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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