blue_water

>> I don't understand the meaning of "non-starter." << Your idea of going to Valladolid from Cozumel with that timeline is just a very aggressive one, IMHO, that’s all. But now that I know you’ve traveled the area extensively it’s just a matter of finding no delays, and having no problems at the checkpoints. That does happen, and there is very little room for a problem…DO carry your original ID. A friend (a local resident) was actually detained at a checkpoint due to his ID being illegible. The flight from Coz may be impractical due to the cost, but is actually the most practical solution from a planning standpoint…That is often the quandary with excursions… >> Why do you say that Ultramar and Winjet ferry times are incorrect? << On odd days the Ultramar COZ —> PDC ferry departs at 1PM, and the PDC - Coz ferry departs at 6PM. Winjet departures may be 12PM and 7PM, or 1PM and 6PM. Their schedule changes week to week, and they have not yet posted January’s schedule. I have seen scheduling discrepancies between the Ultramar/Winjet sites, and the various tour group sites as well… The typical transfer time between terminals is 45 minutes, but we’ve been delayed in both directions. So just keep that in mind. So I have to think you would be the first day visitors to make this trek by land, and if you do go I hope you would return with a report, I’d love to read it!

I quoted you because I was agreeing with your “Is this a serious inquiry?” 😆

Yes while staying on Cable Beach next to Baha Mar we saw jet skis being rented at Goodman’s Bay. There are usually vendors there as well. From Goodman’s Bay, Breezes is a 10 minute walk, Baha Mar 30 minutes. Cable beach is now lined with condos and timeshare properties, no real public beach access or amenities beyond Goodman’s that we saw…

Really… This is a non-starter IMHO…Your Ultramar ferry times are incorrect, Winjet times are also different… ADO schedules are pretty reliable and it is a 2 - 2.5 hr drive. But we have one friend (a local Q Roo resident) who was removed from the bus at a checkpoint because his ID was damaged/illegible. He had to have his family text a legible copy so he could get on the next bus. So when traveling anywhere - Coz, Q Roo, Yucatán, anywhere - carry your original passport, not a photo or e-copy, especially if a foreigner. Can’t stress that enough, but others will refute that of course 🤷🏼🙉 You can check into flights between Coz and Valladolid or PDC and Valladolid, but I see flights only between CUN and TQO…perhaps a charter as c-leg5 mentioned? I’d suggest returning for a land vacation in Merida and visiting Valladolid, Izamal and other areas of Yucatán state at your leisure…

So yes you are in Crown Bay with another large ship docked in Havensight, both 7 - 4 according to the VInow schedule. So with the little ones, the Emerald Resort in Lindbergh Bay would be our choice. Many beach options, but Emerald is a short taxi from the ship and the easiest beach day and should be more comfortable than Magens, etc…

Definitely quality workmanship, at least a few years back…

Yes to both, most definitely, Especially the ferry schedules! Ultramar and Winjet alternate their departure/return times on odd/even days so you’d need to look at that carefully…

What ship/date please? You will get more useful feedback with that info since there are two ports, and it can be a busy island! 😄 Without that info I would say our first choice would be the Emerald Resort in Lindbergh Bay. The resort has the Caribbean Fusion & Emerald Beach Bar, nicer restrooms than many beaches, and lounge/umbrella rentals. If docked in Crown Bay it’s a short taxi. I would avoid Water Island/Honeymoon Beach because of the work getting there with the kids. I’d also avoid Magens, Coki, and Secret Harbor…

Regarding the cruise line excursion vs DIY, most folks will indeed want the security of the cruise line excursion, and that is certainly understandable. This is a multi-transfer excursion. But for more “seasoned” travelers going on your own is worth the effort, if for no other reason than the flexibility that provides, as well as avoiding the inevitable queues during transfers. Not for everyone, but certainly a viable option with a long enough port time, and using a reputable tour outfit based in Playa…

I know this goes against the grain, but we would do this on our own utilizing a reputable tour guide group based in Playa. The benefit is, of course, as in2up2 correctly noted, you are not waiting idly for others to join the group at the ferry and bus queues. We would actually go on our own (if taking friends visiting for the first time, for example) since we lived near there for some time. But there are excellent tour outfits and drivers who are very trustworthy and reliable. You are ultimately responsible for being BOB on time, but on a 10-hour port stop that is not a problem. Cleobella I would actually recommend choosing another excursion option like the ruins/beach, or ruins/cenote if you have those choices. PDC and 5th Ave are just so much like the square in San Miguel that it’s not really worth stopping for, Just my opinion, mind you, but the cenote would be a nicer experience. And if you choose the beach it is probably the beach at the ruins, and you would have more time there.. Just a thought! You can find more info on the ruins in this post -

I see Secret Harbor mentioned quite a bit here. If you choose to go there be aware that is is the longest taxi ride, you are limited to a certain sitting section, and it is quite crowded with the resort there. Nit my idea of a relaxing day, but just my opinion… You definitely want to reserve lounges/umbrellas in advance on the AADivers site. Enjoy your day wherever you end up!

We love Sapphire for the views while staying there, but would choose Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach)… If you are a bit more adventurous, Hull Bay - Great views, picnic tables and stools at the Shack, and few if any fellow cruisers… We would avoid Water Island/HB Magens Secret Harbor Coki

Thank you for your kind words! 🙏 My wife had a Hook bracelet made by St John Bracelet Co. in Cruz Bay some years ago while we spent the day/evening on STJ. Exquisite workmanship and quality. You can check their Facebook page if interested, and also ask Delvin for any recommendations on Tortola.

We’ve done neither, but they are two very different experiences. We stayed next to Baha Mar and the water park and we never went there, we only went to the resort restaurants and casino. Guests of Baha Bay do not have beach access, of course, while the Pearl and Rose Island excursions are all about the beach, pigs, snorkeling, etc. Have you read reviews on the independent excursions to these islands to get a good feel for what you would get?

I think that is an ideal solution for you, and Stoutt’s is great too. And I’m happy you are considering staying and seeing Tortola! Sooo many day visitors head straight for the ferry to JVD or VG and never experience the beauty that Tortola offers! You will see some of the most beautiful views in the Caribbean, and meet wonderful people along the way. I imagine you will stop at Stoutt’s Lookout too. And if you are going from Smuggler’s or Long Bay, West End to CGB (or Brewers Bay), ask to stop at Bananakeet for their “Bananakeet” drink and the spectacular views of the USVI. Great choice! And I agree, return for a longer visit and enjoy the Baths and White Bay when the ships depart! 😉

Great!

Sorry to hear that! There are drivers at the pier offering shared and private island tours, some with a stop in CGB. If you don’t book anything before you arrive you could do that. There are other tour operators, let me look at that…

Another option is a private tour of Tortola with AC’s Taxi with beach time at Smuggler’s…

1) Yes, White Bay is very popular with day trippers- cruisers, bareboaters, and excursions from STT, STJ, and Tortola. 2) Our choice away from the crowds would be Ivan’s Stress Free Bar. 3) White Bay can be very crowded every day, although weekends can be worse. 4) Yes - I think Smuggler’s or Long Bay, West End would be perfect for you. Long Bay is a bit easier, but you shouldn’t have a problem with a taxi returning…Your island hopping itinerary is way too aggressive. Sunshine can give you a realistic itinerary for your day..,

Looks nice right now! I’m going by what others who loved HB tell me, we haven’t been in a few years because it was so crazy there… Yes, it depends on the number and size of ships in both ports, but even one RCL in CB can make it quite crowded…

Have you checked on the number/sizes of ships in port that day yet? What is your port date? I ask again only because Honeymoon Beach and other beaches can get sooo busy today versus 10 years ago… If you do more research and read reviews you’ll find many who loved going there in years past - especially for Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill - go elsewhere today for that reason…Heidi’s has move to the top if Providence Hill and is a great spot for your lunch, and Dinghy’s is fine. But the beach area is actually quite compact and can be as crowded/tight as Magens…Especially when the excursions drop guests off at Dinghy’s for lunch and take up much if the beach. The “ferry” is also very small and makes multiple trips over and back. So for your return you want to get in line early. Although we’ve seen day visitors who were early in line get overrun by others who just got there and they had to wait for the ferry to return. When you get off the ferry you can rent a golf cart or walk to HB, or there may be a person offering a ride for tips. So just something to be aware of. So not to beat a dead horse, you just said you were hoping for a nice beach but not crowded like Mahens Bay, and I don’t want you to be surprised!

“ (don't think you can animal proof any facility bordering a jungle)” Absolutely not! Just an aside, we built a home in a new community north of Playa Del Carmen 8 years ago along with many neighbors. The natural habitat of the many species there was taken to make room for us, and of course the animals, reptiles, birds and critters had to learn to coexist with us humans. Over the years I assume many of these have receded back into the remaining jungle. But my point is the jungle is still all around us as are its natural inhabitants, including monkeys, coati, jaguars, snakes, bats, and of course termites. One long-time resident found living very close to our back patio early on was a giant yellow and black boa constrictor! It was so large it had to be removed with a bulldozer. But even though these “critters” lived here before we showed up, I’m sorry the OP had that added to their already unpleasant experience…Next time hopefully a better day!

Of course…We just enjoyed seeing the different neighborhoods that we wouldn’t have otherwise…And the people are so friendly!

Honeymoon Beach on Water Island is often suggested for cruisers docked at Crown Bay, it’s been a favorite for many over the years. But today it’s just too crowded like Magens so you wouldn’t be happy there… Your port date and how many ships are in port also makes a difference for suggestions…

“STJ” is St John, a sister island that some folks go to for the beaches. The East End beaches including Sapphire are beautiful and are a 30 - 40 minute taxi from Crown Bay. Lindbergh Bay (aka Emerald Beach) is a nice enough beach and is just a 5 minute taxi from the port. The Emerald Resort has a restaurant, restrooms, and a beach bar, and you can rent lounges and umbrellas there. That would be an easier day, as long as you don’t need to go into town and snorkeling isn’t important to you?