MUST DO WHEN IN COZUMEL MEXICO
1. Go Diving or Snorkeling
Divers from all over the world come to Cozumel to explore the Mesoamerica Reef, the largest reef in the Western hemisphere. It not only attracts divers, but over 250 species of tropical fish as well as turtles, stingray and more. And the crystal clear waters allow you to see miles of Caribbean treasure.
2. Go to a Eco Park
Xcaret Park
Okay, it may strike you as a tad Disneyland-ish at first glance, but this family friendly eco-park is well worth the entrance fee of USD $70 per person. Occupying about 250 acres, Xcaret truly strives to be an educational and fun experience for visitors from around the world. Highlights include an underground river adventure tour (included in the general entrance fee) where swimmers of all ages don bright pink lifejackets and swim (or more accurately, bob along) through an underground river, various caves and ancient cenotes (water-filled sinkholes). Never mind that y
ou stop to pose for photos every so often, one with a costumed employee dressed as an “ancient Mayan native” (photos are for sale at the end of the tour). Other must-sees of this park include a live butterfly pavilion, a giant sea turtle sanctuary, an interactive aquarium and a dolphin center. At night, an entire stadium fills up with visitors to watch music and dance from Mexico’s ancient history through the present day, and includes a fascinating pre-Hispanic ball game, the ancient hockey-like sport played with a flaming ball.
You will need to book this with the Cruiseline so all transportation is included.(about $99.00pp) Some ships stay late and provide an option to stay for the Night Show. It is very difficult and time consuming to do this trek on your own. If you book this thru the ship you will have about 4-5 hours at the park.
The biggest complaint is that there is not enough time at the park!
CHANKANAAB ECO PARK ( If you can't make it to XCARET)
Chankanaab is the most popular attraction in Cozumel island. Is conveniently located just ten minutes taxi ride from the cruise ship terminal, is a favorite for cruise ship passangers, day trippers, beach lovers. Enjoy the natural beauty of our beach area, explore our reef area, amaze yourself with our eco archaeological tour. All facilites included; restrooms, showers, huts, hammocks and beach chairs.
Now your ticket includes; Sea Lion Show,
Manatee Exhibition & Archaeological Tour.
At Chankanaab Park you can also enjoy snorkel tour, scuba diving tour, snuba tour, seatrek tour, swim with dolphins, sea lions and manatees tour for an aditional cost. All fun in one place, no need to take another taxi to do a second tour.
Details and Recommendations.
Adults USD $ 19*
Children USD $ 12*
(From 3 to 11 years old, kids under 3 for free)*
* Special online pre-paid price.
Schedules: Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sat, Su
Times: From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time (CST)
http://www.cozumelparks.com/index.html
TAXI SHOULD BE $10 EACH WAY TO CHANKANAAB PARK FROM PIER
CHECK PRICE BEFORE YOU ENTER THE CAB!
3. Visit Play Del Carmen
(If you want a beach day this is where you should go!)
Not far from where the cruise ship docks is the Ferry Terminal which heads over to Playa Del Carmen. Playa Del Carmen is a small and cute Mexican Beach town with a great beach. You will find small bars and hotels at the edge of the beach and just one block back is the cute shopping area. Once you exit the ferry terminal find a spot on the beach just to the right. Enjoy the white sand beach and the laid back atmosphere. (But young eyes watch out, you might find some Europeans sunbathing topless here) Make sure you stop and get some Tacos. The Pastor and Seafood tacos are some of the Best!
How to get to the Ferry:
Cruise Passengers:
A taxi to the ferry pier from the Puerta Maya or International Pier should cost about $6.00 USD and take about 7 minutes.
If your cruise ship is arriving at Punta Langosta, then you can just walk next door. Exit the Cruise Terminal and turn left. You will see the Ferry Terminal less then .5 miles down the road. (Make sure you take note of the return ferry times so you don't miss the ship)
Once in Playa Del Carmen Everything is within walking distance!!
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EXTRA INFO
There are 3 cruiseship piers on Cozumel all of which are on the populated, west side of the island.
Punta Langosta: This pier is located right downtown so you can walk off the ship and into downtown San Miguel. To avoid hawkers, stay on the ocean-side of the avenida or explore some of the streets that are a block back from the waterfront.
There's also great shopping downtown -- especially if you get off the main drag and ignore the advice you'll almost surely be fed by your cruise director that you won't be safe and you'll get ripped off if you venture off the waterfront. There is more than a little self-interest in these warnings. The cruise companies want you to shop from their "recommended list" because each and every one of these rec.s kicks back a sizeable commission on their sale to you.
Punta Langosta is also a relatively inexpensive, 10 minute taxi ride away from Chankannab National Park and several good snorkeling beaches. And an even less expensive 5 minute ride from Playa Azul, a nice, northern beach club.
The International Pier This is the island's oldest cruiseship pier and is used largely by Norwegian Cruise Lines. You are about 1.5 miles from downtown San Miguel and if you're up for the walk, it's a pretty one along a nice sidewalk with long sections of waterfront promenade. Consider walking into town to explore and shop then flagging a taxi for your return to your ship.
TIP: If you flag a passing cab instead of picking one up from a taxi stand, your fare will be less. But it is extremely important to ask what the fare will be BEFORE you get in the cab. All drivers are required to carry a rates card and all speak enough English to understand when you ask to see the rates card to know the registered rate from, say, downtown San Miguel to the International Pier. Don't get in the cab if the driver want show you the rate.
Puerta Maya: This pier and the Disneyesque artifical "Little Cozumel" Carnival Cruise lines has created is only about 1/2 mile south of the International Pier mentioned above.
To their credit, Carnival has created an attractive atmosphere. And we can see perhaps having a drink or grabbing a bite at one of the places down by the water.
But it should be mentioned that this is a very artificial environment and bears only the most superficial resemblence to the real Cozumel. Kind of like visiting New Orleans and instead of walking the streets of the French Quarter, you settle for a sterile little mini-replica of the real thing. Prices at the stores here are inflated to reflect the commissions the businesses must pay the cruise ships and the fact that, unless you venture out of this compound, you're basically a captive audience.
Follow the advice given above for the International Pier and you can easily pop off to catch a tour or activity you've booked in advance for yourself over the internet.
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