Sunday, March 31, 2024

14 Savvy Tips For Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise

free things to do in cozumel cruise port

There are even special vehicles that drive around the island in order to help any tourists that have broken down and need help. 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. Yes, you can visit Cozumel without having to go on a Caribbean cruise. Cozumel has its own airport, with some airline providers even flying directly to the island. Just like anywhere else, it’s important to be cautious and use common sense to ensure your trip to Cozumel remains safe.

Playa Corona Beach

Top 10 Things to do in Puerto Vallarta - Cruise Blog

Top 10 Things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

Posted: Wed, 10 Aug 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

I did the chocolate factory tour a few years ago and found it to be a really interesting experience. It’s not a huge factory, but you get to see how the chocolate is locally made and then you get to make some yourself. And of course the best part is sampling the chocolate after you are done. There are great beaches, plenty of shaded loungers and hammocks, a pristine lagoon, alligators, a seal and sea lion show, dolphins, manatees, and so much more.

Go on a Food Tour

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. Palancar Reef is one of the most beautiful dive sites in all of Cozumel. Playa Palancar is a beautiful, hidden gem of a beach located on the southwestern coast of Cozumel.

Isla Pasión (Passion Island)

A number of hotels and resorts on the island (including some right near the cruise ship) offer day passes. It’s a great deal if you simply want to have a leisurely day at the pool or beach without having to fight large crowds. While San Miguel and Cozumel might have been a sleepy tourist spot decades ago, that’s no longer the case. It offers an amazing assortment of things to do for tourists, including everything from visits to Mayan ruins to snorkeling to diving, to shopping and much more. Like snorkeling you don’t have to worry about air tanks, and like scuba diving you can go below the water.

Best Cozumel Excursions for Couples

How To Spend the Day in Cozumel - Porthole Cruise and Travel

How To Spend the Day in Cozumel.

Posted: Tue, 20 Sep 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Chankanaab does have a zipline course or you can take a zipline course that soars over some of the mangrove forest in Cozumel. You will be 60 feet above the jungle floor and start off from 6 different canopy towers. Most of the course can be done in about an hour so you will still have time for other activities. There are many more places you can dive and snorkel in Cozumel, so don’t look at this list as exhaustive. 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.

How accessible are these free activities from the Cozumel Cruise Port?

The Underwater Sculpture Garden is a unique attraction in Cozumel that features more than 500 sculptures submerged in the sea. You can snorkel or scuba dive to see these amazing works of art up close. Home to the goddess of love, fertility and medicine, the Mayan ruins close to Cozumel are one of the top excursions for history buffs. Speaking of scuba diving, there are more locations in Cozumel to explore the underwater world, like Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall. Hammocks are one of the few woven items that are made locally (at least in the Yucatan peninsula, specifically the city of Merida).

free things to do in cozumel cruise port

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. It goes from 6pm to 9pm, but I still wanted to put it in this list.

Cozumel Restaurants & Bars Right at the Cruise Port

It is renowned for its natural beauty and has become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. This popular port destination attracts over 3 million travelers looking for the perfect Caribbean getaway. One of the best parts of travel is trying the local cuisine and enjoying the variety of food and drink. Cozumel has many restaurants and bars available, however if you want an authentic experience, these are 2 highly recommended Cozumel shore excursions for foodies. Many cruise lines offer organized shore excursions that provide a comprehensive overview of Cozumel’s highlights.

Visit a Local Brewery

Because of that, not a ton of cruise passengers make the trip. Those that do are greeted with a postcard-like beach with hardly anyone on it. There is also a little beach bar you can go to when you want a shady place with a cold drink.

You can also stop in at a local restaurant where you can find authentic Mexican cuisine. The easiest and safest way to visit the attractions in Cozumel is to take a taxi. In fact, many of the best beaches in Cozumel are only about 15 minute cab ride away. International Pier is in the middle between Punta Langosta and Puerto Maya.

If you want an adrenaline rush, try kite surfing in Cozumel. The island has perfect conditions for this extreme sport, and many schools offer lessons for beginners. Cozumel is known for its pearls, and the Cozumel Pearl Farm offers tours where you can learn about the pearl farming process and see the pearls up close. Two open-air shopping malls are placed strategically near Cozumel’s three ports, making it easier for cruisers to pick up souvenirs quickly before returning to the ship.

T-shirts and trinkets are incredible affordable and I haven’t found shop owners to be too pushy compared to other ports. If you rent a vehicle you can just drive around to see the different beaches to see which is best for what you want your beach day to be like. The eastern side of the island is rocky and exposed to the open ocean, but there are still some hidden away spots that are perfect for a beach day.

You’ll find stores, bars, and restaurants which primarily serve the 80,000 people who call San Miguel home. When you disembark from the ship, you’ll find yourself in the middle of a port complex. Here you’ll find shops, restaurants, and more all designed to cater to cruise passengers. However, most of the things to do and see are outside of the port.

Cozumel, Mexico with Babies, Toddlers and Kids CRUISE PORT GUIDE

free things to do in cozumel cruise port

Many times I’ve had locals on the island help me out or point me in the right direction all while asking for nothing in return. 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. You should be well-prepared for a trip to Cozumel as long as you bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and some extra cash.

free things to do in cozumel cruise port

Do a Daily Fitness Walk Along the Shore

You can browse through various handmade crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Cozumel is famous for its tequila, and you can visit a tequila factory to learn about the production process and sample different types of tequila. Play a round of golf at the Cozumel Country Club, located in the heart of the island. The course is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and has stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

free things to do in cozumel cruise port

Things to Know About a Cruise to Antarctica: Cost & Tips Guide

Here are my picks for some of the  best things to do in Cozumel and what makes this tiny island so unique. Here, it’s a free beach that barely anyone seems to know about. The shore is pretty rocky (so water shoes are a good idea). But you can come here and swim without any crowds… while being able to see you ship just down the coast.

Wander the Streets of San Miguel

Just like its sister pier, the International Pier also has a small “city” that caters to cruise passengers (but you can’t go between the two ports). Cozumel is known for having a lot of adventurous things to do, and it’s a good spot to try some things you simply wouldn’t be able to do back home. One favorite we’ve personally done is an excursion through the cruise line that featured snorkeling combined with speed boats. Every couple gets their own personal speed boat to drive to the snorkeling spot. That’s fun on its own, but then you get to hop out and take a guided snorkel trip seeing all sorts of creatures, including turtles and rays.

Situated by the sea, Fuego offers scenic views of the Caribbean Sea, making your dining experience even more enjoyable. In addition to Mexican cuisine, this family-run restaurant offers a nice range of beverages, including margaritas and cocktails. The international pier is located approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) from San Miguel. While you’ll taste several tequilas, you’ll also visit the facilities and learn about how tequila is made.

Is El Mirador Lookout Point a serene escape, and when's the prime visitation hour?

Cozumel - Royal Caribbean Blog

Cozumel.

Posted: Fri, 01 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The mainland area around Cozumel is rich with cenotes and they make amazing swimming spots to explore. Several excursions will take you to these spots where you can swim and enjoy the natural beauty that the Yucatan has to offer. In the touristy spots of the Yucatan, ziplines are everywhere. You’ll find ziplines at the theme parks in the area, including Chankanaab just a few miles from the cruise pier. Nature lovers can indulge in the island’s largest ecological reserve at Punta Sur.

Charter Boat and Snorkel Trip

Things To Do In Cozumel - Travel Noire

Things To Do In Cozumel.

Posted: Sat, 09 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

There are some really nice restaurants and bars on the east side of the island. On the menu, you’ll find offerings such as chocolate martinis, margaritas, mudslide drinks, classic mole recipes, freshly ground cacao, and chocolate bars. For an extra cost, you can explore other activities like tequila tasting, massages, and kayaking. You also have the option to rent snorkeling gear or dine at the park’s restaurant.

Shopping at San Miguel

That’s not to say they aren’t worth it, but for many people the extra cost is way too much, especially if you’re a family traveling together. Mimi disembarked, while some of her family members stayed on the boat. She hopped into the car of a security guard, and together they scoured the streets of Cozumel. But Solomon walks fast, his strides decisive — especially when he’s anxious, Miller said. The Royal Caribbean voyage was supposed to be the couple’s last big vacation.

Upcoming Cruise Ship Refurbishments

Yes, it is possible to access some beaches on foot from the Cozumel cruise port. However, some of the best beaches are a short taxi ride away. One of the best ways to explore Cozumel is by going on a catamaran cruise. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery while sipping on a cold drink.

This is a great option if you’re curious about Mayan culture, but don’t want to pay for an expensive (often $100/person or more) excursion to Tulum. Many people visit San Miguel (the main town on the island) when in Cozumel, but they normally just hit the shops along the waterfront. To be sure, you won’t find the facilities like you do at the beaches on the more developed side of the island, and you will need to grab a taxi over to the spot. Still, the more rustic feeling may be just the thing you’re looking for compared to the touristy part of the island.

Pancho’s Backyard, in the heart of downtown San Miguel, is adjacent to Los Cinco Solas shopping arcade. The decor is traditional Mexican style with woven leather seats and bright colors. Just keeping walking north along the waterfront and you’ll find Pancho’s Backyard. If you love food, you’ll be happy to learn that Cozumel has some fabulous places to eat.

But take a turn into town and you can find some cute houses and sights in the neighborhoods of San Miguel. One thing that sticks out is the lush foliage that seems to be everywhere. If you walk out of the port area, right as you exit you’ll see the Royal Village Shopping Center.

Puerto Maya is the cruise terminal farthest from Downtown, but closest some of Cozumel’s most popular beaches. This cruise terminal has several restaurants and popular bars, and opportunities to shop for silver jewelry, pottery, t-shirts and vanilla to take back home. Cruise ships dock at one of Cozumel’s 3 large piers and it’s not uncommon to have 6 or more ships in port for the day. It’s a good idea to plan activities in advance, either through the cruise line or local tour operators, to ensure availability.

Chakanaab Beach and Snorkel Park is unique in a world of beach resorts with pools and water-slides. Please note that although a lot is included, there is an additional charge for wave runners, para-sailing and the use of an inflatable water park. Or, walk up to a cab driver and ask how much he’d charge for a 1/2 day of touring. El Mercado is a colorful, open-air area full of little eateries and small shops. This local market is the perfect place to try all different types of local flavors, especially on a budget.

During your ride, you’ll learn all about the rich religious history of the city and how the town came to be. One of the main reasons why people visit Mexico, whether it’s Cancun or Cozumel, is to check out amazing Mayan ruins. With so much incredible ancient history in the area, this country is home to some incredible ancient temples, homes, and other artifacts.

The museum covers the history of Cozumel, including some interesting exhibits showcasing items from both the Mayans and the Spanish. It’s only a few bucks to see, and best of all it’s a good way to get in some air conditioning on a hot day. Want to get on the beach as quick as possible… and without going far from the ship? While there is a free “beach” in the port area where Carnival docks, it’s manmade without access to the water. And in the area where Royal Caribbean docks there is access to the water, but no beach. The sand is white and soft, but just know there isn’t water access.

How to Choose the Best Beard to Match Your Hair Style Guide

Table Of Content Men’s Haircut Prices: How Much Barbers Charge (Near Me) #28: Braided Long Hair with Full Beard and Mustache Best Men’s Shav...