Transport and accommodation in Cozumel
Cozumel is one of the most important destinations of Caribbean cruises in the western Caribbean. The island, which is about 45 kilometers long and about 16 kilometers wide, is a household name among many vacationers because of its beautiful sandy beaches and magnificent underwater world. A large part of the almost 80,000 inhabitants live in the lively island capital San Miguel. Tourism is by far the most important industry. Older cruisers will remember the films of the famous marine explorer Jacques Cousteau, who frequently sailed the waters off Cozumel in his Calypso.
The Cruise Port of Cozumel
Cozumel is one of the most visited cruise ports in the world, with more than 3 million passengers a year. That is why there are three modern cruise ports on the east coast of the island. One in the capital San Miguel and two other ports a good four kilometers to the south. And at peak times, more cruise ships occasionally anchor off the coast.
Transport and accommodation in Cozumel: International Pier
A good four kilometers south of San Miguel is the International Pier, which is operated by the company SSA Mexico and is therefore also called Terminal SSA Mexico. There is a long turning pier for two large cruise ships. Shore excursionists can also walk ashore via the pier here. In this way, vacationers enter directly into a large cordoned-off port village with numerous stores and plenty of food and drink. Among them a branch of Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and Señor Frog’s. Those who wish can book shore excursions or take a cab.
On foot
The center is a few hundred meters to the north. The ferries to the mainland can also be easily reached on foot from here. In our opinion, it makes no sense to walk from the two southern ports in the direction of San Miguel. The distance of about 4 kilometers is simply too great for that. If you arrive at the terminal SSA Mexico or at the terminal Puerta Maya, you have to rely on means of transportation in our opinion. However, there are plenty of them.
Transport and accommodation in Cozumel: Scooter
In the vicinity of all three cruise ports there is the possibility to rent motor scooters. However, the shipping companies usually warn against this because of the risk of accidents. In addition, the vehicles often already have many kilometers on the speedometer. A German driver’s license and a credit card are required. The rental price is low at about 20 to 30 US dollars per day. However, here again the insurance question arises. Without sufficient insurance coverage, it becomes very expensive in case of damage.
Bicycles
Cozumel is not a particularly large island and road conditions are good. There is even a second lane for bikes and scooters in some places. Therefore, bicycles and e-bikes are a good way to explore Cozumel on your own and at your own pace. There are numerous bike rental companies with service for cruise passengers. As an example, here is the reference to two providers.
Ferries
Fast ferries operated by Ultramar (ultramarferry.com), Barcos Caribe (barcoscaribe.com) and Winjets (winjet.mx) connect Cozumel with Playa del Carmen on the mainland every hour. Depart from the central pier at San Miguel’s main square. This is a few hundred meters north of the Punta Langosta Pier. With the speedboats you can be in Playa del Carmen in 30 to 45 minutes. This is really a hot ride. If you are sensitive, you should take something against seasickness.
