Cozumel Cruise Port Guide: Terminals, Transportation and Top Attractions

Cozumel cruise port is one of our favorite Western Caribbean cruise destinations. This island off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known for its all-inclusive beach clubs and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.

Many cruisers spend the day at spots like Mr. Sancho’s, Paradise Beach, or Nachi Cocom, enjoying unlimited food, drinks, and beachside relaxation. Others take advantage of Cozumel’s clear waters and incredible coral reefs, making it a great spot for snorkeling or diving.

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On our first visit, we booked a Jeep tour shore excursion of the island, which became one of our most memorable days. We had the unexpected chance to release a baby sea turtle into the ocean, then later snorkeled for the first time—an experience that instantly hooked us. Ever since, my husband jumps at any chance to snorkel, no matter where we travel, but Cozumel remains one of his favorites.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Cozumel cruise port, including where ships dock, how to get around, the best things to do, and tips to make the most of your visit.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Cozumel?

Cozumel has three cruise terminals, and knowing where your ship will dock can make a big difference when planning your day. If you’re booking something on your own instead of a cruise-sponsored excursion, you’ll need to figure out transportation, and your terminal location will determine how easy that is. It’s a good idea to check beforehand to know what to expect when you arrive.

• Cruise Lines Docking Here: Primarily used by Carnival Corporation cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, and Seabourn.
• Location: About 3 miles (5 km) south of downtown San Miguel—the farthest of Cozumel’s three cruise terminals.
• What to Expect at the Terminal: An open-air terminal with a more laid-back feel than Punta Langosta and International Pier. While some cruisers head into downtown, this terminal is closer to popular beaches and excursions, making it a convenient starting point for a port day focused on relaxation or adventure.
• Shopping & Amenities: The terminal has over 50 shops and at least 15 vendor carts selling souvenirs, including handmade jewelry and leather goods. There’s also a large duty-free store, a pharmacy, a convenience store, and international pay phones.
• Taxis: Here are the taxi rates from Puerta Maya.
• Beach Access: No beach at the port, but it’s closer to many popular beach clubs, making transportation to a beach day easier from here.

• Cruise Lines Docking Here: Primarily used by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises.
• Location: 3 miles (5 km) south of downtown San Miguel.
• Terminal Size & Crowd Level: Generally less busy than Punta Langosta, though it can see more ships during peak cruise season.
• What to Expect at the Terminal: Smallest of Cozumel’s three cruise terminals, it still has a duty-free shop, waterfront restaurants, and a spacious, air-conditioned waiting area. The terminal also offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea.
• Nearby Amenities: Shops, souvenir stands, and a few restaurants are available at the pier, though options are more limited than downtown.
• Beach Access: No beach at the port—you’ll need to head elsewhere for a beach day.

How to Get Around Cozumel

Taxis

Taxis are the easiest way to get around and are lined up at all three cruise terminals. We usually grab one right outside the terminal to get to whatever beach club we’ve booked for the day—it’s quick, convenient, and hassle-free.

Fares are set based on your destination, but it’s always a good idea to confirm the price before getting in. Cash (USD or pesos) is preferred since taxis typically don’t accept credit cards. Since taxis don’t have meters, make sure to agree on the price upfront to avoid surprises.

If you have nothing planned, you can also negotiate with a taxi driver for a private tour of the island. Many drivers offer customizable tours where they’ll take you to different beaches, scenic spots, or even a local restaurant. It’s a flexible way to explore without being tied to an excursion schedule.

Car Rentals

Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, but traffic in downtown San Miguel can be congested, and parking may be limited. Alamo has a location near the International Pier, and rental options are available near Puerta Maya. If you plan to rent, booking in advance is recommended.

A rental isn’t necessary for most cruisers, but it can be a good option for those wanting to venture beyond the usual beach clubs.

Shore Excursions

Guided tours make getting around Cozumel easy, especially if you don’t want to deal with taxis or rentals. Cruise-sponsored excursions always include transportation, while independent tours usually do—just check the meeting point before booking. Some meet at the terminal, but others require a short walk.

Since most excursions handle transportation, they’re a hassle-free way to get to beach clubs, sightseeing spots, or adventure activities. At the end of the tour, you’ll have a ride back to the port, making for a smooth and stress-free day.

Shuttle Services

Some beach clubs and resorts offer shuttle transportation as part of their package, making it a hassle-free option for those heading to an all-inclusive experience. If you’ve booked a third-party tour, check if transportation is included, as many excursions arrange pick-up directly from the port. While not as widely available as taxis, shuttles can be a good alternative.

Read more: Helpful Tips for Booking Shore Excursions on Your Own

Tips for a Day in Cozumel on a Cruise

Top Attractions in Cozumel Cruise Port

Spend the Day at a Beach Club

Cozumel is known for its all-inclusive beach clubs, where cruisers can enjoy a fun, worry-free day with unlimited food and drinks. Popular options include Mr. Sancho’s, Paradise Beach, and Nachi Cocom, all offering pools, loungers, and easy beach access.

These clubs make for a hassle-free beach day, with the only thing to arrange being transportation if the club doesn’t offer water shuttle service. We usually grab a taxi right outside the cruise terminal to get there quickly.

Since some beach clubs have limited capacity, reservations are recommended to secure a spot.

Read more: A Day in Paradise Beach in Cozumel

Explore Downtown San Miguel

San Miguel de Cozumel is worth exploring if you enjoy shopping, dining, or just wandering through town. The area is full of local shops, restaurants, pharmacies, and markets, where you can find everything from handcrafted souvenirs to authentic Mexican food.

Take a Jeep or Buggy Tour

On our first cruise to Cozumel, we did a guided Jeep tour, and it was a great way to see more of the island beyond the cruise port. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore, you can also do a similar tour in a dune buggy.

Many of these tours make stops at popular spots like Punta Sur Eco Park, local beaches, scenic coastal roads, and even a tequila tasting. Some also include snorkeling, making it a great way to mix adventure with time in the water.

If you book a private tour, it’s usually customizable, so you can choose where to go and how long to spend at each stop. If you prefer a more structured experience, group tours follow a set itinerary and are a great way to see the highlights with other cruisers.

Tour Option:
Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkeling [book here]

Visit Punta Sur Eco Park

Punta Sur Eco Park offers a mix of wildlife, beaches, and scenic views for a more nature-focused excursion. You can climb the Celarain Lighthouse for a panoramic view of the island, visit the small Mayan ruins of El Caracol, and spot crocodiles in the lagoon. The park also has a beautiful stretch of beach that’s far less crowded than the main tourist spots.

Visit Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park

Located inside Cozumel’s National Marine Park, Chankanaab is a popular spot for snorkeling, swimming, and dolphin encounters. The park also has nature trails, Mayan replicas, and a sea lion show, making it an excellent option for families.

Tour Option:
Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park Day pass and Snorkeling package [book here]

Go on a Catamaran and Snorkeling Excursion

A catamaran tour is a great way to visit some of Cozumel’s best snorkeling spots while enjoying time on the water. Cozumel sits along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest reef system in the world, making it one of the top places for snorkeling in the Caribbean.

These tours typically stop at top reefs like Palancar and Columbia, include open-bar service, and sometimes even lunch, depending on what you book. Many snorkeling excursions also stop at El Cielo, a shallow sandbar with crystal-clear water and plenty of starfish—a perfect relaxing spot after exploring the reefs.

If you love snorkeling, this is one excursion that’s worth it. You’ll experience Cozumel’s clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a laid-back sailing experience all in one trip.

Tour Options:
Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs [book here]
Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Bay Snorkeling Tour [book here]

Visit the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio

If you’re into history, San Gervasio Ruins offers a glimpse into Cozumel’s Mayan past. This ancient site was once a place of worship for the goddess Ixchel, and while it’s not as large as Tulum or Chichén Itzá, it’s still worth a visit if you want to see Mayan ruins without leaving the island.

The ruins are set in a jungle environment, and the site is easy to explore. Some excursions visit San Gervasio as part of a larger island tour, combining it with stops at Punta Sur Eco Park, a beach club, or even a tequila tasting.

Tour Option:
Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach Break [book here]

Try Local Food and Drinks

When you’re in Mexico, you must try the local food, and Cozumel is no exception. Grab some authentic tacos and fresh seafood, or even stop for a local tequila tasting. If you really want to experience the island’s food scene, a food tour is a great way to sample a variety of local dishes while learning more about the flavors of the region—it’s one of our favorite ways to explore a new place through its food.

Tour Option:
Cozumel Food Tour [book now]

Explore the Jade Caverns & Cenote

For something different, Jade Caverns offers a mix of adventure and natural beauty. Located in the jungle, this cenote (natural sinkhole) is surrounded by lush vegetation and stalactite formations, making it a great spot for exploring and swimming. Many excursions to Jade Caverns include an ATV or off-road vehicle ride through rugged jungle terrain before arriving at the cenote. The water has a unique, mineral-rich scent due to its natural sulfur content, but it’s completely safe for swimming.

Tour Options:
Jade Caverns Private Jeep Tour with Lunch and Snorkeling [book here]
Private Cozumel Jeep and Jade Cavern Cenote Tour [book here]
ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with Transfer [book here]