Things to do in Cozumel on a cruise port day
Sorted by how much time you need, travel from the pier included. Looking for a plan by hours? 4 hours · 6 hours.
Town
San Miguel waterfront and island museum
The seafront promenade, the main square (Parque Benito Juárez) and the small Museo de la Isla de Cozumel on the waterfront, with displays on the reef and Maya history. Walkable from Punta Langosta; a short taxi ride from the southern piers.
Town
Discover Mexico parkbeing verified
An open-air park close to the southern piers with scale models of Mexican landmarks, a small museum and tequila tasting. Easy to fit in if you only have a couple of hours.
Tour
San Gervasio Maya site
The largest Maya site on the island, once a pilgrimage place for the goddess Ixchel. The ruins are small compared with the mainland but shaded by forest. Entry fee; guides wait at the entrance.
Tours & prices (3)
Chocolate Workshop at Mayan Cacao Company
Authentic Mayan Cooking Class in Cozumel
Punta Sur, Mayan Park & Snorkel Adventure
Nature
Chankanaab beach park
A national park just south of the piers with a natural lagoon, a botanical garden and snorkelling straight off the shore. Entry fee; sea lion and dolphin shows cost extra.
Water
Snorkel boat to El Cielo and Palancar
A boat trip to the shallow sandbar of El Cielo, known for starfish, plus one or two reef stops. Many boats pick up at or near the southern piers. Do not touch or lift the starfish.
Tours & prices (4)
Palancar, Colombia and El Cielo Reef Snorkeling
El Cielo Starfish Sanctuary, Reefs & Fresh Ceviche
Catamaran Tours To El Cielo
Snorkel Tour to El Cielo, Palancar, and Colombia
Beach
Paradise Beach and the southwest beach clubsbeing verified
Most of the beach time on Cozumel is spent at beach clubs on the calm west coast, such as Paradise Beach and Playa Mia. Expect an entry or minimum-spend fee in return for loungers, pools and calm, clear water.
Water
Diving Palancar Reef
Cozumel is one of the best-known dive destinations in the Caribbean, with drift dives along the walls of the protected marine park. Certified divers can book two-tank boat dives that fit a port day; bring your certification card.
Beach
The wild east coast
The windward side is almost undeveloped: rocky coves, surf and a few simple beach bars. Strong currents make most of it unsafe for swimming; Chen Río has a sheltered cove. Best combined with Punta Sur in a rental car or on a taxi tour.
Nature
Punta Sur eco park and Celarain lighthousebeing verified
The southern tip of the island: a lighthouse you can climb, a lagoon with crocodiles and birds, and quiet beaches with shore snorkelling. Entry fee; there is little shade.
Tours & prices (3)
Private Buggy Tour to Punta Sur Park All-Inclusive
Classic Jeep or Buggy Island Tour to Punta Sur