The Complete Guide to Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise

Table Of Content

• Q: Can I visit Cozumel independently without a shore excursion?
• Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park
• Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park
• Cozumel Horseback Riding at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club
• Snorkel the Palancar Reef
• Can I unravel the secrets of the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins solo?
• Tips for Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise What to Do
• Go Horseback Riding Along the Beach

In addition, the island provides plenty of shallow dive sites, making it an excellent choice for novice divers. San Miguel, Cozumel’s main town, is a vibrant destination with a wide range of shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist attractions. This city is conveniently walkable and just a short stroll away from Punta Langosta.

Q: Can I visit Cozumel independently without a shore excursion?

Besides the exhibits, the museum's restaurant is nice and has a great view. Cozumel is known for its silver (tax-free), vanilla, tequila and Mexican arts and crafts. They also have many pharmacies that see inexpensive over-the-counter medication.

Xcaret Eco Archaeological Park

You can visit the San Gervasio Ruins, a popular tourist attraction,  El Cedral Mayan Ruins, and the oldest Mayan site in Cozumel. You can explore these secluded destinations and enjoy some of the most excellent beaches in the world without the crowds. If you’re an animal lover, you can visit the Cozumel Humane Society and see the amazing work they do to rescue and care for local animals. You can try local specialties like tacos al pastor, empanadas, and churros from one of the many food carts and stalls around the island. Cozumel is home to many species of birds, including parrots, pelicans, and herons. You can go on a bird-watching tour to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park

I found the ultimate foodie destination in the Caribbean: The most delicious Cozumel food tour - Royal Caribbean Blog

I found the ultimate foodie destination in the Caribbean: The most delicious Cozumel food tour.

Posted: Wed, 01 Mar 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Cozumel’s downtown area is a great place to shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and other items. You can find everything from handmade crafts to high-end luxury goods. There's a certain kitsch factor at El Cielo Lounge Bar, from the neon cursive signs encouraging bad decisions to the electric blue cocktails and clouds of hookah smoke.

Cozumel Horseback Riding at Mr. Sanchos Beach Club

You’ll get the opportunity to peek inside beehives to see them at work. And, there’s no honey quite like the honey fresh out of Cozumel’s Mayan Bee sanctuary. One of the best ways to do so is to take a walking tour of the island! This lets you get into places that bigger vehicles can’t fit and allows you to get out and explore the city for yourself. As part of your scavenger hunt, you’ll be directed to hidden clues and mysteries around the town.

Since your cruise ship is stopping in Cozumel for only one day, you better make the most your time! Here are my picks for some of the  best things to do in Cozumel and what makes this tiny island so unique. For those seeking relaxation, Cozumel’s beach clubs are perfect.

Cozumel does have a decent size airport if you are thinking of flying straight there. One thing I love about cruising is that it gives you a sampling of different places that you can then revisit once you find what you like. Planning what to do in Cozumel ahead of time can be a bit daunting.

Tips for Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise What to Do

You’ll leave a deposit with your reservation and pay the balance once you arrive (credit cards are accepted). During our Royal Caribbean cruise this winter, we decided to book a day at Nachi Cocom Beach Club and Water Sports Center. I loved this experience and would visit Nachi Cocom on our next cruise stop in Cozumel.

Cozumel is a great place to do it if you’re an experienced diver or want to try scuba diving for the first time. Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our guide to the 70 best things to do in Cozumel Cruise Port. The third way visitors get to Cozumel is via a cruise stopover. Cozumel is the busiest cruise port in Mexico, with its three piers seeing as many as seven ships at once during high season. Beach clubs are a dime a dozen on Cozumel, but Buccanos stands out in the best way. Located in the North Hotel Zone, it's centrally located with a sandy beach and laid-back vibe.

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. The island, which every Mayan woman was required to visit, served as a sacred site for the worship of Ixchel, the Mayan Moon Goddess. A simple “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) go a long way. Most major international mobile carriers offer roaming services in Cozumel.

If you are lucky enough to be in town on a Sunday, then you are in for a treat with the ever-present Sunday night town’s public events like dances, shows, and cultural events. Relax at El Zocalo or The Plaza as you admire and take in the beauty of the town. Lots of shops to explore, plenty of Mayan craft to buy… you only need to put your negotiating cap on. It’s a unique mixture of nature, history and the sea makes it a one of a kind beach in Cozumel. Then Guido’s is the place to grab a bite or hang around while in port. You can enjoy jet ski rides, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and so much more.

Be sure to leave some time to taste the local flavors from some of the best restaurants in the area, sip a cold margarita while you relax on some of the Caribbean’s best beaches. To try and do many of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise, you really need to maximize your time. Cozumel is an incredible island with tons of unique and interesting activities and places to explore. This could be one of the best things to do in Cozumel on a cruise. Especially if you want to get away from the hub-bub of downtown and usually thousands of cruise passengers. If you’re looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy a good book without interruption, try visiting one of these options on the “other” side of the island.

There’s an extensive menu to peruse and a sandy path down to the sea for exploring after lunch. Punta Langosta Mall has all the usual Caribbean shops; Cariloha, Del Sol, Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds. But don’t try to bargain too low – everyone has to earn a living. While you may not realize it, Cozumel has a wide variety of great places to eat. Here are some of the places that seem to be most popular with cruise passengers.