bguppies

Yea, I'm interested in that too, however when you mentioned that Mr Sanchos is in between Nachi (with the beach I didn't care for and couldnt' even walk in the sinking sand) and Playa Mia (which we loved the beach and it was nothing like Nachi) it makes me wonder too.

Playa Mia's beach was good. Correct?

Amazing how much difference a few hundred yards can make on the same shoreline.

Hope someone who has been to Nachi and Mr. Sanchos can answer that for you.

Bill

I was looking at the site for Mr Sanchos and read this:

 

The restaurant is a 1,721 sq. ft. location with thatched roof that can host up to 150 people.

On the beach area there are 54 palm huts plus 18 tropical umbrellas that in conjunction with the restaurant allow to host up to 500 people.

 

If they only allow 200 people, I don't think they would be putting that they can host up to 500 people. :cool: Sigh

I keep reading that Mr. Sanchos has an AI side and a walk in, pay as you go side. (don't know how they could regulate that)

Maybe the 200 limit is for the AI's each day. (maybe wrist bands or something)

Seems to defeat the purpose of a limit, if you allow walk ups to pay as they go!?!?!?! (that is why I would pay my $55 at Nachi, just for the solid 100 limit. )

I'm also curious as Nachi and Mr. Sanchos share a beach, how different the sand is at Mr. Sanchos. (since I never thought about it at Nachi, until you brought up the problems you had in your review)

At least you know going in the snorkeling from shore will be mediocre to poor at best.

Hopefully one of the die-hard Mr. Sanchos folks can give you some solid answers to all the questions for you.

Bill

I'll be interested to see how people rate the snorkeling at Passion Island...

http://www.isla-pasion.com/all-inclusive-beach-tour-cozumel.html

So they do put a limit on how many people go there? There will be 7 ships in port when we are there in December.

 

Can someone confirm the amount of people they allow?

I thought I saw somebody say 200 person limit......

Hopefully somebody will confirm...

I don't know much about these 4 beach clubs, but I do have links for you to check out...

Playa Palancar

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

Playa Azul

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

Playa Uvas

http://www.playauvas.com/

Stingray Beach

http://www.stingraybeach.com/

Sounds to me if one of these doesn't meet your snorkel/beach criteria, you might have to do Chankanaab again. (not that's a terrible thing.;) )

Bill

What are times in port this time?

I know if I ever have the time, I do want to try Xel-Ha or Xcaret on the mainland, but like you already stated, you have to fit the 45minute ferry ride and then more cab rides. (although if you are back on NCL this trip, at least you are already right at the ferry terminal)

The chance to snorkel in the underground ceynotes on the mainland has me seriously intrigued after watching a show on Travel channel or Discovery about the Ceynote system under the Yucatan.

Snorkeling-wise, I don't think you will find anything better unless you do one with a boat ride out to the reefs. (I did the one from Nachi and it was very cool had one of those HUGE groupers swim right under me)

East side is too rough to snorkel and Moneybar and Chankanaab is the best shore snorkeling on the island.

Hopefully someone who has snorkeled at Xcaret are Xel-Ha can give you some in depth perspective on the value versus travel time lost.

Bill

You got your passport stamped here? Was it close to the port?

 

Thx teddy

It is close to Punta Langosta pier...(NCL)

Not to the International or Puerto Maya...(RCCL and Carnival)

Bill

Now Centex, you should know that I thoroughly research everything I do and live on these boards when I'm planning for my cruises. I have talked to you many times. I never book with the ship and do everything independent (unless there's a reason that it can't be booked unless it's with the ship). When I was planning my Playa Mia day, everyone told me that it had to be booked using the Playa Mia site...which obviously takes you back to the cruise ship booking site. I thought that was the ONLY way to book it after seeing that and talking to everyone on here about their bookings. These days, it's hard to tell because a lot of the places I have been to recently are starting to only let you book using the cruise ship (for instance Maya Key). :)

I had to chuckle when I read that...:D

mitsugirly does more research in these boards than almost anyone. (even me) ;)

Centex...

Thanks for the link....

I've spent almost 2 months now researching and had yet to see that link.

Bill

How hard is it to find shade on the beach? Are there enough huts/umbrellas for everyone? I have super fair skin and need the shade so it might be a deal breaker. :(

Plenty of shade...

They started with about 10 palapas and have added some each time we go...

Last time we were there I believe they are up to 25-30 palapas now.

They usually put 4 loungers under each palapa, so that would be a lounger under a palapa for everyone of the 100 person limit.

They also have 2 beds by the pool with covers.

The restaurant is huge and covered.

You can also pull a lounger back under the trees to stay shaded or use the hammocks in the trees by the massage hut.

Bill

I have a couple of questions...one is about the payments...if you use a credit card you have to change to pesos...do you have to pay with pesos if you get a cab and to get in the park and get food and things in the park. Everywhere I have been on the island in four trips, all took USD...One suggestion though...Make sure you have small bills, because the cabbies (everywhere really) are famous for a $16 fare and you give them $20 and they have no change...

 

From reading here it is best to go on your own to the park...

are the cabs non smoking...ahhhhh no.... There might be a van company or something that might be smoke free.

But 10 cab rides in Cozumel and I think at least 4 of them, the driver was smoking.

This isn't NYC...

you have a 50/50 shot at a seatbelt..

After they start driving, I doubt you'll be worrying about second hand smoke.

I always look at it, as they have saved me a trip to an amusement park and rollercoaster.

 

Where do you find these coupons for visiting?

 

Thanks,

 

Beth

Hope that answers some of your questions.

I just booked Nachi Cocom for July 30! I was super excited until I read Mitsugirly's review (LOVE LOVE LOVE your reviews, girl!) and now I'm worried about the sinking sand. Is that how it always is there? We're going because we want to have a beach experience. Anyone else have issues with the sand being difficult to walk in, or sinking while trying to wade? Ugh. It does look beautiful there, though :)

I've been four times, and when the tide is going out, it is tough to walk in...

But I'm 6'1" and always manage.

BTW just got Nachi booked for our next cruise in April.

Can't wait for trip #5 there.

Bill

Yeah, Paradise Beach would probably be a zoo, with 6 ships in port...

I just got done booking my Nachi day in April.

We have 5 ships in port, but over 20,000 passengers on them.

(the Allure, Carnival Magic and Epic are in with the Dawn and Brillance OTS)

Since the day is right between spring break for colleges and easter, I'm assuming most of the ships will be packed to capacity rather than the minimum 20,000.

Hope whatever you choose, it turns out to be not packed for you...

Best of luck.

Bill

I know Nachi says $55.00 drinks and meal included, is that bar drinks? or coke type drinks? for me I may drink only one bar drink, but hubs will drink a few more. so just curious as to what is actually included

thanks

I've ordered rum and cokes (too strong) lots of fru-fru drinks (Miami Vice, Pina coladas, etc...) and tons of beers. (they only have real Mexican beers, so no Corona's. ;) JK I forget if they carry Corona. When I'm in Mexico, I want to try what I can't get at every bar in the US)

He can get as many as he can put away.

Just make sure to tell your waiter you might need help pouring him into a cab at the end of the day.

Bill

Nachi may not charge you but check with your credit card directly. Some credit cards do charge an extra fee for "international" charges. I have Bank of America and they charge 3% if I use my card in International ports plus, I don't like the idea of my credit card number being in the Caribbean while I'm on a cruise and not having access to the internet. I prefer to use cash for both those reasons.

I agree with you 100% about using my credit card while cruising.

I always try to figure out any expenses and have enough cash to cover everything.

I was just curious whether Nachi was tacking on any extra fees, like many places in the Caribbean do, to cover any credit card processing fees they have. (after the question was asked)

I assumed they would, but decided to e-mail them for correct info.

I would trust Nachi to be safer than random places, as the same people have been working at Nachi for all the years and our 4 trips there.

It is in their best intrest to not have any reports of overcharges popping up after using a credit card there.

Bill

Any fees for using your credit card at Nachi?

Just got an e-mail back from them...

Dear guest

Greetings from sunny Cozumel!!

 

Thanks for your interest in our beach club Nachicocom.

 

There is non any extra fee for credit card payment.

 

best regards

 

Lidia Chávez

Reservations Deparment

Nachi Cocom Beach club

http://www.facebook/nachicocomcozumel

Any fees for using your credit card at Nachi?

I'm sure it will have an additional fee for using a credit card.

Looking into going in January with my 2.5 year old and 6 year old. Both like pools and beach time. In the event my youngest isn't potty trained...she can't go in pool with a swim diaper?

I've never seen a main public pool that allows unpotty trained babies into the pool. (that is why they have smaller volume baby pools which are easier to clean.)

Swim diapers don't stop the poo when it comes.

Learned this the hard way with our 18 month nephew last weekend in our kiddie pool in the backyard.

He stopped splashing, made his scrunchy face and I looked down and poo was shooting out of the top of his Huggies Little Swimmers.:eek:

Quick end to that swim session.

I know if I was at Nachi, paid our $110 to use the pool and somebody got the pool closed for the day, because they took their unpotty trained little one in, I'd be beyond pissed.

Hope you get her potty trained in time for your trip...

Bill

This place sounds fantastic ! I just wish it were more "family" oriented since we'll have young grandchildren with us.

They don't discourage kids.

Just don't have kiddie toys, kiddie pools etc.. that other beach clubs like Playa Mia do.

My brother took his kids when they were two, so they couldn't go in the pool with a swimmie diaper, so basically they were stuck with taking them in the ocean and building sandcastles all day.

I'd say look into Playa Mia

http://www.playamiacozumel.com/

Chankanaab or

http://www.cozumelparks.com/

Paradise Beach with kiddies.

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

But Nachi Cocum does not discourage kids.

Can someone give a good tipping guideline to someone who has never been to an all-inclusive and doesn't drink - although I definitely tip for food and non-alcoholic drinks. Do you tip per drink, or at the end of the day? How much?

Your waiter will be assigned to you for the day and will be bringing your meal and drinks wherever you want them served.

(I usually pick a beer and just ask him to keep them coming, so he just casually checks my bottle as the day goes and magically right before I finish the last bit, another frosty beer arrives. DW usually hangs out at the swim up bar alot, so she doesn't use the waiter as much.)

We just give our waiter one tip at the end of the day.

Depending on how much I have him running me fresh cervezas, is how large my tip grows.

Also if you go to the restaurant to eat your meal, versus making him run your meal all the way down the beach to your palapa, that makes a difference to me in my tip.

Bill

Been in the Dawn GV many times and yes - you can smoke (cigarette or cigar) in the outdoor space (either by the hot tub or on the private sundeck above). Your butler will bring you ashtrays.

Thanks for the quick response...

I assumed you could, but you know what happens when you assume...;)

Bill

Just curious about the smoking rules....(do not want to bother anyone)

I know you are allowed to smoke a cigar on your balcony.

We will be on the Dawn in the Garden Villa.

Technically, there is no balcony.

But you have all of that outdoor space by the hot tub and that whole deck above the rooms, the size of a couple of tennis courts.

Are you allowed to smoke a cigar up on that wide open deck? (I figure there is no one next to me up there, so I shouldn't bother anyone else.)

Just want to know, so I can follow the rules.

Bill

Someone recently asked for the top tips for the Epic and they were very helpful. Can anyone give me the ten top tips or secrets for the Dawn? Especially any top tips for the suites on the Dawn, besides the things every one mentions. Thank you so much! Do any of the tips for the Epic apply also for the Dawn?

I'm fairly certain the suite perks are universal across the fleet.

Just the suites themselves are different from ship to ship.

Like the Dawn's Garden Villa having almost double the outdoor space than the Jewel class. (excited to check that out in April)

I'll keep checking in for Dawn-centric, generic tips.

Bill

The day we hit Coz in Oct is the highest capacity day of the month. 12,500+ people. :eek:

 

12,500....light day...;)

The day we are scheduled for Cozumel in April, has 6 ships and over 20,000 passengers that day.:eek:

The Allure OTS, Carnival Magic and NCL Epic are all there, plus 3 smaller boats.

We are booking Nachi this weekend to hopefully lock down our spots in the 100 for that day.

DH and I are booked on Carnival next May and I'm already thinking about our excursions, as some of them are already available to purchase. This will be our first cruise and originally wanted the 7-day Western itinerary so we could visit Tulum while in Cozumel. But then I discovered Isla Pasion and I fell in love.

 

Neither DH nor I are lay-out-in-the-sun-all-day beach people, but I've been craving the gorgeous white sand and clear turquoise waters and Passion Island looks perfect! Plus, even though we aren't big drinkers, the open bar and included lunch sound appealing. We do really want to see some Mayan ruins on our trip and also plan to visit Xunantunich while in Belize so we will at least get some history in. It's just, from what I've seen in photos, Tulum looks so beautiful and I don't know when we will have the chance to return to Cozumel (cruising is always an option, but it will be a few years).

 

I know that Passion Island and Tulum are two extremes, but does anyone have some guidance or experiences they'd like to share to help me in my decision? Is it worth it to pass up the chance to experience history in Tulum just to spend a few hours on a picture perfect beach? I honestly can't decide. Help!

Tulum is a unique Mayan experience, as they are the only ruins on the ocean. (the Mayans were smarter than modern man, knowing to not build on the ocean, to avoid storm surge from the frequent hurricanes. Tulum being up on the cliffs was higher than storm surge.)

But it is also, quite a bit of traveling back and forth, versus actual time at the ruins. Ferry ride, bus ride, ruins and then reverse. (but Xunantich is also a really long bus ride across the entire country of Belize, then back again.)

There is 3 Mayan choices in Belize and 3 Mayan choices in Costa Maya. (if you port there) The biggest Mayan ruins are at Progresso, but the majority of Western itineraries don't stop there. (if yours does, I highly recommend Uxmal and there is always Chitzen Itza, if you want the Disney of the Mayan Ruins)

But personally I don't think the beach options in Belize or Costa Maya are as good as quite a few in Cozumel (including Passion Island) and many beaches in Roatan, (again, if you are porting there) or Grand Cayman.

To Me Belize is Mayan Ruins, cave tubing, ziplines and scuba/snorkeling.

Costa Maya is smaller ruins and funky little beach bars in Mahuhual.

Roatan is gorgeous beaches and great snorkeling.

Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach and Sting Ray City.

Cozumel is the widest variety of beach clubs for any taste, shopping and great snorkeling.

If you are doing Mayan ruins in Belize, I would definitely choose to spend my hours ashore at a wonderful beach, rather than half my day on ferries and busses.

Have a GREAT time whichever you choose.

Bill

Hi,

This place sounds perfect. Just what I am looking for quiet and relaxing. Just one question does anyone know if you can snorkel on your own at Nachi?

Thanks

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Its a very sandy beach, so very few fish.

There might be some swimming around the dock area, if any.

The further south you go from town, the sandier the beaches get.

Better snorkeling is closer to town at Chankanaab or Money Bar, if the shore snorkeling is that important to you.

Nachi does offer a snorkeling excursion that takes you to a reef near Playa Mia and another up near town. Check the website for current prices. (I did it years ago for $25)

Bill