Cruise Port Guide · Mexico

Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, an island off Mexico’s Yucatán coast known for turquoise water, beach clubs and some of the best snorkelling and diving anywhere. Amy has been several times, from beach club days to a private island tour with tequila tasting.

Cozumel at a glance

Where ships dockCruise piers south of San Miguel

Getting aroundTaxi, tour or on foot near the pier

Excursion needed?No, beach clubs are an easy taxi ride

CurrencyMexican peso, US dollars widely accepted

Best forBeach clubs, snorkelling, tequila!

Time you needA full port day

Amy Davoli, CTATravel & Cruise Consultant

“Overall a great day in Cozumel!”

Our top picks in Cozumel

Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.

A private island tour

Amy’s pickTequila tasting

Amy hired a private tour guide for her group of 10. They spent 2.5 hours driving around the island, stopping for photos and learning some history. One stop was an authentic Mexican experience: tequila tasting, homemade tortillas, Mayan salsa made with pumpkin seeds and cilantro, and chocolate, all sampled of course! Then it was through the jungle, where they spotted a white heron, a crocodile and two coatis.

How long: About 2.5 hours
Amy’s group: 10 people, one private guide
You’ll taste: Tequila, salsa, tortillas, chocolate
You might see: Crocodiles and coatis

Tip: Go early! Amy’s group was the only one at the tequila stop, which made it so much nicer.

Chula’s beach club

Beach clubGreat value

After the island tour, Amy’s group spent the afternoon at Chula’s, a local beach club that was new to her. The entrance fee includes the pool, chairs, umbrellas, Wi-Fi, an inflatable water park, a tequila tasting, kayaks and paddle boards. The service was fantastic and very attentive, the tacos were delicious, and the bathrooms and change rooms had an attendant, so everything was so clean!

Entrance: $20 USD per person
Included: Pool, loungers, kayaks, inflatables
Not included: Towels, food and drinks
Amy’s group stayed: 2 hours (it went fast!)

Tip: Bring your own towel from the ship, since towels aren’t included at Chula’s.

Paradise Beach

Beach dayEasy taxi

On another visit, Amy took a taxi to Paradise Beach Cozumel for the day. There was lots of room at the beach and at the heated pool (the biggest on the island), and the bathrooms were spotless, with staff cleaning constantly. Entry includes the main facilities and lounge chairs, plus a minimum food and drink spend, which Amy says was so worth it, the food was FANTASTIC. She’d definitely go back!

Entrance: $25 USD per person
Food and drink: $10 USD minimum per person
Fun Pass: $18 USD (slides, paddle boards)
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tip: Paradise Beach can sell out on busy ship days, so ask us about booking ahead. An all-inclusive day pass is also available.

Thinking about staying longer?

Amy toured three side-by-side Cozumel resorts: Dreams Cozumel Cape, Secrets Aura and Sunscape Sabor. Read her site inspection review.

Read Amy’s Cozumel review →

More ideas for your day in Cozumel

Popular things to do that we book for clients.

Green sea turtle swimming over the seabed in the Caribbean

Snorkel the reefs

Cozumel is famous for its clear water and coral reefs, home to turtles, rays and colourful fish. Snorkel and dive tours leave right from the island, and they’re great for beginners too.

Aerial view of a ferry docked at a pier in Cozumel, Mexico

Ferry to Playa del Carmen

Want to see the mainland? Playa del Carmen is an easy ferry ride from Cozumel, with shopping and restaurants along Fifth Avenue. Just watch the ferry times and your all-aboard!

The pier in front of Secrets Aura Cozumel, Mexico

Stay a few nights

Love Cozumel? Amy toured Dreams Cozumel Cape (family-friendly) and Secrets Aura (adults only), small side-by-side resorts about 20 minutes from the airport. Read her review on our blog.

Know before you go

Bring cash: Small US bills are handy for taxis, beach club entrances and tips.
Pack your towel: Some beach clubs, like Chula’s, don’t include towels.
Use reef-safe sunscreen: to help protect Cozumel’s reefs.
Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).

Cozumel FAQs

Quick answers for your day in port

What is there to do in Cozumel on a cruise?

Spend the day at a beach club like Chula’s or Paradise Beach, take a private island tour with a tequila tasting, snorkel the reefs, or take the ferry to Playa del Carmen.

How much does a beach club cost in Cozumel?

Chula’s was $20 USD per person when Amy visited. Paradise Beach is currently $25 USD per person to enter, plus a $10 USD minimum food and drink spend, with an $18 USD Fun Pass for the slides and paddle boards. Prices change, so ask us for current rates.

Do I need a tour in Cozumel?

No. A taxi to a beach club is easy, but a private tour is a great way to see the island, like Amy’s group did.

Do I need a passport for a Caribbean cruise?

Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.

Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?

No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with tours, pre-cruise hotels and transfers.

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