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For season 2023, the Port had booked 1154 ship berthings (scheduled ship visits) with estimated 3, million tourists. The only public transportation option is the local ferry from Playa del Carmen, which is air-conditioned and runs from the early morning to late at night. The International Cruise Terminal also has a plethora of shops and eateries directly in the port. Across the road (Quintana Roo C-1), the Royal Village Shopping Center offers even more options for both shopping and dining amongst other independent venues. Opposite from this area is the Mayan Plaza where visitors can shop, eat and even take souvenir photos at the Insta-worthy "Cozumel" sign. The roads that do exist in this particular area can't be accessed by car.
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You don't have to be PADI-certified or go very far offshore to have an epic underwater experience in Cozumel. Off the southern coast of the island is a beach called Playa El Cielo, famous for the thousands of underwater starfish scattered across the fine white sand, much like stars in the sky. El Cielo translates to "heaven," and it will be no surprise why this beach bears its name.
Punta Langosta Pier
South Carolina man vanishes from cruise after getting off at popular port of Cozumel, Mexico - Fox News
South Carolina man vanishes from cruise after getting off at popular port of Cozumel, Mexico.
Posted: Mon, 08 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The island, which every Mayan woman was required to visit, served as a sacred site for the worship of Ixchel, the Mayan Moon Goddess. For a break from the action, located between Chen Rio and Punta Morena, ascend the stone stairs up to one of my favorite bars in Cozumel. Have lunch at Chen Rio’s as you overlook the waves crashing against the magnificent rocks along the shore. 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. Here on the east side of Cozumel and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll feel like you’re on your private beach.
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It's like stepping back in time to witness something mysterious and truly spectacular. Mini Submarine Tour — a new way of exploring the underwater world. This new activity by Cozumel Water Sports offers all non divers and non snorkelers to explore the reefs and sea life of Cozumel.
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If you have mobility issues, it’s a bit of a walk from the ship to the pier stores, but there are locals with wheelchairs that will wheel you for a tip. 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.
Scuba diving and snorkeling
In fact, the island derives its name from the Mayan civilization that settled there approximately 2,000 years ago. According to Mayan legend, Cozumel was the home of Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility. It's said that when religious temples were dedicated to her, she sent her favorite bird -- the swallow -- as a sign of her gratitude. For this reason, the people called the island "Cuzamil" -- Mayan for "Land of the Swallows." Several important Mayan sites, such as San Gervasio and El Cedral, populate the island. Even better preserved ones are on the accessible mainland; Chichen Itza and Tulum are hot spots for daytrips and shore excursions. Being the most popular cruise port in Mexico means Cozumel has its fair share of souvenir stores.
After you leave your ship, you’ll find a lush garden full of flowers and plants and the most extensive shopping mall out of all three ports. There are at least 50 shops plus pop-up kiosk-type vendor stands. 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. The idea is well backed up by the cheap flights from the USA and Port Cozumel's lower dockage fees, in comparison to the American ports' fees. In 2006 the cruise port received 2,028 million passengers, out of all the 5,551 million that visited Mexico that year.
The Money Bar
The international pier is located approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) from San Miguel. Beyond the aquatic wonders, Cozumel also offers a rich cultural experience. The island is home to several archaeological treasures, including Mayan ruins.
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Upon disembarking, you’ll find numerous tour operators offering a range of excursions, from snorkeling and diving trips to island tours. While booking through your cruise line might offer some conveniences, local operators often provide more personalized experiences. Sometimes, ships will have to anchor just offshore if it’s a very busy day with 7 or 8 cruise ships coming in.
Adam's goal is to enhance your cruising adventures with practical tips and insightful advice, making each of your journeys unforgettable. The center of San Miguel is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from Punta Langosta Pier and 2.9 miles (4.6 km) away from Puerta Maya/International Pier. What’s great about this excursion is that once it’s over, you are free to spend the rest of the day at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club. El Meco (2 hr, 20 min away) is another Mayan site located in the northern part of Cancun. The site itself is quite small and is known for its 40 ft (12 m) tall pyramid.

Riding your underwater scooter with your head dry in the air filled helmet, you can drive around the reefs. Especially great for people who wear glasses as you can have them on under water. While many tour operators have booths at the cruise port offering day excursions, it might be more cost-effective and ensure availability if you pre-book, especially during peak seasons. It’s generally recommended that tourists avoid drinking tap water in Cozumel.
A tour from Cozumel and back will take at least 10 hours and most cruise lines do not offer excursions to this famous Mayan archaeological site. There are a number of day-passes to beaches and resorts offering all inclusive packages but also different combos such as day-pass + buffet + transfers + open bar. 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. 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.
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