COZUMEL, Mexico

Located off the coast of Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is an island located in Quintana Roo that has been a haven for water sports enthusiasts for decades.

Mexico’s largest island is also one of the Caribbean’s most visited cruise ports, with it’s 3 different docking locations on the inner side of the island allowing on a full day, although rare, up to 8 cruise ships to dock in a single day.

The three terminals are Punta Langosta, Puerto Maya, and the International Cruise Terminal. Punta Langosta is closest to San Miguel, the main town on the island, and the hub for restaurants, bars, and shopping, whilst the other two are approx. 2.5 miles / 4km from the central town area.

San Miguel is also where the ferries depart to the mainland, to access not only Playa del Carmen, but also Cancun, Tulum, and many Mayan archeological sites. The ferries take roughly 45 minutes at a cost of approximately $10USD each way.

If you are looking to stay local, the inner side of the island, the same side cruise ships arrive into, is where the majority of the best diving and snorkeling sites are, and the coastline is lined with dive centers and beach bars. If you are looking for a more relaxing beach day, the opposite side of the island is where the majority of the nicer beaches are located.