Caribbean Cruise Destinations: Cozumel, Mexico

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.