a bit off Avenida Rafael Melgar and the main square, prices drop. Modutel, Av. Juárez 15 (at Av. 10), offers good rates. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8pm.

Post Office -- The correo is on Avenida Rafael Melgar at Calle 7 Sur (tel. 987/872-0106), at the southern edge of town. It's open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, Saturday from 9am to noon.

Recompression Chamber -- There are four cámaras de recompresión. The best are Buceo Médico Mexicano, staffed 24 hours, at Calle 5 Sur 21-B, between Avenida Rafael Melgar and Avenida 5 Sur (tel. 987/872-2387, -1430); and the Hyperbaric Center of Cozumel (tel. 987/872-3070), at Calle 6 Norte, between avenidas 5 and 10.

Seasons -- High season is from Christmas to Easter and August.