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The site isn’t as large as major cities like Tulum or Chichen Itza, but still worthy of your time. Plus, it’s a convenient way to see Mayan ruins without having to take an all-day trek to the mainland. When it comes to Caribbean ports, there’s Cozumel… and then everywhere else. The Mexican island is booming and is the most busy cruise port in the word outside of departure ports in Florida. Each year, about four million people make a stop in Cozumel and every major cruise line that sails the Caribbean makes a call there. There’s quite a lot to do at this cultural theme park, located about 10 minutes from the cruise port.
Turquoise Island Bliss
Most popular spots can be minutes from the cruise piers yet the rides can be pricey in our opinion. Of course, so much of visiting Cozumel revolves around the beach and water. Unfortunately, the beaches right near San Miguel (and the cruise ports) aren’t the best. While some small beaches exist in this area, the larger and nicer ones are on the southwest side of the island and on the eastern shore.
Take an ATV or dune buggy tour
My recommendation is to book with the cruise line or ensure you book with a reputable tour operator. Located in the San Miguel area of Cozumel, this small museum offers great information about Cozumel’s history including it’s Mayan past, it’s geography and it’s ecological side. There’s a nice restaurant on site with a beautiful view should you decide to stay for lunch. It’s about an hour away from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen by ferry and is considered a full day excursion. While you can book this on your own, depending on what time your ship is due to leave the port, you may want to book this with the ship.
Map of Cozumel with the 3 cruise terminals
The port of Cozumel ranks among the largest and most visited ports in the Caribbean. The Playa ferry takes about 45 minutes to reach Cozumel, where you'll be dropped off at the ferry pier in San Miguel. This is only a four-minute drive or 11-minute walk from Punta Langosta, and a 10-minute drive from both Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal. Not many cruisers venture up to the northern part of the islands to see this family-run pearl farm, but you should. After seeing how the pearls are grown and harvested you can snorkel out to see the pearl hatchery.
Plaza del Sol provides a range of shopping options, including craft stores, clothing retailers, and jewelry shops. El Cielo is located on the southern tip of the island and is only accessible by boat. Brain and star corals, sea fans, anemones, and sponges are common sights while diving. You’re also likely to come across damselfish, queen angelfish, and spotted moray eels. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a seahorse or scorpion fish. Playa Palancar is a beautiful, hidden gem of a beach located on the southwestern coast of Cozumel.
Cozumel Chef Food Tours is all-inclusive and takes you to a Yucatecan restaurant, a traditional Mexican market, a bakery, and a few other stops along the way on this 3 hour tour. The cost is $80 per person, and the tours typically start at 11am, perfect for cruise passengers. You don’t’ even have to leave the cruise terminal to find places to shop, but do yourself and the Cozumel locals a favor by venturing out and shopping from local vendors. T-shirts and trinkets are incredible affordable and I haven’t found shop owners to be too pushy compared to other ports. Cozumel is known for having a lot of adventurous things to do, and it’s a good spot to try some things you simply wouldn’t be able to do back home.
Restaurants Near the Cozumel Cruise Port (Plus Shopping and Other Services)
There are so many things to do that it’s tough to decide the best things to do in Cozumel, especially when you only have one day in port. When you are buying the ferry ticket, make sure you buy a one-way ticket, as the companies don’t accept each other’s tickets. You can check the cost and ferry schedule on Winjet and Ultramar’s official websites. Only steps off your ship at Punta Langosta, you'll find yourself in San Miguel de Cozumel, where a myriad of shopping venues and restaurants are at your fingertips. Take your pre-booked taxi service directly to the Cozumel ferry terminal as that's an unmissable part of the journey to Cozumel. Taxi service is available 24/7 at the Cancun International Airport, but this must be booked in advance online.
Kids can discover how pearls are formed and even purchase their own unique souvenir. Chakanaab Beach and Snorkel Park is unique in a world of beach resorts with pools and water-slides. If you would like food and drinks included, you can opt for a package which includes this.
Check Your Email With Free Wi-Fi
You can choose a beach for it’s snorkeling opportunities, it’s relaxing atmosphere, or for its culinary delights that are nearby. Some of the downtown area can get crowded with cars and people, but if you want to venture out on your own renting a bike might be a good option. If you don’t want to have to work too much electric scooters area available too. And if you want to go beach hopping on your bike you can get one with fatter tires.
Within this center is the casino (next to the Hard Rock Café), with a huge sign that you can’t miss. Instead, it’s a relatively small spot, but a nice way to kill some time in the air conditioning if you have time to spare before heading back to the ship. If you’re seeking adventure during your time in Mexico, check out Xplor. The theme park is carved out of the jungle, offering high-octane rides like ziplines and amphibious vehicle excursions, and ziplines. The big draw is the underground river that runs through a series of caves for you to explore.
Cenotes (pronounced say-NO-tays) are large caverns where underground water has made its way to the surface. Because of the rock this water has gone through, it’s highly filtered freshwater that’s crystal clear… and cold. The mainland area around Cozumel is rich with cenotes and they make amazing swimming spots to explore. Several excursions will take you to these spots where you can swim and enjoy the natural beauty that the Yucatan has to offer. If you walk out of the port area, right as you exit you’ll see the Royal Village Shopping Center.
You can do this on a catamaran, glass-bottom boat, or even a private charter. The nice thing about booking a snorkeling or diving excursion is that some of them will involve a boat ride to the reef and you will get to have a scenic boat ride at the same time. Many cruisers love to take the 45-minute ferry from Cozumel to Play Del Carmen to check out some great resorts and beaches. There are over 100,000 people living at this municipality which is just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
South Carolina man vanishes from cruise after getting off at popular port of Cozumel, Mexico - Fox News
South Carolina man vanishes from cruise after getting off at popular port of Cozumel, Mexico.
Posted: Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The site itself is large and has a pyramid towering at 138 ft (42 meters) in height. It is one of the few pyramids in the region that visitors are allowed to climb. The first site is Tulum (1 hr, 30 min away), a beautiful Mayan archeological site situated on the seafront cliffs of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and lasagnas make up a classic menu. Add in Guido’s wine list and seafood specials for a cozy, casual night on the waterfront. This activity is perfect for families and children of all ages looking to spend an unforgettable afternoon with dolphins on your Cozumel cruise. You’ll also have the chance to see manatees and sea lions while you’re there. Cruises to Cozumel, Mexico are popular for good reason—after all, Cozumel effortlessly balances its flashy side with a natural, unblemished beauty. The tropical climate promises close heat, plentiful sunshine, and pristine beaches for every kind of traveler.
Some excursions also require a ferry ride to the mainland to see Mayan Ruins or explore scenic caves. The beaches on the western side of cozumel are usually preferable because they are free of seaweed and offer calmer waters. For the best experience, consider heading to the western beaches that are away from the ports, as they are generally rock-free. While Playa Palancar’s beach club offers fewer amenities compared to other clubs on the island, it truly stands out for its natural beauty and clean, seaweed-free waters.
