Ports

Things to do in Cozumel Mexico Near Port

Port of Cozumel welcomed more than 3 million cruise passengers in 2022 season
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Things to do in Cozumel Mexico near Port are Scuba Diving and ATV Adventure. Visitors can also go for snorkeling to see wrecked ships.

Along the powdery beaches known for rich Mexican culture and Mayan tradition, you can explore the island. It is surrounded by turquoise-blue Caribbean water. Visiting Mayan Ruins can introduce you to Maya civilization.

The cruise port in Cozumel offers several shore excursions like the Glass Bottom Boat tour and bird watching. Parasailing and paddleboarding are some of the most loved watersports here.

Our team has rounded up the list of things to do near the Port of Cozumel in Mexico.

1. Take A Tour To San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins's history spans from 100 B.C. through the 16th century A.D
Source : cozumelmexico

10 things to do in Cozumel Mexico include a tour to Mayan Ruins. Chichen Itza and San Gervasio are must-visit ruins for history buffs.

San Gervasio Mayan ruins are situated a 30-minute drive away from the port. The archaeological site was built as a sanctuary for the Goddess Ixchel.

The archaeological site has nine temples that were built over 1000 years ago. It is nestled within the backdrop of the lush jungle surrounded by trees and plants.

Explore the ancient buildings and structures in Chichen Itza. If you visit in summer, then you can witness the illusion of a snake crawling down the side of the pyramid in the afternoon sunlight.

  • Location: 77667 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 5.5 kilometers
  • Cost: $12.50

2. Watch Underwater World with Scuba Diving in Paradise Reef

Scuba diving locations in are Palancar Horseshoe, Santa Rosa Wall and more
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Things to do in Cozumel cruise port list has Scuba diving on top. Paradise Reef is connected to Cave Reef in the north.

The reef is famous for the night dive and second dive, where the current runs from South to North. The dive starts from the entrance of the local marina and drifts north into Marine Park.

Take a dive through the stunning coral reefs to spectacular marine life, including turtles and sea horses. You can find eagle rays and reef sharks in the west and bump-head parrotfish in the east.

Santa Rosa Wall scuba diving is also famous in Cozumel for deep dive sites. You can keep your eyes peeled for spotted eagle rays, boulder brain corals, and much more of Seaworld.

  • Location: 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel
  • Distance: 4.5 kilometers
  • Cost: From $379.50 to $517.50

3. Experience ATV or Dune Buggy Adventure

Take tough off roads and call for an adventure you have never experienced before
Source : getyourguide

Get your adrenaline rush thrilled with ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern. Discover traverse dirt paths surrounded by the abundant nature of Cozumel.

Ride through the narrow paths in Cozumel jungles and weave through the wilderness. It is a guided tour through the Coral Cove cave system and El Cedral village.

Drivers must have a driving license and wear safety gear like helmets and goggles. Travelers need to reach there 30 minutes prior to departure.

  • Location: 9284+H7P El Cedral, Quintana Roo, Mexico
  • Distance from Port: 16.1 kilometers
  • Cost: $65 per person

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4. Visit Underground River In Playa del Carmen

The underground secret river Rio Secreto is a hidden gem of Mexico. The undercurrent of sublime beauty was discovered in 2006.

Cruisers willing to visit this place must take a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen and then take a taxi ride. The cenotes are still being discovered every day; you can be the one to discover a new one.

Dramatic mineral formations are home to a variety of wildlife, including turtles and bats. Riviera Maya jungle is on your way, where you can delve to explore hidden caves.

  • Location: Carretera Federal Libre Chetumal - Puerto Juárez Km 283.5, Ejido Sur, 77712, 77712 Playa del Carmen
  • Distance from Port: 27.8 kilometers
  • Cost: $92 per person (By Tripadvisor)

5. Go On A Submarine Expedition

Submarine Atlantis TSXII is a 154 feet long ship operating since 2000
Source : mexicancaribbean

Submarine Expedition on Atlantis XII submarine is among the most loved things to do in Cozumel Mexico cruise port. Atlantis Submarines Cozumel operates the vessel.

Explore the tropical life of the Caribbean from 100 feet to over 30 meters. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic marine life, from silken manta rays to a variety of fishes.

The submarine takes you through the sunken ship Felipe Xicotencatl. Get views of the extraordinary Chankanaab reef, which is a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System.

It is a guided tour with over 26 side portholes. They provide a complimentary beverage to let you sip in the views with it.

  • Location: Carr. Costera Sur Km 4, Zona Hotelera Sur, 77675, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 6.1 kilometers
  • Cost: $115 per person for adults ($75 for kids)
  • Duration: 2 hours

6. Book A Bird Watching Package

Go to the old town of El Cedral and the jungle around the Cozumel Cha’an Ka’an planetarium for sightseeing. The Bird Watching package is offered by Sunset Beach Restaurant.

It is a round trip under the guidance of a nature and bird specialist. After the excursions, you will be invited to learn about the five different ecosystems and their functioning.

Bird-watching enthusiasts can discover Mango and Emerald hummingbirds. Sunscreen application is prohibited during the trip for the sake of preserving marine life.

  • Location: Sunset Beach Restaurant & Bar, Carretera Costera Sur Km. 3.2, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 5.7 kilometers
  • Cost: $120 USD
  • Duration: 5 hours

7. Explore Famous Shipwrecks

The C-53 ship was originally built in Tampa in 1943 at the Wilson Marine Shipworks
Source : californiadiver

The C-53 wreck dive site lies 24 meters deep in the park of Chankanaab Cozumel. She has been under the water for over 15 years.

C-53 participated in several military operations receiving five battle stars for her service at sea. You can visit the wrecked place via scuba diving.

The lifetime experience will be forever etched in your memories. Divers can get the privilege of visiting her hatches, hallways, and engine room with Felipe Xicotencatl boat.

  • Location: 77667 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 5.5 kilometers
  • Cost: $240 to $300 USD

8. Try Local Flavours

Senor Frog's provides colorful Mexican foods in Treasure Island Hotel
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Grab local flavors within the port areas of the main terminals of Cozumel. Senor Frog's and Cafe Punta del Cielo are must-try eatries.

Craving some flavors from across the sea? Celebrate the authentic Mexican flavors that come from indigenous Mayan people.

Guido's provides Swiss-Italian cuisines; their lasagnas and pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven taste heavenly. Jimmy Buffett's roasted pork, EL Cabano, comes at $13 USD, and chipotle-floured Quesadillas at $16 USD.

Bar Mandy offers 24 meals and drinks on the menu; appetizing Mexican cuisine is spiced up with mandi and shrimp. Las Flamitas is a budget-friendly option for dining there.

9. Give Your Tastebuds Flavours of Honey at the Mayan Bee Sanctuary

Mayan Bee Sanctuary self with honey jars and cups
Source : facebook

Mayan Bee Sanctuary has Mexico-native Melipona bees. The sacred Mayan bees build hives in hollow logs in the sanctuary.

Don't worry about the sting. The stingless bees produce special healing honey that is considered one of the most nutritional foods in the world.

You can purchase a variety of products made from honey. They have Honey Spa To To Kit and offer Perlas de Propoleo Tarro Pet at $5 USD.

The tour includes the importance of the bees today and their role in ancient traditions, and their conservation work. You can reach the sanctuary by taxi or bus trip.

  • Location: Carretera Transversal km 10, 77600, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 15.2 kilometers
  • Cost: $8 USD per person ($6 for kids)
  • Duration: 1-2 hours

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10. Take A Glass Bottom Boat And Snorkeling Tour

People watching water and marine life underneath the boat through glass bottom deck
Source : safetourscozumel

Aboard a glass bottom boat, visitors get to experience three reefs snorkeling. There is an additional fee of $8 USD per person as Pier and Marine Park fees.

The boat departs from the Hotel El Cid La Ceiba at the Puerta Maya pier. Boats are facilitated with a bathroom, a glass bottom for parties, and a sundeck for sunbathing.

Drinking bottled water and sodas are complimentary for you. They also provide snorkel tubes that can be taken home as a souvenir.

  • Location: Km 4.5, Av. Rafael E. Melgar, 77675 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
  • Distance from Port: 15.2 kilometers
  • Cost: $39.21 USD per person
  • Duration: 2 hours

11. Step back in time at Cozumel Island Museum

The Cozumel Island Museum has 11 interactive rooms. The Special Room honors the 146 years of Carnaval tradition.

There are two exhibition rooms for temporary exhibitions, Mayan Little Hall and Mayal House, and a public library. Exhibits showcase traditional Mexican folk art and pirates.

History through archaeological artifacts is worth watching. It features exhibits devoted to the ancient Mayan goddess Ixchel and her role in the history of the island.

  • Location: Av. Rafael E. Melgar 321-Planta Alta, entre calle 4 y 6 Norte, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel
  • Distance from Port: 5.1 kilometers
  • Contact Number: +52 987 872 1434
  • Cost: $11 USD per person
  • Duration: 1 hour

12. Visit The City From Above With Parasailing

Parasailing  is one of the most thrilling experiences offered in Cozumel
Source : manawa

Albatross Parasailing Cozumel has served in the region for the last 21 years. It is one of the best experiences you can get in near Cozumel Cruise Port.

Enjoy panoramic views of the Cozumel coastline from 600 feet above the ocean. They can group 1 to 3 people per flight with a maximum weight of 350 lbs.

Fellow cruisers who don't want to take the adventure can stay as riders for $25 per rider.

  • Location: Hotel Barracuda, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quitana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 4.6 kilometers
  • Contact Number: +52 987 100 5804
  • Cost: $79.99 USD per person
  • Duration: 1 hour

13. Go For Paddleboarding

If you are feeling extra adventurous, why not try your hands at paddleboarding? Stand-up paddleboarding has taken the world by storm over the past few years.

De Lille Sports at Hotel Barracuda offers guided paddles to the clear Caribbean waters. They have a night paddleboarding to take you to awe-inspiring scenes when the sea illuminates.

The excursion can be customized to the level of participants' knowledge. Hop into the sea in the coast of Cozumel accompanied by a captain or instructor.

  • Location: Barracuda Hotel, Av. Rafael E. Melgar 628, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quitana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 4.6 kilometers
  • Contact Number: +52 987 100 5804
  • Cost: $60 USD per person
  • Duration: 1.5 hours

14. Make Chocolate In Mayan Way

Mayan Cacao Company carries the history over 50 years of experience in chocolate making
Source : themayancacaocompany

Uncover the ancient ways to make Mayan chocolates with cacao seeds. You can participate in the Mayan Cacao Company's Chocolate or Margarita workshop.

The tour includes a Mayan purification ritual and handmade Corn Tortilla tasting. You can also learn about Mexican traditions and visit a Mayan Hunt.

Craft your own chocolate and purchase the traditional Mayan drinks to take back home. The experienced guide first describes the process of chocolate making from scratch.

  • Location: The Mayan Cacao Company, Km. 15.000, Carr. Costera Sur Km. 15.000-Sur, Zona Hotelera, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel
  • Distance from Port: 10.5 kilometers
  • Contact Number: +52 987 120 9431
  • Cost: $39 USD per person ($32 for kids)
  • Duration: 1.5 hours

15. Enjoy Some Duty-Free Shopping

Avid shoppers can go for duty-free shopping near Cozumel cruise port. There are two shopping malls situated adjacent to the port.

There is no shortage of amazing souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. Locally handcrafted items like leather goods and jewelry are must-buys.

Visit luxury store Pama for incredible finds in downtown San Miguel. You can get unique home decor items like hand-blown glass at the Gallery Azul.

Show your bargaining skills at Los Cinco Soles, where you can find an array of local souvenirs. Mercado Municipal is within a 10-minute distance from the port, so why not take a quick ride?

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16. Treat Yourself With A Massage

Mayan Essence Cozumel offer variety of massage techniques to relive tension in the muscles
Source : facebook

Give your body the rest it deserves after a long tiring day at Mayan Essence Cozumel. They provide a blend of ancient Mayan techniques and modern technologies.

Have you noticed that after the beach, the sunray, and the salt water, the skin of the face dry out? Restore your skin's glow with facial massages.

The treatment compromises natural ingredients such as local herbs and aloe vera.

  • Location: Carretera Costera Sur Km 8+440, Zona hotelera Sur, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 4.9 kilometers
  • Contact Number: +52 987 113 3928
  • Cost: $300-$500 USD per session
  • Duration: 1 hour and 50 minutes

17. Dip Your Toes In Beach Sand of Sunset Beach

Things to do in Cozumel near cruise port is walking on Sunset Beach. Passengers can book a taxi ride for roughly $8 to reach the beach.

You can get rental gear like umbrellas and cabanas at $10 for the day. Put your sunscreen on and soak in the sunlight by sipping on your favorite beverage.

Other beaches, Playa Corona, Playa Chen Rio and Playa Palancar, are also in the proximity area. Some beaches are lined with jagged rocks, so choose your getaway wisely.

  • Location: Km. 3.2, Carr. Costera Sur, 77675 San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
  • Distance from Port: 5.7 kilometers
  • Cost: Free entry