Table Of Content
Once in Playa del Carmen, you can hit the beach, grab some lunch, or go shopping. Cozumel is as well known for what’s under the water as what is above it. With an electric blue sea and gentle waves, the island is a snorkeler’s paradise. The waters surrounding the island are also abundant with colorful tropical fish. Through your cruise line you will find plenty of excursions offering snorkeling trips. Many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions that provide a comprehensive overview of Cozumel’s highlights.
Public Transit from Cozumel International Airport to Cozumel Cruise Port
This reef is approximately a 15 to 20 minute boat ride from the shore, and rest assured, it’s well worth the journey. While there are shore-based snorkeling spots, the majority of the beautiful sites require a boat journey. In addition, the island provides plenty of shallow dive sites, making it an excellent choice for novice divers. When visiting Cozumel, taking a picture by the Cozumel sign is a simple yet great way to remember your trip. If you’re cruising, you might even find a ‘Cozumel’ sign at the port with your cruise ship in the background. San Miguel, Cozumel’s main town, is a vibrant destination with a wide range of shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist attractions.
Can I visit Cozumel without going on a cruise?
Planning what to do in Cozumel ahead of time can be a bit daunting. There is a lot to do and see in this beautiful and exotic location. Just like anywhere else, it’s important to be cautious and use common sense to ensure your trip to Cozumel remains safe. Cozumel is considered a safe destination for tourists to visit. The island has a strong police presence and a low crime rate when compared to other places in Mexico.
Cozumel Cruise Port Waiting Area and Seating
Santa Rosa Wall is a drop-off with a depth of 50 to 120 feet located on the southwest part of the island, offering up a myriad of below-the-surface natural marvels. Hammocks are one of the few woven items that are made locally (at least in the Yucatan peninsula, specifically the city of Merida). At the Mercado Municipal, you'll find them on display in the tiny hole-in-the-wall stores just outside the central market, which mainly sells food and is where locals shop.
Search Underway for Missing Cruise Passenger in Mexico - Cruise Hive
Search Underway for Missing Cruise Passenger in Mexico.
Posted: Sat, 06 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Convenient Port Canaveral “Park & Cruise” Hotels
Reconnect with nature while wandering the endless mangroves, beaches and reefs in Punta Sur National Park during your Cozumel cruise. The Cozumel Island Museum ($4 per person and children under 8 enter free) is just a couple of blocks north of the square. Besides the exhibits, the museum's restaurant is nice and has a great view. There’s also a sandy walking path down to the rocky, limestone beach.
There are miniature scale models of famous sites from around Mexico and a tour guide will talk you through some of this country’s most important landmarks. If you want to feel like a pirate for the day and get some great food along with some unique entertainment this is the activity for you. I’ve read some rave reviews about the Jean Laffite Pirate Dinner Cruise but have not checked it out myself. But for most cruises this option will take place too late in the day, so it’s really only doable if you are staying in Cozumel for a few nights.
Eat and drink to your heart’s content, or just swing in a hammock. With millions of American tourists each year, there is a definite American influence on the island. You’ll notice a number of restaurants that are common in the U.S. English is widely spoken by just about anyone on the tourism industry.
Be sure to bring correct change, plus a few bucks extra for a tip. About a 25 minute drive from the International Pier in Cozumel, the San Gervasio archaeological site chronicles the settlement of the Maya civilization on the island. See ruins of a holy site where the Maya once worshipped the goddess Ixchel, or take a guided tour to learn more about the history and preservations of the ruins. Today, San Gervasio is a wildlife refuge where iguanas roam free.
Go Horseback Riding Along the Beach
The water in the Cenote caverns located in the inland part of the peninsula is just as clear— just be prepared for the close quarters of the caves. Or, walk up to a cab driver and ask how much he’d charge for a 1/2 day of touring. Considered one of the best shopping destinations in all of Cozumel, this area is where you’ll find the best selection of beautifully hand-crafted gifts and pottery on the entire island. Playa Chen Rio beach is a great escape and one of the only really nice soft, sandy beaches on this side of the island.
It’s a cheap way to spend the day in the air conditioning while seeing some cool things. Or maybe there’s medicine — like those little blue pills — that requires a prescription in the United States, but doesn’t in Mexico. In the port area you’ll find pharmacies where you can go shopping and get a deal, or pick up something you wouldn’t be able to get back home. Just be aware of any laws about bringing pharmaceuticals back home. Of course, that means there are millions of people looking for the best thing to do in the short time they are in Cozumel. Below, we’ve rounded up a definitive list of all the things you can do in Cozumel during a cruise visit.
But a dive can be also organized with many of the small PADI certified diving clubs close to any of the cruise piers. Your cruise ship will dock at one of three Cozumel cruise ports, all located on the island’s western side. These include Punta Langosta, International pier, and Puerta Maya. Where you dock could depend on what cruise line you are sailing. From gorgeous uncrowded secluded beaches or famous beach clubs to world-class snorkeling or discovering authentic Mexican cuisine, there’s so much to do in Cozumel on a cruise day.
Most people gravitate towards the west side of Cozumel because of San Miguel, the many beach clubs, and all the three cruise ports along the coast. The International Pier is three miles south, and then Puerta Maya is the furthest outside of town, nearly five miles away. From Puerta Maya, it’s too far to walk into town, but you’re closer to the beach clubs. In 1968, cruise ships began to dock on the island, and gradually, Cozumel transformed into a bustling destination for tourists and cruise passengers from all corners of the globe.
