New to Cozumel

[terri1020]

We are going to Cozumel for the first time in October. We usually like to take a tour of a new place. What would be the best way to do so, Carnival excursion or random taxi? There will be five adults and we are comfortable NOT using a cruise excursion but don't know if it is advisable. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

[MMOMOM]

We very seldom do the organized excursion. Usually we research the port, read, check the boards and then go on our own. We've done well and usually cheaper too. That being said, we are not big Mexico fans ... been several times and it is beautiful, but a lot of draw backs recently depending where you are I think. Years ago we rented a car in Cozumel, did some exploring, found a great beach with drinks, food, etc. and it was fine. With crime the way it is now (not sure it is definitely that way in Cozumel) I'm just not comfortable with renting a car and driving around in Mexico alone. The last couple of times we've gone we walked around the square where you dock and that's nice, and then taken the Ferry over to Playa de Carmen which is lovely. We found the locals not to be quite so pushy about buying things and have actually gotten some nice things there. The streets are all nice cobblestone and it's a nice atmosphere. We even stopped at the local beach and also at a sidewalk café for a drink and they made us guacamole at the table which was delicious. I'm sure there are others with opinions and experiences ... but that is just ours. Have fun and be safe no matter what you do! :)

[soccersharon]

We have visited Cozumel twice via cruise ship. We love the island so much, that we will be going on a land vacation in February.

 

I found this page to be a fantastic resource of the island: http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/Pages/ThingsToDoIndex.htm

 

Cozumel is overall, a safe community. I follow the forum on the page mentioned above, many folks are ex-pats from other countries. It's good reading.

 

Hopefully, you can find some great activities for your visit.

[bguppies]

We are going to Cozumel for the first time in October. We usually like to take a tour of a new place. What would be the best way to do so, Carnival excursion or random taxi? There will be five adults and we are comfortable NOT using a cruise excursion but don't know if it is advisable. Any and all suggestions are welcome.

 

Cozumel is the perfect place to NOT do a cruise excursion.

It is easily accessed from regulated taxis at the pier and easily catch cabs back to the port from anywhere.

 

The main things there are:

 

The beach clubs, south of the three cruise piers.

(there is a beach club, literally for every type of person or kids)

This link shows the 3 cruise piers and the Beach Clubs below them.

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

 

The shopping in town right at the Punta Langosta (NCL) pier.

(the RCCL and Carnival piers have built cookie cutter shopping like all the other caribbean ports, at their piers)

 

Snorkeling from shore at Chankanaab Park or the Money Bar.

 

Snorkel excursions by boat to the reef.

 

Bar Hop Bus tours.

 

Historic city and island tours.

 

Submarine reef tours.

 

Dolphin swims at Chankanaab and Dolphinarus.

 

I know I'm forgetting a bunch of stuff but that is off the top of my head.

 

I'll never understand people who can't find something to do in Cozumel, which has so much to offer.

 

Bill

[bguppies]

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/

[JohninDC]

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/

 

Great post! :D

[bguppies]

Hey if I had to do the research, it is easy enough to pass it on and shorten someone else's hunt...

:D

 

Just a head start.

 

Bill

[terri1020]

Thanks for of the great choices. Since we've never been there, do you think we should take a tour before landing at one of these resorts? I know that when we've done this in places like Nassau, there was really nothing much to see after all of their storm damage. If Cozumel has history and sights that we should see to understand it's culture, we'd like to do that first.

[CENTEX CRUISER]

We have been to Cozumel a bunch of times, but never tire of it. It is more of a beach related tour island. There are ruins at San Gervasio, never been.We have just tried the various beaches , downtown shopping at El Centro, the old square where everything is cheaper,done Pasion Island twice, toured the east side last time, and will try Money Bar in Oct..It is safe , and has beautiful water.

Thanks for of the great choices. Since we've never been there, do you think we should take a tour before landing at one of these resorts? I know that when we've done this in places like Nassau, there was really nothing much to see after all of their storm damage. If Cozumel has history and sights that we should see to understand it's culture, we'd like to do that first.

[bguppies]

Thanks for of the great choices. Since we've never been there, do you think we should take a tour before landing at one of these resorts? I know that when we've done this in places like Nassau, there was really nothing much to see after all of their storm damage. If Cozumel has history and sights that we should see to understand it's culture, we'd like to do that first.

 

There is some tiny Mayan ruins on the island and the Discover Mexico history park right near Chankanaab Park.

 

A lot depends on which cruise line you are arriving on.

 

NCL docks at Punta Langosta pier, right downtown by the town square.

 

RCCL docks at the International Pier and Carnival docks right next door at the Puerto Maya pier. They are both halfway between the old downtown area and the beach clubs.

 

You can see better here.

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

 

If you are arriving by NCL you can easily start your day at one of the beach clubs, then leave as early as you want, to leave the amount of time you think you might want to stroll the town square area.

 

The other two piers you would have to leave time for a cab ride, past the pier and then back again...

 

Bill

[CaribbeanBound]

When he says "small", we're talking "small". Not much higher than 6 to 12 feet or so as I recall. (We were on a horse at the time, and I don't recommend the horse rides. The horses "look" to be underfed).

[bguppies]

When he says "small", we're talking "small". Not much higher than 6 to 12 feet or so as I recall. (We were on a horse at the time, and I don't recommend the horse rides. The horses "look" to be underfed).

 

Yeah they are not the smaller ruins like in Costa Maya or the decent sized ruins in Belize and definitely no the big daddy ruins from Progresso.

 

Little house type ruins...

 

NOT pyramids and ball courts, etc...

 

Bill