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While Cancun may be the most talked about Mexican Caribbean vacation destination, there are many more worth visiting.
One of those is Cozumel, which is a popular cruise destination that will welcome at least three new cruise ships into its port by the end of the year.
But Cozumel is so much more than an incredible cruise stop!
Cozumel’s History As A Vacation Destination
Until the 1960s, Cozumel was a quiet little fishing village until the tourism industry discovered what a magical place it was.
After that, the beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise water began drawing in tourists from all around the world.
Today, millions of people visit what has become a vacation hotspot for all kinds of tourists every year.
@sophiahastings8 Mexico baby! #fyp #mexico ♬ This is heaven – Nightshade
New Cruises Coming To Cozumel
Although Cozumel is more than just an incredible cruise stop, it’s also still an attractive destination for cruise passengers too.
It’s so popular that cruise companies are adding it to their list of destinations for new cruises every year.
In fact, this year, at least three new cruises have Cozumel on their itineraries.
They include the new Norwegian Viva, the Celebrity Ascent, and the Carnival Jubilee.
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@travelwkids As part of our recent Carnival Cruise vacation, we had a day stop in Cozumel, Mexico. There is no shortage of excursion opportunities in Cozumel but our family was interested in having a fun day at a nice beach. I had done some research beforehand and noted that going to the beach club is a good option. There are several highly rated options but Paradise Beach club had great reviews as a family-friendly option. We got off the ship and caught a taxi to Paradise Beach resort. It was $59 per person for beach access, towels, umbrellas/chairs, and all-you-can-eat food. There were beach activities like kayaking, water slides, etc available for $10 extra per person. We went ahead and got that and it was well worth it. Overall, the beach and ambiance were excellent, and the food and service were also pretty good. Going to a beach club is an excellent option for a cruise day in Cozumel, and our experience at Paradise Beach Resort was a good one 👍 #familyvacation #familieslovetravel #vacation #travelblogger #familyvacation #travelphotography #travelreels #travelreel #cruiselife #cruiseblogger #cruisevacation #carnivalcruise #viral #viralreels #trending ♬ Pepas (Tiësto Remix) – Farruko & Tiësto
Cozumel Attractions
Whether you arrive on a cruise ship and only have a day to explore or fly into one of the nearby airports and have multiple days to enjoy all that Cozumel has to offer, you’ll find plenty to do.
Of course, visiting the beaches is a must, but water activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities among tourists who visit the island paradise.
You can also tour Mayan ruins, visit an eco-park, spend some time at the Cozumel Island Museum, eat delicious food, take a boat tour, or spend the day at a beach club.
@joshcruises THINGS TO DO IN COZUMEL, MEXICO! 🟥🟧🟨🟩🟥🟧🟨🟩🟥 I really enjoyed my time at Mr. Sancho’s in Cozumel, Mexico! The all-inclusive package was well worth it, i truly feel like i got my money’s worth. The resort is beautiful, and the staff was so amazing. My server Carlos went above and beyond, he found me anywhere in the resort, whether the pool, beach, or table, and made sure I had a drink in my hand! 10/10 definitely would recommend a trip to Mr. Sanchos next time you’re in Cozumel! #cruise #cruising #cruiseexcursion #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cozumel #mexico #mrsanchos #mrsanchoscozumel #joshcruises #ocean #cruisehacks ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again
The Atmosphere In Cozumel
Although Cozumel is an extremely popular vacation destination with many of the same amenities as Cancun, it is on a more subdued level.
It’s quieter, it’s smaller, and there are fewer people than other Mexican Caribbean hotspots.
The vibe is much more laid back, and the island still maintains a bit of that fishing village charm and authentic Mexican culture.
@touristtolocal THIS is how you do Cozumel Mexico 🇲🇽🌴 #cozumel #cozumelmexico #cozumelisland #mexicomagico #mexicotravel ♬ original sound – touristtolocal
Hotels For Visitors Who Aren’t Cruise Passengers
It’s true that Cozumel is much smaller than some of the other popular Riviera Maya vacation destinations.
But it still has some of those luxury all-inclusives that are such a draw in other parts of the region.
Dreams Cozumel Cape Resort & Spa, Fiesta Americana Cozumel All-Inclusive, and The Westin Cozumel are all great options if you’re planning to spend some time in Cozumel.
@maytevalerio90 Visitando #DreamsCapeCozumel #cozumel #beach #mexico #caribe #2022 ♬ DESPECHÁ – ROSALÍA
How To Get To Cozumel
Cozumel actually has its own airport, so you don’t have to hop on a cruise ship to be able to visit, although, of course, that is an option too.
While Cozumel might not have the connectivity with U.S. and Canadian airports that Cancun International Airport does, there are still a number of routes from the United States and Canada.
There is the option to fly into Cancun as well, and many more flights are available.
The ride from the airport to Playa del Carmen, where you’ll catch the ferry to Cozumel, is only about 45 minutes. There are plenty of transportation options, including buses, shuttles, and taxis, which range in price.
@ivanscz5 ✈️APROXIMACIÓN, ATERRIZAJE🛬Y DESPEGUE🛫EN COZUME🛳 #fypシ #foryou #fyp #pilot #comercialpilot #takeoff #landing #approach #rwy12 #czm #cozumel ♬ Way down We Go – KALEO
Spending More Than A Day In Cozumel
Cruise ship passengers can have a great time spending a day in Cozumel, but if you want to visit longer, you definitely won’t get bored.
It’s a vacation destination worthy of more than a day, making it more than just an incredible cruise stop.
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