15 Best Cozumel Excursions When On A Cruise

A common island stop on a western Caribbean cruise, Cozumel attracts visitors to its sandy beaches and spectacular diving sites. Second, in size to the Great Barrier Reef, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef off Cozumel’s coast is a diver’s paradise. While the best Cozumel excursions are water-based, there are plenty of inexpensive land activities too.

The majority of travelers arrive by cruise ship since flying to mainland Mexico is significantly less expensive than getting to Cozumel. With the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef being the star attraction, most Cozumel cruise excursions include a dip in the ocean.

For those who’d rather stay dry, mainland tours are accessible by ferry. While most places accept American dollars, some only take Pesos.

With approximately three million cruise passengers visiting each year, it’s surprising the island remains widely unprogressive. Should you arrive by cruise ship, vessels dock at San Miguel de Cozumel on the east coast. There are many options for exploration from the Cozumel cruise port.

Where Is Cozumel?

Located off the Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel is a long island across from Playa del Carmen.

While travelers transcend Cancun and Playa del Carmen, Cozumel visitors enjoy a more remote and unurbanized locale. You can easily visit Cozumel on a day trip from Cancun, if you’re staying there instead.

The eastern side of the island, which faces the Caribbean Sea, has stronger currents and larger waves. For diving, snorkeling, or just enjoying a lazy day at the beach, the west coast fits the bill.

Cozumel’s Best Port Excursions

Docking in San Miguel, most Cozumel attractions are a taxi ride away. Therefore, it’s best to book an excursion or grab a last-minute tour.

1. Visit San Gervasio Mayan Ruins

• Duration: 1-1/2 to 4 hours | Cost: USD 9.50 entrance fee, USD 40.00 for the San Gervasio tour with chocolate tasting

Mayan ruins are a popular draw for visitors to Mexico. San Gervasio may not be as impressive as Chichen Itza, but at 11 miles from San Miguel, it’s a hidden gem on the island. 

Dating back to 100 BC, San Gervasio was home to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility and midwifery. In ancient times, young women traveled to this religious site to worship the goddess.

Today, the ruin is remarkably preserved, with the archeological area presenting many temples and shrines. Spread out over several kilometers, only a small section of the site is viewable.

There are several ways to access the Cozumel ruin. Travelers can take a taxi from Cozumel and pay a small entrance fee. The optional guide of US 20.00 is well worth the money, and you’ll learn the history of the ruin and the people who lived there.

2. Swim With Dolphins

• Duration: 1 hour to 1-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 109.00 to USD 199.00+ per person

Located in Chankanaab National Park, the Dolphin Discovery sells interactive tours with dolphins and manatees. While I’m not an advocate for keeping wild creatures in captivity and would not do this excursion myself, others have enjoyed the experience.

The dolphin encounter features a kiss and a handshake with a dolphin and watching some tricks. A dolphin swim tour includes the above, plus a belly ride across the pool riding on the dolphin’s back. The granddaddy and most expensive activity is the royal dolphin swim.

It includes a ride across the pool while holding two dorsal fins, a dorsal tow, and a foot push. Although tours range from one hour to ninety minutes, the total time in the pool is thirty to forty minutes.

During the excursion, cameras are not allowed. Should you choose to purchase an observer’s ticket, the observation area is so far from the pool that photography is not possible.

Like the dolphin tour, a manatee encounter offers an experience with the “mermaids of the sea.” At USD 89.00, this 45-minute excursion includes feeding the gentle giants and learning about these marine mammals. Tours with the dolphins and manatees include admission to Chankanaab National Park.

3. Learn To Make Salsa

•  Duration: 4-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 94.00+

When seeking a less active excursion, consider a more relaxed outing on the salsa, salsa, and more salsa tour. The Cozumel cruise tour includes a cooking class, a dancing class, and time at the beach.

At Playa Mia, the informative class teaches three different versions of authentic salsa (the food). Along with food prep, participants enjoy complimentary drinks of tequila and margaritas, and a salsa dancing lesson.

The Playa Mia resort is pristine and offers water slides, inflatable water toys, and plenty of loungers to enjoy the views. With tequila, salsa, guacamole, and quesadillas; is this not the best Cozumel shore excursion?

4. Enjoy Cozumel On Horseback

• Duration: 1 to 4-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 85.00 to USD 99.00

Most tours focus on water activities, but you can explore off the beaten path with a horseback adventure. Options range from a quick 30-minute ride at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Club to longer excursions through the local jungle.

While most beaches don’t allow horseback riding, Cozumel’s Mr. Sancho’s offers a 30-minute beach ride with unlimited food, drinks, and access to float toys at the club.

For a port excursion, booking through your cruise line is convenient. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and NCL offer a 4.5-hour tour that includes transportation to and from the ranch.

Other horseback tours venture through jungle trails to Mayan ruins, and some combine a cenote swim with a horseback ride.

5. Take A Jeep Tour

• Duration: 6 hours | Cost: USD 70.00+ per person

A Jeep Tour excursion makes for the perfect family adventure with admiring views, water-based activities, and delicious Mexican food. The adventure begins in San Miguel, close to the cruise terminal. Relax in the comfort of a Jeep Wrangler and drive to Punta Sur EcoPark on Cozumel’s southern tip.

This ecological park is a natural paradise where crocodiles and birds call the lagoons their home. With a steep climb to the top of Faro Celarain Lighthouse, visitors can appreciate panoramic views.

From Punta Sur EcoPark, the tour continues to Chankanaab Park for some snorkeling and a buffet lunch. At Chankanaab Park, the little ones will enjoy the complimentary sea lion show.

6. Spend A Day At Chankanaab National Park

• Duration: 1 hour to all day | Cost: USD 21.00+ per person

Chankanaab National Park offers a wide selection of activities, but it’s impossible to take them all in during a day visit. However, a day there is fun-filled, and the activities you choose determine how much you spend. With so many activities, Chankanaab Park is considered one of the best Cozumel excursions for families.

To get to the marine park, grab a taxi which should cost approximately USD 12.00 one-way. But throw away your ideas of a “real” national park, which I associate with Yosemite or Yellowstone. This park is over-commercialized and does little to preserve what’s natural.

The entrance fee includes swimming, a sea lion show, exotic flower gardens, a crocodile exhibit, and the use of umbrellas and chairs. However, additional fees are required for ziplining, tequila tasting, snorkel equipment rental, snub, spa treatments, and excursions at the Dolphin Discovery.

Scattered around the large park, the replica Mayan artwork is impressive and looks authentic. Snorkeling off the coast offers chances to view some underwater sculptures of the Virgin Mary and a 14-foot-tall statue of Christ.

7. Snorkeling Or Diving At Palancar Reef

• Duration: 4 hours to 4-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 55.00+ for snorkeling, USD 75.00+ for diving

Without a diving certificate, snorkelers can enjoy the pristine waters of Palancar Reef with its calm waters and gentle currents. Snorkeling areas up to 20 feet deep are teeming with tropical fish and provide chances to see sea turtles, spotted rays, barracudas, and nurse sharks.

The Mexican government protected Palancar Reef from overfishing, so the underwater habitat is rich in marine life, algae, and colorful coral. Although not accessible from the coastline, there are plenty of local operators offering excursions.

Seasoned divers often return to the underwater garden of Eden again and again because the experience is never the same. With numerous dive points, the underwater landscape varies widely due to the caverns, walls, and overhead environments.

During his career as an oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau came to Mexico to film the Palancar Reef. While he declared it one of the best diving destinations globally, film clips never made it into his documentaries.

However, even without a Cousteau documentary, the popularity of diving the Caribbean reef grew tremendously. Alternatively, if your ship stops in Belize, you can take a Caye Caulker snorkel tour.

8. Escape To A Secluded Island

• Duration: 5 hours | Cost: USD 90.00

Get away from the hustle and bustle of San Miguel by taking a Cozumel excursion to secluded Isla Pasion or Passion Island. Located on the north end of Cozumel, it’s not accessible by vehicle, only by boat. Should there be many cruise ships in port, this beach escape can get quite crowded.

The boat ride to Isla Pasion takes 45 minutes but seems shorter since the views are so spectacular. On this beach break, lunch consists of a Mexican buffet of salsa, chips, rice, beans, chicken, fish, beef, and fajitas. The drinks are plentiful, and the service is attentive.

The excursion includes complimentary kayaks, beach chairs, and the hammocks and swings over the water are a nice touch.

9. Explore A Cenote And Underground Caverns

• Duration: 7 to 8-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 84.00+

Suitable for those five years and above, explore the fantastic underground caves and waterways on the mainland. It’s a whole day excursion that requires a good level of fitness and staying power.

The tour starts with a 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen. From there, you have options to visit Cenote Azul, Rio Secreto Natural Reserve (Amazing Secret River), or Chaak Tun Cenotes.

Amazing Secret River

At the reserve, water shoes, short wetsuits, and helmets are provided, along with lockers and towels. Walking sticks are also available, and most people recommend them.

During the excursion, participants cannot bring a GoPro or cellphone for photos. A photographer accompanies the group and takes individual and group photos.

Before the cenote journey, the group receives a Mayan blessing. Wading through the caverns, the limestone stalactites and stalagmites formations are beyond words. After the cave adventure, an authentic Mexico buffet follows.

A short ride back to Playa del Carmen allows for some shopping time before catching the return ferry to San Miguel.

Chaak Tun Cenotes

The Chaak Tun Cenotes excursion includes water shoes, wetsuits, and snorkel gear. Unlike the Amazing Secret River, the Chaak Tun Cenotes tour does allow waterproof cameras.

The excursion explores the underground waterways that feed the Riviera Maya. At the second cave, a descending spiral staircase allows for magnificent views of the cavern from above.

During the tour, participants will experience Temezcal, a traditional Mayan steam bath meant to cleanse the soul. Afterward, learn the process of making tequila and enjoy a Mayan-inspired lunch.

The Chaak Tun Cenotes excursion concludes in Playa del Carmen before the ferry ride back to San Miguel. Since these tours are on the mainland, the only way to guarantee to make it back to the ship on time is to book through the cruise line.

10. Discover Chichen Itza

• Duration: 8 hours | Cost: USD 120.00 to USD 190.00

Like the cenotes near Playa del Carmen, a trip to see the Chichen Itza pyramid requires a ferry ride to the mainland. Chichén Itzá is one of the top Mexican Mayan ruins and if it’s on your bucket list, cruise lines make this tour possible from Cozumel.

However, expect to spend approximately 3-1/2 hours traveling each way, with only one hour at the ruins. In all, it’s a 45-minute ferry ride combined with a 2-1/2-hour bus trip.

As the largest city in the Mayan world, archeologists are still uncovering new discoveries. At its height, the city was home to 50,000 Mayans from the Yucatan Peninsula. El Castillo, also known as the Temple of Kukulcan, is the most recognizable structure with its pyramid shape and 364 steps flanked on four sides.

Unfortunately, visitors cannot ascent the pyramid, and much of the site is behind ropes to preserve the archeological environment. With 2 million tourists visiting each year, it’s understandable that it was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

11. Visit Pueblo del Maiz

• Duration: 8 hours | Cost: USD 20.00+

Pueblo del Maiz or Village of Corn is a hidden gem on Cozumel. This Cozumel excursion transcends to the ancient Mayan times. During the interactive tour through the park, discover the Mayan gods’ structures, watch a tortilla-making demonstration, and see how chocolate is made.

At the Chicle (chewing gum) camp, see how the resin is extracted from the chicozapote tree and made into gum, long before Wrigley’s invented it.

A Pueblo del Maiz excursion is ideal for all ages with face painting, weaving, and playing an ancient Mayan ball game. At the end of the tour, a fire-dancing local treats the visitors with Mayan song and dance.

12. Catamaran To Playa Norte

• Duration: 5 hours | Cost: USD 85.00+

During the busy season (November to April), Cozumel can see as many as eight cruise ships a day. With over 20,000 passengers converging on a town, this might not be the recipe for a relaxing day in paradise.

While busy, it’s a nice place to cruise in February for good weather and great prices, while avoiding wave season.

Instead, try a catamaran sail across turquoise waters to Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte, Mexico’s most celebrated beach. The one-hour sail is relaxing and includes lunch, margaritas, and fresh local fruits. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by a breathtaking white sand beach lined with palm trees.

Enjoy 2.5 hours exploring the island’s activities away from the crowds. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are provided, and a restaurant offers extra food and drinks. After a hammock nap or a refreshing swim, sail back on your catamaran, where a final snorkeling stop might await.

13. Get Dirty On A Jungle Adventure

• Duration: 3-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 75.00+

On the Jungle ATV and Jade Cavern tour, relive puddle jumping days by driving through dusty jungle trails to a freshwater cenote. Choose a single ATV or double buggy, with age limits of 16 to 70.

Closed-toe shoes are required, and old clothes are best for the muddy, dusty conditions. Helmets, goggles, and bandanas are provided, and lockers are available for a small fee.

Rain brings mud, while dry weather makes it dusty. The 45-minute ride to Jade Cavern reveals green-hued waters, where you can swim. We recommend Rashguard clothing over your bathing suit as it generally has a UPF 50 rating. Being a dirty excursion, a change of clothes is necessary for the trip back to port.

14. Visit The Mayan Bee Sanctuary

• Duration: 1-1/2 hours | Cost: USD 8.00+

The Mayan Bee Sanctuary introduces visitors to the rare, stingless Melipona bees, whose population is declining in the Yucatan. This sanctuary both protects these bees and educates the public on their life cycle.

Unlike traditional bees, Meliponas make nest pots in trees, producing honey with a floral, citrus flavor and a long aftertaste. Their honey is rare and valuable, often used in medicine rather than as a sweetener.

The entrance fee is budget-friendly, although cruise lines often combine the tour with chocolate and tequila tasting at a cocoa farm. Chocolate, tequila, and honey—is there anything sweeter?

15. Explore A Pearl Farm

• Duration: 6 hours | Cost: USD 110.00 +

In 2001, a small family business began cultivating pearls on Cozumel’s north side. Since 2012, visitors have toured this remote farm to learn about its operations. Using nearly extinct Atlantic Pearl Oysters, the farm offers a close look at their first cultivated pearls and the detailed process.

Afterward, visitors head to the turquoise waters to see the oyster hatchery, greeted by a large underwater statue of Our Lady Guadalupe. Unique pearl jewelry is available for purchase, and the tour includes a lunch of cheeseburgers, grilled pineapple, and Mexican beer.

Final Thoughts

As one of the top diving destinations globally, visitors have the opportunity to play, relax, and enjoy good food.

Weather-wise, Cozumel’s temperatures are ideal year-round, although fall to spring is more popular and brings bigger crowds. Whatever your interests and whoever you travel with, there’s something for everyone on this Mexican island.

With a one-day itinerary, it’s often hard to choose from the many tours in Cozumel. However, don’t fret because the variety of tours gives an excellent reason to return. Should you decide to take a ferry to Playa del Carmen or Cancun, be mindful of your cruise’s departure time.

Happy travels ~ Karen