If you have booked a Western Caribbean or Mexican cruise, you will likely stop at Cozumel cruise port. The idyllic island of Cozumel is found off the Yucatan Peninsula, across the waters from Playa Del Carmen.
Although the name may be unfamiliar to you, there are plenty of reasons why the port of Cozumel is important. As one of the most visited ports in the Mexican region, it provides easy access to the area’s spectacular beaches, water sports, and fascinating historical sites.
In our guide below, we share everything you need to know about Cozumel’s cruise terminal, how to get to Cozumel from the cruise port and what there is to do in Cozumel on port days.
Where do cruise ships dock in Cozumel, Mexico?
As the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean, with multiple cruise ships docking there every day, Cozumel cruise port is very well equipped. When looking at where cruise ships dock in Cozumel, there are three piers on the island’s west side, each dedicated to specific cruise lines.
Punta Langosta Pier
Punta Langosta Pier is nearest to Cozumel’s main town, San Miguel de Cozumel. Cruise lines including Norwegian Cruise Lines, Holland America, Silversea and Marella Cruises usually dock here. Disney and MSC Cruises have used this cruise terminal when docking at Cozumel cruise port, too. It is also the island’s local pier, used by other ships and ferries.
The International Pier
The International Pier (or TMM) is reserved for cruise ships and is used mainly by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and sometimes Norwegian Cruise Lines. This cruise terminal is located a little further out of the main centre.
Puerta Maya Pier
Puerta Maya is the furthest of Cozumel’s cruise terminals from San Miguel de Cozumel. This pier is used solely by Carnival Corporation cruise ships.
How far is Cozumel from the cruise port?
With Cozumel’s cruise terminals being quite spread out, the distance from Cozumel cruise port to the city centre in San Miguel de Cozumel depends on where you dock.
For cruise ships docking at Punta Langosta Pier, getting from Cozumel cruise port to the city centre can be done on foot. After disembarking at this Cozumel cruise terminal and going through security, you’ll head straight into Punta Langosta Mall, where there are plenty of big-name and local shops.
You can then be in the heart of the city, downtown, within a few minutes. If you dock at the International Pier, the distance from Cozumel cruise port to the city centre is around 3 miles.
You can get to San Miguel de Cozumel via taxi, which will cost approximately $10 each way. You can also walk it, but this may not be the best option on a hot day.
When looking at how to get to Cozumel from the cruise port at Puerta Maya, a taxi is definitely worth it, as this pier is around 5 miles away.
What to do in Cozumel cruise port?
If you think that the pier your cruise ship is docking at is a little too far away from the city centre and you’re wondering if there is anything near Cozumel cruise port, you’ll be pleased to learn that these well-equipped terminals have plenty of shopping and dining opportunities.
At Puerta Maya, there are over 50 different outlets and 15 stand-alone carts selling everything from jewellery and artwork to local handicrafts. It is also a charming place to wander around, with beautiful gardens, fountains and oceanside views.
At the International Pier, there is also a variety of shops and restaurants to visit. You’ll also find stunning beaches and beach clubs near this part of the Cozumel cruise terminal.
San Miguel de Cozumel
San Miguel de Cozumel is an attractive beachside town with lots of shops where you can pick up local souvenirs. You can also admire the island’s street art, with colourful murals and graffiti commonplace around its streets.
Snorkelling and scuba diving
If shopping is not your thing and you’re wondering what else to do in Cozumel on port days, one of the best activities by Cozumel cruise port is exploring its magnificent reefs. The clear waters and wide variety of marine life, such as sea turtles, eagle rays, miniature seahorses and multicoloured fishes, attracts divers from around the world.
If you’d like to experience what’s beneath the ocean waters without getting wet, a trip on a glass-bottom boat is also a fantastic experience.
The Mayan history at Tulum
If you like to explore a region’s history and are looking for what to do in Cozumel on port days, we’d recommend a visit to Tulum. This ancient city is around 800 years old and was built as a fortress to protect against incoming enemies.
As a historical site, it is considered one of the best-preserved coastal Mayan ruins. Tulum is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, so you will need to get a ferry across from Cozumel island.
It is then a 30-minute drive from Playa del Carmen. While it is near enough to Cozumel’s cruise port to visit, booking an excursion to Tulum will make it easier to get there and back in time for your ship’s departure.
