How Safe is Cozumel?
Compared to mainland Mexico, Cozumel is quite safe. One local told us that many people choose to raise their children on Cozumel versus the mainland because it is safer and has a more laid back way of life. The locals are very friendly as they realize that tourism pays their bills. As with anywhere, it is still smart to pay attention to your surroundings and not to carry valuables on your person if not necessary.Where You Dock in Cozumel, Mexico
There are 3 piers in Cozumel:
International Pier – 2.5 miles south of San Miguel – you can walk, but taxis are everywhere. If you have mobility issues, it’s a bit of a walk from the ship to the pier stores, but there are locals with wheelchairs that will wheel you for a tip.
Puerta Maya – Carnival’s pier – 5 miles from San Miguel – you’ll need a taxi to get into town.
Punta Langosta – located downtown San Miguel. It’s a short walk to many great shops and restaurants in San Miguel. There is a shopping complex with a Starbucks right at the pier.
Getting Around Cozumel, Mexico
Taxis in Cozumel
Taxis are plentiful in Cozumel. Drivers must speak English and it is wise to agree on a fare before getting in the taxi, otherwise the fares are not consistent (we were charged $6 USD to get from International Pier to downtown and $15 to get back from the same spot – our own fault). It’s typically cheaper when you flag down a taxi than hiring one from a taxi stand. Also, taxi drivers may not allow “carpooling” if a few different parties are trying to get to the same spot, and you may have to wait for another taxi.
Car Rental in Cozumel
Hertz and Avis both have car rental locations in Cozumel but there are a few things to know:
1) Buy the insurance from the car rental company. US insurance often doesn’t cover both collision & liability in Mexico, and if an accident happens, you may have to pay the cost in cash before leaving the island and then recoup the cost from your insurance company any home. Take pictures of the car and any scratches or dents before leaving the car rental lot to ensure you’re not held liable.
2) Parking is regulated. If you park in a no parking zone, you may end up with a tire lock clamped on your car. Lots and streets have parking meters.
3) There are only 3 gas stations in Cozumel, and none on the far side of the island. Make sure your tank is full before heading outside of San Miguel.
4) Driving can be a free-for-all. Watch for mopeds and pedestrians. There are many one-way streets that aren’t clearly marked. Take note of which way cars are parked before turning down a street. Streets running North & South have the right of way and streets going East & West must stop at intersections (even if not marked).
Ferry to Playa Del Carmen
There is a ferry that runs to Mexico’s mainland, to the town of Playa Del Carmen. It’s a 45 minute ride, with the ferries running every hour, but it’s advised to check the schedule. The cost is around $13/adult. The ride is often quite choppy, but day trips to the mainland’s Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and Tulum are popular with cruise passengers.
Shopping In Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel is known for its silver (tax-free), vanilla, tequila and Mexican arts and crafts. They also have many pharmacies that see inexpensive over-the-counter medication. Be prepared for every vendor to call to you to come into their store, often with some sort of “promotion.” Bartering is expected so don’t fall for the first bargain you see.
Royal Village Shopping Center
Located across the street from International Pier, the Royal Village Shopping Center is a modern mall offering outlets such as Nike, Mont Blanc & Lacoste.
Punta Langosta Mall
Located at the Punta Langosta pier downtown, there are jewelry stores, high quality souvenir shops, clothing stores as well as Senor Frogs, Hard Rock Cafe, Hooters and Starbucks.
Los Cinco Soles
Near Pancho’s Backyard restaurant, Los Cinco Soles offers quality silver, fashions and unique, handmade Mexican crafts and also has a tequila bar when you’re tired of shopping.
Dining In Cozumel, Mexico
Pancho’s Backyard – Av. Rafael Melgar 27 – margaritas and Mexican specialties
La Choza – Rosada Salas 198 at Av. 10 Sur – family-run, home-cooked Mexican cuisine (favorite with ship crew members)
La Mission – Just off of Av. Rafael E. Melgar – authentic Mexican at a great price
Things To Do in Cozumel, Mexico
Wondering What To Do At Cozumel Cruise Port?
There is no shortage of things to do once your ship docks in Cozumel Mexico. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Beaches
The best beaches are located on the west side of the island where the sea is usually much calmer. Make sure you take your sunscreen!
Resort Day Passes – Day passes to beach resorts are a really popular option for cruise passengers. Enjoying the hotel’s all-inclusive amenities including pool, beach, water sports, spa, restaurants and drinks can be a great way to spend a day in Cozumel, especially if you’ve visited the island before. Check out Cozumel’s day passes with ResortPass!
Chankanaab Park & Reef – great for scuba diving and snorkeling; Dolphin Discovery Program allows swimming with dolphins for a fee. Get a day pass here!
Paradise Beach – lots of water sport rentals and has a restaurant and bars
Playa Escondida – few amenities so not as crowded as others
Nachi Cocom Beach Club – has the beach, swimming pool, water sports, restaurants and bar. Guests often buy all inclusive passes.
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club – popular with cruisers, offers all inclusive passes with restaurants and bars, watersports, tequila seminars and other activities.
Scuba Diving
Palancar Reef – part of the Meso-American Barrier Reef – visibility can reach 250 feet in some spots!
La Ceiba Reef – explore a sunken airplane which was blown up during the filming of a movie
Mayan Ruins
The majority of the Mayan Ruins are located on the Mexican mainland, but Cozumel has a small site: San Gervasio. Once a ceremonial center for Ixchel, the fertility goddess, it is located about 7 miles from San Miguel.
Tequila Tour
See how tequila is made and get free samples!
Hacienda Antigua is a popular, professional tour, for a cost. Casa Mission is a free tour, often where taxi drivers take tourists as part of an island tour.
Top Tours & Excursions In Cozumel, Mexico
Manatee Swim & Chankanaab Park
Meet and interact with manatees in their home environment and have a chance to feed them, then spend as long as you’d like swimming or snorkeling at Chankanaab National Marine Park....
- Duration: 2 hours minimum
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Note: each chairs & snorkel gear can be rented. Food & drink available at Park restaurant.
Mini-Sub Dive Tour
See Cozumel from a new and unique perspective in your own state-of-the-art mini-sub. On your guided tour, you’ll see beautiful coral and marine life at a depth of 15-20 feet....
- Duration: 1 hour
- Activity Level: Moderate
Cozumel Jeep & Beach Adventure
You’ll see all Cozumel has to offer with this adventure. Drive a jeep all over the island to see Mayan ruins, Columbia Lagoon, snorkel in Punta Sur Bay, and eat an authentic Mexican lunch at an exclusive beach resort....
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Activity Level: Moderate
