Cruise Port of Cozumel, Mexico: Best Things To Do in Cozumel
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Your ultimate guide to exploring Cozumel, Mexico from the cruise port, covering city tips, top excursions, delicious cuisine, and iconic sites to make the most of your stop.
Cozumel Cruise Port Guide: (Jump To)
How to Get to the City Center from the Cozumel, Mexico Port
Cruise ships dock at several piers in Cozumel, with the most common ones being the Puerta Maya Pier, International Pier, and Punta Langosta Pier. All piers are conveniently located close to the town of San Miguel. You can walk to the center of San Miguel from Punta Langosta Pier in about 5-10 minutes. From the International and Puerta Maya Piers, you’ll find taxis readily available to take you to the town center, which is only about a 10-minute ride away. Public transportation is limited on the island, so taxis or rental scooters are common choices for getting to the main town from the cruise port.
Is Cozumel, Mexico Safe?
Cozumel is known as one of the safer destinations in Mexico, especially in areas frequented by tourists. San Miguel and the nearby beaches see many visitors each day, and locals are accustomed to welcoming travelers. Cozumel maintains a reputation as a relaxed and visitor-friendly location. Exercise basic precautions, such as securing belongings and using reputable taxis. While most areas on the island are safe, stay in well-trafficked areas for ease and comfort during your stay.
How to Get Around Cozumel, Mexico
San Miguel is easily navigated on foot, with most shops, cafes, and major attractions clustered in the downtown area. For exploring beyond the town center, taxis are widely available and fares are typically fixed based on distance—just confirm rates in advance. Scooters and bicycles are also available for rent, providing more flexibility to explore the island’s beaches and natural sites. Guided tours often include transportation, and some visitors prefer to rent a car for the day to explore Cozumel’s less-visited spots.
What to See in Cozumel, Mexico
There are so many great things to do in Cozumel when visiting for the day from your cruise ship. You can easily visit Cozumel on your own, or join a popular Cozumel shore excursion.
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Adults: $29; Kids (4-12): $20
A popular park featuring a beach, snorkeling areas, a lagoon, and botanical gardens. The park offers various activities, including dolphin encounters and sea lion shows.
San Gervasio Ruins
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Admission: $4.71
These well-preserved ruins of a Mayan archaeological site offer a glimpse into the island’s history. San Gervasio served as a sacred site for worship of the goddess Ixchel.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Adults: $22; Kids (4-12): $14
Home to a variety of ecosystems, Punta Sur has sandy beaches, a crocodile habitat, a lighthouse with scenic views, and a small maritime museum.
Cozumel Pearl Farm
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Adults: $160; Kids (6-12): $110
Cozumel’s only active pearl farm offers a unique tour that includes a boat ride to the farm, snorkeling, and learning about sustainable pearl farming.
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Admission: $10
This small museum offers exhibits on Cozumel’s history, marine biology, and Mayan culture, making it an excellent introductory stop for first-time visitors.
Playa Palancar
Map: Google Maps
Cost: Free; optional equipment rentals available
A laid-back beach ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing by the shore. Beach clubs nearby offer rentals, chairs, and other amenities.
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
Map: Google Maps
Cost: Free; diving tour fees vary
One of the premier diving destinations in the world, this marine park offers vibrant coral reefs and diverse sea life. Guided dives and snorkeling trips are available.
Palancar Reef is a famous diving site within the Cozumel Reefs National Park known for its coral formations and marine biodiversity. Popular for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
El Cedral
Map: Google Maps
Cost: Free
This small historic town offers a glimpse of traditional Mexican life. Visit the local church, a Mayan ruin, and stop by for authentic souvenirs and food.
The Mayan Cacao Company
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Admission: $12
Learn the ancient art of chocolate making with demonstrations and tastings at The Mayan Cacao Company. This immersive experience also includes a gift shop.
Isla Pasion by Barco
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Excursion prices vary
Isla Pasion, a private island, is accessible only by boat and offers an exclusive beach experience with activities like volleyball, hammocks, and beachside dining.
The Five Suns (Los Cinco Soles)
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: Varies
This massive art and souvenir store is the best place to shop in Cozumel. The seemingly endless collection of gifts and souvenirs will surely have the perfect item for you. They guarantee their prices, if you find it cheaper elsewhere come back for a refund!
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Best Cruise Ship Shore Excursions at the Port of Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is a SCUBA and snorkeling paradise. These are some of the best Cozumel shore excursions to enjoy from your cruise ship.
Snorkeling at Chankanaab Park
Enjoy a guided snorkeling experience at Chankanaab Park, where you’ll find colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and crystal-clear water in a family-friendly environment.
Jeep Tour to Punta Sur Eco Park
A guided Jeep tour of Punta Sur Eco Park lets you explore the island’s diverse landscapes, including beaches, lagoons, and the Faro Celarain Lighthouse.
ATV and Cenote Adventure
This off-road ATV tour includes a visit to a natural cenote where guests can swim and enjoy the refreshing water. The tour often includes a stop at El Cedral village.
Catamaran and Snorkel Tour
Sail on a catamaran along Cozumel’s coast, stopping at popular snorkeling spots like Palancar Reef, where you can view vibrant coral and marine life up close.
Cozumel Food Tour
Taste your way through Cozumel with a local guide. This tour includes stops at various eateries to sample authentic Mexican dishes and street food favorites.
Private Beach Day on Isla Pasion
Spend a relaxing day at Isla Pasion, a private island offering a peaceful beach environment. Many excursions include food, drinks, and beach activities.
Mayan Ruins and Chocolate Experience
Visit San Gervasio to explore the Mayan ruins before heading to a chocolate-making workshop, where you’ll see traditional chocolate techniques in action.
Cozumel Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Ideal for non-swimmers, this tour on a glass-bottom boat offers views of the reefs without getting in the water, making it perfect for a relaxing reef experience.
Check out our other posts about things to see and do in Mexico!
Or visit our Destinations page to be inspired.
Must-Try Local Cuisine and Restaurants in Cozumel, Mexico
No matter how delicious the food on the ship might be, sampling the local cuisine can be an enriching and affordable thing to do during your port day.
Casa Denis
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: USD $15-$45 per person
Casa Denis, one of Cozumel’s oldest restaurants, serves traditional Mexican and Yucatecan dishes. Try the cochinita pibil and local fish dishes in this cozy spot.
Guido’s
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: USD $10-$40 per person
Known for its Italian-inspired menu, Guido’s features wood-fired pizzas, pastas, and seafood dishes with local ingredients. The garden seating adds to the experience.
Kondesa
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: USD $10-$40 per person
A modern Mexican restaurant in San Miguel, Kondesa serves dishes made from seasonal ingredients, with popular options like tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood.
El Moro
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: USD $10-$30 per person
El Moro is a family-run eatery known for authentic, hearty Mexican meals. Visitors love the mole, seafood dishes, and friendly service in a laid-back atmosphere.
Buccanos at Night
Map: Google Maps
Website: Link
Cost: USD $10-$25 Per Person
Located by the beach, Buccanos offers seafood and steak dishes with a Caribbean influence. It’s known for upscale dining, unique flavors, and oceanfront views.
Paleteria Ice Cream
Map: Google Maps
Cost: USD $1-$5 per treat
With unique Mexican flavors like Dolce de Leche and traditional frozen novelties, Paleteria is a perfect treat for a hot day in the port. The shop is located on the ground level of the large MEGA Supermarket.
Cozumel, Mexico Cruise Port Map
A cruise port map of Cozumel offers an easy way to locate major piers, transportation options, and top attractions. Navigating the port area will be easier if you’re familiar with the layout, especially for finding taxi stations and heading to San Miguel.
Best Things To Do From The Port of Cozumel, Mexico
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park
San Gervasio Ruins
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
Cozumel Pearl Farm
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Playa Palancar
Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
El Cedral
The Mayan Cacao Company
Isla Pasion
The Five Suns (Los Cinco Soles)
