Cozumel cruise pier transfers and tours with BlaakLane.com are pre-booked drivers who collect you at the point each pier allows for private vehicles at Punta Langosta, the International Pier or Puerta Maya. Book an hourly island tour from three hours, a hotel transfer or a run to the Playa del Carmen ferry, all at a fixed fare shown before you confirm.
How to book a car in Cozumel
Choose your pier as the pickup, add the ship and the date, and select either a point-to-point transfer or an hourly booking. The fare on screen is fixed. Cozumel trips are driven by a vetted local affiliate from the LimousineWorldwide.Directory network, contracted to the BlaakLane.com written standard, and the confirmation tells you the operator and driver. The island's vehicle pool is small, so the booker only offers the classes that can be confirmed for your date.
Cozumel's three cruise piers
All three sit on the west coast, facing the mainland across the Cozumel Channel.
| Pier | Location | Distance to downtown San Miguel |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Langosta | Downtown, at the south end of the waterfront | Walkable, 5-10 minutes |
| International Pier | About 4 km south of town | 10-15 minutes by car |
| Puerta Maya | Next to the International Pier | 10-15 minutes by car |
The ship's daily programme tells you which pier you will use. Cozumel is a port of call for Western Caribbean itineraries rather than a turnaround port; the federal port authority for Quintana Roo, APIQROO, manages the piers.
Where private cars can meet you
Pier-side pickup in Cozumel is closely controlled. The island's taxi union and licensed tour operators hold the ranks nearest the gangways, and private vehicles are met where the pier authority allows, usually just outside the pier gate or the shopping plaza exit. Your driver sends the exact meeting point the day before or on the morning of arrival. Walk off, clear the pier security gate and message the driver.
Island tours by the hour
Hourly bookings run from a 3-hour minimum through the hourly chauffeur service. The island road loop is about 65 km, which makes a full circuit comfortable in a half day.
- South and east coast: Punta Sur Eco Beach Park and the Celarain lighthouse, then the wild east shore with its beach clubs.
- Mayan Cozumel: the ruins at San Gervasio in the island's interior.
- Snorkel and beach: Chankanaab park or a west coast beach club, with the car waiting.
- Town and tequila: San Miguel's plaza, the museum and a tasting stop.
The driver keeps an eye on all-aboard time, and you should still aim to be back at the pier an hour before it.
Crossing to Playa del Carmen
Passenger ferries run from the downtown ferry pier, a short walk from Punta Langosta, to Playa del Carmen in about 35 to 45 minutes. On the mainland, a separate car can meet you for Tulum, Xcaret or the Riviera Maya resorts; see the Playa del Carmen page. Only attempt a mainland trip on a long port day, since ferry delays leave little margin.
Airport connections: Cozumel and Cancun
Cozumel International (CZM) is about 10 to 15 minutes from the piers and handles some US flights. Passengers who leave a cruise early, or who stay on the island afterwards, are usually flying from here. Most international travel to the region uses Cancun airport, roughly 50 to 70 minutes by road from the Playa del Carmen ferry pier. With a flight number in the booking, the chauffeur tracks the arrival, and 60 minutes of waiting are included on international flights. Pickup is at each airport's designated pre-arranged area; a name-board meet is an add-on only offered in selected locations. Both airports are operated by ASUR.
Island time, money and practical notes
Quintana Roo keeps Eastern Standard Time all year, and ships sometimes run on a different clock. Always work to the all-aboard time on the ship's programme and confirm which clock it uses. The Mexican peso is the currency, though US dollars are widely taken in San Miguel. The east coast has strong currents and few services, so swim only where a beach club or lifeguard is present. Sun and heat are intense from late morning, which is another reason to start tours early.
Luggage on a Cozumel day
On a normal port call you carry only a day bag. If you are leaving the ship for good or staying on after, cases ride in the vehicle to your hotel, the ferry or CZM. Porters at the ferry pier handle bags for the crossing.
Choosing a vehicle
- Standard Sedan or Luxury Executive Sedan: a couple exploring the island.
- Standard Black SUV or Executive Black SUV: families of up to six, air-conditioned and roomy for beach gear.
- Sprinter Van: groups up to 12, the usual island tour vehicle.
- Sprinter Luxury Jet Van: seven guests with day bags.
- Executive First Class Sedan (Maybach), Luxury Stretch Limo, Party Bus: rare on the island; the booker shows if one is available.
Child seats are free on request where supplied. See the fleet.
Staying on the island
The west coast hotels north and south of San Miguel suit divers and anyone staying before or after a cruise that stops on a nearby coast. Our Cozumel chauffeur page covers local trips, and Cancun covers the mainland gateway.
Groups and shore programmes
Groups travelling together, from a family reunion to a corporate incentive, are planned by a coordinator and confirmed in writing; see cruise lines and ports and the full services list.
What the fare includes and cancellation
The fixed fare covers vehicle, driver and included waiting, which is 15 minutes from the booked time at the pier, then 15-minute blocks. More than 72 hours before pickup you can cancel free; 72 hours or less carries 10%, 48 hours or less 50%, and 24 hours or less or a no-show 100%. Fare structure is on rates. Background on the island is on Wikipedia.
