Solo Female Travel in Cozumel

What are some great destinations for solo female travel?”  I hear this question a lot, often from female travelers setting out on their first solo adventure.  While many European destinations like Iceland, Austria, & Ireland are all great for solo travel in terms of safety ~ they’re quite expensive (particularly Iceland).  But there is a location much closer to home if you live in the States, that possibly you’ve overlooked: Mexico.  And to be more specific: Cozumel.  I spent a month there this April, & after doing so: I can highly recommend solo female travel in Cozumel.  In fact, it’s one of my top solo travel picks. 

And here’s why…

Cozumel Guide

Cozumel is an IDEAL place for solo female travel. The island setting is laid-back & crime is very low.

Solo Female Travel in Cozumel

Islands, in general, tend to be fairly safe locations for female travel.  Ones that come to mind are the Galapagos Islands (great for solo travel), Hawaii, & Iceland (which is technically a HUGE island).  And why do islands tend to be so safe?  If you think about it: where are the criminals gonna go?!  If they rip you off, they need to escape, right?  Well, in Cozumel ~ the only way off the island is by ferry, boat, or plane.  Not exactly speedy methods for escape….

Solo Female Travel in Cozumel

The only way off the island? By ferry, boat, or plane.

Sense of Community

Another reason why islands feel so safe for travel is: there tends to be a greater sense of community.  Everyone knows each other, & if you stay awhile ~ chances are, you’ll start feeling like a local within days.  On Cozumel, Coz Coffee became my regular hangout & work spot (they have great Wi-Fi).  It’s also where I met ex-pats & locals ~ & the guys at Cuatros Tacos became my best friends on the island!  Compared to big cities where it’s easy to get lost in the crowd ~ islands offer a chance to really get to know people, which I love. 

Cozumel Video

Watch the video below & you’ll get a good feel for the laid-back, island vibe of Cozumel.  In it, I’ll take you from the gorgeous deck of Casa Mexicana (the best breakfast buffet in Cozumel), to the wind-swept east side of the island.  Next, we’ll rent a pink bug & hit up the island’s best snorkel spots.  Then, we’ll listen to live music at Woody’s & The Money Bar. 

And those beautiful pink sunsets?  Many of them were captured at Villablanca Hotel & Resort.

Finally, we’ll end up cliff-diving with some Cozumel locals & handsome Belgians. 

I never said this trip would be dull… ; )

What You Need in Cozumel

It’s almost always warm & balmy in Cozumel.  I didn’t put on a jacket once.  And I felt entirely comfortable walking around in cover-ups & bikinis: it’s just that kind of a place.  So what do you need?  Cute bikinis, rompers, good sunscreen, & any cute, beach-ready clothes you’ve been dying to wear. 

Where I Stayed in Cozumel ~

  • Under $50/night: My three favorite hotels in Cozumel all happened to be less than $50/night ~ which is great for solo travelers. 1) Suites Colonial, right in town, close to the central square & walk-able from ferry; 2) Villablanca Garden Beach Hotel (I’d recommend this hotel for divers &/or people who don’t mind being about a mile outside of town); & 3) Hotel Mary Carmen (across from Suites Colonial, in town).  I felt entirely safe in all three places, & the staff were all accommodating & kind (the owner of Hotel Mary Carmen even helped me fix my broken computer!)
  • Over $50/night: If you’re looking for a little more luxury, try Casa Mexicana ($78+), on the main strip.  It’s the sister hotel to Suites Colonial, & their breakfast is legendary!  (Beautiful views from its deck are in the beginning of the video, with cruise ship in distance.)  I also stayed at the Flamingo Hotel ($50+), which is next to the Maple Coffee House (so yummy!) & the great Italian restaurant, Guido’s.  I didn’t love my room at Flamingo as much as the other hotels ~ but it was also on the ground floor & not one of their best rooms.  They lock their gates at night though, so as far as feeling secure: you’re in good hands here. 
  • For a more complete list of Cozumel hotels, click here.  

Solo Female Travel in Cozumel

Thanks for reading this article on solo female travel in Cozumel.  If you’re new to travel & need some encouragement ~ hit me up in the comments below or email me….that’s what I’m here for!  

Read Next: Cozumel Guide, Where to Eat, Stay, & Snorkel

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