Three cruise terminals serve Cozumel: Punta Langosta, International Pier and Puerta Maya. You can catch a taxi right outside each terminal, with clear fixed rates posted. You’ll reach downtown San Miguel in just 10 minutes.
For other Western Caribbean Cruise destinations check out our Western Caribbean Cruise Ship Port Guide page.
From any terminal, you can easily access:
- Local beaches for swimming
- Popular snorkelling spots
- Ancient Mayan ruins
- Traditional Mexican markets
The port’s straightforward layout helps you make the most of your time ashore. You’ll find all essential services, including money exchange, toilets and tourist information, at each terminal building.
Understanding the terminals’ locations will help you plan your day:
- Punta Langosta sits closest to town
- International Pier serves the middle section
- Puerta Maya anchors the southern end
Map of Cozumel, Mexico Cruise Ship Port
Getting to and From Cozumel’s Cruise Terminals
Three cruise terminals serve Cozumel: Punta Langosta, International Pier and Puerta Maya.
You can find taxis outside each terminal to take you to San Miguel town centre or the beaches. Fixed taxi rates apply – you’ll see these displayed at the terminals.
Walking distances from terminals to downtown San Miguel:
- Punta Langosta: 5-minute walk
- International Pier: 45-minute walk
- Puerta Maya: 45-minute walk
Taxi journey times to downtown:
– All terminals: 10 minutes
For your return journey, you’ll spot taxi ranks throughout the town centre and near tourist spots. Simply head to your nearest rank to catch a cab back to your terminal.
Top Beaches and Snorkeling Spots Near the Port
The best beaches and snorkelling spots near Cozumel’s port await your exploration.
You can reach Palancar Beach by a quick taxi journey south. This beach offers white sand and clear waters, making it ideal for snorkelling adventures.
Paradise Beach caters to cruise ship visitors with dedicated beach clubs and water sports. For a quieter option, you can relax at Playa San Francisco‘s laid-back setting.
You’ll find excellent snorkelling at Chankanaab Beach Park. The waters here teem with tropical fish, and you can discover unique underwater sculptures along the reef.
Chen Rio, located on the eastern coast, gives you a more secluded experience. You can explore its natural rock pools and enjoy its rugged coastal views away from the crowds.
Shopping and Dining in Downtown San Miguel
Downtown San Miguel offers you both shopping and dining experiences at the heart of Cozumel’s culture. You’ll find local artisans selling handmade jewellery, textiles and Mexican crafts along the main streets. Plaza del Sol houses duty-free shops where you can negotiate prices for unique souvenirs.
The side streets contain family restaurants that serve fresh seafood and regional dishes with handmade tortillas. You can visit Mercado Municipal, the local market, to experience authentic island life through its food stalls and shops. This market shows you how locals shop and eat daily.
Essential Port Information and Services
Getting Around Cozumel Port
You’ll find three passenger terminals at Cozumel:
- Punta Langosta
- International Pier
- Puerta Maya
Each terminal offers:
- Tourist information desks
- Currency exchange
- Restrooms
- Taxi ranks
- ATMs
- Duty-free shopping
Staff at the port speak English and can help you with:
- Directions
- Transport booking
- Local information
Wi-Fi zones operate in specific areas of each terminal. You need your ship card and photo ID to re-enter the port. Security checks are quick but detailed to keep you safe.
Useful tip: Most facilities sit within a 5-minute walk from your ship’s docking point.
Must-See Mayan Ruins and Cultural Sites
Discover Cozumel’s Ancient Mayan Heritage
You can explore three significant Mayan sites that showcase the island’s pre-Columbian history.
San Gervasio
- The ruins serve as an ancient sanctuary for Ixchel, the Mayan goddess
- You’ll walk through original limestone buildings
- The site features preserved ceremonial walkways
El Cedral
- This site stands as Cozumel’s oldest Mayan settlement
- You can view traditional wall murals
- Local people still perform ceremonies here
Museo de la Isla
- The museum displays genuine Mayan artefacts
- You can try hands-on cultural activities
- The exhibits explain local Mayan customs
Tips:
- Visit early morning to avoid crowds
- Bring water and sun protection
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Most sites offer guided tours in English
Each location offers you direct connections to Mayan culture and helps you understand the island’s ancient roots.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Costa Maya, Mexico for a different Western Caribbean Cruise destination.
Best Shore Excursions and Activities
Cozumel offers you diverse shore excursions for every interest and energy level. You can explore underwater life through snorkelling and scuba diving at the island’s coral reefs. You’ll spot colourful fish swimming in the clear Caribbean waters.
For adventure seekers, you can choose from:
- ATV rides through jungle trails
- Zip-line courses in the forest canopy
- Dolphin swimming experiences
For a laid-back day, you can:
- Sail on a catamaran to quiet beaches
- Relax at beach clubs with all-inclusive services
- Learn Mexican cooking from local chefs
- Sample tequila varieties with expert guides
- Take guided tours of the city’s historic sites
You can book these activities for a few hours or a full day, depending on your port time and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Weather Like in Cozumel During Different Seasons?
Cozumel maintains pleasant temperatures throughout the year. You can expect summer highs to reach 32°C and winter lows to hover around 21°C. The most humid period spans from June to October, bringing brief afternoon showers. During autumn months, you should watch for potential hurricane activity.
Are US Dollars Widely Accepted Throughout Cozumel?
US dollars are widely accepted across Cozumel’s tourist areas. You can use them in most restaurants, hotels and popular shops. Paying in Mexican pesos, however, gives you better value for your money. Local businesses prefer pesos, and you’ll find transactions smoother when using the local currency. Keep both currencies handy during your visit for maximum convenience.
How Safe Is Cozumel for Cruise Ship Tourists?
Cozumel welcomes you as one of Mexico’s safest cruise destinations, hosting 4 million visitors yearly. You can explore the tourist areas comfortably during your visit. Keep these safety basics in mind:
- Stay within marked tourist zones
- Keep track of your belongings
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Walk with confidence and purpose
- Trust your instincts
The island maintains strong security measures specifically for cruise ship visitors, making your day trips and excursions reliably safe.
What Medical Facilities Are Available for Tourists in Emergency Situations?
Medical facilities in the area provide reliable emergency care for tourists:
You can access emergency treatment at two main hospitals:
- Costamed Hospital
- International Hospital
Both facilities:
- Handle tourist emergencies regularly
- Accept major international insurance plans
- Provide English-speaking medical staff
- Offer 24/7 emergency services
Your cruise line’s medical desk can help you:
- Contact the nearest hospital
- Arrange transport
- Handle insurance paperwork
- Coordinate care with medical staff
Keep your travel insurance details and emergency contacts handy when visiting local medical facilities.
Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink in Cozumel?
Don’t drink tap water in Cozumel during your stay. Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth. Remember that local ice cubes come from tap water, so avoid these too. While locals have built up immunity to the local water, your system isn’t adapted to it. You can find bottled water easily at shops, hotels and restaurants across the island.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Perfect Day at Costa Maya, Mexico Cruise Ship Port.
