The Cozumel cruise port, formally known as “Port of Cozumel,” in Mexico is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world and has much to offer to cruisers. It’s an island paradise located off the Mayan Riviera coast and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Along with Costa Maya, it’s one of Mexico’s most visited cruise ports.

It’s also significantly developed.Unlike other Mexican cruise ports like Progreso, and very touristic – although this isn’t necessarily a good thing, depending on what you like when you travel. Pronounced “Coe-zoo-mel,” most American tourists pronounce it “Cah-zoo-mel,” but don’t sweat it because generally, nobody will correct or mock you if you use either pronunciation.

San Miguel de Cozumel is the arrival point for most visitors. It is the largest town on the island. It can be confusing because most people usually just refer to it as “Cozumel”.

I love this port because there’s much to do that is affordable; namely its popular beach clubs, detailed further below. Unlike other ports, where taxi prices are overly inflated (I’m looking at you, Puerto Plata), taxis here are quite affordable and easy to access.

Language & Currency in Cozumel

Given its huge influx of tourists yearly, with more than four million cruisers alone, Cozumel is a tourist-friendly cruise port. Spanish is the official language, but most vendors on the island speak Spanish and at least conversational English.

There’s no need to convert currency here. While the official currency here is Mexican Pesos (MXN), US currency is widely accepted. Note, though, that the symbol for pesos is the same as a dollar ($), which can be confusing. While you don’t need to bring pesos, however, do bring cash as credit cards are not as universally accepted here, as they are at other large cruise ports of call. Most taxis, for instance, accept cash only. Besides taxi prices, which are regulated and fixed, haggling is the norm here.

Cozumel, Mexico Cruise Terminals

There are three terminals in Cozumel: Puerta Maya, International Cruise Terminal, and Punta Langosta, and cruisers can consult their cruise documents to determine which pier they will visit if Cozumel is on the itinerary. It’s important to check this, as all the piers are different, not just in where they are located in Cozumel but also in the amenities that they offer.

Puerta Maya

Puerta Maya is a busy cruise ship terminal on Cozumel’s western coast, and it’s exclusive to Carnival Corporation cruise ships, which includes several brands other than just Carnival Cruise Line. It’s modern, clean, and lush, with lots of plants and even a water feature with small wooden bridges where cruisers can view a dozen or so turtles that live there.

It also contains many of the amenities of most other cruise terminals, including cruise mainstays like Effy and other souvenir shops. Of the three terminals, this one arguably has the best shopping, with over 65 stores and stalls.

Speaking of shopping, while being forced through a duty-free store isn’t uncommon at cruise terminals, one thing that I don’t love about the Puerta Maya terminal is that the store here is very long and narrow, and it can get congested.

For cruisers like me, who sail often and avoid shopping and souvenir-buying, this is a bit frustrating and can add quite a bit of time just traversing from the ship, down the long pier, through the very long and narrow duty-free store, and through and out the terminal. This is especially true when the pier is at capacity, accommodating three ships simultaneously. Otherwise, though, this is a lovely terminal with a well-organized, albeit busy, taxi stand.

There isn’t much that’s walkable from the Puerta Maya cruise port once you exit the terminal, and of the three Cozumel cruise piers, it’s the furthest from downtown San Miguel de Cozumel, about 5 miles.

International Cruise Terminal

The International Cruise Terminal, or “SSA International Pier” is used by several cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Norwegian, Princess, and others. Like Puerta Maya, it’s not walkable to downtown San Miguel, but it’s an easy taxi ride, only about 3 miles away.

This is the oldest of the three piers in Cozumel, but it’s still full of great shops, restaurants, and bars. Cruisers who love the bar scene will be happy to know that there’s a Margaritaville right at the end of the pier in the cruise terminal.

Besides food and shopping, there’s not much else to do at the International Pier, although it has a pretty cool cenote. It’s very small and walled off, but it is an interesting sight to see while you’re walking through the terminal.

While the International Pier doesn’t have a pool or beach, there is a very small (and I mean small) area by Bubba Gump where cruisers can enter the water for a swim.

Punta Langosta

Punta Langosta (which interestingly translates to “lobster tip”) is used by several cruise lines, including Disney, Celebrity, and MSC. If you’re docking at this terminal, you’re in luck. Of the three in Cozumel, it’s the only one located right in downtown San Miguel and is a gateway to Cozumel’s bustling city center.

From the Punta Langosta cruise terminal, cruisers can easily walk to shops, bars, and restaurants right outside of the terminal. Located in the heart of downtown San Miguel, Punta Langosta allows cruisers easy access to stroll along the waterfront promenade, browse local shops and galleries, and sample delicious street food.

Once cruisers exit the pier, they will traverse an overpass to get to Punta Langosta Mall, a two-story shopping center offering the standard cruise shopping experience. From there, they’re in San Miguel and can explore all the area offers.

Beach Clubs in Cozumel

One of the most popular attractions among cruisers porting in Cozumel is to enjoy a day at one of the many local beach clubs. While the island does offer some public beaches, the free access areas aren’t always desirable (they’re generally very rocky), and offer no amenities unless you pay to rent umbrellas and chairs from a local vendor. In which case, springing for a pass to a beach club may become a more appealing option. Most of them are located just a 15 to 25-minute taxi ride from the three Cozumel cruise terminals.

Which Cozumel Beach Club is best is a hotly contested question in the cruise world, but in my opinion, they’re all really good. Below are my top recommendations for Cozumel Beach clubs based on my own experiences.

Prices vary seasonally, so consult each club’s site for the most up-to-date pricing. Note that most of them do not provide beach towels, so you’ll likely need to bring your own from the ship. Taxis are readily available at each to take cruisers back to port at the end of their day. While not required, it’s customary to tip your wait staff at the end of your stay.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is my favorite of all the beach clubs because it offers a more laid-back vibe. It’s all-inclusive and provides beachfront access for cruisers who want to enjoy a beach day, with a wide array of large inflatable obstacles, slides, and floats for guests to use (although this requires the VIP pass, which is an additional cost). The VIP pass also includes access to stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.

The pool is large and well-maintained, and there are numerous loungers and umbrellas, both poolside and beachside. The music is upbeat and pleasant, but not thumping bass, and the party crowd here is minimal.

Paradise Beach is family-friendly, and the club will even provide parents of children in diapers with their own small inflatable pool, so babies and toddlers can enjoy water activities.

The only thing I don’t like about Paradise Beach is that their pool does not include a swim-up bar, although the waitstaff does a great job of walking around to provide drink service to guests who want a drink without exiting the pool. They also do not provide any dessert options.

I generally find all-inclusive food to be quite “meh”, and this was the case on my prior visits to Paradise Beach, but as of late spring 2024, the club has a new chef and the food is significantly better now.

Optional amenities available for guests (at a cost) include banana boat rides, henna tattoos, and beachside massages. I always treat myself to a massage here, and they are literally some of the best massages I’ve ever had in my life.

Mr. Sancho’s

Mr. Sancho’s is perhaps the most popular of the Cozumel beach clubs, and I like it, but this is one that I prefer to visit when I’m cruising with friends, rather than with my children. Why? Because this is definitely the one most associated with a party vibe, compared to the other beach clubs. That being said, it’s not that it’s not family-friendly, and you’ll certainly find lots of families with children there, but it’s more of a loud music and drink-to-excess crowd. It’s also typically more expensive than the other options.

Like Paradise Beach, Mr. Sancho’s is all-inclusive (although they have a non-all-inclusive option) and boasts three pools, a buffet, and personal wait service. Admission includes access to a beachfront table, chairs, umbrella, food and drinks, and alcohol (but not the top-shelf stuff). Like Paradise Beach, Mr. Sancho’s offers a pass for an extra fee that allows guests to access an array of inflatables in the water. The advantages of this club are that they have more pools than the other options, and they offer personalized wait service and a buffet.

Other amenities available at Mr. Sancho’s for an additional cost include beach massages, horseback riding, jet skiing, and parasailing. Mr. Sancho’s offers towels to rent, at $5 for the day with a $10 deposit. However, these towels are quite thin, so I recommend bringing your own.

Nachi Cocom

Nachi Cocom is a hidden gem among the Cozumel beach clubs because it doesn’t seem to be as well known as the prior two. Admittedly, the facility here is much smaller and dated than the other choices, but it still has a lot to offer.

A big advantage of this beach club is its exclusivity, in that the facility limits admission to just 130 guests daily — so if you want to visit this one, be sure to book it in advance. It’s all-inclusive, so wait staff are on hand throughout your day there to serve you with whatever food and drinks you would like.

While Mr. Sancho’s offers the BIG experience… tons of options and that big, party-like vibe, Nachi Cocom is the opposite. This club is small and quiet. If you’re seeking a very chill, laid-back day at the pool or beach, then this is your spot (although Paradise Bach offers this experience, as well).

Of the options in Cozumel, Nachi Cocom is generally one of the most affordable ones, too. This is not the spot for tons of aqua activities and large water inflatables, although banana boat rides and parasailing are available for an additional fee, nor is the spot to party.

Nachi Cocom also offers towels for rent for $5 each, but they’re quite thin, and again, I recommend just bringing your own from the ship. Of the three main beach clubs, Paradise Beach, Mrs. Sancho’s, and Nachi Cocom, this one has the most limited food options, and I like their food the least overall. Still, though, for its price value, quiet experience, and exclusivity, it’s definitely a Cozumel beach club worth considering.

Chankanaab

Unlike the beach clubs detailed above, Chankanaab is more of a beach park than a beach club. This was my first-ever Cozumel experience, and I enjoyed it, but it’s not really comparable to the beach clubs detailed above. I almost consider this more of an excursion, and it’s generally geared more toward families.

The upside of Chankanaab is the snorkeling. In my experience, it’s far better here than at any of the beach clubs, especially given the sargassum that tends to cloud the waters of Cozumel. The downside is that this isn’t really a relaxing beach day experience that you’ll get at the true Cozumel beach clubs. While Chankanaab offers an “all-inclusive” option, it’s quite misleading and is nothing like the true all-inclusive nature of the beach clubs. Chankanaab’s inclusive option provides only a buffet lunch, with limited hours, and a set limit of beverages.

Chankanaab really is more of an amusement park. The grounds are beautiful, and it offers tons of adventure activities, including an eco-archaeological tour, sea lion show and manatee, snuba and sea trek tours, swim with dolphins tours, and others, but the experience here will differ from a day at a Cozumel beach club.

Which Cozumel Beach Club is the Best?

The answer to this question is quite subjective and depends on each cruiser’s specific needs (and budget). Having been to them all, I can assure you that they’re all really good and that you’ll have an enjoyable day, but it’s worth reading reviews and considering your options before making a choice.

Great Things About Cozumel, Mexico

There’s a reason that Cozumel is such a popular destination, not just with cruisers but also with other types of tourists and travelers. Here are the top three reasons to love this destination:

Pristine Beaches

Cozumel is home to some spectacular beaches, featuring clean sands and warm water. Depending on the season, the water can be crystal clear and vibrant turquoise. However, note that this area is prone to large amounts of sargassum, which makes its way to the shores of the Mexican Caribbean, including Cozumel, through complex ocean currents.

I can tell you from personal experience that when sargassum is present in large quantities, it makes for an unpleasant beach day experience. The water is cloudy, and the seaweed just feels gross on your body. This is why the beach clubs present a great option for cruisers; if you visit during a time when the beach isn’t at its best, the pools are a great secondary choice.

World-Class Snorkeling

Renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, Cozumel is a paradise for snorkelers and divers. The island’s underwater world teems with colorful fish, graceful rays, and even the occasional sea turtle. With numerous dive sites to explore, including the famous Palancar Reef, Cozumel can be a great spot for cruisers who wish to get a glimpse under the sea. Note, however, that snorkeling conditions close to shore may not always be ideal due to the aforementioned issues with sargassum. If snorkeling is your thing, consider an excursion that takes you out on a boat further from shore where the sargassum isn’t as much of a hindrance.

Rich History and Culture

Cozumel is steeped in history, with a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. Visitors can explore ancient Mayan ruins, such as the temples of San Gervasio, and learn about the island’s fascinating past at the Cozumel Museum. And, of course, a visit to Cozumel just isn’t complete without enjoying an authentic Mexican meal.

Free Things to Do in Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico, is a popular port of call for cruise ships, offering a wide range of free activities for passengers looking to make the most of their time ashore. Here are some of the best free things to do in Cozumel while on a cruise:

Explore the Terminal & San Miguel

Start your day in Cozumel by exploring the port terminal area, where you’ll find a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, all detailed above. Exploring downtown San Miguel can also be quite enjoyable, although remember that only Punta Langosta is in this area; if docking at the other cruise piers, you’ll have to take a taxi to get there.

Enjoy a Beach Day

As noted above, free beach options are pretty limited and generally in less desirable locations. Accessing basic amenities such as umbrellas and beach chairs will require renting from a local. That being said, a free beach day is possible. The closest public beach to the Cozumel cruise port is Playa Casitas. Specific to each pier, it’s closest to Punta Langosta, about 2.5 miles away.

Visit a Cultural Center

Imagine Cozumel’s rich history and culture by visiting one of the island’s cultural centers or museums. The Cozumel Museum, located near the port area, offers free admission and features exhibits on the island’s Mayan heritage, natural history, and marine life. Take a self-guided tour and learn about Cozumel’s fascinating past at your own pace. The museum is closest to Punta Langosta, about 1.4 miles away.

Taxis in Cozumel, Mexico

Taxis in Cozumel, Mexico, are readily available and offer a convenient way to explore the island. All three cruise piers in Cozumel have well-run taxi stands, where employees are on hand to help ensure that cruisers get to where they’re going.

How to Get a Taxi in Cozumel

Unlike other ports, such as St. Thomas or Grand Cayman where taxis are shared, taxis in Cozumel are private and only for you and your group. Like many other Caribbean ports of call, ride-share services like Uber are unavailable.

For cruisers traveling with a larger group, there are generally taxi vans readily available at the stands, offering a convenient and affordable option to get to all of the popular tourist destinations. To return back to port after visiting a beach or attractions, in most cases, taxis are on standby to get cruisers back to their ship.

Taxis are a reliable option for getting around Cozumel, whether heading to the beach, exploring downtown, or visiting local attractions.

Travelers should always confirm fares before starting their journey to ensure a hassle-free experience. It’s also important to note that most taxis in Cozumel do not accept credit cards, although US currency is generally accepted.

Taxi Prices in Cozumel

Taxi prices in Cozumel are government-regulated, fixed, and quite affordable compared to other popular cruise ports of call. The set prices should be readily available on signs near the taxi stands at each cruise pier.

On a May 2024 visit to Cozumel, docking at Puerta Maya, for example, taxi prices for up to four passengers one way were as follows to some of Cozumel’s most popular destinations: downtown San Miguel, $10; Chankanaab, $15; Paradise Beach, $18; Mr. Sancho’s and Nachi Cocom, $20; and Palancar Beach, $30.

Cozumel Cruise Ship Schedules

The cruise ship schedule for Cozumel, Mexico, including all three terminals (Puerta Maya, International Pier, and Punta Langosta) can be found here.

Cozumel, Mexico Time Zone

Cozumel, Mexico, is located in the Eastern Standard Time (EST) timezone. However, it observes daylight saving time, so it follows Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during daylight saving time. It’s essential to check the current local time and any time changes before scheduling activities or making travel arrangements in Cozumel.

Top Things to Do in Cozumel

Cozumel is a great spot for a beach club day, snorkeling, culture, and adventure. When booking an excursion, cruisers can book directly through the cruise line or on their own. If taking the latter approach, here are some of the top choices:

Learn More about the Cozumel Cruise Port