Cozumel is one of the most visited ports on the planet. Today millions of passengers stop there each year on across every line you can name.
After dozens of cruises, I’ve been there countless times. That said, there are lots of things I wish I knew before I ever visited. So from a pro, here’s what you’re going to want to know before you stop at the island…
Cozumel Features Three Different Piers
The first thing you’ll wish you knew before you visited is that Cozumel is such a cruise hub that there are actually three different terminals. So depending on which line you sail, it will impact what your port experience is like.
There’s the downtown pier that’s in San Miguel (the town on the island). There you can walk off the ship and be in the heart of town. This pier is traditionally used by lines like Disney and MSC.
A few miles south however, are two different piers right next to each other, but they are separate. This is where the most ships dock. The first pier here is the International Pier where Royal Caribbean brands dock. Just south of that is Puerta Maya, which is known primarily for Carnival ships. NCL seems to dock at either one of these.
Both of these two piers have their own port areas that are their own contained areas with restaurants and shops. You can’t hop from one to the other despite the fact that you can literally see them next door.
But you don’t have to worry around remembering which pier is yours if you head out for an excursion. All you have to do is let the taxi driver know your ship and they will drop you off at the right spot.
Taxi Prices Are Fixed (So You Know What You’ll Pay)
Speaking of cabs, one worry when visiting a foreign country is being scammed or ripped off when catching a taxi. You’ll be glad to know that in Cozumel that shouldn’t happen as there are fixed rates for taxis on the island from the cruise ports.
Cabs are everywhere in Cozumel and as you leave the port area you’ll see big signs that list a set cab fee to pretty much anywhere on the island. The rates are each way for 1-4 people and five or more people. Now, I’ve never had any issue with being charged a rate more than what’s listed, but I always take a picture just in case.
That said, while you aren’t likely to be charged more than what’s shown on the sign, it doesn’t mean you aren’t getting gouged. It’s $15 each way to go to Chankanaab, for example, a beach park that’s a five-minute drive at most.
It is a better deal if spread across more passengers, so if you can find others going to the same spot, sharing a cab can save some cash.
Port Areas Are a Tourist Zoo
I mentioned that there are three piers in Cozumel. And if you haven’t visited before, you might not know that these piers can each fit multiple ships. Any day you visit the island is going to be busy. But on the busiest days you can have seven or eight ships meaning tens of thousands of tourists all in port at once.
All that is to say that you shouldn’t be surprised when Cozumel — especially the port areas right as you leave the ship — can feel like a zoo of activity.
There are people everywhere going in all directions, shop keepers trying to get you into their stores, music blasting at the bars, and just tons of activity.
Now if you get out of this area there definitely are some places where the activity calms down and you can find a more relaxing atmosphere. But at least near the ships, expect it to be very busy.
Cozumel is an Excursion Port (Not a Lot Within Walking Distance)
One thing you’ll wish you knew before you visit Cozumel is that this is a port where you definitely want to book an excursion while you visit.
The island is built on tourism, but when it comes to things to do near the main cruise piers, the options are lacking. Yes, there is the port with souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. But if you’re wanting more than Margaritaville, you have to head out of the port.
Meanwhile, unless docking downtown, there is very little within walking distance. Despite being an island, there isn’t a nice beach within a short walk. And most activities, beach clubs, and the like are a drive from the port.
So when you’re planning your trip, keep this in mind. Reserve an excursion for when you stop in Cozumel.
Beach? Lots of the Port Has a Rocky Shoreline
One helpful thing to know before visiting Cozumel is that if you’re expecting white sand beaches everywhere, that’s not the case.
Yes, you can definitely find some nice beaches here, but for much of the western side of the island — especially where the ships dock — the shore is extremely rocky. That’s why there’s not really any good beach spots right near the ships.
You also want to keep this in mind if you’re headed out to a beach club or park that’s nearby on the western side of Cozumel. While the water everywhere is gorgeous, some spots will have classic beaches that slope to the water while others have an artificial beach with a bulkhead and then stairs down into the water.
So how can you know? Just take a look at any reviews or photos of the beach club you’re interested in visiting. It will be obvious exactly what sort of beach it is. As a rule of thumb, the farther south down the island, the more sandy the beach will be.
Here Are Directions to the “Secret” Beach
What if you want a beach but you don’t want to pay to go a club… and you don’t want to go far from the port? How about a secret beach?
It may not be the nicest beach you’ve ever visited, but it’s one that I stumbled upon years ago. Chances are you’ll be the only one there, and it’s within walking distance of the cruise ships.
If you’re docked at one of the two southern ports, just start heading north along the sidewalk next to the beach. About a mile away, you’ll see a small sign for “Playa Stingray” and a set of stairs that leads down to the beach.
Here, it’s a bit of a rocky beach so water shoes are a good idea. But seemingly nobody knows it is here. You’ll likely have the place to yourself, and once you get out past the rocks, the water is fantastic. In the background are the cruise ships, giving you a cool backdrop to enjoy while you swim.
One pro move is to stop by the little convenience store that’s just a touch farther down the road and pick up some snacks and drinks to enjoy while you swim.
Be Ready for Sniffer Dogs
One thing you’ll wish you knew before you visit Cozumel involves bringing food from the ship.
Now you aren’t supposed to bring food into port from the ship anywhere you stop. But lots of people like to grab a banana or an apple or a muffin from the buffet to have as a snack while they are in port.
But Cozumel — with all the passengers that visit — takes it more seriously than most. In fact, it’s the only place I’ve visited that has agriculture sniffing dogs checking passengers as they enter the port. As you pass, the dog will take a smell to see if you’re bringing on anything you aren’t supposed to have. If so, there are tables setup with all sorts of pieces of fruit that have been found that you can add your contraband to.
You aren’t going to get arrested or anything, but just be warned.
Sunny? Actually Be Ready for Rain
Picture Cozumel in your mind’s eye and you likely see the lush trees, electric blue water, and bright sunshine.
More realistically, you’ll wish you knew that rain is often in the forecast. I’ve visited Cozumel upwards of ten times and it seems like most of those have involved trying to dodge rain showers in between bouts of sun. So if you’re expecting nothing but sunshine, be prepared.
In fact, Cozumel gets about 60 inches of rain a year, with September and October getting around 10 inches each month. The driest months are February, March, and April when the island only gets about 2 inches each month. In total, about 120 days or a third of the year see measurable rainfall.
The chances are that you’re going to have decent weather but maybe packing one of those emergency ponchos is a good idea even if the morning looks bright and sunny when you leave the ship.
The Scoop on the Most Popular Thing to Do in Cozumel
I mentioned that there are a hundred and one things that you can do while in Cozumel. But if you’re wondering what the most popular thing to do is, then it’s definitely hitting up a beach club.
These come in a couple of different styles. There are some hotels that offer day passes, including some that are right near the port. Here, you pay a fee and then you have access to the hotel like you were a guest. So you can visit their beach, hit the pool, use the showers, restrooms, etc.
Then there are other spots that are just beach clubs. No hotel, but they feature the beach, pools, restaurants and facilities. They also often have other things like water playgrounds, jet skis, kayaks, and more.
If you want to do these beach days, there are some available through the cruise line’s excursions but there are a lot that aren’t listed there. For example, Mr. Sanchos is one of the most popular, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen it listed through a cruise line.
You can learn more about a number of spots with day passes for you to check out if you’re interested.
Be Ready to Pay “Tourist Prices”
One thing I wish I knew before visiting Cozumel is something that I’ve seen actively change over the years I’ve visited.
If you want to use the common wisdom, it’s that if you head to Mexico, things are much cheaper than they are back home. At least in the touristy areas you’re likely to visit in Cozumel, that’s not the case.
Over the years the prices on many things have soared to prices that are borderline gouging. I’m talking $3 in port for a tiny bottle of Coke… or cab fares that rival anything you’d see back home… or $21 for a burrito or $18 for a burger at this open-air beach bar.
Is it going to break the bank? No, it’s really just more tourist prices than anything else. And if you go off the beaten path then you should find some more reasonable costs. But if you stick to the spots where all the cruise passengers go, then be prepared to open your wallet a little wider.
More on Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise:
- 63 Can’t-Miss Things For Cruise Passengers to Do in Cozumel
- 15+ Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Cozumel
- The Complete Guide to Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise
