bguppies

Lastly, does anyone have a copy of the menu?

.

Read Mitsugirly's review here (from post #190-#219)

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1755846&page=10

Lots of great pictures of the facitlities and info.

Bill

is it correct there is a weight restriction of 250 lbs for this excursion?

If you are booking through a cruiseline (I can't imagine why in Cozumel) you might want to mention the name, so those who booked through that cruiseline could maybe explain it to you.

Only reason I could see is maybe for the waterslides....

Can't imagine anything else that would have a weight requirement, other than extras like parasailing or something.

http://www.cozumel-watersports.com/excursions/playamiadaypass.html

I did not see any weight restrictions mentioned on the website.

Bill

Hmmm...I had decided to book an AI in Ocho Rios, but his thread is making me reconsider! And I don't really want to do two. Decisions, decisions.

 

How's the shade here? I read on the site that palapas are first come, first served. Is there anything else for shade if we aren't able to get one?

 

 

 

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There is a 100 person limit and 4 chairs under each palapa.

Over the years they have kept adding palapas.

Last time we were there, there was more than 25 palapas. (I think it was 28 or 30)

So mathematically, I think it would be impossible to run out of shaded loungers anymore.

There is also alot of trees with shade that you could move a lounger under.

Also hammocks in the trees and plenty of shade in the huge restaurant.

Bill

Wood work in Roatan or Belize is amazing.

Bill

to the top

Used them five times for our excursions to Nachi...

Once the stop was cancelled due to hurricane hitting just to the south and got our refund quickly.

Had to move our reservation once when Carnival decided to completely reverse the itinerary and had no problem changing days.

Every other time, everything went without a hitch. (knock on wood for our next booking for April. ;) )

Definitely a well respected excursion company.

Bill

http://******diva.com/news_83113.htm#Norwegian_Cruise_Line_Plans_Eco-Friendly_Destination_in_Belize

Just plug in our favorite 6 letter word for the ******.

Great article on the new Belize island, with an NCL artists rendered picture.

(at least the ships will dock right at the island from the picture)

Bill

If NCL did away with Cozumel or Roatan for two stops in Belize, that would kill their Western Itinerary for me.

I definitely wouldn't mind switching from the armpit of the Caribbean that Belize City is, to a new private island in southern Belize.

But keeping the horrible Belize City stop and dropping either Roatan or Cozumel would be a deal breaker for us.

Bill

That line in the water, when the tide goes out, is completely out of the water, by a few feet.

The sand at Nachi is deep, but I have never found it more difficult to walk in than other beaches I have been at. (other than in the water, the one time the tide was going out)

Now I know some of the beach clubs had to replenish their sand after that hurricane that destroyed Puerta Maya pier hit.

So even though Nachi is physically next door to Mr. Sanchos and Playa Mia, it could have different sand on top of the natural sand, due to replenishment.

I'll take Nachi's deep sand over courser sand beaches or the beaches with sand mixed with small rocks.

I guess beach sand is subjective like food. ;)

Having been at beaches in California, NJ, Del, MD, VA, NC, SC and FLA, plus all over the Caribbean, I guess I am a little more easy going about beach sand. :D

I'm more concerned about being at a wonderful spot like Nachi, with gorgeous facilties and great service to enjoy all day and the 100 person limit.

But I'm sure Mr. Sanchos and Playa Mia are wonderful too.

If we had kids, I'd be at Playa Mia in a heartbeat with the kids and DW would be at Nachi enjoying her favorite spot in the Caribbean, EVERY single trip to Cozumel.

Bill

Try Passion Island. We have been there twice. They filmed the Coors Beer commercial here once. Great buffet lunch. Lovely beach.

You mean the Corona commercial?

MITSU,

 

 

Then I found your reviews, and other peoples suggestions and I'm thoroughly confused.

 

You family is sold on Chankanaab. I liked your review of the Playa Mia I think it was? I'm not sure what's best for us. We're too 'old' 40 somethings fuddy-duddys who just want to sit around in the sun, maybe snorkel, eat good food (preferably included) and relax. Not a fan of crowds or needing water toys or whatever. So I'm confused as to where to go. I liked your info on Chankanaab but the more I read it, it seems like a busy place with the dolphin thing, sea lion thing, etc... Is it more busy? I was happy with my Nachi choice until you said terrible to walk in the sand. I would hate that and I'm not 20 lbs or anything so it would be even harder, plus the drop off didn't sound safe.

 

I just need advice. Of the places you've been or researched, which would be the most peaceful, non-partyish, less crowded place?

The Nachi sand thing is only when the tide is going out.

It leaves a slightly steep shelf (where the water was) and the sand shifts under your feet as it being dragged out with the tide.

I've been 4 times, but only experienced the tide going out, once...

So I knew what Mitsu was talking about the day she was there, but it is only when the tide is heading out. (sorry I know of no way of checking into that on your date)

If you enjoy a guaranteed no crowds experience, great food and an amazing pool with swim up bar, then Nachi is amazing.

The only down sides are the snorkeling from shore is poor and the sand at low tide...

I usually only go out in the ocean once for an hour or so and spend the rest of my day in the pool, so the sand thing has never bothered me. (and I love to snorkel, but always do so in better spots like Grand Cayman or Roatan.)

If snorkeling is very important to you, I would definitely choose Chankanaab and take the chance of the larger crowds.

Whatever you choose, I hope you find your perfect day in Cozumel.

Bill

Yes the FAQ section of each of their tours states a minimum of 6 people for the tour to run.

 

They do not usually pick up at the piers but at a central location in town. They do drop off at the piers on the return.

 

The tour is not only for cruise ship visitors - we have done it while taking a land vacation in Cozumel and some people even join in that are staying on the mainland.

I can understand not running with less than six, with fuel costs in the Caribbean.

I just can't believe there is any day, with even one ship in port, that they don't have at least six people wanting to go.

Bill

Is there a minimum amount of people, for them to stop and pick up a group at the pier?

Just because there isn't anybody intrested in a dead roll call, doesn't mean there isn't somebody else onboard booked....

Just curious how the bar hop works...

Bill

Sounds like you would be a good fit for the AI side of Mr. Sanchos - swim up bar, nice beach, lively crowd, etc. Good luck! :)

I'll second Mr. Sanchos....

Nachi Cocum sounds like it'll be a little to quiet for your tastes...

Bill

This is the map I made awhile back on google earth. Does this look like the right placement? I did it a year or 2 back.

 

 

 

Online it says the taxi cost is:

 

 

Palancar Beach $22.00 1-4 people

$35.00 5 people

$46.00 6-8 people

Palancar looks right.

I never knew Uvas was that close to Chankanaab and Money Bar.

I haven't heard much about Carlos and Charlie's lately either....

Awesome map work....

Bill

Maybe it's because it's a little further down than most of the places people head to.

 

Any idea how long of a drive it is from NCL pier?

On the maps I've seen, Palancar's a good bit past Nachi Cocum.

I'd also be curious how much the cab cost to run that far south.

Bill

I'm new with this haha. Okay so Cozumel has an actual dock. Good to know! Thanks JohninDC

Carnival has a dock, Puerta Maya, that holds 2 ships.

RCCL has a pier (right next door), International, that holds 2 ships.

The original pier, Punta Langosta, is back in town, and is primarily used by NCL. (and overflow for Carnival and RCCL) Not positive, but I believe, it also holds 2 ships.

This link shows the 3 piers and where the beach clubs are.

http://www.travelnotes.cc/cozumel/links/mapisland.php

You can check which ships are in Cozumel on your day and see where you will probably dock. (the big ships in the Carnival and RCCL fleets usually get first dibs at their piers.)

http://cruisett.com/content.php

Odds are no matter what you wind up choosing, that you will have a great time...

Good luck.

Bill

in this link you can see Playa Palancar photos

 

Thanks for those...

Playa Palancar doesn't get many, if any reviews on this board...

Much appreciated.

Bill

Thanks for all the great info on Playa Mia. Was there several years ago and was able to buy admission at the gate. Is this not allowed anymore?

I keep reading reviews where people said when they arrived, they had to make up a hotel to tell them when asked while buying tickets.

Others state that they were never asked...

Bill

Here are the links to the various beach clubs I have...

Nachi Cocum - my personal favorite.. AI, 100 person limit, very peaceful and quiet. (great for adult couples looking for a relaxing day)

http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com/

Mr. Sanchos - right next door to Nachi- AI or not, a little more lively with music playing and livelier crowd.

http://www.mrsanchos.com/mr_sanchos/home.htm

Playa Mia - right near Mr. Sanchos - great for kids with waterslides, large kiddie pool, adult pools, etc...

http://www.playamiacozumel.com/

Paradise Beach - no admission, but must buy $10 food pp to use beach chairs, pool etc.. Water toys for kids...

http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/

Chankanaab Park, great shore snorkeling, pool, dolphin excursions, etc..

http://www.cozumelparks.com/

Money Bar - free- great shore snorkeling, but no beach or other amenities.

http://www.moneybarbeachclub.com/

Many other beach clubs to choose from.

Literally a club for every taste and budget.

http://www.playa-azul.com/eng/beach-club.cfm

http://www.buceopalancar.com/index_en.html

http://www.playauvas.com/

http://www.stingraybeach.com/

There is a bunch a beach clubs in Cozumel...

All slightly different from one another to cater to every person's needs one way or the other.

Depends on what your budget is, what you want to do, during your beach day (relax, party, snorkel, get a massage, play on jet skis, parasail, have waterslides and big kiddie pools, etc..) and if unlimited drinks, alcoholic or non alcoholic would be worthwhile to you.

DW and I always go to Nachi Cocum on our stops in Cozumel. (our 5th time in April)

To me Nachi Cocum is worth the $55, just for the 100 person per day limit.

The 3 course meal, all you can drink and wonderful facilities are a bonus.

Mr. Sanchos is very similar, but a little more lively than Nachi Cocum. (and right next door)

Playa Mia has the same beach, but also has huge pools, a kiddie park, waterslides, etc... definitely kiddie friendly.

Paradise Beach is similar, but has no people limit and is pay as you go...

A cheaper day, but no guarantees on how crowded it can get.

Chankanaab Park has dolphin swims and good shore snorkeling if you enjoy snorkeling. (the other parks being sandy have poor shore snorkeling)

Pool and nice lagoon to swim in.

Money Bar is near Chankanaab and has a rocky shore that is good for shore snorkeling.

There are another half dozen or more clubs.. (the ones above are just the most popular.)

Hope that helps..

If you are looking for the best day for your Mom, you just need to pick the club that would be the best fit for her temperment.

Bill

In our litigious society, our liability for pool accidents would have been much higher if we had a lifeguard stationed by the pool when something happened, and our insurance premiums would have been higher as well. Blame it on a lawsuit happy society..

 

Robin

Exactly!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don't blame companies for doing whatever is best to protect themselves from ridiculous lawsuits.

Everybody yearns for how things were from their youth.

Yet they forget that when they went to a friend's house to play and fell off the treehouse and broke their arm, or fell while rollerskating in their friend's driveway, their parents did not sue their neighbors for a simple accident, like people do today.

I find it ridiculous that my inlaws had to install a locking fence for their backyard, because if some kids decided to violate their yard and go swimming illegally, they would be liable if a kid got hurt, while tresspassing in their yard to swim.:eek:

It's sad the money companies have to spend, to look for every tiny thing that somebody might sue them for and find a way to protect themselves from it...

It all trickles down in the end...

If anybody feels bad that there are no lifeguards to protect the pools, blame the folks who sued swimming pools out of existence in many places, for a quick payoff for their own kids accident.

Bill

Thanks everyone.

 

The review on mitsgirly had photos of the menu with prices and I wasn't sure if some things, like a buffet are fre, and other items ie the menu posted, are a la carte.

 

 

 

 

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I've never understood the prices on the menu either...

(plus the pesos really throws you off)

Bill

Checked out your very thorough review that was linked in your signature. Thanks for that. I am very excited since we just booked our reservation for Nachi this Sept.

 

One question, was the lunch included, or did you have to pay separately. I've been reading mixed messages from other posters.

 

Thanks

Lunch is included and served when you want it, where you want it..

We usually just head up to the restaurant to have ours, but they will bring it poolside or to your palapa on the beach.

Have never made it to desert in four trips to Nachi, the food is so good.

Bill