We have taken ships excursions to go snorkeling and have also just stayed at the pool and relaxed. The snorkeling there is really nice as are the beaches. If you want to go the the beach, you have to go out of the port to Majahual, the small fishing village nearby. There are some hammocks and palapas (small area) on the water, but it is very rocky there. They also have an enormous pool with a swim up bar that is lots of fun. The shopping there is expensive (save it for Cozumel). There is a fully enclosed shopping area (no street vendors) and a very lively Carlos and Charlies. It is stronger than regular vanilla and very tasty, just be careful where you buy it as there are some sellers with questionable ingredients.Ĭosta Maya is a port the cruiselines built. If you have never used Mexican vanilla, be sure to get some. They have their own brand of vanilla that is safe and wonderful. They are attached to Los Cinco Soles, a nice shop where they don't harass you. Pancho's Back Porch is a great restaurant with the original location downtown and also one at the international pier. There are also lots of shops right at the pier. If you are at the international pier, you can be downtown with a quick cab ride. The beaches in Cozumel are very beautiful and a quick search on CC will give you lots of suggestions. Taxis are regulated in Cozumel, so set prices depending on where you are headed. There are lots of bars and great places to eat all along there and no problem at all with safety. Yes, the salespeople are aggressive, but a simple no thank you is all it takes. The street that runs along the water has many shops. If you want to shop, the downtown pier is the most convienent. Both ports are much safer than many parts of Mexico.Ĭozumel - There are 3 piers in Cozumel and you are most likely to be at the downtown pier or the International pier. We have been to Cozumel 8 times on cruises and Costa Maya 3 times.

and if my gut tells me I am somewhere I shouldn't be, I go back to the ship. I used to visit Mexico a lot in my younger days and have seen some crime occur so always good to go with an awareness of your surroundings. There are places in Mexico where I won't get off the ship, so don't blame you for your concern. We felt safe enough in Costa Maya, a little less safe in Cozumel, though. If you do decide to do this, make sure you find the right establishment.the Tropicante. but it is located on a swimming beach so the kids might like that. It was blast!! We were in a group of 6 adults, though. and make a reservation with Steve Uhl (sp?) ahead of time, the proprietor there. You can check out their website from Facebook or Tripadvisor. We caught a cab for a couple of dollars out to the boardwalk area and reserved a table and lounge chairs ahead of time there in the shade. This last time we went to Tropicante Ameri-Mex Grill on the beach. We've also been to Costa Maya a couple of times before and had a great tour of the ruins (can't remember the name. It was so hot when we were there, we just went back onboard but have been to Cozumel many times and one of my favorite things was Chankanaab Park (sp?). If you use the same dock that we did last year in Cozumel, you will need to take transportation to go into the touristy area of town. We visited Cozumel and Costa Maya last year in February while on the Equinox.

Costa maya bus accident