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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. Paradise Reef is shallower and more beginner-friendly when compared to other reefs on the island, with a maximum depth of around 40 ft (12 m). If you’re lucky, you might even spot a spotted eagle ray, octopus, or nurse shark. Located right next to Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef is a beautiful reef known for its incredible, colorful coral formations.
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Despite the somewhat high cost of an ATV or dune buggy tour, it’s an excellent option for individuals who like to explore at their own pace. The cave entrance is approximately a 1-hour ferry trip away from Cozumel, followed by a minute drive. Your cruise line is likely to offer an excursion to Río Secreto.
Where You're Docked
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. While most people just call everything on the island Cozumel, the main city that you will no doubt visit is called San Miguel. Home to about 80,000 people, San Miguel is a bustling medium-sized town, and gets especially busy when cruise ships are docked (which swells the population of the island). If your cruise ship docks in Punta Langosta, the town of San Miguel is right across the street from the pier.
RCI-Royal Caribbean unveils 2025-2026 East Coast USA cruise homeports/ships
Cozumel is a shoppers paradise and the cruise companies will no doubt sell hard about where to get the best deals and supply booklets of vouchers for discounts. Of course, they want you to visit those shops for a reason and those discounts are no doubt built into the asking prices. There are many festivals held in Cozumel, so it’s worth checking to see if anything is on whilst you are in port. Big annual events include Carnaval de Cozumel which is normally held in February, The 150-year-old El Cedral festival held in May in the village of Cedral and the famous Day of the Dead in November.
They also have free wi-fi if you need to connect to check on things back home. You can walk on your own or join guided walking tour in the city. If you want to rent a car, the closest offices are 5 blocks from the cruise ship pier. 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 ferry port is not far from downtown, so hopping on the ferry to see some more sights in Mexico might make sense if you have time during your cruise. Some excursions also require a ferry ride to the mainland to see Mayan Ruins or explore scenic caves.
Current local time in Cozumel, Mexico
Activities include snorkeling & diving, swimming with the dolphins, scuba, and Seatrek. When cruise ships anchor, tender boats will moor at smaller piers next to Puerta Maya or the International Pier. At the height of the Caribbean Season - between November and March, in particular - the port of Cozumel may be visited by over 8 cruise ships. 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. Other popular beaches are Paradise Beach, Playa Palancar, Playa Mia. Cozumel features several great resorts / eco-parks, often included in cruise lines' shore excursion offerings.
Cozumel tourist attractions
If you want to get around Cozumel, then you’re likely going to take a taxi. Cabs are at each port as you exit and cruise up and down all the tourist hotspots. If you’re anywhere that tourists go, you’ll be able to hail a cab whenever the ships are in port. Just behind that sign is a spot to access the water if you want to swim with the cruise ships in the background.
Royal Caribbean, Mexico from Tampa, February 9, 2025
Tipping is not mandatory in Cozumel but is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a small tip of around 10-15% of the total bill for good service is customary. It’s also common to tip hotel staff and taxi drivers for good service, with a small amount per day or ride being appropriate. Nestled off the northeastern coast of Mexico’s state of Quintana Roo on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cozumel is an island of cheerful people, salsa vibes, stunning nature, and rich Mayan cultural heritage.
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Hurricanes Franklin, Idalia spur port preparations, cruise itinerary changes (updated) - Seatrade Cruise News
Hurricanes Franklin, Idalia spur port preparations, cruise itinerary changes (updated).
Posted: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The pier can accommodate up to two ships at a time and is typically used by smaller vessels. Holland & America cruise ships usually dock at Punta Langosta, but other ships may also use this terminal on occasion. The largest vessels (including Royal Caribbean and NCL ships) dock at International Pier.
Both terminals are around 3 miles south of San Miguel, the main city of Cozumel. As you can see on the map above, there are 3 Cruise Terminals in Cozumel. The terminal in Punta Langosta is right by San Miguel's southern end and only has one pier. Likewise, the International Terminal only has one main pier and a smaller one for tender boats.
Even if you just want to rent or bring along some snorkeling gear you will want to check out these pristine waters at one of the many coral reef locations. Both International Pier and Puerta Maya are about 3 miles from San Miguel, but it is a safe and scenic walk to the downtown area which I have done a few times. Taxis are cheap, but if you have extra time the walk is doable. Now that you know everything you need to know about your port. Just remember to wear a lot of sunscreen if you plan on walking from pier to pier.
If you’re on a Royal Caribbean or a Celebrity Cruise ship, most likely you’ll be here. Punta Langosta is the OG of Cozumel cruise piers and is the typical porting spot for Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruises to Cozumel, as well as several smaller cruise lines. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, this guide to Cozumel Cruise Port will provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your time on the island.
Hang out on a beautiful beach under a palapa, or near one of the two pools. 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.
If you plan to relax, you’ll find umbrellas and chairs available, though there’s a requirement to make a purchase at the restaurant or pay a fee for their use. Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park provides a variety of entertaining activities for people of all ages, as well as numerous facilities and dining options. As the evening progresses, the beach provides a great setting to witness a beautiful sunset. If you want to taste some authentic, genuine Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, consider stopping by Casa Denis. It’s a family-owned restaurant with a good amount of outdoor seating. As you explore the vibrant streets, treat yourself to some eye-catching local handicrafts, home-made beauty products, and traditional textiles that might be perfect keepsakes or gifts for loved ones back home.
In fact, if you have a great reef to check out please let us know in the comment section below this post. We will add it to the list if it looks good so everyone else can benefit. If you want to take a taxis in Cozumel it is easy and affordable.
You can even add on horseback riding, parasailing, and the use of a wave runner. Mr. Sanchos Beach Club, located about 20 minutes from downtown San Miguel, offers an all-inclusive day pass to travelers looking to get the most out of the relaxing beach life in Cozumel. What’s the number one thing you should do when visiting Cozumel? If you’re looking to enjoy a full beach/pool day, there are a ton of beach clubs from which to choose.
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