Maximise Your Experience in Cozumel Cruise Port

You may dream of cruising to Cozumel, Mexico and jumping into powdery white sandy beaches. That’s totally possible. Cozumel is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean cruises. Most of the cruise lines dock at Cozumel cruise port in cruising to Mexico.

Cozumel is an island. It takes less than an hour to drive a car around the island. You may think of all the vessels dock at the same cruise port. The fact is that Cozumel has not one but three cruise ports. This is understandable because millions of cruisers visit Cozumel annually.

Find out which port your ship docks before a cruise to Cozumel. If you know how Cozumel port works, you can avoid any inconvenience in advance. Cozumel cruise terminal is the place where you go through before you go out a day trip.

In this article, you will find the information you need on Cozumel Port. So that you do not feel lost. Learn about Cozumel Port out of this article and maximise your stay in Cozumel. When you have even little time, you can shop, bite or drink near Cozumel cruise port.

Cozumel Cruise Port

Cozumel is one of the largest Mexico’s cruise port. The island has three cruise ports, including Punta Langosta, the International Pier and Puerta Maya Terminal. Carnival Cruise, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, MSC and all the major cruise lines dock at the Cozumel port.

If your ship uses a tender boat, you will arrive at Sanmiguel Pier. Most of the cruise lines include Cozumel as one of the destinations in cruising to Mexico.

Cozumel Cruise Port Map

Cozumel Cruise Port Webcam

• Find out feels, clours and wether of Cozumel with Cozumel Webcam (website).

Cozumel Port Schedule

It’s very important to get the last embarkation time before you disembark the ship for a day out. If you forget about it, you may wonder the time while you enjoy some activities in Cozumel. Time goes very fast in Cozumel. If you were late, the ship will set sail without you. This should never happen.

Find out Cozumel cruise port schedule online.

• Puerta Maya Cruise Port Schedule (website)

1. Punta Langosta Pier

San Miguel is the largest city of Cozumel. Punta Langosta Pier is located in the south of downtown. Your ship will dock at the Punta Langosta? Then you may feel extremely lucky. You can go straight to the Cozumel’s most vibrant and lively downtown, San Miguel de Cozumel. It only takes 5 minutes by walk.

Which Cruise Lines dock at Punta Langosta?

If you cruise with Norwegian, Disney, Holland & America or MSC cruise lines, your ship will highly likely dock at Punta Langosta. Luxury cruise lines, Oceania, Crystal, Silversea and Regent also dock at Punta Langosta Pier.

Where the Tender Boat will Arrive in Cozumel?

If your ship uses tender boats, you will arrive at San Miguel Pier. It is located just right in the centre of the town. This city’s central ferry terminal is the closest to the downtown San Miguel de Cozumel. It takes 5 minutes by walk. The ferry terminal is also very close to Punta Langosta Pier.

The San Miguel Pier is also used for the ferries from Playa del Carmen. The ferries connect Cozumel and Playa del Carmen for about 40 minutes. The operation is every 30 minutes from early morning to the late evening.

2. International Pier Cozumel

The international Pier is the oldest cruise terminal in Cozumel. When you disembark at the International Pier, you are actually closer to Cozumel’s eminent beach clubs and the best Cozumel beaches.

Where does Royal Caribbean Dock in Cozumel?

Royal Caribbean docks at the International Pier. Celebrity Cruises also docks at this terminal. It is not official, but the port is known Royal Caribbean Port in Cozumel, a sort of the Cozumel cruise port for Royal Caribbean.

How to Get San Miguel from International Pier

International Pier is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) south from San Miguel. It takes a 10-minute taxi ride to get San Miguel. The taxi fare from the ports to downtown is mostly fixed. It is about $8 for max 4 people. There is also a taxi rank just in front of the Pier.

San Miguel is a walkable distance from the International Pier. It takes about 30 minutes by walk. It can be a pleasant walk along the waterfront promenade. Using a taxi is recommended, however, because of the hot tropical weather. The heat is enormous during the day time.

Where is a Shopping Area around the International Pier?

As soon as you got off the cruise ship, you will pass through a shopping plaza. A lot of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars welcome you. The port facilities include 110 Stores, 3 Restaurants Bar and 1 Duty-Free. (source)

The plaza is exclusively created for cruise passengers. When the ships are not docking, these areas are not open. The price can be a little higher than in downtown. So, don’t forget to bargain with the shops! You can find all the souvenir and craft shops, authentic Mexican foods and cocktails.

3. Where is Puerta Maya Cozumel

Puerto Maya Terminal is the farthest among Cozumel ports from San Miguel. The downtown is nearly 5 miles (8 km) away from the port. You can go straight to Cozumel’s all-inclusive premium beach clubs in West Coast. Or you can join Cozumel’s water sports activities as soon as you get off the ship.

How to get San Miguel from Puerta Maya Cruise Terminal

Take a taxi for a 10-minute ride to San Miguel. Plenty of taxies are waiting for the passengers. There is no problem with catching a taxi. The taxi fare from San Miguel to downtown is mostly fixed. It is about $8 for max 4 people. A taxi rank is located just in front of the cruise terminal.

Where does Carnival Dock in Cozumel?

Carnival Cruise docks exclusively at the Puerta Maya. Princess, P&O and Costa also dock at the Puerta Maya. The pier owned by Carnival and is known that Carnival cruise port in Cozumel is Puerta Maya.

Where is a Shopping Area around Puerta Maya?

Once you disembark the ship, you will find a secluded area for cruise ship passengers. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. This plaza offers you an excellent shopping experience. Find best deals at Duty-Dree or have some authentic Mexican dis at Pancho’s Backyard. Three Amigo is a popular restaurant among the cruisers.

You can jump into the restaurants or bars as soon as the ship docks at Puerta Maya. Find out their locations with the map.

The list of other Carnival-owned private islands and ports

Find out Carnival’s privately owned islands and exclusive ports of call. And plan ahead to receive all the best the ports of call offer you:

• Amber Cove (the Dominican Republic)
• Mahogany Bay (Roatan Island, Honduras)
• Half Moon Cay (Bahamas)
• Princess Cays (Bahamas)
• Grand Turk Island 

Puerta Maya Cruise Port Map (map)

Things to Do in Cozumel Port

What to do in Cozumel port when you are not in the mood to get out and explore the Island? One of the best things to do in Cozumel cruise port is shopping and enjoy meals and drinks at the plaza. Each cruise port has different characters, feels and colours. So just pop into the Plaza.

You can enjoy some excellent shopping or authentic Mexican meals near the cruise port. Onboard beverages are expensive. So why don’t you drink at bars and restaurants in the cruise port? You can save much money.

Also, the price tends to be higher at the plaza than the shops in town. The more the shops are closer to the ports, the more the price can be higher. My suggestion is to enjoy shopping on your way back to the ship from San Miguel.

Visit San Miguel de Cozumel

San Miguel is lively and vibrant downtown of Cozumel. It’s the largest city on the island. You will find a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. The downtown is less touristy than the cruise port plaza. The more you get inside the downtown from a waterfront, the more you can find local craft shops, restaurants and cafes.

Your ship may dock at Puerta Langosta. Or you may arrive at San Miguel Ferry Pier with a tender boat. Then you can immediately go to San Miguel within 5 minutes by walk.

Are you disembarking at the International Pier or Puerta Maya? It takes about 10-minute taxi ride from the ports. If you cruise with Carnival or Royal Caribbean, you will likely arrive at the cruise port.

Head to Cozumel Best Beaches near Cruise Port

Cozumel is a beautiful island and has many beaches. You may dream of listening to the sounds of waves while you lie down on a white sandy beach. Visiting beaches is one of the best Cozumel things to do. Find out the detailed information about beaches in Cozumel near Cruise Port.

Snorkeling is also very popular in Cozumel. Enjoy Mexico’s world-class snorkeling experience. You need gloves to protect your hands and beach sandals for your feet.

Visit Cozumel’s Premiere Beach Clubs

Cozumel’s premier beach clubs are all located near Cozumel cruise port. Water currents are gentle at the beaches in West Coast. Waves pleasantly curl up against the powdery white sandy beaches.

You can purchase an all-inclusive ticket. Have the drinks, meals and facilities of beach clubs as much as possible. It’s fixed prices. You do not need to see how much drinks you had or how much you spent. It’s an all-inclusive resort.

Relax on the beautiful coastlines with an all-inclusive day ticket. One of the most popular beach clubs are:

• Cozumel Paradise Beach
• Mr Sanchos
• Playa Mia

Find out further details on Cozumel beach clubs and all the water sports activities in Cozumel.

Send a postcard from Cozumel Post

It’s always nice to show affection and care to your loved ones by sending a beautiful postcard from the place you visit. Find out the most colourful and prettiest postcard of Cozumel at a souvenir shop. Write down what you’ve discovered in Cozumel. Then get a colourful stamp at a post office.

The post office in Cozumel is located very close to the Punta Langosta terminal. The address of Post Office is on Av. Rafael Melgar at Calle 7 Sur.

Shopping in Cozumel Cruise Port

Cozumel is the best port for shopping in the Caribbean. In fact, the island is well known as the shoppers’ paradise. Shopping is surely the best things to do in Cozumel.

Cozumel has well-stocked jewellery, Mexican artisan crafts, leather goods and silver ornament. You can also see plentiful souvenir shops displaying T-shirts, vanilla, bags, hammocks and tequila.

Where to Buy in Cozumel

You can immediately find various shops, restaurants and bars as soon as you get off the ship at the port. Cozumel’s most lively road is Avenue Rafael E. Melgar. Cruise passengers will find plentiful shops and restaurants. It is pleasant to walk along this waterfront area with an ocean wind for shopping.

Get into more street blocks into the downtown from Avenue Rafael E. Melgar. You will find more authentic Mexican crafts, meals and drinks. The shops are closer to the ports and the ocean main street can be touristy and offer higher prices.

Note: coral jewellery can be avoided to purchase. It’s endangered living creature.

Where is Avenue Rafael E. Melgar?

Once you get out of Punta Langosta Pier, you come across a waterfront, Avenue Rafael E. Melgar. It is a mile-long duty-free strip. This waterfront street can be the best shopping place in the Caribbean. You will find plentiful shops, restaurants and attractions. Major shops, restaurants, bars and cafes on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar:

Restaurants on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar

• Pancho’s Backyard
• Pope’s Grill
• Hard Rock Cafe
• Margaritaville Cozumel

Shops on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar

• Diamond International
• Milano Diamond Gallery
• A Touch of Gold

Museum on Avenue Rafael E. Melgar

• Museo de la Isla de Cozumel

Where is Punta Langosta Mall?

After getting out of Punta Langosta Pier, get across Avenue Rafael E. Melgar. It’s Cozumel’s main avenue along the West Coast. You will find Punta Langosta Mall in front. This shopping center is the best when you are not feeling to get out and explore Cozumel. You can find various restaurants and shops. Enjoy some drinks, food and a relaxing time near the port.

Punta Langosta Mall Restaurants

• Starbucks Coffee
• Hard Rock Cafe and Store
• Carlos’ n Charlie’s
• Senor Frogs

Punta Langosta Mall Shops

• Walking Toes (beach footwear)
• Diamonds International (Jewellery)
• Los Cinco Soles (artesian art)
• Sunglass Island
• Zingara (swimwear and accessories)

How to find Cozumel Grocery Stores near Port

There are three major supermarkets near the cruise port. Chedraui Supermarket is located near Puerta Langosta Pier. MEGA, Cozumel’s newest supermarket, has been launched and is larger than Chedraui. Plaza La Fiesta, Cozumel is located in Punta Langosta Mall.

The supermarkets are convenient. You can buy souvenir, snacks or drinks. When you are more focused on exploring the island, you may not have much time to go to a bar and restaurants. Hopping in a supermarket will save money and time.

Where is a Pharmacy in Cozumel?

You may forget a bug spray to bring with you for an excursion. Did you cut your fingers or feet on a limestone rock at a beach? Or you have stomach pain because of water? You can find Value Drugstore Pharmacy in Av. Rafael E. Melgar 317 or Doris Ramonera Pharmacy in Calle 7 Sur 17. Pharmacies are selling prescription medications.

Food & Drinks near Cozumel Cruise Port

Restaurants, bars and cafes are plentiful everywhere in Cozumel.

As soon as disembarking the ship, you can jump into a bar or a restaurant near Cozumel cruise port.

The great things it hat the price of these drinks are significantly cheaper than cruise line’s onboard prices.

Enjoy Authentic Mexican Restaurants

It’s Cozumel. It’s totally understandable you would like to enjoy some authentic Mexican cuisine. You may be surprised by its taste and quality at such reasonable prices anywhere around Cozumel. The famous and popular Mexican restaurants in Cozumel among the cruisers are:

• Pancho’s Backyard
• Casa Mission
• Margaritaville Cozumel
• El Palomar

You may not drink much but will find much joy with cocktails in Cozumel.

Many popular Cozumel bars entertain you with a great party atmosphere. It’s really fun!

Have some drinks on a beach. You will enjoy them in front of the stunning ocean landscapes.

For drinks and Cozumel bar hops:

• Senor Frogs
• Money Bar Cozumel
• Coconuts Cozumel

Cozumel Transport

Cozumel Taxi Rate

Cozumel does not have any public transport. The best convenient way is to take a taxi. You will find plentiful taxies at the exit of the cruise port. Taxi is fairly safe. The rates are reasonable.

One thing you cannot do is to ask for a discount. But then this is good for us because the prices are rather fixed depending on the zones or distance. The taxi drivers cannot spoil the tourists in Cozumel.

Pro tip: the taxi rates can be about $8 from the port to San Miguel and $10 to $15 to beaches near the cruise port in the West Coast. The rates depend on the cruise port you disembarked. If you go to the East Coast from the cruise port, the price will be more than $23. You can ask to find the rate from a driver. So that you can avoid being overcharged.

Cozumel Car Rentals

Cozumel has only one driving road. Driving is on the right side. It is easy, safe and comfortable. Car rentals are available at Cozumel cruise port.

• Punta Langosta: Avis and Alamo
• International Pier: Avis, Alamo, Dollar and Thrifty
• Puerta Maya: Avis, Alamo, Dollar and Thrifty

Renting a scooter is very popular and reasonable. Make sure you wear a helmet and wear not high heels but sneakers. I have seen accidents on my way in Cozumel.

Cozumel Currency

Mexican Peso is the official currency of Mexico. The U.S. Doller is mostly accepted in Cozumel.

ATMs are located in several areas of the cruise port plaza in Cozumel. All shop owners happily accept the U.S. Dollar. You do not need to get cash at ATMs.

In my experience, uncommercialised local beach restaurants only accepted Mexican Peso in the East Coast.

Pro tip: it is sometimes confusing whether $ sign means U.S. Doller or Mexican Peso at shops. When you are not certain, make sure with the shop. The prices are displayed as same $ sign, MX or Mex$. This is really confusing.

Local Language

Spanish is the official language, but nearly all shops, restaurants and bars can handle English well. Taxi drivers sometimes speak English not straightforwardly, but generally, there is no problem.

Instead of saying “Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish”, you can say some basic Spanish words. The locals will appreciate your effort. So why don’t you learn some Spanish before you cruise to Cozumel? Handling the native language also help to save time and money in Cozumel.

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Complete Cozumel Cruise Port Guide