Things to Do in Cozumel: A Puerta Maya Cruise Port Guide
Chances are, when you search for a cruise from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, you’ll find that Cozumel is one of the itinerary destinations, and for good reason.
I just returned from Cozumel on a Regal Princess Cruise, and when you get to Cozumel, you’ll see why it is the most popular cruise destination. There’s beautiful turquoise water and a colorful, vibrant atmosphere to match.
If you’re cruising from Galveston, you’ll most likely dock at the Puerta Maya cruise port in Cozumel, unless you’re on a Royal Caribbean Cruise, which docks at International Pier. Both Puerta Maya and International Pier alone have plenty to see and do.
As a Caribbean Destination Specialist, I’ll share some insights in this post that will help you discover the best things to do at the Cozumel cruise port within walking distance, shopping tips, safety advice, family-friendly things to do, mention some beaches near Puerta Maya, and even share a sample itinerary for a day at the Cozumel cruise port.
If you’re ready, let’s get started planning your day ashore at the Cozumel cruise port in Puerta Maya.
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What to Expect at the Cozumel Cruise Port in Puerta Maya
Well, the first thing you can expect is to take a lot of pictures! Seriously, as soon as you disembark and before you walk the pier, you’ll see the beautiful waters and the distant backdrop (so to speak) of Puerta Maya.
Even if you don’t walk the entire pier to enter the cruise center, you’ll have some good photo opportunities, with some allowing you to have a view of your ship (and possibly a few other ships) in view.
The pier has pedicabs that will transport you to and from the cruise ship along the pier to the duty-free shop for a tip (cash only).
I took a few photos and a video of the pedicabs so that you can see the process.
You can get a pedicab ride right at the gangway of your cruise ship (where you enter and exit the ship to go ashore) and be transported directly to the front of the DuFry (Cozumel Duty Free Shop).
The video below shows the entire ride and timeframe.
This is a great option if you have mobility issues or want to conserve your energy for walking at the cruise center or other excursion activities.
The Three Main Cozumel Cruise Piers
Just to make you aware, there are three main cruise piers in Cozumel. Of the three, Puerta Maya is considered a newer cruise center with restaurants, over 50 shops, lots of shaded plazas, and waterfront views that are great for videos and taking pictures.
The other two cruise piers are: International Pier for Royal Caribbean, which is next to Puerta Maya (in eye’s view), and Punta Langosta, which is downtown and closest to San Miguel city center.
Puerta Maya Highlights
- Palm-lined walkways and shaded plazas
- A large shopping village with Mexican artisans and duty-free stores
- Popular chain restaurants (Margaritaville, Señor Frog’s)
- Performers and dancers greeting passengers
- Immediate taxi access for beach clubs & excursions
What’s Within Walking Distance from Puerta Maya
You’ll find:
- Dozens of shops
- Waterfront bars & restaurants
- Live music
- A small free beach area (not ideal for swimming)
- International Pier (about 5–7 minutes walking)
For swimming beaches or snorkeling, you’ll need a taxi or excursion, but they are only 5–15 minutes away.
Top Things to Do in Cozumel Near the Cruise Port in Puerta Maya
There’s a lot to do at the Puerta Maya Cozumel cruise port. So, that means you can decide if you want to stay near the port or go farther into Cozumel.
We’ll look at a few things that will be budget-friendly, interest your family, and remain within walking distance so that you can keep an eye on the time and not miss getting back to the cruise ship in time.
Speaking of time, while in Cozumel, make note of the time difference. For our cruise ship, we had to set our time an hour forward. So that, in addition to not missing returning to the ship on time, you don’t miss your planned and scheduled excursions as well.
Relax at the Best Beaches Near the Cozumel Cruise Port
There are some beach clubs near Puerta Maya that you’ll want to consider, and we’ll discuss a few.
Whichever you choose, be prepared to see iguanas, coatis, and enjoy food, ocean views, relaxation, and the beauty of Cozumel, with each one approximately within 8-15 minutes from the Puerta Maya cruise center.
Insider Tip: Remember to bring your water shoes because the beach club waters can be rocky, and because the waters can be rocky and shallow, avoid jumping and diving into the waters.
Playa Mia Grand Beach Park
Playa Mia is a family-oriented beach park, and includes play areas for children.
If you choose to visit Playa Mia, you can purchase entry tickets when you arrive, through a cruise excursion, or online.
You can choose if you want to access just the beach park and the included amenities, or if you want to include unlimited food or take cooking classes.
Distance: 8-15 minutes away from the Puerta Maya cruise center by taxi
Paradise Beach Club
This is a favorite because the Paradise Beach Club offers two entry packages.
There’s a standard day pass that allows you to pay for only the food and beverages you eat and drink.
You can also choose the all-inclusive package, meaning once you pay to enter, food and specified beverages are unlimited.
Besides food and beverages, both packages include access to the pool, beach, and lounge chairs (pool and beach loungers).
There is also an option to add a Fun Pass that includes access to the inflatable water park, snorkel equipment, and stand-up paddleboards (SUP). Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own towel (if you forget, you can purchase one at the Paradise Beach boutique).
You can visit without a reservation and pay at the entrance, but consider making a reservation, because capacity is limited and is reached fairly quickly as the day goes by.
Distance: 8-15 minutes away from the Puerta Maya cruise center by taxi
Insider Tip: Try to get a poolside lounger if you can. There are so many beach loungers that your view will be restricted (seeing the back of a lounge chair), and there will also be vendors who will approach you for sales.
Mr. Sanchos Beach Club
Another favorite for cruisers who choose their own adventures is Mr. Sanchos Beach Club. With their all-inclusive day pass, you get unlimited food and beverages, access to pools, loungers, and beach hammocks.
There are additional options for spa services like massages, manicures, and pedicures. There’s also hair braiding, henna tattoos, and a water park, all for additional and separate costs.
Distance: 15 minutes by taxi
Insider Tip: If you’re considering going to Mr. Sanchos, it’s best to reserve your visit, or if you don’t reserve, go early in the day, because space is limited and lounger availability fills pretty fast.
Money Bar Beach Club
The name might imply that it’s only a bar or that it’s a club, but the Money Bar Beach Club is a restaurant that also offers a great snorkeling spot.
Also, the Money Bar Beach Club does not have an actual beach, but there’s an ocean view with more or less what’s like a sand court with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and access points for snorkeling.
If you order a bite to eat, you can make an excursion out of it and snorkel, too, and it will cost much less than purchasing an excursion. The menu prices are listed in pesos, but the Money Bar Beach Club also accepts USD and all major credit cards.
Why snorkelers prefer and love it:
- No entrance fee (just order food or beverage)
- Shallow, clear water
- Beachside restaurant
- Access to the Dzul Ha Reef (snorkeling)
Distance: 5-7 minutes away from the Puerta Maya cruise center by taxi
Top Cozumel Beach Clubs and Distances
| Beach / Beach Club | Distance From Puerta Maya | Taxi Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Money Bar Beach Club | ~3.2 miles / 5.1 km | 5–7 minutes | Closest snorkeling spot & easiest ride |
| Paradise Beach Club | ~4.2 miles / 6.7 km | 8–10 minutes | Very consistent timing, close & easy |
| Playa Mia Grand Beach Park | ~5.3 miles / 8.5 km | 10–15 minutes | Slightly farther, traffic varies |
| Mr. Sanchos Beach Club | ~5.7 miles / 9.1 km | 12–15 minutes | Popular all-inclusive day pass |
| Nachi Cocom | ~5.9 miles / 9.4 km | 12–15 minutes | More relaxed, limited-capacity beach club |
| SkyReef Cozumel | ~2.2 miles / 3.5 km | 4–6 minutes | Another very close reef snorkel spot |
| Sunset Beach (Free/Pay-as-you-go) | ~1.5 miles / 2.4 km | 3–4 minutes | Small, convenient, and very close |
Snorkeling and Water Adventures Near Puerta Maya
If you want to try snorkeling for the first time, or if you’re a pro, or if you want to stay dry and still see the ocean as if you were snorkeling, I’ll list two snorkeling experiences and a boat tour you can try.
You’ll see that Cozumel has great snorkeling for beginners with Mesoamerican Barrier Reef as one of the top snorkeling attractions.
Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park for Snorkeling
There’s not really an all-inclusive entrance price here at Chankanaab. What you will find are multiple vendors within the park itself, and that’s where your additional prices and upsells come in.
You can expect to enjoy snorkeling, the beach, and food, depending on where you purchased the ticket and which package you purchased, but the park itself does not sell an all-inclusive ticket.
If you want to go snorkeling, there are underwater statues, along with beautiful fish and reefs.
It’s great for beginner-friendly shore entry. There are opportunities to scuba dive and snorkel, so you can explore underwater statues and reef gardens.
Equipment rentals are available, but bring your own towels, water shoes, and non-mineral-based sunscreen (to protect marine life and reefs).
There is a buffet, pools, replicas of Mayan ruins, botanical gardens, a lagoon, a crocodile exhibit, sea lion shows, and dolphin encounters.
You can play and swim with the dolphins during the dolphin encounter, but this is an extra cost per person in addition to the entrance fee.
Be prepared to be approached by the staff and vendors to offer packages and sell amenities.
If you’re not interested, just politely say no, thank you. You might be approached a few more times, but afterwards the staff will remember your declines.
Distance: 10 minutes
Insider Tip: There is a marine fee in addition to your entrance fee. You should also plan to carry extra cash for tipping (servers, snorkel guides, and interacting with birds to tip bird handlers, etc).
Catamaran and Snorkel Tours
If you want to go snorkeling with a group, you can board a catamaran and sail to an ideal snorkel spot.
If you choose a snorkel tour, you might visit the Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, and El Cielo (starfish sanctuary and sandbar). Some of the snorkel tours stop by some of the beach clubs I mentioned earlier in the post.
You can bring your own snorkel gear, but gear is usually provided.
Departure for catamaran tours is typically from the marina, about 10-15 minutes away.
Glass Bottom Boat Tours
Not everyone wants to snorkel and literally reach out and touch fish, and that’s where glass bottom boat tours come in. But if you do want to snorkel, you can do that too.
Just know you have options to do one or both, and this is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a water adventure solo, with your family, or with small children.
Cozumel Snorkeling Spots
| Snorkeling Location | Distance | Taxi Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dzul Ha Reef (Money Bar) | 3.2 miles | 5–7 minutes | Excellent shore snorkeling |
| Chankanaab Park | ~3.8 miles / 6.1 km | 7–9 minutes | Very close to Puerta Maya |
| SkyReef | ~2.2 miles | 4–6 minutes | One of the closest reef entries |
| Tikila Bar Snorkel Spot | ~2.0 miles | 4–6 minutes | Close, budget-friendly |
Cozumel Cruise Port Excursions Worth Booking
If you’re only going to be in port for only a few hours, you want to have excursions that will fit into your cruise schedule. Here are a few options if you are in port for six to eight hours.
San Gervasio Mayan Ruins
In addition to the Mayan Ruins, you will see lots of iguanas and some coatis as you take a self-guided tour of the Mayans’ history and culture present in the Ruins.
Insider Tip: Consider repellent, due to the numerous trees, shrubbery, and climate, unfortunately, there are mosquitoes.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
If you want to see a beautiful lighthouse (133 steps to the top of the lighthouse) while on the beach, then, try visiting Punta Sur Eco Beach (but look out for the crocodiles!).
This beach has white sand, a small Mayan structure, a navigational museum, a boat tour, an observation tour, a nature trail, and wildlife with an ecological lagoon (with mosquitoes).
It’s well worth the visit.
ATV and Jeep Excursions
You can rent a jeep or ATV to ride along the beach and expand your adventure opportunities during your beach time.
Dolphin Discovery
Dolphins are adorable! You can see dolphins at Chankanaab at their dolphin discovery.
Cozumel Cooking Class
If you want to learn to make salsa (or salsa dancing), you have an opportunity to learn to prepare Mexican dishes as one of your excursions.
Attractions Near Puerta Maya
| Attraction | Distance | Taxi Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chankanaab Adventure Park | ~3.8 miles | 7–9 minutes | Shortest ride for full-service park |
| Discover Mexico Park | ~1.8 miles | 3–5 minutes | Very close + family friendly |
| San Gervasio Ruins | ~10.5 miles / 17 km | 25–30 minutes | Inland, so longer travel |
| Downtown San Miguel | ~3.5 miles / 5.6 km | 8–10 minutes | Shopping, dining, mural photo ops |
| Punta Sur Eco Park | ~18 miles / 29 km | 35–45 minutes | Furthest major attraction |
Cozumel Cruise Port Shopping in Puerta Maya
Puerta Maya is one of the best shopping ports in the Western Caribbean, offering a mix of local artisans and well-known brands.
Where to Shop
- Los Cincos Soles (handcrafted goods)
- Del Sol & Cariloha (UV clothing & bamboo apparel)
- Duty-free shops for perfumes
- Local markets for souvenirs
Best Items to Buy
- Handwoven hammocks
- Mexican pottery
- Vanilla extract
- Onyx and silver jewelry
- Leather crafts
What NOT to Buy
- “Real” black coral jewelry
- Suspiciously cheap diamonds or gemstones
- Any wildlife products
Family Friendly Things to Do in Cozumel on a Cruise
The great part about Cozumel is that it is family-friendly, and your little one can enjoy family-oriented activities at the cruise port.
Children-Friendly Excursions
- Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park – You and your family can enjoy snorkeling, sea lions, dolphins, see beautiful gardens, and easily walk along paths along the beach park
- Playa Mia Water Park – There are massive water park inflatables and slides. There’s also children-safe swimming zones.
- Discover Mexico Park – This is where you can see miniature replicas of famous replicas of Mexico for a cultural yet educational experience.
- Submarine Experience – Yes, there is a real submarine that descends 100 feet, so that you can view reefs.
- Chocolate Making Workshop – This speaks for itself! Fun and children can learn while tasting!
Things to Do Within Walking Distance of the Cozumel Cruise Port
Not everyone wants to try adventuresome excursions or excursions in general. I completely understand that!
If you prefer to stay close to your ship, there’s plenty to do at the cruise center in Puerta Maya.
Free or Low-Cost Family Activities
Walkable Activities
- Shopping plazas
- Waterfront dining
- Local performers
- Small craft markets
- Plenty of photo opportunities with all of the Cozumel signs
Walk to the International Pier
If you choose to walk to the International Pier, it may be roughly a 5-7 minute walk. At the International Pier, you’ll see more restaurants, shops, and additional taxi stands.
Insider Tip: Know that even at the International Pier, there will not be swimming beaches. Cozumel swimming beaches all require a short taxi ride because of the shallow and somewhat rocky shorelines near the cruise ports.
How to Get Around Cozumel from Puerta Maya
Transportation from the cruise ship and from the Puerta Maya cruise port is plentiful and readily available.
As I mentioned earlier, to get to and from the cruise ship, you can take a pedicab for a customary tip. You should not be asked for a set fee or rate of any kind, as this is a service provided by the Cozumel cruise port.
After walking through the duty-free store, you can walk through the cruise center by following the signs to get to any of the following:
Walking
You can definitely get around the cruise port and the cruise center by walking, but you are limited outside of the cruise center due to distances for extra activities, excursions, and private beaches.
Taxi
The taxis in Cozumel are highly regulated and easily identifiable. You’ll see cab numbers on the white taxi cabs that have distinctive red markings, so that it is safer and reliable than finding other impromptu transportation options.
You’ll see a posted sign with taxi rates that are regulated by Cozumel and located at the taxi stand, so no need to negotiate rates. Taxis are a one-way flat rate per taxi, not per passenger.
Keep small bills with you. Taxi drivers accept USD and MXN (pesos).
Be prepared to spend around $12-$18 per taxi ride to most of the beaches I mentioned in the post.
If you share a ride, you can see if your other passengers will divide the cost among each passenger equally.
Taxi Insider Tip: The taxi rates are posted for the one-way rate per taxi, not the number of passengers. Take a photo of the rates posted! Sometimes drivers increase rates after you’ve reached your destination or for the number of passengers, especially when you are sharing a taxi with others. Having the photo is your proof!
Shuttles and Excursion Vans
You may be the type of traveler who wants to avoid taxis altogether and book transportation through the cruise line.
That way, you have pickup location, arrival, and return times all handled by the cruise line. It is costlier, but if your transportation is running behind or late, the cruise ship will wait for you to board.
Jeep, Scooter, and Other Transportation Rentals
This is a little more riskier if you are not as experienced with Cozumel. You will need to be familiar with your surroundings, routes, traffic, and distances.
Insider Tip: If you choose this method of transportation, please plan on returning to the cruise ship at the very latest, 2 or more hours BEFORE “All Aboard.”
What to Eat Near Puerta Maya Cruise Port
Deciding to eat at Cozumel or waiting until you return to your ship is entirely up to you. There are a lot of restaurants you can choose from.
Best Restaurants Close to Port
Near and in Puerta Maya, you have options such as:
- Pancho’s Backyard where you can enjoy beautiful views and Mexican cuisine.
- Margaritaville that offers waterfront seating while you eat.
- Tres Amigos which has Tex-Mex meals.
Local Must-Try Restaurants
There are some local favorites within a short taxi-ride’s distance (5-15 minutes from the Puerta Maya cruise port), such as:
- La Choza – best dish to order: cochinita pibil
- Casa Denis – best dish to order: tacos al pastor
- Kinta Mexican Bistro – best dish to try: short rib birria (tender beef short ribs)
- The Money Bar – best dish to order: ceviche
Must-Try Foods
If you can’t wait to board the ship to eat, and you decide on eating in Cozumel, there are some foods that you might want to try, such as:
Fresh Ceviche is served chilled. It’s a light dish made with fresh fish or shrimp. It’s cooked in citrus juice mixed with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and mild peppers.
Precautions:
- Only order ceviche from busy and well-reviewed restaurants or beach clubs.
- Avoid and do not order or eat ceviche that has been sitting out in the sun.
- Shrimp ceviche is often more thoroughly prepared (because cooking time is minimal for shrimp), so if you have a sensitive stomach, try shrimp ceviche instead of fish.
Cochinita Pibil is a slow-roasted pork dish that is cooked until it is tender. The pork is marinated in achiote and citrus and usually served in tacos or plated with rice, beans, and pickled onions.
Precautions:
- Since cochinita pibil is fully cooked, it’s generally very safe to eat.
- If your stomach or palate is sensitive to spice, ask for mild toppings.
- Be mindful that sauces can also be spicy, so if sauces are included, sample lightly before adding.
Beef Tacos Pastor are made with beef that is marinated with spices. The beef is thinly sliced, plated with warm tortillas, and topped with onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
Precautions:
- Eat tacos at established restaurants instead of underused, unfrequented food carts.
- For food temperature safety, make sure the beef is hot and freshly cooked.
- Raw toppings might irritate sensitive stomachs, so decline to avoid possible stomach upset.
Marquesitas are freshly made, sweet, crispy crepe dessert that is thin and rolled with fillings like cheese, Nutella, banana, or caramel.
Precautions:
- Only order from restaurants with made-to-order visibility so that you can see them freshly made in front of you.
- If it appears that the fillings have been sitting in the heat, avoid ordering or eating them.
- There are other fillings to choose from besides dairy and nut-based, so remember stomach and allergy sensitivities when ordering.
General Eating Tips for Cozumel Cruise Visitors
To enjoy Cozumel’s food scene safely and comfortably:
- 💧 Drink bottled water only (including for brushing teeth if you’re sensitive)
- 🧊 Avoid ice unless you’re at a reputable restaurant or resort
- 🍽️ Eat where other tourists and locals are dining
- 🧼 Use hand sanitizer before meals, especially after excursions
- 🕒 Avoid food that’s been sitting out in the sun
- 🌶️ Start mild—Mexican flavors can be bold even when not spicy
Most cruise visitors have no issues at all when following these simple guidelines.
Cozumel Cruise Port Safety Tips Every Visitor Should Know
There are many people at the Cozumel cruise port throughout the year, and it is generally considered one of the safest cruise ports in Mexico. With that being said, you should still travel smart and keep the habit of knowing your surroundings and the customs of your destination.
Important Safety Tips
- Only use official Cozumel taxis.
- To protect the environment, marine life, and the reefs, only wear mineral-free, reef-safe sunscreen.
- Always secure your valuables either in your coded safe on board your cruise ship or, if you choose to transport them along, in a zippered secure bag or your chosen method of transport.
- Be mindful of the time zones. The ship’s time may be different than your port destination. Ships depart promptly, so keep time as a priority to ensure you are on time.
- If you consume alcoholic beverages, stay hydrated. Although restaurants serve limited alcohol and private beaches serve unlimited beverages, understand that heat and alcohol can lead to dehydration, which can become severe.
Beach Safety
- While on the beach and swimming, keep your eyes on the tide, currents, changes in weather, and most importantly, the color-coded flags that indicate water conditions, so that you can know when not to enter the water and when to exit promptly.
- Protect your belongings, whether that means keeping them close and secure or waterproofing them to avoid damage.
- Again, I can’t emphasize this enough: please stay hydrated. It is exciting to see all that Cozumel has to offer, and you can lose sight of how much or how little water you have consumed.
- It’s best to monitor your water consumption at minimum, hourly, to avoid dehydration.
- Take care of yourself and your loved ones as you travel!
What to Pack for One Day in Cozumel
Time spent at the port varies, and it will determine how you pack. Our ship itinerary included an overnight dock in Cozumel.
I list some “essentials” and “good-to-have” items for a day in Cozumel, but of course, you can add to or take away items based on your needs and preferences.
Cozumel Cruise Port Essentials
- Reef-safe (mineral-free) sunscreen
- Sunglasses and a hat
- Umbrella (for the sun, and from experience, sometimes there are spurts of random rain and light mists)
- Swimsuit and sarong or cover-up
- Portable charger
- Cash (small bills for taxis and tips – you’ll be surprised at the amount of suggested tipping – even Mariachi band photos if someone offers to take a photo of you with them!)
- Water shoes (much-needed to protect your feet, because again some waters are rocky and shallow).
- Snorkel gear – this is optional, but can be helpful. Some venues have snorkel gear available
- Beach Towel(s) are a must because you’ll need to purchase one at a private beach if you don’t bring one from the ship. If you use the ship’s towels, make sure you bring them back to your stateroom.
Cozumel Cruise Port Good-to-Have Items
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof device cases (in general)
- Lightweight towel in addition to the beach towel (helpful for adding a little water to it and placing it on your body to cool down, just in case)
- Reusable water bottle (as mentioned earlier, monitor your water intake. A water bottle is a good way to know how much water you’ve consumed).
Sample One Day Cozumel Cruise Itinerary (Puerta Maya)
My cruise ship had an overnight port stay, but you may not. You can adjust and revise the sample one-day Cozumel cruise itinerary to meet your port of call needs. Enjoy!
Morning (8:00 – 11:30 am)
- Walk through the Puerta Maya cruise center
- Take time to shop and take pictures
- Take a taxi to your beach club, if you want to leave the cruise port (best to RSVP in advance)
- Try snorkeling, swimming, or relaxing on the beach
Lunch (12:00 – 1:30 pm)
- Return to the cruise ship to eat or try local favorites like ceviche, or if you’re at a private beach club, unlimited food (depending on your beach club package).
- If it agrees with your diet, try fresh coconut water, or cold agua fresca (different flavors and non-alcoholic)
Afternoon (1:30-3:30 pm)
Choose one of the following options of:
- Visiting San Gervasio ruins
- Exploring Punta Sur
- Enjoying more of the beach
- Trying a chocolate workshop
- Snorkeling at the Money Bar Beach
Before You Return Aboard the Ship (3:30 – 4:00 pm)
- Shop at Puerta Maya (souvenirs)
- Take final photos
Tip: Always return to the ship at least 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure.
Puerta Maya Cozumel Port Frequently Asked Questions
Even though we’ve covered quite a bit of information about the Cozumel cruise port in Puerta Maya, you may still have a few unanswered questions, such as:
What is there to do at Cozumel cruise port without an excursion?
Plenty! You can shop, enjoy live entertainment at Puerta Maya, and walk along the waterfront as you take pictures.
Can you walk to a beach from Cozumel cruise port?
No, there aren’t any sidewalks on coastal roads in several areas, and traffic can be heavy, constant, and fast.
The beaches are not swimmable near the port because they are rocky and shallow. There aren’t any swimmable beaches that don’t require a taxi ride. Some are a minimum of at least 2 miles.
Depending on the season, it can also be too hot to walk safely.
Taxis are relatively inexpensive and provide fast service. Be sure to confirm with the driver the taxi rates as posted at the taxi stand, and take a snapshot of the rates so that it is clear to you and the driver when you arrive at your destination.
When considering walking, keep your distances to the Puerta Maya shopping center and International Pier areas to have a feasible and doable walk to and from (factoring in distance, energy, and time).
Is Cozumel safe for cruise passengers?
Yes, Cozumel is considered one of the safest Caribbean cruise ports in Mexico.
Which beach is closest to Puerta Maya?
Paradise Beach and Playa Mia are the closest options. I included a chart in the post with the distances to beaches from the Puerta Maya cruise center.
What should I avoid in Cozumel?
You should avoid using random taxis that are unlicensed and unregulated in Cozumel.
Taxis are clearly identifiable with taxi numbers (usually white with red letters) and located at the taxi stand near the taxi rate posting.
It’s also best practice to avoid too good to be true cheap gemstone deals (red flag and pressure sells are a “no, no”). Just kindly decline with a “no, thank you” and keep walking.
For safety, avoid swimming near the cruise ports, near boat traffic, and adhere to the “no diving” and “no jumping” signs. The waters can be shallow and rocky near the port.
Final Thoughts
If you’re cruising from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, it’s highly likely you’ll have Cozumel as a destination stop on your itinerary.
Cozumel is beautiful and enjoyable. It’s versatile because you can enjoy the shopping village at the Puerta Maya cruise center, go to private beach clubs, cruise excursions, or create your own excursions while at the cruise center.
You can enjoy walking, shopping, snorkeling, swimming, eating, relaxing, seeing the turquoise waters, waterfront views, and live entertainment.
As you plan your Galveston cruise, be sure to return to GalvestonCruiseDestinations.com for more tips, itineraries, and insider insights for pre-cruise, cruise, and post-cruise travel guides designed to help you cruise and travel to Galveston with confidence.