COZUMEL
Cozumel, which lies 11 miles off the mainland,is the largest inhabited island in Mexico.
During the past few years, Cozumel has become the most popular cruise port in the
Caribbean. More than 2.5 million cruise passengers are expected to visit this year.
Cozumel offers great beaches, snorkeling, duty-free shopping and an exciting nightlife.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken. U.S. dollars and credit
cards are accepted by most establishments.
THE DOCK
There are three docks in Cozumel: Punta Langosta Pier, which is within walking district
of San Miguel's shopping district , the International Pier, which is ten minutes south of
town, and Puerto Maya Pier located just past the International Pier.
SAN MIGUEL
In San Miguel, you'll find a large selection of duty-free shops, jewelry stores, and shops
offering Mexican crafts, blankets, and other tourist items. Nearly all stores in San
Miguel accept dollars and credit cards. The new mall across from Punta Langosta Pier
offers tourist shops of every variety, several jewelry stores, Senor Frogs and the
not-to-be-missed Carlos and Charlie's.
SAFETY TIPS
Cruise ships discourage their passengers from renting mopeds because of the risk of
danger involved.
COZUMEL HIGHLIGHTS
CHANKANAAB MARINE PARK
Chankanaab, located ten minutes from downtown, is a wonderful place to spend the
day. Snorkeling is available inches from shore, so its a good spot for young swimmers
to try snorkeling for the first time. Scuba diving and snuba (walking submerged on the
ocean floor with an air helmet on) is also available. The most popular activity at the park
is the dolphin interaction program through Dolphin Discovery. Another interesting
activity is the sea lion swim, also through Dolphin Discovery. On a recent cruise to
Cozumel, my family voted the sea lion swim as our cruise highlight. The park also
contains large, free-roaming iguanas, replicas of Mayan stone art and a botanical
garden. The parks charges a $10 admission fee.
www.dolphindiscovery.com
PLAYA SOL BEACH
Playa Sol Beach is a private beach very popular with the cruise lines. Be forewarned-it
might be crowded! The entrance fee of $6 covers use of a fresh-water swimming pool,
showers, restrooms, kayaks, peddle boats, water trampolines, entrance to the small
zoo and children's playground. There is a full-service restaurant and three bars. Taxi
rides from the piers to Playa Sol run approximately $14 each way ( 4 passengers per
taxi).
CARLOS AND CHARLIE'S
Located at the shopping mall across from the Punta Lagosta Pier, Carlos and Charlie's
has become an institution in Cozumel. Rumor has it that many cruise passengers
miss their ship in Cozumel due to this bar, and the late (11 pm) departure time of some
lines.
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Belize
Grand Cayman
Roatan
Cozumel, which lies 11 miles off the mainland,is the largest inhabited island in Mexico.
During the past few years, Cozumel has become the most popular cruise port in the
Caribbean. More than 2.5 million cruise passengers are expected to visit this year.
Cozumel offers great beaches, snorkeling, duty-free shopping and an exciting nightlife.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE AND CURRENCY
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken. U.S. dollars and credit
cards are accepted by most establishments.
THE DOCK
There are three docks in Cozumel: Punta Langosta Pier, which is within walking district
of San Miguel's shopping district , the International Pier, which is ten minutes south of
town, and Puerto Maya Pier located just past the International Pier.
SAN MIGUEL
In San Miguel, you'll find a large selection of duty-free shops, jewelry stores, and shops
offering Mexican crafts, blankets, and other tourist items. Nearly all stores in San
Miguel accept dollars and credit cards. The new mall across from Punta Langosta Pier
offers tourist shops of every variety, several jewelry stores, Senor Frogs and the
not-to-be-missed Carlos and Charlie's.
SAFETY TIPS
Cruise ships discourage their passengers from renting mopeds because of the risk of
danger involved.
COZUMEL HIGHLIGHTS
CHANKANAAB MARINE PARK
Chankanaab, located ten minutes from downtown, is a wonderful place to spend the
day. Snorkeling is available inches from shore, so its a good spot for young swimmers
to try snorkeling for the first time. Scuba diving and snuba (walking submerged on the
ocean floor with an air helmet on) is also available. The most popular activity at the park
is the dolphin interaction program through Dolphin Discovery. Another interesting
activity is the sea lion swim, also through Dolphin Discovery. On a recent cruise to
Cozumel, my family voted the sea lion swim as our cruise highlight. The park also
contains large, free-roaming iguanas, replicas of Mayan stone art and a botanical
garden. The parks charges a $10 admission fee.
www.dolphindiscovery.com
PLAYA SOL BEACH
Playa Sol Beach is a private beach very popular with the cruise lines. Be forewarned-it
might be crowded! The entrance fee of $6 covers use of a fresh-water swimming pool,
showers, restrooms, kayaks, peddle boats, water trampolines, entrance to the small
zoo and children's playground. There is a full-service restaurant and three bars. Taxi
rides from the piers to Playa Sol run approximately $14 each way ( 4 passengers per
taxi).
CARLOS AND CHARLIE'S
Located at the shopping mall across from the Punta Lagosta Pier, Carlos and Charlie's
has become an institution in Cozumel. Rumor has it that many cruise passengers
miss their ship in Cozumel due to this bar, and the late (11 pm) departure time of some
lines.
ADDITIONAL WESTERN CARIBBEAN PORT REVIEWS
Belize
Grand Cayman
Roatan
CRUISE INFORMATION
COZUMEL
COZUMEL
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