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Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Cozumel, Mexico

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Cozumel: A Border Line Caribbean Destination On The Western Caribbean Cruise Route



Cozumel, Mexico is included in the Caribbean Cruise Destinations series because it is one of the main stops on most Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries. And of the stops in Mexico, Cozumel is the most frequented. It is an island just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, and lies opposite the Playa del Carmen. Other cities on the Mexican coastal area visited by these cruise lines are Costa Maya and Calica. Calica is only eight (8) miles south of Playa del Carmen, and many cruise ships dock at the Puerto Calica Cruise Pier instead of at Cozmuel. From Calica it is a quick taxi ride into Playa del Carmen.

Mexico is actually bordered by the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea in the area of Cozumel. It is at the Northeast tip of the Yucatan Peninsula that the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea come together with a channel separating the two which reaches from Yucatan to Cuba (See This separation on the Map of Mexico which follows below). Although not included in most books as part of the Caribbean destinations, Cancun, Cozumel, Calica, and Costa Maya all actually border the Caribbean Sea.


Other Central American countries that are geographically South of Mexico such as Belize, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Panama likewise are on the Western Caribbean Cruise itineraries. Each of these add a variety of depth to the itineraries, especially with the Mayan pyramids and other ruins so prevalent in Central America.



Cruise passengers must like Cozumel as a destination. Carnival Cruise Lines has around 40 possible shore excursions listed, many more than most destinations.



This lens is one of a series that the author is providing on over twenty cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Each lens will include general information on the destination, suggested shore excursions, and video and photographic illustrations where appropriate.



Click for Cozumel, Mexico Forecast

Shore Excursions For The Cozumel Area

As in other destinations, you have a wide range of shore excursions that you can choose from, but you can only choose one or two shore excursions within the time you have available.

Remember that you can always see the rest on your NEXT cruise to Cozumel. I am listing a few of the shore excursions listed by Carnival cruise lines below. The full list of thirty-nine plus excursions can be found HERE.

If you go to the Carnival Cruise Lines site above, you will be able to click on links for each excursion which will give detailed descriptions of each excursion.

The photos with the excursions below are from Carnival's site and are specific to their excursions. Other cruise lines may have different excursions.

Follow the links on the linked excursions to see the original pictures and a more detailed description of the excursion.

  • Adventure Park, Zip Line & Snorkel Combo 3 Hours Experience the thrill of climbing your choice of over 70 different climbing routes, and the relaxation of one of the beaches in Cozumel.

  • Atlantis Submarine 2 Hours Travel up to 100 feet below the ocean's surface in this 48-passenger submarine to explore the wonders of "Chankanaab".



  • Beach Buggy & Snorkel at Punta Sur 5 Hours Start your engines and hold on to your hats! Say hello to life on the open road as you journey around the island in a customized Dune Buggy convertible.



  • Caverns by Jeep & Beach Combo 7 Hours Discover the beauty hidden in the tropical savanna of the Yucatan Peninsula behind the wheel of a rugged 4x4 Jeep.

  • Mayan Ruins of Tulum (Ultramar) 7 Hours Experience the ancient Mayan paradise kingdom rising high above the magnificent crystal blue Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a narrated and informative one-hour ride to Tulum, with a 30-minute restroom stop along the way at a local Mayan cooperative center where hand crafted souvenirs can be purchased.After your guided tour, you will have approximately 1½ hours of free time to explore the ruins on your own and take photos or enjoy the crystal clear waters and white powder sand beach adjacent to the ruins.


  • Mexican Cuisine Cooking & Tasting 5 Hours Have a great time while learning the secrets of Mexican cooking by preparing a full course meal.

  • The Mayan Frontier by Horseback 3.5 Hours Travel back in time through the sacred land of the Mayans, one of the oldest and most mysterious civilizations in the world. # Be matched, by your guide, with a horse suited to your abilities.
    Be escorted into the depths of the low savannah, where the Mayans used to worship. Ride through ruins that are more than 1,500 years old. Visit a ranch stocked with cattle, ponies, turkeys and other native creatures. Return to Buena Vista for a cold complimentary beverage.



Panoramic View Of Cozumel Dock Area




More Information On Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico is a Caribbean island just off the Yucatan Peninsula in southeastern Mexico. It has great beaches, nice people, safe streets, and is a favorite cruise stop. Cozumel can at times have as many as eight cruise ships docked.


NASA Photo Of Cozumel From Space




Cozumel As Seen From Space




Most of the cruise excursions leave from Playa Del Carmen, which is the resort town on the Yucatan Peninsula directly across from the island of Cozumel. Prices are comparable to other Mexican tourist destinations.

Cozumel has something for everyone. If you like ancients ruins, you can find them on Cozumel at San Gervasio; on the mainland at Tulum, the only Mayan city on the coast; or take a bus tour (12 hours) or flight to Chichen Itza, the most famous of the Yucatan Mayan sites.

If you like great shopping or snorkeling, both are readily available. The downtown shops offer great bargains on silver jewelry and Mexican crafts. You can find incredible snorkeling at Chankanaab Nature Park, a short taxi ride away. Most tourists end up on the mainland at Playa del Carmen, where most of the shore excursions begin their day.

(Check out the exchange rate below using the Universal Currency Converter in the Cruise Trip Toolbox).

Current Weather In Cozumel, Mexico

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Cozumel Cruise Stop Resource Materials

Below I am making some suggestions as to books that will be beneficial in your preparation for your cruise to Cozumel. Some, like Franko's Map of Cozumel will also prove extremely helpful while in the Cozumel area.

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Disney Magic In Cozumel From Flickr Disney Cruise Set Of "cheektavegas" Below 

Cruise Trip Toolbox

"Know Before You Go"

It is always a good idea to know the basics before you leave on your cruise. The following links will aid you in preparing for your cruise. From currency exchange to travel warnings, it is all here. And, don't forget your passport. Never leave home without it.

Universal Currency Converter

Check out the current exchange rates before you sail.

Latest Customs Restrictions & General Information

Get the latest Customs warnings, regulations, etc.

Foreign Entry Requirements

Different situations require different documents. Please become familiar with the specific document requirements for the country(s) you are visiting. More information on these documents can be found here.

Travel Advisories

Travel documentation requirements and international travel reminders.

U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings

Get the latest U.S. Department of State travel warnings at this site.

Book Your Travel Here Or Research Options Further

This is my full service travel web site where you can research and book cruises, flights, car rentals, hotels, or even purchase travel insurance.

Disney Cruise Including Cozumel Stop

There is nothing like visual images of a location to get the feel for a cruise destination. This photoset from Flickr by "cheektavegas" gives a photographic collage of destinations experienced on a Disney Western Caribbean Cruise, including a stop at Cozumel. Hope you enjoy them.

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Other Caribbean Cruise Destination Lenses

Don't forget to check out the other Caribbean Cruise Destination lenses I have prepared for you. Those listed below are just a few of the destinations now available. You can see the full list at This Link

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I'd Love To Know You Dropped By

Every time I do a new Caribbean Destination lens, I try to add some additional glitz and glamour to it. Sometimes I succeed. Sometimes I don't. I am even going back to add upgraded touches to the previously published lens. If there is something you like about this lens, let me know. If you think I overdid it, let me know. I'd love to hear from you.

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