Cozumel and Costa Maya
Mexico’s Caribbean cruise ports, from island reefs to forest ruins.
Get Cozumel Cruise QuotesMexico’s Caribbean Cruise Ports
Cozumel is an island off the Yucatán Peninsula, and it is on more Western Caribbean itineraries than any other stop. Costa Maya, farther south near the Belize border, is a port built specifically for cruise ships beside the fishing village of Mahahual.
Cozumel has several cruise piers along its west coast, south of the town of San Miguel. Depending on the pier, downtown is a walk or a short taxi ride. The island is famous for clear water and drift diving along reefs protected as a national marine park, and for being the jumping-off point to Tulum and the Riviera Maya on the mainland.
Your Cozumel Day
Snorkel and dive
Boat trips to the island’s reefs, including Palancar, run from the piers. Beach clubs south of town offer easy snorkeling from shore.
San Miguel
The waterfront promenade, shops, the main square and local restaurants away from the busiest streets.
Tulum by ferry
A passenger ferry crosses to Playa del Carmen, and tours continue to the clifftop ruins at Tulum. A long day, best on a full call.
The wild east coast
A rental jeep or tour reaches the windswept, undeveloped east side of the island, with its beach bars and crashing surf.
Costa Maya
Costa Maya was built for cruise visitors, so the pier complex has shops, pools and restaurants inside the gate. Beyond it, the little town of Mahahual has a sandy beachfront lined with beach clubs, a short taxi ride away.
The main reason to go farther is history: the Mayan site of Chacchoben, set in forest about an hour inland, is one of the most popular excursions, with temples and plazas that see far fewer visitors than the famous sites up the coast. Kayaking, snorkeling on the reef just offshore, and lagoon tours fill out the menu.
Tours with live prices: Cozumel shore excursions and Costa Maya shore excursions on our Caribbean Cruise Ports site.
Mexico’s other ports: the Gulf port of Progreso (for Mérida and Chichén Itzá) and the Pacific coast are covered by Mexico Cruising.
Practical Notes
- The Mexican peso is the currency, but U.S. dollars and cards are widely accepted in cruise areas; small bills help.
- Mexico charges cruise visitors a per-passenger fee that the cruise line adds to your taxes and fees; nothing is paid on the pier.
- Use biodegradable, reef-safe sunscreen — many reef tours and parks require it.
- Agree taxi fares before you set off; they are usually set by zone.
Cozumel is also the port most likely to appear on a short cruise, so it is often a traveler’s first taste of Mexico. If that is you, keep the first visit simple: a beach club or snorkel trip close to the piers, then lunch in San Miguel. Save the long Tulum day for a later cruise or a week with a full call in port, when the ferry crossing and the drive will not leave you watching the clock.
Cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya
Tell us whether you want a short Cozumel getaway or a full week with Costa Maya and Central America. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will price both kinds of trip for you, free.
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