Playa Palancar and Palancar Reef from the Cozumel cruise port

Snorkeling4 hours for a boat trip

Quiet south-west beach with a swim dock and boat access to Palancar Reef, a large coral reef with walls and swim-throughs. Reef snorkeling here is by boat; the reef itself lies about 1 km off the beach.

Getting there from the ship

From
Puerta Maya / International Pier
Cozumel has 3 cruise piers; your line confirms which one the evening before. Pier guide.
Travel time
Ask at the taxi stand
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. Cozumel taxi fares.
Cost
Beach entry about $20-23, taxi about $25 each way (2025-2026); boat snorkel trips to Palancar/Colombia/El Cielo about $65 for 4 hours.
Time to allow
4 hours for a boat trip

Will you be back for all aboard?

Plan on 4 hours for a boat trip, and check the travel time with a taxi dispatcher at the pier before you commit on a 8:00 am–4:30 pm call.

Tip

Book a morning departure: wind picks up in the afternoon and reduces visibility.

Cozumel cruise port: Playa Palancar FAQ

How much does it cost to visit Playa Palancar?

Beach entry about $20-23, taxi about $25 each way (2025-2026); boat snorkel trips to Palancar/Colombia/El Cielo about $65 for 4 hours.

How much time do you need at Playa Palancar?

Allow 4 hours for a boat trip. Plan on 4 hours for a boat trip, and check the travel time with a taxi dispatcher at the pier before you commit on a 8:00 am–4:30 pm call.

Can you visit Playa Palancar on your own from a cruise ship?

It is easier with a tour or a pre-booked driver, because transport there and back is not simple to arrange on the day. Book a morning departure: wind picks up in the afternoon and reduces visibility.

Tours that go to Playa Palancar

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

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