Discover the Unique Magic Of Cozumel’s NCL Port, Puerta Maya & International Pier
By Tom Seest
What Makes Cozumel NCL Port, Puerta Maya, and International Pier So Special?
At TopCozumelNews, we help people traveling to Cozumel plan their trips and activities using information collected on our trips to the beautiful island.
Cozumel, Mexico, is one of the busiest ports in the Western Caribbean in terms of passengers. Each year it hosts over 3 million cruisers.
Cozumel Island boasts three cruise piers on its western side for passenger ships to dock at.
What Makes Cozumel NCL Port, Puerta Maya, and International Pier So Special?
Table Of Contents
Discover the Secrets of Punta Langosta?
Punta Langosta, located right in downtown San Miguel, serves as Cozumel’s local cruise terminal and is utilized by various cruise lines, including Disney Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line. As it offers convenient disembarkation times and access to some of the city’s highlights upon disembarking, Punta Langosta makes an excellent option if you plan to spend some time exploring after leaving your ship.
This pier serves as one of the primary entrances into San Miguel de Cozumel, the largest city on Cozumel, featuring a mall full of stores and restaurants. You can walk from here to reach its center after debarking from your ship and passing through security.
As soon as you disembark from your ship, you must walk along a long paved pier and overpass in order to reach the Punta Langosta shopping area. Here, you’ll find well-known stores such as Diamond International, Del Sol, and Cariloha for shopping sprees!
The shopping mall is a favorite tourist and cruiser stopover spot, providing them with souvenirs from Mexico. Browse until it’s time to return to the terminal or relax with one of the waterfront bars lining this area.
From this port, taxi service to the city center should cost about $10 and will take only a short journey time.
Buses also travel into the city center, though their services may not be as frequently utilized. If you intend on using taxis, make sure you book ahead.
Renting a scooter or car may also be helpful when traveling with children or if you lack driving ability.
This all-inclusive resort provides guests of all ages with an impressive array of amenities and activities, such as swimming pools, beach clubs, restaurants, and bars, that provide relaxing environments perfect for enjoying an enjoyable Cozumel vacation experience.
At this property, you can rent kayaks, jet skis, and horseback riding for an additional fee. Indulge in massage therapy services or spa treatments as well!
Are You Searching for an All-inclusive Hotel Near Stingray Beach? Consider Vista del Mar! This all-inclusive hotel is only 3 minutes away and features an outdoor pool, free parking, and an on-site bar – everything a tourist needs in Cozumel!
Discover the Secrets of Punta Langosta?
Explore the Exciting Puerta Maya: What Awaits in Cozumel?
Cozumel’s NCL Port of Puerta Maya is one of three cruise terminals on Cozumel and serves as Carnival ships’ primary port. With its charming open-air design, cruise passengers often enjoy exploring all that it offers: shops, bars, grills, and restaurants before or after a shore excursion.
At this port, there’s plenty to keep you occupied – from an elegant garden and photo op opportunities to high chairs at Three Amigos Cantina and giant shoes for pictures to real statues dotted throughout. There’s so much fun waiting!
Attractions to visit when visiting the International Pier include its shops. Shoppers will find souvenirs such as jewelry and other items here and alcohol, cigarettes, and hand-crafted goods – the shopping is not extensive here but still makes for a pleasant afternoon outing.
Puerta Maya offers free Wi-Fi, which makes staying connected during a cruise vacation a breeze. Most phone carriers provide service in this port area.
When it comes to dining options in Puerta Maya, consider eating at Three Amigos Cantina, Fat Tuesday, or Pancho’s Backyard – each is located near the port and only requires short taxi rides to access.
As with any tourist area, be mindful of crime rates in this part of the island, and if in doubt about what to do, consult a travel agent aboard the ship or your onshore tour guide for guidance.
For shopping, it’s advisable to bring US dollars with you as the Mexican peso is the official currency; however, many stores accept US dollars as well. Also, make sure that enough cash is brought along for tips and cab fare.
Explore the Exciting Puerta Maya: What Awaits in Cozumel?
Discover What Makes International Pier Unique?
If you’re cruise-shipping through Cozumel, Mexico, chances are the International Pier will be your stop. As one of three main cruise docks on the island, this dock can accommodate 40% of ships that dock there.
The San Miguel de Cozumel Pier lies three miles to the south of its main city of San Miguel de Cozumel and serves most cruise lines on Cozumel, such as Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
As soon as you step foot on a ship at its pier, you will immediately witness colorful architectural sites and an expansive shopping center with dining options from internationally recognized shopping brands.
Shopping here can be an amazing experience if you appreciate Mayan craft, with over 50 different outlets and stand-alone carts selling everything from jewelry to art.
There is also a lovely garden offering stunning ocean views and restaurants that serve a range of cuisines, such as Mexican favorites and seafood dishes.
Here, you will find a large fruit and grocery market selling fresh orange juice, bananas, and mangoes; in addition, there is also a convenience store selling basic necessities; several bars and lounges serve cocktails, beer, and wine to complete your experience.
El Museo or museum offers a wonderful insight into Cozumel’s past as well as Mayan artifacts; this makes an enjoyable afternoon excursion with children in tow.
At Cozumel Pier is Tikila Beach Bar – an extremely popular bar that’s great for relaxing while you wait for your dive tour or other excursions to start. They serve up tasty food in an informal environment; it’s worth stopping by when in Cozumel!
Punta Langosta Port and Pier are nearby, yet it costs approximately $8 to reach them by walking. While walking can be enjoyable, for those on tight budgets, consider hiring a taxi instead.
Discover What Makes International Pier Unique?
What Shore Excursions Await at Cozumel’s NCL Port, Puerta Maya, and International Pier?
Shore excursions (commonly referred to as tour operators) allow cruise passengers to explore a destination while on vacation, including bus tours, visits to museums and historic sites, sports activities (like hiking, biking, or swimming), or cultural experiences like dance classes or cooking demonstrations.
Many cruise lines provide excursions directly, while some can also be booked online or through travel agents in advance. Walk-up customers may also find excursions available from their ship’s shore excursions desk.
Cozumel offers many tours for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts, who typically visit two to three reef locations around the island with diverse marine life.
Discover the underwater world at Palancar or Columbia Reef Systems with a snorkeling excursion taking place over several days or more. Excursions vary in price depending on which tour operator offers them; check your options ahead of time to ensure you find the best offer possible.
Some excursions combine snorkeling and scuba diving; other tours consist of snorkeling before entering a submarine. Many of these tours are tailored for people who do not wish to dive underwater themselves but still wish to experience Cozumel’s rich marine life.
Most major cruise lines provide shore excursions that cater to everyone, with pre-booking often offering discounted costs; plus, many even offer special rates to children and seniors!
While most tours begin from a cruise port, some require taking a ferry across to the mainland to visit Mayan ruins or scenic caves. As this could be an extensive ride, consider choosing another alternative option as soon as possible.
Adventure seekers will find something suitable, from dune buggy tours and ATV adventures, Jeep tours, horseback riding adventures, and trips to Chankanaab Marine Park, where dolphins await them.
Make sure that you give yourself time for these tours before your cruise ends – most last between 6-8 hours! For foodies, check out the Flavors of Mexico tour, which allows participants to taste local dishes alongside delicious tequilas.
What Shore Excursions Await at Cozumel’s NCL Port, Puerta Maya, and International Pier?
Please share this post with your friends, family, or business associates who may visit Cozumel.
