Cozumel Cruise Port Guide Info
Bienvenidos a Cozumel, one of the most popular Caribbean cruise destinations and a beautiful Mexican island located off the eastern coast of Yucatan Peninsula, part of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo. The island is separated from the mainland by Cozumel Chanel and faces Puerto del Carmen on the opposite side. You can get to the mainland by ferries that run regularly several times daily (the ferry ride lasts around 45 minutes), and there are many mainland shore excursions organized by both cruise lines and independent tour operators that you can join.
The island of Cozumel is small and the capital city is San Miguel de Cozumel, located in the proximity of the cruise terminals. The economy of Cozumel mainly relies on the cruise industry, and the island’s infrastructure was built to suit the needs of cruise passengers coming to Cozumel. Thus, the island boasts a wide variety of adventure and animal parks, tourist resorts, shopping malls, exotic bars, authentic Mexican restaurants, and more.
Due to a large number of cruise ships coming to Cozumel on daily basis, the island has three cruise terminals: Punta Langosta, International Cruise Terminal, and Puerta Maya.
Punta Langosta is the terminal closest to the San Miguel downtown, within only a few minutes walking distance, and is mainly used by ferries and several cruise lines such as NCL, Disney, MSC, Silversea, Oceania, and a few others (keep in mind that docking place can change, and check with your cruise line where your ship will dock).
Upon exiting the terminal area, turn right and after a 10-minute walk, you’ll reach a wonderful waterfront boardwalk filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. There are some unique sculptures you can explore there, such as Coral Reef Monument and Birds Monument, as well as Museo de Cozumel, a history museum consisting of archaeological artifacts and exhibits on Cozumel history. A part of the museum belongs to the restaurant offering delicious Mexican specialties and stunning views of the ocean. In the vicinity of the terminal, there is Punta Langosta Mall, a two-story building featuring popular brand shops such as Diamond International, souvenir stores, a cinema, and a variety of coffee shops and dining places. You can simply roam San Miguel’s bustling streets, explore its markets, parks, and enjoy its rich tourist offer. Within a 10-minute walk from the terminal, on your left side, you can spot many beach bars offering nice sea views, among which the most popular one is No Name Bar – the favorite bar of many crew members, boasting a pool, great food, relaxed atmosphere, and cool vibes.
On the other hand, two other cruise terminals are located further away. Both International Cruise Terminal and Puerta Maya are located around 5 km (3 mi) away from San Miguel, whereas the distance between the two terminals is only about 500 m (less than a 10-minute walk).
International Cruise Terminal has two berths and is mostly used by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines.
It has a large terminal area featuring various shops, tour operator stands, bars, restaurants, among which Margaritaville, located right in front of your ship, is the most popular one. It’s usually packed with people dancing salsa and having shots of tequila, eating tasty food, and enjoying the lively restaurant’s atmosphere. This is the favorite place for many cruise passengers and the perfect spot to either begin or end your day in Cozumel. Across the street, there is a shopping mall – Mercado Popular Cozumel, and plenty of places to eat, drink, and shop.
Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal is normally used by Carnival Corporation cruise ships (Carnival, Princess, Costa, and others) and is located at a stone’s throw from the International Terminal. It is the largest cruise terminal of all three and boasts a large shopping area consisting of over fifty shops where you can find both authentic Mayan souvenirs and brand stores, many cafes, bars, and restaurants, the most famous one being Three Amigos bar, located at the exit of the pier.
If you search for a nice beach, one of the most popular ones is Paradise beach, located within a 10-15 minute driving distance from San Miguel, toward the south of the island. Paradise beach is a famous beach resort featuring a pool area, a restaurant, a bar, a beautiful beach as well as various water sport activities.
Located nearby, Playa Mia is another large beach resort, the most visited one when it comes to cruise ship guests. It has a large buffet-style restaurant, several beach bars, gift shops, and offers culinary and tequila mixing classes where you get to cook your own Mexican food and prepare margaritas. In the vicinity, another beach bar, Carlos & Charlies, guarantees you fantastic food, great beach facilities, and positive tropical vibes!
There are so many other places to enjoy in Cozumel, and you can choose between sea trek, snorkeling, kayaking and diving tours, dolphin and sea animal interactions (Chankanaab Adventure Park, Dolphinaris), off-road ATV and Jeep tours to Mayan ruins and Mexican jungle, and much more.
What are the most popular beaches in Cozumel?
Cozumel is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and white sand. Here are some of the most popular beaches in Cozumel:
Palancar Beach: This beach is located on the south side of the island and is known for its turquoise blue waters and beautiful coral reef. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the warm Caribbean waters.
Playa Mia: This is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Visitors can relax on the beach or take part in a variety of water sports.
Paradise Beach: This beach is located on the west side of the island and is known for its beautiful coral reef and crystal clear waters. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the warm Caribbean waters.
Playa Palancar: This is a very popular beach for tourists and locals, located on the south side of the island. Visitors can relax on the beach, snorkel, and enjoy the beautiful coral reef.
Playa del Carmen: This beach is located on the west side of the island and is known for its crystal clear waters and beautiful coral reef. Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in the warm Caribbean waters.
Playa Mia Grand Beach and Water Park: This beach offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, with a large swimming pool, water slides, and mini golf.
All these beaches are perfect to enjoy the clear waters, the tropical weather and nature and to relax under the sun.
Best places for snorkeling in Cozumel
Cozumel is known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling. Here are some of the best places to snorkel in Cozumel:
Palancar Reef: This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island and is known for its diverse marine life and vibrant coral. Visitors can snorkel along the reef and see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Chankanaab National Park: This park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including snorkeling in the park's crystal-clear lagoon and swimming with dolphins. Snorkeling here offers the chance to see a variety of colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life.
Punta Sur Eco Beach: This is a secluded and natural beach area located in the southern part of the island. The beach offers a perfect snorkeling spot, with crystal clear waters and colorful reef, which offers the chance to see a variety of fish and other marine life.
Columbia Reef: This reef is located in the northern part of the island and is known for its beautiful coral formations and diverse marine life. Visitors can snorkel along the reef and see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Mr. Sancho's Beach Club: This is a private beach club located on the island's east side. They offer snorkeling equipment, and the location offers a great chance to see a variety of tropical fish and other marine life, including colorful coral and sea turtles.
It is important to note that when snorkeling in Cozumel and anywhere in general it is essential to use environmentally friendly practices, such as not touching or stepping on coral, and to always follow any guidelines or rules set by the tour operator. A great way to ensure the preservation of the reef is to take only pictures and memories and leave only bubbles.
in Cozumel
Cozumel is known for its beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for snorkeling. Here are some of the best places to snorkel in Cozumel:
Palancar Reef: This is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island and is known for its diverse marine life and vibrant coral. Visitors can snorkel along the reef and see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Chankanaab National Park: This park offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including snorkeling in the park's crystal-clear lagoon and swimming with dolphins. Snorkeling here offers the chance to see a variety of colorful fish, turtles, and other marine life.
Punta Sur Eco Beach: This is a secluded and natural beach area located in the southern part of the island. The beach offers a perfect snorkeling spot, with crystal clear waters and colorful reef, which offers the chance to see a variety of fish and other marine life.
Columbia Reef: This reef is located in the northern part of the island and is known for its beautiful coral formations and diverse marine life. Visitors can snorkel along the reef and see a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Mr. Sancho's Beach Club: This is a private beach club located on the island's east side. They offer snorkeling equipment, and the location offers a great chance to see a variety of tropical fish and other marine life, including colorful coral and sea turtles.
It is important to note that when snorkeling in Cozumel and anywhere in general it is essential to use environmentally friendly practices, such as not touching or stepping on coral, and to always follow any guidelines or rules set by the tour operator. A great way to ensure the preservation of the reef is to take only pictures and memories and leave only bubbles.
Cozumel is an island of endless possibilities, and it’s up to you to choose which activity you prefer!
If you want to read more about Cozumel, check out the article: 8 Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Cozumel.