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Make this your next destination for one of the best Cozumel beaches near the cruise port. Located only one-tenth of a mile from the ship, this will be our first stop at a private hotel beach. While all beaches in Cozumel (and in Mexico writ large) are free and open to the public, amenities at these locations come with a fee. The costs will be called an admission fee or day pass, or an “expectation” for patrons to order food and/or drinks at adjoining hotels and/or restaurants.
Local Transportation
Palancar Reef is one of the most beautiful dive sites in all of Cozumel. 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. The Money Bar Beach Club is within easy driving distance of Cozumel’s ports. The shore is a little rocky, so using the steps is necessary to reach the water. If you’re a food enthusiast, exploring the rich flavors of Cozumel is an essential aspect of your trip.
Cozumel – Mexico
Playa San Martin is a free, quiet beach situated on Cozumel’s eastern coast. It’s important to note that the beach has rough waters, so it’s not recommended to swim here. The park has a white lighthouse that offers a panoramic view when you climb to the top.
Local cuisine, quick bites and restaurants
Cozumel is a perfect destination for those looking for beaches, shopping, scuba diving and snorkelling. But for those interested in history instead of beaches you are at the right spot as well! The island has a number of Mayan ruines like San Gervasi and you could even visit the famous Chichen Itza when your ship is in port in Cozumel. Upon exiting the cruise terminal, you’ll spot a long street filled with shopping malls, souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants, and several historic landmarks. For our most recent trip to Cozumel, we decided to book a day pass at a beach club on our own.
Amenities Within Walking Distance of Cozumel’s Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal and Piers
You can choose to book an official shore excursion or do something on your own. In some cases, you may need to take a tender boat to the port, but that is uncommon. Most ships visiting Cozumel will dock at one of the three ports.
Bonus Cozumel Beach
On the east side of the island, tourists come for the bars and restaurants, narrow beaches, and gorgeous views of the rugged eastern coastline. 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. Book a ferry ride from the terminal for a 15-minute trip to this exclusive destination.
This is the only drawback to cruising with Royal Caribbean and brands. Though nearly a 3,000 year-old civilization, Cozumel was a commercial and ceremonial center during the classic Mayan period about 250 to 900 A.D. During this time the Mayans created many of its sacred archeological sites dotted across the island. Visit the tropical gardens; relax in a hammock; join an ancient healing steam bath ceremony called a temazcal; or, have a massage in the natural spa.
Beach Clubs In Cozumel
The museum also features a restaurant, so if you get hungry, you can grab a quick lunch at the cafeteria and resume exploring. The entrance charge for the museum is roughly $8 and you can opt to get a tour of the area or not. If you get thirsty head over to Avenida 25 you will come across el Mercado, the largest fruit and groceries market in the port. Enjoy some of their freshly squeezed orange juice and other fruit juices. You should be well-prepared for a trip to Cozumel as long as you bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and some extra cash.
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Although most shops accept US dollars, it’s recommended to have some Mexican pesos on hand, especially in more local or non-touristy areas. The only walkable area of Cozumel is San Miguel, which is where most of the island’s shopping, eating, and activities are located. The Cozumel Island loop road is 40 miles around and circles the entire southern part of the island. However, do keep in mind that the northern section of the island remains inaccessible by car. There are a few larger and more intriguing Mayan sites near Cozumel, though they require a ferry ride to the mainland and will take up a day for the excursion. While there are shore-based snorkeling spots, the majority of the beautiful sites require a boat journey.
Some of the best things to do at the park include strolling in the gardens, watching sea lions and crocodiles, and swimming with dolphins or manatees. Don’t forget to try the tequila tasting and enjoy the swimming pools. In addition to Mexican cuisine, this family-run restaurant offers a nice range of beverages, including margaritas and cocktails. Colores y Sabores is a restaurant where you can enjoy a wide variety of Mexican dishes. Popular choices on the menu often include stuffed peppers, freshly made tortillas, and delicious guacamole. Puerta Maya is the furthest port in Cozumel, located around 3 miles (5 km) away from San Miguel, right next to the International Cruise Terminal.
Visitors can enjoy loungers and umbrellas for the price of ordering food and drinks at this beachside establishment. While not a “beach” at all in the traditional sense, this is THE place to go snorkeling and scuba diving – on a budget. And, in the adjoining shop you will find all the rental gear and training you will need to get out in the water.
After disembarkation, passengers walk through a shopping plaza with various shops, restaurants, bars. The good news is that there are still small pockets of nice beaches near the cruise ships on the west side of the island, including many in walking distance. Typically, the closest beaches to the cruise ports are going to require a fee to access. In this section, we will cover the best beaches near the Cozumel cruise port, the top landmarks to explore and the best restaurants and bars to try. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Cozumel has something for everyone on a cruise stop.
Hurricane Lee is impacting cruise itineraries (updated) - Seatrade Cruise News
Hurricane Lee is impacting cruise itineraries (updated).
Posted: Tue, 12 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The third Cozumel cruise ship pier was built by Carnival Corporation and serves exclusively its brand companies' vessels. Puerta Maya is located 0,5 mi (0,8 km) south of The International Pier. The terminal (aka Little Cozumel) has the most modern and diverse facilities. Port Cozumel cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month.
As you disembark from the cruise ship, you’ll find rental car companies conveniently located near the port. You will find quite a few vehicle options to match your preferences and group size. Rates are reasonable and there’s also an option for comprehensive insurance coverage so you can set off with peace of mind.
If you want truly spectacular Mayan ruins you can still see them during your cruise to Cozumel, but since they are on the main land of Mexico it will be an all-day event which will require a ferry ride. Chichen Itza (recently named one of the 7 wonders of the world) and Tulum are the main Mayan sites you can see. Many cruisers love to take the 45-minute ferry from Cozumel to Play Del Carmen to check out some great resorts and beaches. There are over 100,000 people living at this municipality which is just off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula. The largest city is San Miguel which is right near the cruise ports on the west end of the island. From the pristine coral reefs and endless beaches to the plentiful shopping in town, Cozumel has something for everyone.
International Cruise Terminal has two berths and is mostly used by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise lines. It has a large terminal area featuring various shops, tour operator stands, bars, restaurants, among which Margaritaville, located right in front of your ship, is the most popular one. It’s usually packed with people dancing salsa and having shots of tequila, eating tasty food, and enjoying the lively restaurant’s atmosphere.
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