Cozumel is one of the top cruise destinations in the Caribbean — and for good reason. Turquoise waters, friendly locals, world-class beaches, and easy access to everything from ruins to reef diving make this island a fan favorite. But here’s something many cruisers don’t realize:

Cozumel has three different cruise ports.
And depending on where your ship docks, your day on the island might look very different.

I’ve experienced all three first-hand, and in this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know — from port locations and how far they are from downtown, to transportation, beach access, and which cruise lines dock where.

---

How Many Cruise Ports Are in Cozumel?

There are three main cruise ports in Cozumel:

1. Punta Langosta
2. International Pier (often called Royal Caribbean dock)
3. Puerta Maya

Each port has its own vibe, level of accessibility, and cruise lines it typically serves. Let’s take a closer look.

---

Punta Langosta: The Most Central Cruise Port in Cozumel

If you’re looking for a port that puts you right in the middle of the action — this is it.

Punta Langosta is located directly in downtown Cozumel, just a 5-minute walk from the heart of San Miguel. You’ll step off the ship and be strolling along the waterfront promenade (Malecón) in no time.

Cruise Lines that Dock Here:

• MSC Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
• And sometimes others

This port has:

• On-site parking
• Waiting areas
• Taxi station directly under the terminal
• A super popular meeting spot: Starbucks, located at the lower level of the plaza

“I’ve walked off the ship and been in the center of town in 5 minutes. It’s incredibly convenient for shopping, dining, or just walking around.”

If you’ve booked an excursion outside the ship’s offerings, many third-party operators will meet you right at the Starbucks.

Bottom line? If you’re planning to explore Cozumel on your own — especially on foot — Punta Langosta is the best possible port.

---

International Pier (Royal Caribbean): Convenient and Organized

Located in what locals call the “industrial zone” of Cozumel, this cruise terminal is about 10 minutes by taxi from downtown San Miguel.

Who Docks Here:

• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises (occasionally)

You can walk from this port to town, but it’s a 30-minute walk under strong sun, so I don’t recommend it unless you’re feeling adventurous.

What you’ll find here:

• Official taxi stand right outside the gates
• Meeting point near the Hard Rock Café (a common location for third-party excursions)

“It’s not as central as Punta Langosta, but I’ve never had issues getting around. The transportation is well organized and there are plenty of shops nearby.”

This port is great if you’ve booked excursions or if you just want a straightforward, no-hassle visit.

---

Puerta Maya: Best Cozumel Cruise Port for Beach Days

This is the southernmost and most beach-friendly port in Cozumel.

It’s a bit farther from the town center — around 15-20 minutes by taxi, or 40 minutes on foot (which I don’t recommend).

Cruise Lines That Dock Here:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises (sometimes)

This port is perfect if your goal is to relax at a beach club like Mr. Sanchos, Nachi Cocom, or Paradise Beach — all just a short ride away.

Like the other ports, Puerta Maya offers:

• Taxi service right outside the dock
• Nearby shopping plazas
• Easy-to-find meeting spots for tours

“This port is definitely the closest to the beach clubs. When we came back from the beach, we were at the terminal in no time — no traffic, no stress.”

If you’re planning a chill day by the sea, Puerta Maya is your port.

---

How Far Are the Cozumel Cruise Ports from Downtown?

Here’s a quick distance breakdown to help you plan:

Port	Walking Time to Town	Taxi Time
Punta Langosta	5 minutes	Not needed
International Pier	30 minutes	10 minutes
Puerta Maya	40 minutes	15–20 minutes

---

Taxis, Walking, and Meeting Points: Getting Around from the Port

All Cozumel cruise ports are easy to navigate when it comes to transportation.

Every port has:

• Official taxi stands
• Fixed fare zones (though you might be able to negotiate outside official spots)
• Clear meeting points for tours

Most Common Meeting Points:

• Punta Langosta: Starbucks
• International Pier: Hard Rock Café
• Puerta Maya: Right outside the plaza gates

“Taxis are everywhere, and locals are used to working with cruise passengers. Everything runs pretty smoothly.”

Whether you’re heading to the beach, a tour, or just exploring, getting around is safe and simple.

---

Which Cozumel Cruise Port is Best?

There’s no universal “best” — it all depends on what kind of day you’re planning:

Your Plan	Best Port
Explore downtown	Punta Langosta
Booked a tour	International Pier
Spend the day at the beach	Puerta Maya

From my personal experience:

• If I want to eat, shop, or walk around on my own — Punta Langosta is unbeatable.
• If I’m headed to a beach club — Puerta Maya makes the trip fast and easy.

---

Pro Tips for a Perfect Port Day in Cozumel

• Bring cash in either USD or Mexican pesos. Taxis and shops accept both, but sometimes pesos give you a better deal.
• Wear sunscreen — the sun hits hard, even in the shade.
• Know your meeting point if booking off-ship excursions.
• Don’t underestimate walking distances — Cozumel looks small, but the heat makes long walks exhausting.
• Keep your camera handy — the walkable waterfront from Punta Langosta is postcard-perfect.

---

---

Final Thoughts

Cozumel is more than just another port — it’s a full-blown island adventure. But to make the most of your time here, knowing where your cruise ship docks is key.

From first-hand experience, I can tell you that each port offers something different, whether it’s walkability, proximity to beaches, or convenient transport.

With this guide, you’ll be ready to enjoy Cozumel like a seasoned traveler — not just another cruise passenger stepping off the gangway.