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Is Cozumel Eastern or Western Caribbean?

Perhaps the most popular itinerary for first-time cruisers is the Western Caribbean which offers ports like: Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. The Western Caribbean itinerary has the best possible snorkeling, beaches, and water-sports options – and is historically the cheapest.



Cozumel is firmly located in the Western Caribbean. In the cruising industry, the "Western Caribbean" route typically includes destinations along the coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, Belize, Roatán (Honduras), Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Geographically, Cozumel sits in the Caribbean Sea just off the eastern coast of Mexico, opposite Playa del Carmen. This is distinct from the "Eastern Caribbean," which typically covers the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, and the Bahamas. Because of its Western location, Cozumel is one of the most visited ports for cruises departing from Galveston, New Orleans, and Mobile, as well as the standard 4- and 5-night sailings out of Miami and Port Canaveral. It is world-renowned for its Palancar Reef and its proximity to Mayan ruins like Tulum.

People Also Ask

What is the best time of year to go to the Caribbean? December through April is the peak season for Caribbean cruising. During this time, you'll experience the best weather and some of the most entertaining holidays and festivals.

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Where to go on the Caribbean coast of Mexico
  • Cancun.
  • Puerto Morelos.
  • Playa del Carmen.
  • Akumal.
  • Tulum.
  • Isla Mujeres.
  • Cozumel.
  • Isla Contoy.


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Caribbean: The white sand beaches and turquoise waters of the Caribbean's Yucatan Peninsula make destinations like Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Tulum all about the beaches. In fact, it's the allure of the Caribbean Sea on the east coast that drives most vacationers south of the border.

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December. From mid-December it's peak season (and peak prices) in the Caribbean although you might find some deals at the start of the month. Some resorts try to tempt vacationers with deals ahead of the busy Christmas rush. Weather-wise it's warm and dry with little chance of any thunderstorms.

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If you'd rather see the sunrise while sailing south or east, staying on the port side is your ideal choice as well. Choose the starboard side for the opposite situation: sunsets are visible on southbound and eastbound sailings while sunrises are visible on northbound and westbound cruises.

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