Cozumel, Mexico is one of the most popular ports of call in the Western Caribbean and one of the busiest cruise ports in the world by passengers. The island is located about 12 miles off the coast of Mexico and is roughly 30 miles long and 10 miles wide.
By the end of 2022, Cozumel had nearly 3 million tourists from about different 1,200 cruise itineraries! In other words, your ship is probably not going to be the only ship in port. Moreover, you can find tons of different itineraries to Cozumel, ranging from short 4-day cruises to weeklong ones that visit other ports in the Western Caribbean.
If Cozumel is on your upcoming cruise itinerary, you are probably wondering how to spend your day on the Mexican island. Luckily, there is something for everyone! It does not matter if you want to find a comfortable beach lounger and spend the day relaxing or do something that requires a little more activity, like snorkeling or wading through caves.
You can go scuba diving or zip lining, take an ATV tour around the island, relax on the beach, eat delicious authentic Mexican food, or even explore cenotes and underground caves.
Read more: Best Caribbean shore excursions
Here are the best things to do on your next cruise to Cozumel.
What is the weather in Cozumel like?
If you are cruising to Cozumel, you should know that temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year. In every season, the daytime highs are in the 80s (peaking closer to the 90s in the middle of the summer), while the nighttime lows will range from the high 60s to mid-70s. Occasionally, the island will face a cold front, which usually takes place in December and January.
If you want the most temperate and comfortable temperatures, you should plan on cruising between November and March. The rest of the year is subject to higher temperatures and humidity temperatures, as well as a higher chance for rainfall June through October due to hurricane season.
Where do cruise ships dock in Cozumel?
Cozumel, Mexico has three main cruise docks: the Langosta Pier, Puerta Maya, and the International Cruise Terminal. The latter is the oldest pier in Cozumel and is located three miles south of downtown, while the Langosta Pier is located in the heart of downtown. It costs about $8 for a cab for up to four guests to get from the International Cruise Terminal or Puerta Maya to downtown.
The International Cruise Terminal is mainly used by Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean, with all other cruise lines docking at the Langosta Pier.
Puerta Maya is reserved just for Carnival's Cruise Line and is located just south of the International Cruise Terminal. It can accommodate up to three ships per day!
Visit Mayan ruins
Visiting Mayan ruins is one of the most popular things to do while docked in Mexico. Many excursions, however, require you to board a ferry to Playa del Carmen, and this ride can often be rough and choppy. Once you disembark the ferry, you will have to sit on a bus for at least another hour.
If you do not want to spend the majority of your port day in transit, there are some Mayan ruins on the island of Cozumel! While the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site is not as popular and famous as those in Tulum or Chichén Itzá, they highlight the Maya beliefs of love and fertility.
The entrance fee is only $12.50 per person, with children three and under getting in for free. Plus, for around $20, you can get a private guide to lead you around!
Of course, this will not replace a trip to the infamous Tulum ruins or Chichén Itzá. The best way to experience these sites is to book an excursion through your cruise line, as you will want to ensure that you have proper transportation; you do not want to miss your cruise ship!
Carnival Cruise Line offers an excursion to Tulum for $100 per adult and $90 per child. The tour lasts about 7 hours and includes a guided tour of Tulum, as well as 1.5 hours of free time to explore on your own!
Chichén Itzá is a little bit further, so tours are not always offered. It depends on how long your ship is docked in Cozumel for. If you are there long enough, you can opt to take Norwegian Cruise Line's 9 hour "Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins" tour for $185 per adult and $149 per child.
Read more: 11 common cruise shore excursion mistakes to avoid
Scuba diving and snorkeling
Cozumel is known for their scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities. Here, you will find around 500 species of fish, 60 species of coral, 350 mollusks and marine mammals, algaes, and seagrasses.
If you are an inexperienced diver, you can book a snuba excursion that allows you to dive below the surface of the ocean without the heavy scuba equipment or lengthy lessons. Carnival offers one for only $80 per person, with a minimum participant age of eight-years-old.
And of course, there is always snorkeling. Depending on which tour you book, you might be taken to as many as three different reef locations around the island! Some even include some time for you to relax on a beach or an open bar for you to sip on beverages on your way back.
Do not limit yourself to what your cruise ship offers. There are numerous third party operators in Cozumel that you can choose from that are cheaper than cruise line excursions.
Read more: How to plan your own shore excursion
Try authentic cuisine
Even though Cozumel is best known for its beautiful beaches and diving, foodies may want to consider using their time in port to try some delicious Mexican food.
Cruise lines will offer food tours; however, to get the most authentic experience, you are better off doing research ahead of time and going on a self-guided tour or booking via a third party. In most cases, you will have to venture outside of the main tourist areas.
If you are going to go off on your own, you will want to make sure that you have pesos. If you forget to go to your bank and get local currency before your trip, you will find several ATMs in downtown Cozumel that deposit pesos. This is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best rate, too!
Read more: I found the ultimate foodie destination in the Caribbean: The most delicious Cozumel food tour
Soak up the sun on the beach
Many cruisers want to lounge on the beach while in Cozumel and sip on a piña colada or some other tropical beverage. You are in the Caribbean, after all!
I recommend avoiding cruise line beach excursions. They are often overpriced and you can experience the same thing for less if you go on your own! Plus, you will not be relient on a shuttle back to the ship, meaning that you can spend as long (or as little) on the beach as you would like to-- just be sure you do not miss the ship because it will not wait for you!
If you are looking for an all-inclusive beach day, two of the most popular options are Mr. Sanchos Beach Club and Paradise Beach Club. Prices for Mr. Sanchos start at $40.00 for children ages 4 to 11, $45 for children ages 12 to 17, and $68 for all guests 18+.
Cruise passengers going to Paradise Beach Club can expect similar pricing: $41 for children between the ages of 5 and 11, $47 for teens 12 to 17, and $60 for those who are 18+.
For those wanting to experience fewer crowds, you can venture to beaches on the other side of the island, including Ixpalbarco Beach, Punta Morena, Chen Rio, and El Mirador.
Read more: 10 tips for getting the best cruise shore excursion values
Isla de la Pasion
Located a short boat ride away from Cozumel is Isla de la Pasion. Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive passes to the island that include food, an open bar, beach activities, hammocks, shower and restroom facilities, and more.
Since it is not located on the mainland, Isla de la Pasion is often less crowded than other beaches, so you will truly be able to relax island style all day without a worry in the world!
Carnival Cruise Line offers an excursion here for $80 per adult and $70 per child.
ATV or dune buggy tour
If you're interesting in exploring the Eastern shores of the island, the best way to do so is on an ATV or dune buggy tour. Unlike the busy Western half, the Eastern side of the island is virtually uninhabited. You will get to view some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island, as well as sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.
If you are sailing on Carnival, you can opt to book the "ATV Jungle Adventure & Beach" excursion directly through the cruise line for $90 per person. Note, however, that there is a minimum age of sixteen-years-old.
Depending on which ATV tour you book, you might be able to visit Jade Caverns, a cenote that is only accessible via off-road vehicles. You can swim the the clear water and look up to admire the stalactites hanging above you!
If you have younger children, a Jeep or dune buggy tour might be more suitable. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a dune buggy tour that includes a snorkel stop and free time at Explora Beach. This costs $129 per adult and $109 per child.
Underground river in Playa del Carmen
When docked in Cozumel, you are only a single forty-five minute ferry ride away from Rio Secreto Natural Reserve, a series of ancient caverns that are connected by crystal-clear underground rivers, in Playa del Carmen. This ferry, however, has a reputation of inducing sea sickness; therefore, you will want to make sure that you pack Bonine or Dramamine in your day bag!
Since you will have to travel off the island, this can be one of the more expensive excursions offered, and you will probably want to book it through your cruise line to eliminate any worries about making it back to Cozumel on time.
Through Carnival Cruise Line, you can expect to pay around $115 per adult and $100 per child for their "Amazing Secret River" tour.
Not only do you receive transportation to and from the natural reserve, but you also get a buffet lunch complete with non-alcoholic beverages, all equipment needed for the tour (i.e., wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, water shoes, towels, and lockers), and free time in downtown Playa del Carmen depending on ferry departure times.
If you cannot decide...
If you can't decide how you want to spend your day in Cozumel, consider hiring a private driver, as you will get to see and experience the island according to your interests.
By booking a private driver, you will be visit multiple different attractions in a single day without dealing with a large tour group.
You can start by visiting the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site, followed by a tour of the Eastern side of the island in the afternoon and some shopping in downtown Cozumel before returning to the pier.
You can book a driver through your cruise line or a third party. A half-day (4 hour) private driver through Disney Cruise Line costs $679 for up to 8 guests, while a full-day (8 hour) costs $949.
If you have fewer guests, it might make more sense to book via an independent vendor. Cozumel Private Tours, for instance, charges $78 per adult and $64 per child for a 5 hour private tour, with a minimum of $312. If you are a family of four comprised of two adults and two kids, this would only cost $312 versus Disney's $679!
Often, there will even be drivers available near the cruise port to hire when you arrive. Just make sure they are from a reputable company!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
