Cozumel (Mexico, Riviera Maya)

San Miguel de Cozumel is a major cruise port and city on Cozumel Island. Cozumel is part of Mexico's Quintana Roo state, located on Yucatan Peninsula's northeastern part. This is the most visited port of call on roundtrip voyages from the USA to the Western Caribbean.

By berthing capacity and annual cruise shipping volumes, Cozumel is currently ranked the world's 4th-largest cruise port - following only Florida's PortMiami, Port Canaveral/Orlando, and Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale.

This Mexican port city destination attracts international tourists (mostly from the USA) with its tropical weather, snorkeling, diving and sea fishing opportunities, shopping and sightseeing. The island has population around 100,000, most of whom (around 80,000) live in San Miguel de Cozumel. In Quintana Roo is also Costa Maya (Mexico's second-largest cruise port).

Port Calica is located approx 5 mi / 8 km south of Playa del Carmen. Currently, there is a small pier serving mainly ferries to / from Cozumel (approx 12 mi / 20 km away). There are two ferry companies running the Calica (Playa del Carmen)-Cozumel ferries. Tickets cost ~USD 15 pp (roundtrip). Depending on weather, the crossing Cozumel-Calica is 30-45 min.

Puerto Cozumel (locode MXCZM) is opposite Playa del Carmen and is the principal/main cruise port to Cancun - one of Mexico's most visited tourist destinations. Cancun is best known for the Mayan archaeological sites El Rey, El Meco, Coba, Muyil, Xcaret, Kohunlich, Kinichna, Dzibanche, Oxtankah, Tulum, Chacchoben, Chichen Itza. Cancun is approx 60 mi (100 km) from Cozumel (~2,5 hours drive distance) and is served by an International Airport linking via regularly scheduled flights to Canada, USA, Central and South America, Europe.

Cozumel Island offers some of the world's best underwater tour activities, with its main tourist attractions being offshore coral reefs and numerous diving shops and tour operators. The main diving areas are located on the island's western side. Its east side is relatively undeveloped but has amazing beaches with beach restaurants every few miles. The most popular among tourists beaches are Playa Palancar and Playa Azul.

Chankanaab National Park is approx 5,5 mi (9 km) south of San Miguel. The park is open daily (between 7 am - 5 pm) and as amenities offers a lagoon, beach, restaurant, full-service bar, changing rooms, several walking trails. There you can enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, SeaTREK helmet diving, swimming with dolphins. Another major attraction is the Cozumel Pearl Farm. This is an active farm surrounded by a mangrove lagoon and accessible only by boat.

The local economy depends heavily on tourism. The island's tropical climate determines the rainy season (from June through November) and the dry season (from December through May). The wet season is also characterized by hurricanes.

Cozumel cruise port

A single cruise vessel in Cozumel (with max passenger capacity 3000 plus max crew 500) generates on average spending USD 313740 (passengers) and USD 31740 (crew), plus nearly USD 29000 in port fees. This results in total contribution to the local economy of USD 374480 - and this is per ship.

The following statistical data was provided by the Cozumel port authority.

In 2006 the cruise port received 2,028 million passengers, out of all the 5,551 million that visited Mexico that year. In 2007, this number jumped to 2,45 million (23% increase), while Mexico saw a 10% growth (to 6+ million).

In 2009, the average per-passenger spending in Cozumel was USD 105 (17% increase over 2008) directly benefiting various local industries through purchases (goods and services), including tours (shore excursions), drinks and food, retail shopping, ground transportation services.

In 2014, the cruising industry generated in Cozumel USD 565,4 million in cruise spending (crews, passengers and shipping companies combined), 15990 local jobs, USD 93,5 million in wages (produced through cruise ship tourism).

In 2014, the cruise port handled over 3,3 million passengers. In 2017, this number reached 3,6 million, ranking Cozumel the world's leading cruise ship tourism destination. In October 2015, the port hosted the second "FCCA Cruise Conference and Trade Show" (Oct 5-9).

In December 2020, Quintana Roo media reported that a new (USD 10 pp) tourist tax on foreigners goes into effect since April 1, 2021. Details on how it will be collected or will it be applied also to cruise ship tourists were not revealed.

In early-February 2021 was proposed that following the impact of the Coronavirus crisis, Cozumel could be also used as homeport (departure port) for roundtrips to Caribbean island destinations - including Cuba. 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.

During the post-COVID season 2022, Port Cozumel recorded a total of 1117 ship calls and handled 2,943760 million cruisers. For season 2023, the Port had booked 1154 ship berthings (scheduled ship visits) with estimated 3,726115 million tourists.

Royal Beach Club Cozumel (Royal Caribbean Resort)

In late-March 2024, RCG/Royal Caribbean Group announced its plans for the Royal Beach Club Cozumel.

Scheduled for inauguration in 2026, this exclusive destination (to be developed at Cozumel Island's western coast) will feature several beaches (including adults-only and suite guests-only), kids playgrounds, resort-style large freshwater swimming pools, swim-up bars, various drinking and dining venues (lounges, bars, snack shacks, restaurants), Street Market (shops) as well as live music and entertainment, private poolside cabanas (for rent), watersports activities (snorkeling/scuba diving, kayaking, windsurfing).

Unlike other RCI Caribbean private island destinations (Paradise Island Beach Club Nassau), Royal Beach Club Cozumel costs extra, being offered as an optional shore excursion choice. In October 2024 was announced the Perfect Day Mexico project (Costa Maya) scheduled for completion/inauguration in 2027.

More details and information on Royal Beach Club Cozumel will be revealed gradually in the coming months.

Cozumel cruise terminal

Cozumel tours, shore excursions, hotels

City Tours and Shore Excursions

• Castillo Real: this a Mayan site located near the northern tip of the island. You can see a temple, lookout tower and a pyramid base. There are also possibilities for snorkeling.
• Cozumel Park: Discover Mexico with interactive exhibits. Interesting place for lunch is Mercadito Corona. You will taste authentic cuisine surrounded by local music.
• El Cedral: the village is located near the center of the island. It was the first discovered Mayan site in 1518 by the Spanish explorers.
• Chankanaab Lagoon: amazing place for swimming and snorkeling among rainbow colored fishes.
• Museo de Cozumel: discover the history of the island. The museum also houses library, gift shop, book store and a restaurant.
• Plaza Del Sol: the main square of San Miguel.
• Punta Celarin: the lighthouse is located at the island’s southern end and has breathtaking views.
• San Gervasio Ruins: the most visited ruins.

Beaches: Cozumel offers amazing beaches. Among the most popular are Playa San Francisco and Playa Corona.

Nachi Cocom Beach is an all-inclusive beach resort (unlimited beverages) with day pass entrance. Deals are inclusive of unlimited beverages and food, free Wi-Fi internet, outdoor Jacuzzi and swimming pool. This private beach property is sized approx 185 m2 (1980 ft2). The list of amenities also includes a swim-up bar, beach bar, public restrooms, outdoor showers (freshwater), beach hammocks, palapas umbrellas, English-speaking staff, lounge chairs.

Mr Sanchos Beach Resort (Cozumel Island's southwest coast, ~15-min taxi drive from the cruise port) is all-inclusive, with day passes offering unlimited food (self-serve buffet station) and beverages (Mexican brands), beach access and amenities (chairs, umbrellas), swimming pools access (all have swim-up bars). The resort also has an aqua park (costs extra) fitted with trampolines, inflatable climbing Iceberg and climbing rock, pyramid slider, rock slider, among other attractions.

Other popular beaches are Paradise Beach, Playa Palancar, Playa Mia. Cozumel features several great resorts / eco-parks, often included in cruise lines' shore excursion offerings. The most popular among cruise tourists parks are Chankanaab, Xcaret, Punta Sur.

Carnival Cruise Lines Cozumel tours and excursions

Next are listed all Carnival cruise shore excursions in Cozumel with prices in USD. Know that the following information is only indicative and prices are subject to change by the company.

Famous Tourist Attractions in Cozumel

• Cozumel Dinner Cruise $65
• Atlantis mini-submarine (up to 100 ft) $120 (80)
• 1-Person Mini-Sub (underwater scooter, 2 hr) $75
• Luxury Boat Charter (55' Yachts, 4hr) $900 (1-15 pass, $50 for additional)
• Dolphin Encounter $100 (60)
• Dolphin Swim $130 (80)
• Royal Dolphin Swim (Chankanaab Park), with beach and snorkeling $190 (100)
• "Discover Mexico" and "Chankanaab" Parks $40 (30)
• Island Guided Tour (4hr) - $220 (1-4 passengers), $290 (5-8), $360 (9-14)
• Cozumel Highlights (4hr) - $30 (25)
• Cozumel Bird-watching $50 (30, 20)

DIVING Excursions (Scuba Diving Packages)

• Beginners) $57
• (Certified) $65
• (Discover, 3hr, Paradise Reef) $57
• 2-Tank $70
• Open Water (Certification) $280
• Open Water (Advanced) $175
• Refresher Course $50

SNORKELING Tours and Packages

• 3 Reef Snorkeling by Boat $70 (35)
• 2 Reef Snorkeling by Boat $60 (35)
• Jeep-Snorkel $100 (60)
• Glass-Bottom-Snorkel $35 (20)
• Palancar Snorkel $50 (35)
• Chankanaab shallow reef $30 (15)
• Snorkel with Sea Turtles $150
• with 36' Catamaran Sailing $500 (1-10 pass, 3hr)
• Segway-Snorkel $60
• Snuba $60
• Jungle-Snorkel $80
• Mini-Jeep-Snorkel $90
• Tulum - Yal-Ku $220 (1-4 pass)
• Dive with Dolphins $150

ADVENTURE Tours

• Deep Sea Fishing Charters (4hr) $350 (1-4 pass, all skill levels)
• ATV-Beach$110 (80)
• ATV-Jungle (2hr) $65 pp ($58 2-pers, $32 6-12yo)
• ATV-Speedboat $125
• Off-Road Buggy Jade Cavern $160 (1-2 persons)
• Dune Buggy (Punta Sur) $190
• Jungle Buggy $90
• Mayan Ruins (MR) at Chichen Itza $125 (60)
• Jeep $75 ($65)
• Island Buggy Tour (WV) $75 (50)
• Local Cuisine Cook-Tasting $90 (45)
• Para-sailing (up to 600ft) $50 (PP 10min), $100 (2 pass, 15min)
• Jungle Horseback Riding with MR $100 (40)
• Whale-Shark $175
• Coba MR $105
• Tulum MR (ferry to Playa Del Carmen) $240 (1-4 pass)
• Punta Sur Beach Ride $80 (70)
• Rio Lagartos Reserve and Ek Balam MR $100

BEACH Packages, Luxury GOLFING Trips

• "Carretera Costera Sur" Resort All Inclusive $95 (60)
• "Cozumel Golf & Country Club" (18 holes) $165 (135)
• Horsebac-Beach$100 (50)
• Cozumel Beach Club $50 (35, 17, limited to 100 guests per day)
• Beach Club (2hr) $30 (15)
• Family Resort All Inclusive $50 (35, 25)
• Adults Only All Inclusive Resort $50
• Aura Grand Bay Luxury Resort $80