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If you’re just visiting for the day, one of the nice things is that you don’t have to be fluent in Spanish to enjoy the island. With literally millions of American tourists coming to Cozumel each year, those in the tourist industry know English fluently. In fact, you’ll likely be surprised by how little Spanish you hear near the cruise piers and restaurants.
Visit Chankanaab National Park
Unfortunately, Cozumel’s shore near where the ship docks is pretty rocky. The closest “beach” to the ship is at the El Cid hotel, which offers day passes for cruise passengers. The hotel is literally right next door to the cruise terminal, but you’ll need to walk out of the port and then next door to the hotel. These days, Cozumel is a major cruise port that welcomes more than 4 million cruise passengers each year and as many as eight ships per day.
Long Beach (Los Angeles)
The palapa-inspired decor gives you an authentic tropical island experience. There’s an extensive menu to peruse and a sandy path down to the sea for exploring after lunch. There’s plenty of sea life with large schools of tropical fish and an excellent chance to view turtles and manta rays! It’s also a very uncrowded beach club with great food and lounge chairs. The private island of Isla Pasión is located at the north end of Cozumel, reachable by boat.
Top Tips for Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise
Each year more than 3 million cruise passengers make a stop at the Caribbean island. This time of year is great for outdoor activities, Jeep excursions and water-based sports, as it will not be too hot, too cold or rainy. Sunbathing will also be more tolerable than in the hotter months.
There is one exception — if you have a drink package on the ship. In this case your drinks are included on the ship even if it is in port. So yes, drinking would be less expensive on the ship in this case. However, it’s doubtful that you’ll be running back and forth from the ship to have an adult beverage. The letters are bright and colorful, and the vantage point looks back toward the ships that are in port. During the course of your cruise it’s almost a certainty that you’ll find you run out of toothpaste… or forget your deodorant… or need some more sunscreen.
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. It’s called Kaokao Chocolate Factory and is just a $15 or so cab ride away. I recommend getting reservations ahead of time because time slots can fill up quickly. The largest Mayan ruins in Cozumel are at San Gervasio, located in the central part of the island. This was a holy site dedicated to the goddess of fertility.
International Pier
These spots all have restaurants catering to cruise passengers that want to have a good time. International PierRight next to the Puerta Maya Pier, but just to the north, is the International Pier. It often serves Royal Caribbean ships, including their large Oasis-class ships.
Figure out where you want to go and you’ll see the charge listed for how many people are riding. Even during the coolest months, Cozumel is balmy with average daily temperatures hovering over 80ºF. So, while your packing list will remain for the most part unchanged year-round, there are significant differences in terms of humidity and chance of rain between months. Read on for an overview of what to expect each month of the year when your cruise ship docks at the Cozumel cruise port. Sometimes, ships will have to anchor just offshore if it’s a very busy day with 7 or 8 cruise ships coming in.
Top Cozumel Hotels & Beaches With Day Passes for Cruise Passengers
This is where to go for cool Mexican trinkets and souvenirs. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. This beach is tucked away on the less popular east side of the island. Here, you can rent a hammock or lounger or use your belongings for sitting privately and spending time alone in paradise. At this popular spot, you’ll be sure to see lobster, colorful coral, manta rays, and much more. The mild currents in this area make for an abundance of tropical fish.
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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. Unfortunately, given the location of the pier, that means you’ll almost always need a taxi. If you’re cruising nearly anywhere in the Caribbean, then there’s a good chance your ship is going to stop in Cozumel. In fact, when it comes to ports outside the United States, Cozumel is at the top of the list (alongside Nassau).
It’s perfectly fine to take your time and enjoy your surroundings while solving the mystery. This race takes place on foot through the streets of San Miguel and along the shore, and the locals are totally in on the fun and happy to point you in the right direction. Explore the unusual natural features of Cozumel and the Yucatan peninsula. These include jungles, underground rivers and cenotes — deep, water-filled sinkholes formed by water percolating through the soft limestone soil over thousands of years. You don’t have to get wet to view the beautiful sea creatures.
However, at around 84ºF, the sea temperature will be pleasant enough for a swim. Cooler daily temperatures should be expected at the end of the month. Although September is the height of the rainy season, occasional showers don’t stop Independence Day celebrations from taking place. Every September 15th, hundreds of people take to the streets to mark the day in which the country became independent from Spain back in 1810. Although a direct hurricane hit is not likely, chances are heavy downpours will impact your plans. Indoor activities are the safest bet in August, including participating in tastings and cooking classes.
Local musicians play the sounds of Mexico for a fantastic ambiance. Instead, there are usually three people quietly playing guitar and accompanying instruments. When you only have one day to spare, it’s helpful to know exactly where to eat in Cozumel. 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.
Two Americans heading for departing cruise ship killed in Cozumel highway accident - Riviera Maya News
Two Americans heading for departing cruise ship killed in Cozumel highway accident.
Posted: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
When you get to the next cruise terminal you have arrived at San Miguel. Yet, we had never been to Cozumel, aside from catching a ferry to Playa del Carmen. And with a half-day in port, we decided to pass on a shore excursion and explore Cozumel on our own. You’ll see colorful tiny tropical fish swimming right up to the shoreline. But go snorkeling at the reefs, and you’ll be astounded at the variety of underwater activities and beauty. The farthest port from downtown San Miguel is Puerta Maya, about five miles south.
Swimming is also pleasant due to the warm sea temperatures. When the occasional storm arrives, take the opportunity to relax at a beach bar or grab a bite in one of the many beachfront restaurants you’ll find in all beach areas in Cozumel. In May, humidity levels increase in Cozumel, and temperatures soar as the month progresses. Expect warm, humid days with plenty of sunshine and mild evenings.
