Get to Know the Popular Mexican Cruise Ports

by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 1:45 PM ET, Wed October 18, 2023

The country of Mexico is an important cruise destination as it's home to several popular ports on both its Caribbean and Pacific coastlines.

Each of the popular ports below offer some great opportunities for travelers to learn about Mexican culture, experience its stunning natural attractions and get in touch with the region’s rich past.

Cozumel

Cozumel is one of the most popular cruise ports in all of Mexico. Travelers can stay close to their ship and enjoy tasty food, live entertainment and shopping experiences, or they can take an excursion to discover some of the best the region has to offer.

A trip to nearby Tulum or Playa del Carmen can bring travelers to mythical cenotes, where they can swim surrounded by a jungle as old as time or they can experience Mayan history at the ruins of Chichén Itzá or El Castillo. Artists and art lovers can visit Playa del Carmen to see the Frida Kahlo Museum.

For nature lovers, a trip in the other direction — across the water — will take them to the Meso-American Barrier Reef, a crucial element of the ocean’s health and home to a plethora of sea creatures, from sea turtles to fish and more.

Costa Maya

Costa Maya is located in the famed Riviera Maya region of the Mexican Caribbean, so travelers will find no lack of opportunities for sunbathing, beach-going and snorkeling here.

From this cruise port, travelers can also take excursions to the ruins of Chacchoben or Kohunlich, swim in the photo-worthy Bacalar Lagoon or Uchbenkah Lagoon, take a snorkel or diving trip to the coral reefs and much more.

Ensenada

Located on the western coast of Mexico is Ensenada, often the northernmost cruise port in a Mexican Riviera itinerary.

While the Pacific coast of Mexico is known for its drier climate, this region also offers no lack of fun beaches to enjoy, though we recommend getting out on an excursion. Whale watching, hiking the El Salto Canyon, shopping or visiting a local winery are some great ways to make the most out of a day spent in Ensenada.

Cabo San Lucas

Further down to the top of Baja California is Cabo San Lucas, known for its foodie culture and great resorts.

Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Land’s End or Desert Park Natural Reserve on land, or experiencing some of the largest mammals on the planet during a whale watching tour. Foodies can explore the city and will find no lack of restaurants serving delicious food, often with an international influence.

Art lovers will enjoy visiting the neighboring town of San Jose del Cabo, a colorful town known for its Gallery District, a place where artists have made an indelible mark on the region through traditional and nontraditional art.

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is considered the lover’s paradise on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Scenic waterfront areas and beaches, historic cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, and a cultural focus on art and food combine to make the city a great place for couples to explore together on a cruise.

One of its districts is even called Zona Romantica!

Even here, travelers can get in touch with ancient history at the Xihuacan Museum and Archeological Site. The Mercado Municipal Río Cuale or Pueblo Viejo Mercado de Artesanías are great markets to pick up a locally made treasure, while foodies can try local favorites such as birria or pescado embarazado.

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