Cozumel

Cozumel has three pier locations.

Punta Langosta, used by Disney, NCL, MSC, Oceania, Silversea and Marella Cruises, sits in the centre of town. From the ship, walk down the dock towards the city and cross an overpass into a shopping mall, arriving in central San Miguel. Ferries also run to Playa Del Carmen. Buy a one-way ticket because Winjet and Ultramar's do not honour each other's tickets, and expect a potentially rough crossing.

The International Pier, used by Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships, has two piers and is about a 10-minute taxi journey south of town. The coastal walk takes about 30 minutes, but take a taxi in hot weather. If the taxi queue is very long, leave it, exit the pier to the street, turn left towards the El Cid La Ceiba Hotel, and take a taxi arriving from town; those drivers welcome a fare that avoids the long line of cars at the pier.

Puerto Maya is the third pier, used by cruise lines sailing under the Carnival Corporation flag. It has three piers, lies just beyond the International Pier and works in the same way. Downtown San Miguel is approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers) away.

When too many ships are in port, some anchor offshore and tender to the Punta Langosta pier.

Information specific to Puerta Maya.

Information specific to Punta Langosta.

Most people come to Cozumel for its underwater attractions. Beach clubs offer snorkelling, but the offshore reefs and the many dive shops ready to take visitors there are the principal draw.

The main town and dive operators are on the island's west side. Hire a Beetle or scooter to explore the mostly undeveloped east, where beautiful beaches, large waves and ocean-facing rocky outcrops await. When the waves are strong enough, there are a few small blow holes, and a beach restaurant appears every few kilometers.

Diving information and bookings

• Palancar Reef: its vibrant marine life makes this an excellent family snorkelling site, and many operators run family-friendly trips.
• Columbia Reef: another strong snorkelling choice for colourful fish and coral.
• Playa El Cielo: a popular place to snorkel and swim with starfish in shallow, crystal-clear water.

Hire a car from one of the established firms near the cruise docks. With only one main road, you should not get lost.

A journey from the pier to San Miguel should cost $10. Drivers often quote more, so if unsure, ask to see the rate card that every taxi driver is required to carry.

San Miguel is easy to explore on foot, including the waterfront and plaza. Small eateries and shops around the streets and main square are its chief attractions.

Mini Submarine Tour offers a new way to see Cozumel's reefs and sea life for non divers and non snorkelers. Cozumel Water Sports provides an underwater scooter with an air-filled helmet that keeps your head dry while you steer around the reefs; it is particularly suitable for glasses wearers, who can keep their glasses on under water.

Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling is a comfortable 2-hour trip around the 3 famous Cozumel reefs, with drinks available to buy.

The passenger ferry to Playa del Carmen is the main link between Cozumel and the Yucatan Peninsula mainland, including Cancun and the Riviera Maya. It is particularly popular with cruise passengers visiting mainland attractions such as the Mayan Ruins, Xcaret or Xel Ha.

Chankanaab National Park is about 9km south of town and opens 7am - 5pm daily. It has a beach, restaurant, bar, changing rooms, walking trails and a lagoon with many iguanas. Snorkeling & diving, dolphin swimming, scuba and Seatrek are available. Its website offers a $2 coupon and packages; adult admission is approx. $22.

Cozumel Pearl Farm is the Caribbean's only active Pearl Farm. It occupies a pristine, untouched protected natural area and can be reached only by boat, with mangrove lagoon ecosystem on one side and the Caribbean's fascinating turquoise color waters on the other.

Chichen Itza is a well-known Archaeological Site, made still more prominent after selection as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World on July the 7th, 2007. It is two hours from the cruise terminals.

Río Secreto may be one of the great world wonders: an underground river with thousands of dramatic stalactites and stalagmites, creating the sense of stepping back in time into something mysterious and spectacular. It is about 30 minutes' drive from the cruise terminals.

Silver costs less here than in the U.S., but check for the .925 stamp because some outlets sell fake silver jewelry. To avoid being caught out, take a small magnet: silver that sticks to it is not sterling silver.

San Miguel, the main town, is good for local crafts, jewelry and souvenirs, alongside restaurants serving local and international cuisine.

Mexico uses the peso (MXN). Its symbol is the same as that of US dollars, which can cause confusion. In tourist areas, dollar prices are marked "US$" or with an S with a double stroke. There is about 17 peso to 1US$.

Credit cards are less widely accepted than in Europe or the USA, and some businesses add around 5% to these transactions. Cash is King here.

Spanish is the principal language, while English is widely spoken in border cities with the United States and in tourist destinations.

Traditionally, shops open 9 to 1, except Sunday, and 5 to 9. Those nearest the pier often trade all day, especially in high season. Most shops shut on Sunday morning.