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Cozumel is Mexico's largest Caribbean island and a popular cruise port, welcoming thousands of cruise passengers throughout the year. For many people, Cozumel is an easy port to explore on your own, whether you want to shop, relax on the beach, or arrange your own excursion.
This was my second visit to Cozumel, and it was just as beautiful as I remembered. On my first visit, we walked to a nearby town and spent some time around the port. This time, we decided to do something different and took a taxi to the Iberostar Resort.
Disembarking in Mexico
On my first visit to Cozumel, we exited the ship and made our way into the port without any problems. On this visit, however, things were a little different.
We were asked to have our photo IDs ready and to place our bags close to the ground so that a security dog could sniff them.
It was a quick process, and we had no problems getting through. Interestingly, when we left the ship again later in the day, we did not have to go through the same process.
Exploring the Port
If you're trying to save money on your cruise, one option is to simply stay around the port area in Cozumel.
There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and places to sit and relax. Yes, there are a lot of shops competing for your attention, but you don't have to spend money to enjoy getting off the ship and exploring.
There are also some nice areas where you can sit and enjoy the view without booking an expensive excursion.
One thing I noticed about Cozumel is how easy it is to find transportation. There are taxis outside the cruise port area, and the prices are clearly posted.
For us, taking a taxi was a much less expensive option than booking an excursion through the cruise line.
Saving Money on Shore Excursions
One of the things I always look for when cruising is a way to save money without missing out on the experience.
For example, an excursion offered through Carnival was around $99 per person when we visited. We found another way to do essentially the same thing by taking a taxi to the resort and paying the resort directly.
Our cost was $70 per person, and breakfast was included.
That saved us $30 per person. That may not sound like a huge savings at first, but there were five people in our group, so we saved a total of $150.
That was money we could use for something else during our trip!
Visiting Iberostar Resort
On this visit to Cozumel, we decided to take a taxi to the Iberostar Resort rather than spend the day around the cruise port.
It was a nice change from our first visit, and it gave us a chance to spend the day relaxing rather than shopping and walking around town.
One of the things I like about visiting a cruise port more than once is that you don't feel like you have to see everything. You can try something completely different the next time you visit.
Currency
Unlike traveling to Europe, where I found myself using foreign currency much more often, American dollars are widely accepted in the tourist areas of Cozumel.
Of course, the local currency is the Mexican peso, and you may receive your change in pesos. Credit cards are also accepted at many businesses, but I always think it's a good idea to have some cash available when traveling.
Attractions
Cozumel is one port of call that has something for almost everyone.
As soon as you arrive in port, you'll find shopping and restaurants, or you can take a taxi to the destination of your choice.
Before your cruise, spend a little time researching what is available. Depending on what you enjoy, you can visit an all-inclusive resort, relax at a beach club, go snorkeling, swim with dolphins, explore Mayan ruins, or simply spend the day enjoying the island.
The nice thing about Cozumel is that you don't have to book an expensive excursion to have a good day.
Cozumel Beaches Are Public
Yes, the beaches in Cozumel are public, and you're welcome to enjoy the shoreline. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that all of the facilities at a resort or beach club are free to use.
I've found that it can be worth paying a small fee to use a beach club or resort's facilities. Depending on the location, that may give you access to beach chairs, restrooms, pools, food, drinks, and other amenities.
Even better, you can sometimes purchase an all-inclusive package and enjoy food and drinks without having to worry about paying for each item separately.
If you're looking for a relaxing day in Cozumel, this can be a great alternative to spending the day shopping around the cruise port.
No Hablas Español?
No problem!
Most people working in the tourist areas of Cozumel speak at least some English because they regularly deal with visitors from the United States and other countries.
Of course, if you're dying to try out your Spanish, go ahead! It's great practice for your next visit.
A Different Way to Enjoy Cozumel
Cozumel is one of those cruise ports where you can make your day as busy or as relaxing as you want.
On my first visit, we walked around the port and explored the nearby area. On this visit, we took a taxi to a resort and spent the day relaxing.
Both experiences were enjoyable, and that's one of the things I like about cruising. You can return to the same port and have a completely different experience.
If you're visiting Cozumel on a cruise, don't feel like you have to book the most expensive excursion offered by the cruise line. Do a little research before you leave home, compare your options, and decide what works best for you.
Sometimes the best cruise-port day is simply the one that lets you relax and enjoy the island at your own pace.
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