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Want to just relax in a hammock tied to a couple palm trees while the kids go have fun? It amazes me how many people have been to Cozumel and have never been to Chankanaab. It does cost $21 for adults and $14 for children to have access to the park, but once inside you will find enough things for everyone to do for the entire day. There are many more places you can dive and snorkel in Cozumel, so don’t look at this list as exhaustive. In fact, if you have a great reef to check out please let us know in the comment section below this post. We will add it to the list if it looks good so everyone else can benefit.
Explore San Miguel
El Cielo is a secluded sandbar in the middle of the ocean which also acts as a starfish sanctuary. The waters are so amazingly crystal-clear turquoise blue, you have to see it, to believe. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you will be glad you partook in. Chen Rio is out of the way which makes it a perfectly secluded beach.
Go on a Boat Tour
As soon as you get off the ship you will find vendors who are able to find you just about any type of vehicle to rent if you want to explore on your own. You can rent anything from a dune buggy to a VW Beetle to a scooter or even motorcycle if you want. There is a plethora of options for renting a vehicle and driving around Cozumel as well. The island is easy to navigate in a matter of a couple hours if you don’t make too many stops.
Charter Boat and Snorkel Trip
On the beach, you’ll find chairs, hammocks, and beach huts for lounging. If you want to taste some authentic, genuine Mexican and Caribbean cuisine, consider stopping by Casa Denis. It’s a family-owned restaurant with a good amount of outdoor seating. Just like you’ve seen on TV, you can explore Cozumel while cracking clues, solving mysteries, and playing adventurous games with fellow travelers.
Top Tips for Visiting Cozumel on a Cruise
Best Restaurants in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port - Cruise Hive
Best Restaurants in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port.
Posted: Mon, 13 Mar 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
This is located in Playa Del Carmen rather than on the mainland, so you will have to take a boat-ride there. My recommendation is to book with the cruise line or ensure you book with a reputable tour operator. It’s about an hour away from Cozumel to Playa Del Carmen by ferry and is considered a full day excursion. While you can book this on your own, depending on what time your ship is due to leave the port, you may want to book this with the ship.
Playa Punta Morena
Cenotes (pronounced say-NO-tays) are large caverns where underground water has made its way to the surface. Because of the rock this water has gone through, it’s highly filtered freshwater that’s crystal clear… and cold. The mainland area around Cozumel is rich with cenotes and they make amazing swimming spots to explore. Several excursions will take you to these spots where you can swim and enjoy the natural beauty that the Yucatan has to offer. These days you can charter a boat to head out for a few hours and fish the rich waters off the coast. It’s ideal if there are several people going along so that you can split the cost of a charter.
That’s What to Do in Cozumel, Mexico!
When you are buying the ferry ticket, make sure you buy a one-way ticket, as the companies don’t accept each other’s tickets. You can check the cost and ferry schedule on Winjet and Ultramar’s official websites. The elevated vantage point offers a panoramic perspective, making it an ideal spot for photos and appreciation of Cozumel’s beauty.
How many restaurants have you been to where you can eat with your feet in the sand and then go snorkeling? The Money Bar Beach Club, located just a few minutes south of the cruise pier, offers just that. Head over and get your fill of food and drink before hanging out on the beach and taking in some of the gorgeous snorkeling right in front of the restaurant. Just keep in mind that the spot has a rocky shore (like most of the west side of Cozumel).
Explore Cozumel with Fun Shore Excursions
There is also a family owned bar and restaurant on site if you decide to sit and grab a bite. Spanish is the official language in Cozumel, but many locals working in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience. Royal Caribbean Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Line often dock at this cruise terminal. Or, walk up to a cab driver and ask how much he’d charge for a 1/2 day of touring.
It costs about $25 per person (kids 12 and under are cheaper), with additional prices for swimming with dolphins, ziplining, and other attractions. Sure it’s a little bit touristy, but there’s a reason that places like Senor Frogs are popular — they are a lot of fun. There’s one right by the cruise ships and you can hang out right next to the most beautiful water in the world, having a blast with other cruise passengers. If you want to be more low-key, snag a table around the edge of the restaurant instead of by the bar. Located just a few minutes south of the cruise ships, Paradise Beach is a beach club offering up a huge freshwater pool, white sand beaches, and crystal blue water. Sit on a lounger under the palm trees while the kids conquer the in-water obstacle course.
Keep a keen eye on the clock and the ship’s departure schedule to avoid any last-minute rushes. The first site is Tulum (1 hr, 30 min away), a beautiful Mayan archeological site situated on the seafront cliffs of the Yucatan Peninsula. It stands as one of the Mayans’ last creations, showcasing a fascinating fusion of architectural styles. ATVs excel at off-road adventures, with some tours taking you through trails in the forest. Dune buggies are better suited for those seeking a gentler drive along the coastline or on paved roads. The shop provides a tour showcasing the traditional Mayan chocolate-making process.
With all these amazing activities available to you, it’s time to book a trip to Cozumel Mexico! Don’t miss out on these top things to do in Cozumel and make sure to plan your trip with plenty of time to enjoy all the activities on your list. The good news about activities in Cozumel Mexico is that they can be half-day activities or full-day activities.
If you’re like me, when I travel, I want to make sure to sample the best authentic food I can find. The farthest port from downtown San Miguel is Puerta Maya, about five miles south. This is where Carnival ships dock and most of their brands dock here, too. The International Pier is the middle-island cruise ship port. You’ll probably dock here if you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. Leaving the ship, kiosks and vendors will filter you through the Punta Langosta Mall full of shops and restaurants.
The joy of parasailing is in the aerial views you get to soak in. So, it’s even more enjoyable when those views are of some of the most pristine water along Mexico. There’s just something about being hundreds of feet in the air, being pulled by a speed boat. The only thing to keep in mind here is that you may be with a group. This means you will have to wait your turn and may spend more time in the boat waiting than actually up in the air enjoying your parasailing experience.
