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Over There - Calica |
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A Ship Pier Serving Both Cruise Ships and a Freight Ferry |
The port of Calica (also known as Punta Venado) is located about 8 miles South of Playa Del Carmen on the Riviera Maya coastal highway. It is the main disembarkation point for cruise ships visiting Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas.
Calica is also the port where the Cozumel Trans Caribe Freight ferry off loads. So Calica is not so much a "town" but rather a working port area with few amenities. Unlike Cozumel, Cancun, Progreso and Costa Maya, cruise passengers disembarking in Calica will find no shopping, restaurants or services other than taxis waiting to transport guests to surrounding areas like Tulum, Playa del Carmen, etc. The 2 closest shopping districts are Playa del Carmen and Tulum which are both about 20 minutes away by taxi.
While there are alot of activities to do in the areas surrounding Calica, the closest tourist attraction is the beautiful Xcaret Park which is located about one mile away. Xcaret is an amazing ecological park offering many different attractions such as lagoons, waterways to snorkel, botanical gardens, restaurants, zoo and a beautiful beach. There are also spectacular shows and performances held at various times thoughout the day and night. A visit to Xcaret is a great way to spend the day if docked in Calica.
Cruise passengers will save alot of time and get the most out of this disembarkation point if activities are pre-scheduled in advance because this port is NOT a good "on your own" port-of-call. Yes there are taxis and vans waiting but there are never enough to serve all those electing to disembark. So book online to ensure your activities because there is NOTHING ELSE TO DO at this location and NO car rental agencies on site! See the list below for excellent options of things to do!
Ferry Service - Vehicles - Between Cozumel & Mainland |
The ferry between Cozumel and Punta Venado (a.k.a. Calica) remains one of the hidden treasures of the area for those wanting to cross a vehicle. Up until just a couple of years ago, crossing a car between the mainland and Cozumel took 4 - 6 hours plus waiting in line at all hours of the night to ensure a space on the 1 or 2 crossings made daily. Thankfully, with competition comes efficiency and speed for the journey now is only about 1 hour and there are so many crossings daily that there is hardly ever a back up of folks wanting to put their vehicles on the vessel.
On the mainland, few signs direct you to the ferry boarding area, or even tell you of its existence (unlike the passenger ferry at Playa del Carmen which is marked with highway signs). There is a sign at the roadway entrance, but it is not well illuminated and it is set back far enough from the road that your car headlights likely won't pick it up if travelling at night. It is approximately 7Km south of the main highway intersection at Playa del Carmen, and about 1.5 Km south of the exit for Xcaret. There are signs along the way south of Playa del Carmen which say Calica and this is where the boarding pier is located so follow these signs and directionals.
PLEASE NOTE: this crossing service is not a tourist activity. The freight and vehicle crossing service is a critical link in Cozumel's island economy. It is used primarily by locals and distribution companies getting inventory to and from Cozumel. So don't expect the staff to speak or understand much English and don't get huffy when change is provided in pesos. All one needs to do is drive up to the offices where there will be a man with a clipboard who sells tickets. He will direct vehicles into lines as they will embark the boat. The crossing takes about 60 minutes from dock to dock. The fare is roughly 800 pesos ($US 65) for a car & driver and 50 pesos ($US 5) for each additional passenger. However, during certain times of the year like Semana Santa and Christmas holidays Transcaribe often runs promotional pricing for sedan type cars at around $350 pesos (US$ 30).
TRANSCARIBE CARGO FERRY SCHEDULE |
From Cozumel to Calica
Monday through Saturday: 6:00am, 11:00pm, 4:00pm and 8:30pm.
Sunday: 9:00am, 5:00pm and 9:00pm.
From Calica to Cozumel
Monday through Saturday: *4:00am, 8:00am, 1:30pm and 6:00pm.
Sunday: 7:00am, 11:00am and 6:30pm.
For more information contact Transcaribe in Cozumel at:
Phone Numbers - (987) 872-7688 / 7671 / 7504
or
Visit Transcaribe Website Page - PLEASE CLICK HERE
Visit Transcaribe Facebook Page - PLEASE CLICK HERE
Visit Transcaribe Twitter Page - PLEASE CLICK HERE
*Note - Tuesday thru Saturday 4:00am departures are restricted to Carga Negra (Black Cargo ONLY).
ULTRAMAR CARGO FERRY SCHEDULE |
From Cozumel to Calica
Monday and Saturday: 7:00am, 6:00pm and 11:30pm.
Tuesday thru Friday: 7:30am, 12:30pm, 6:00pm and 11:30pm.
Sunday: 6:15am, 10:30am, 2:30pm, 8:00pm and 11:30pm.
From Calica to Cozumel
Monday and Saturday: *1:45am, 10:15am and 8:00pm.
Tuesday thru Friday: *1:45am, 10:15am, 2:30pm and 8:00pm.
Sunday: 1:45am, 8:30am, 12:30pm, 5:15pm and 9:45pm.
For more information contact Ultramar in Calica at:
Phone Number - (988) 293-9092
or
Visit Ultramar Website Page - PLEASE CLICK HERE
Visit Ultramar Cargo Facebook Page - PLEASE CLICK HERE
*Note - Sunday thru Saturday 1:45am departures are restricted to Carga Negra (Black Cargo ONLY).
Information and schedules as of April 2018 |
For those living on the island who enjoy crossing to the mainland frequently, there is "Plan Local" discount pricing available for both Mexicans and expats who provide the proper proof of residency and documentation. More details are available here More About Transcaribe Plan Local Discounts
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Great Calica Area Tours to Book in Advance Online with Us!
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Cancun - Tulum Express |
Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 57.00 Adults / US$ 41.00 Kids
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Cancun - Tulum Xel-Ha' All Inclusive (Cancun Line) |
Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 79.50 Kids
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Dreams Puerto Aventuras - Dolphin Encounter |
Dolphin Dreams is a privileged location which was designed to provide an exclusive experience for dolphin lovers. Different from the rest of the dolphinariums, this is the first one (1) in Quintana Roo to have kayaks within the activities with dolphins. The Encounter program is focused on creating activities that everybody can enjoy as the handshake, receiving a tender kiss or giving a soft hug to these incredible creatures. These activity along the kayaks, will make of this day a unique experience.
US$ 99.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Dreams Puerto Aventuras - Dolphin Royal Swim |
This is the newest dolphinarium and by far one of the most exclusive ones. It is situated in the heart of Puerto Aventuras, in an exclusive luxury resort. It is a quiet and the ideal place to relax as the only distraction you will have are the charming beaches and exotic jungle. Not only this is an exclusive and unique location in Quintana Roo, but it also has amazing facilities so you can enjoy the activities that you will be able to enjoy with the dolphins. Among these activities you can enjoy the Kayaks, a total new experience and exclusively at this location, you can have fun on the kayaks with family or friends while the dolphins play and swim all your way.
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Dreams Puerto Aventuras - Dolphin Swim Adventure |
Your next vacations will have it all as Puerto Aventuras gives you the perfect place to spend your vacations with pristine waters, sun and great activities to enjoy adventure in the best destination. This vacations will be memorable and the best experience of your life!
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Playa del Carmen - Dolphin Encounter |
You and your children will be able to enjoy safe and fun activities that Dolphin Discovery Maroma has especially designed for all ages. The Dolphin Encounter Program is filled with informative and fun facts about the dolphins; you will learn everything about them in their own natural environment. This is the best program for kids as it is the ideal activity to introduce them to nature and respect for animals.
US$ 99.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Playa del Carmen - Dolphin Royal Swim |
Dolphin Playa at Maroma stands in the beautiful beach of Maroma Adventure, one of the top ten places in the world. Our newest and largest dolphin habitat in the Mayan Riviera is located just 10 minutes driving from Playa del Carmen. Here you will be able to live an unforgettable experience, closely interaction with cute and friendly dolphins.
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Playa del Carmen - Dolphin Swim Adventure |
Meet, greet and touch one of the most amazing marine animals of the Caribbean Sea, the dolphins that have captivated humans since we know they existed. The program has a great opportunity for an up-close interaction with our friendly and playful dolphins. You will learn everything you wanted to know about their diet, activities, behavior and many more facts. The Dolphin Swim Adventure program includes the famous belly ride. The belly ride consists of you holding on to the dolphin's fins as he swims backwards. Beside this exciting activity, you will play with the dolphin, receive a kiss, a handshake and will learn how they sing and dance on the water.
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Riviera Maya - Dolphin Swim Adventure |
Share a series of sensational and safe activities while establishing a unique bond of trust. With a handshake, kiss and belly ride will enjoy moments of great spontaneity during your free time together. It is an unforgettable experience!
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Riviera Maya - Dolphin Encounter |
Enjoy a learning and interactive experience fun for all ages! A great way to introduce young and old to the wonders of dolphins and sea life!
US$ 99.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Riviera Maya - Dolphin Royal Swim |
This most popular program can be described in two words: "action" and "speed". Get a handshake, a kiss and then you give them one. Feel the strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet in the thrilling foot-push. It is "the experience of a lifetime!"
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids
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Riviera Maya - Tulum Express |
Visit this city that is icon of the Maya culture in the Mexican Caribbean and the only built facing the sea. Due to its amazing architecture and location on a cliff facing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, Tulum is the third most visited prehispanic site in Mexico.
US$ 57.00 Adults / US$ 41.00 Kids
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Playa del Carmen - Dolphin Royal Swim
Playa del Carmen - Dolphin Swim Adventure
Cancun - Tulum Xel-Ha' All Inclusive (Cancun Line)
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