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However, there are numerous excursions, stunning beaches, duty-free shops, and beach clubs right on the island, so you don’t necessarily have to leave. Cozumel is situated across from Playa Del Carmen and Akumal, nestled in the Caribbean Sea. The resort also has an aqua park (costs extra) fitted with trampolines, inflatable climbing Iceberg and climbing rock, pyramid slider, rock slider, among other attractions. The pier is approx 1,5 mi / 2,5 km from downtown San Miguel (to the south). The distance is easily walkable (~30 min), and most pleasant as it is along the waterfront promenade.
World's largest cruise ship Icon OTS visits Costa Maya Mexico
As aforementioned, the cruise port in Cozumel includes three terminals named Punta Langosta, International Cruise Terminal and Puerta Maya. Note that some cruise lines use two or all of these terminals, so be sure to check your itinerary carefully to make sure you have the right terminal. Read on for our breakdown of the Cozumel, Mexico cruise port, including address information, cruise line terminals, services and more. If you choose to drive anything motorized on the island, it’s important to know the laws and be aware of potential hazards, including those posed by fellow tourists.
Puerto Maya Cruise Pier In Cozumel: What To Expect
Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed. If you are cruising on ships of cruise lines such as NCL, Disney, Oceania, Silversea, Regent or Crystal it is almost guaranteed that your ship will moor at Punta Langosta. All three terminals of the Cozumel cruise port have bathrooms available. The only public transportation option is the local ferry from Playa del Carmen, which is air-conditioned and runs from the early morning to late at night.
Cozumel (Mexico)Cruise Port Guide:Review (
When cruise ships anchor, tender boats will moor at smaller piers next to Puerta Maya or the International Pier. Most travelers cruising to Cozumel for the first time do not realize immediately that the cruise ship will be docked at one of many piers. Popular beaches along the western coast (where the cruise terminals are located) include Playa Caletita, Stingray Beach, Sunset Beach, Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park and Playa Uvas.
Don’t forget to browse the stores in this part of town, as they offer unique and affordable finds. While a few may accept credit cards, it’s advisable to carry cash in smaller denominations of $1, $5, and $10. Prepare for bargaining and be aware that some sellers may employ cunning tricks to entice you into visiting their shops. Next are listed all Carnival cruise shore excursions in Cozumel with prices in USD.
While I opted for delectable seafood dishes such as ceviche and grilled fish, my children were delighted to have more familiar American choices. Given its popularity, Mr. Sanchos can become quite busy when multiple ships are in port for the day. Therefore, it is highly recommended to make advance reservations to secure your spot and avoid any disappointment. The museum also houses a restaurant, so if hunger strikes, you can enjoy a quick lunch at the cafeteria before continuing your exploration. The entrance fee for the museum is approximately $8, and you have the option to take a guided tour or explore independently.
Cozumel (Quintana Roo Mexico, Riviera Maya)
On your guided tour, you’ll see beautiful coral and marine life at a depth of feet.... Nachi Cocom Beach Club – has the beach, swimming pool, water sports, restaurants and bar. Located approximately five miles south of the island’s largest city, San Miguel, the port in Cozumel is located in the southwest part of the city within the state of Quintana Roo. Cozumel, whose history dates back to the 16th century, happens to be the largest and most densely populated island in the Caribbean. The port’s three piers accommodate up to eight ships a day with more than 4 million passengers arriving each year. The map below shows all the attractions described above in relation to the cruise terminals.

Port rating and occupancy
Cruise Tourism in Mexico Soars to New Heights - Cruise Hive
Cruise Tourism in Mexico Soars to New Heights.
Posted: Wed, 22 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Cozumel is not known for some of the most elaborate Mayan ruins in Mexico, but there are still some worth checking out if you are interested. We’ll cover some of the best things to do on this island to give you some ideas for your upcoming excursions and adventures. Cozumel does have a decent size airport if you are thinking of flying straight there. One thing I love about cruising is that it gives you a sampling of different places that you can then revisit once you find what you like. The economy of Cozumel relies heavily on tourism, so the people there will be very glad to help you and make sure you have a pleasant experience. Planning what to do in Cozumel ahead of time can be a bit daunting.
If you prefer to stay close, you can fully enjoy yourself at this port without venturing too far. If you find yourself thirsty, head over to Avenida 25, where you’ll come across el Mercado, the largest fruit and grocery market in the port. Treat yourself to some freshly squeezed orange juice or other fruit juices. The island's tropical climate determines the rainy season (from June through November) and the dry season (from December through May). Cozumel has changed time zone to EST (Eastern Standard Time), the same time zone in the East Coast of North America, 5 hours behind UTC (Coordinated Universal Time). Since the change to EST, Cozumel is not scheduled to participate in daylight saving time.
Some of our fellow passengers traversed it on scooters or in wheelchairs. For anyone else with mobility problems, no-cost pedicab service was offered with only a tip requested for the driver. Along the way, there are plenty of photo ops–both for selfies and full-length portraits of your ship and some of the other magnificent ships around it.
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. For great deals and guaranteed shops, walk along the waterfront on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar, a mile-long strip in San Miguel. And be sure to check out the Chile Tequila Factory for a sampling of Mexico’s favourite spirit. Reconnect with nature while wandering the endless mangroves, beaches and reefs in Punta Sur National Park during your Cozumel cruise. At Chankanaab National Park, you’ll find everything from snorkelling and scuba diving to swimming with dolphins.
Very few cruise lines offer tours to Chichén Itzá - one of the most spectacular Mayan archaeological sites - for the simple reason that a tour from Cozumel and back will take at least 10 hours. If Chichén Itzá is on your bucket list, make sure you look for a cruise line that offers this tour. For an additional fee, there are water sports activities available such as banana boat rides and glass-bottom boat tours, as well as the option to indulge in massages. The all-inclusive fee covers drinks, beach access, free WiFi, access to a pool and hot tub, restrooms, outdoor showers, and more. Each port offers varying amenities, although all provide the essentials. Typically, you will not be informed in advance which cruise terminal you will be docking at, only that you will be visiting Cozumel.
Just across the street from the pier is an A-mart convenience store with a broad range of Asian and international products. It’s popular with cruise crew and the perfect place to head if you have run out of shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen or anything else, including your favorite candy bar. The beach itself was absolutely stunning, and the limited capacity created a serene and peaceful atmosphere. In addition to enjoying the beautiful beach, we also appreciated spending some time at the tranquil pool. During our winter Royal Caribbean cruise, we made the decision to spend a day at the Nachi Cocom-Beach Club and Water Sports Center. We absolutely adored this experience and without a doubt, I would choose to visit Nachi Cocom again on our next cruise stop in Cozumel.
For everything there is a season…Wave Season may be the right time to book a cruise. We really enjoyed browsing around one of the largest shops, Los Cincos Soles, which sources items from all over Mexico. A concrete walkway extends from the ship to an air-conditioned arcade with duty-free shops. Often, a week-long journey seems to fly away without ample time to appreciate the ship and all the onboard activities and we didn’t want that to happen. You should find better bargains if you head to smaller independent shops rather than the glitzy showrooms that dominate the port areas. New Especias – Delicious Italian and seafood options in the heart of San Miguel.
Rafael E. Melgar and is lined with shops all the way to the Forum shopping mall (over 1 mile from Punta Langosta). After securing a taxi, you have the freedom to explore the island and visit your desired destinations, including the renowned beaches and beach clubs. In addition to the sandy shores, a short and affordable 10-minute taxi ride will take you to Chankanaab Park, a stunning location that is sure to captivate everyone in your group. You can walk on your own or join guided walking tour in the city.
The word “Cozumel” means “Land of the Swallow” in Mayan, symbolizing Ixchel’s favorite bird. Spanish settlers didn’t visit Cozumel until the 16th century, when the Cortés expedition traveled through. In 1520, Spanish crew members brought smallpox to Cozumel, devastating the Mayan population.