What to Do in Cozumel Cruise Port: Best Things to Do on a Cruise Day

Snorkeling is the best activity for most visitors because Cozumel's clear water and reefs are the island's main draw.

Cozumel forms part of the Mesoamerican Reef. The island's tourism authority lists snorkeling among its main visitor activities because of the clear water, comfortable sea temperatures and accessible reef locations.

Choose between:

• A boat snorkeling tour: Best for reaching several reef sites and seeing more marine life.
• Shore snorkeling: Easier for independent travelers who do not want a boat schedule.
• Scuba diving: The strongest choice for certified divers who want deeper reef walls and drift diving.
• Chankanaab snorkeling: Convenient if you want water activities, bathrooms, loungers, restaurants and other facilities in one place.

Book a boat excursion early if snorkeling is the main reason for your visit. Independent tours give you more flexibility. Cruise-line excursions make transportation and the return to the ship easier to manage.

Chankanaab is the best choice for families and visitors who want several activities in one location.

Chankanaab is inside Cozumel's National Reef Marine Park. The park has sea access, snorkeling, scuba diving, a lagoon, beaches, cultural attractions, sea-lion presentations and optional activities such as snuba and dolphin encounters.

Chankanaab works well when people in your group want different things:

• Swimmers can use the sea access and snorkeling areas.
• Non-swimmers can relax on loungers or explore the park.
• Families can use the changing rooms, restrooms and food outlets.
• Visitors interested in culture can see the park's interpretive and archaeological features.

The trade-off is the admission fee and taxi ride. Chankanaab is better for spending several hours than for making a quick stop between other attractions.

San Miguel is the easiest independent option, especially if your ship docks at Punta Langosta.

You can walk along the waterfront, browse shops, eat Mexican food and visit the main square. The Museo de la Isla de Cozumel provides information about the island's geography, marine environment, history and culture.

Choose San Miguel if you:

• Do not want to prebook an excursion.
• Prefer restaurants and local shops to a resort-style beach day.
• Are traveling with someone who does not want to swim.
• Have limited time ashore.
• Want a backup plan if weather affects water activities.

If you dock at the International Pier or Puerta Maya, take a taxi to downtown. The walk is long, particularly in the heat.

A beach club suits a cruise day built around sand, swimming, loungers, food and drinks without a packed sightseeing schedule.

Beach clubs differ in what they offer. Some focus on pools and activities, while others are better for snorkeling, quiet seating or all-inclusive food and drinks. Check the admission details before booking. Chairs, water activities, lockers, food and beverages may be handled differently at each property.

A beach club is often easier than searching for a beach on your own because it has facilities and a known return point. Allow extra time for taxi queues when several ships are in port.

Punta Sur is the best choice for visitors who prefer wildlife, landscapes and coastal scenery to shopping.

Punta Sur includes beaches, lagoons, mangroves, wildlife areas, a navigation museum, the Celarain Lighthouse, a scenic observation tower and a boat trip through Laguna Colombia. The park is Cozumel's largest ecological reserve and takes up a substantial part of a port day.

Punta Sur suits travelers who want to:

• Climb a lighthouse.
• See mangrove and lagoon ecosystems.
• Look for birds and crocodiles from designated viewing areas.
• Combine a beach stop with nature and history.
• See a less commercial side of Cozumel.

Do not combine Punta Sur with several other distant attractions unless you have a long port call and private transportation. Check current opening information before you go because park access and operating arrangements can change.

San Gervasio is the island's principal Maya archaeological site and was connected with the worship of Ix Chel. The site contains several architectural groups linked by ancient roads and sits inland, about 7 kilometres from downtown Cozumel.

San Gervasio is a good choice for travelers who want:

• Maya history without leaving Cozumel.
• A cultural alternative to beaches and water sports.
• A guided archaeological visit.
• A shorter inland excursion than traveling to mainland ruins.

You need a taxi or organized tour from the cruise terminals. Pair San Gervasio with San Miguel if you have enough time, but avoid adding Punta Sur or a boat tour to the same itinerary.