Help with excursions in Cozumel and Falmouth Jamacia???

[CruisingGAL82]

I tried posting on the ports board with my questions but couldn't get any answers. I am needing help trying to decide on what to do in Cozumel and Falmouth Jamaica!

 

Cozumel we were thinking about renting a jeep but I am not sure if I want to rent through the cruise line due to high cost and reviews saying that you couldn't stop where you wanted to.

 

Jamaica we either wanted some kind of good cultural tour that wasn't too pricey or duns river falls and a beach. I am a little worried about the falls though because I am not very athletic. (Small 100 person) and don't do a lot of strenuous activities and I am worried about the activity level. Is it very hard to climb? I also have asthma.

 

Any reviews or suggestions would be more then appreciated! We are sailing on the Oasis March 14! So excited and just want to nail down our activities. Thanks!!!

[cherski]

We will be on the same cruise. A group of 12 with ages from 4 to 90.

 

We are still trying to settle Jamaica choices, but probably will include Dunn River Falls. I am in 60's and NOT athletic and went there a few years ago. We climbed stairs next to it with no problem. If we had brought the right clothes, we easily could have climbed the falls, at least for part of the way and then switched to stairs. We have also done white water rafting and Mystic Mountain.

 

In Cozumel, we are going to Playa Mia again. Three will do cooking class and rest just do all-inclusive beach day. A few years ago, we did The Amazing Cozumel Race which was great fun.

[rjdcruises4fun]

My husband and I did the Cozumel Bar Hop and it was great. You got to go to the other side of the island that isn't full of tourist and the drinks, food and scenery was wonderful.

We did decide that if we go to Cozumel again, it is a must to do again. We have also thought about renting a jeep and driving to the other side if we have our kids with us.

Don't let the name Bar Hop turn you off. It was so much more than just than that.

[bigque]

It is not strenuous at all to climb the falls. When we went in 2013 there were people of all ages from pre teens to senior citizens. The rocks you climb are well placed where you don't have to take big steps to get to the next. You just need to ensure that you are wearing non slip rubber sole shoes or sandals. :cool:

[CruisingGAL82]

Thanks for your help! I am still torn about Jamaica between history or long ride on a bus to the falls.

 

For Cozumel I didn't see the bar hop listed. I will have to look again. Anyone do the Jeeps? And if so how was it??

[rjdcruises4fun]

 

For Cozumel I didn't see the bar hop listed. I will have to look again. Anyone do the Jeeps? And if so how was it??

 

It is not an excursion provided by cruise company but it is a very reliable tour. They pick you up at Senor Frogs and drop you off at your pier. The tour is four hours but the guides that we had were very watchful of the time and we got back to our pier without any worry what so ever.

http://www.cozumelbarhop.com/

[griffy116]

Just keep in mind that if your port is Falmouth, you are about an 1-1/2 to 2 hour drive EACH way, to and from Dunns River Falls. That's approx. 4 hours of your day on a bus to get there and back.

[cmwinkel]

My family was on Navigator this past June and did the Jeep tour in Cozemel through RC. Ours included snorkeling We enjoyed it. There were about 8 - 10 jeeps with a lead car. The first stop was just a come-on photo op at the beach. Scenery was nice but not really anything to do.

 

We then went to a tequila "museum". Not really sure what to call it. Basically it was a small agave farm and had an open building where they showed you the history of distilling tequila. They then had a little store where you could taste several varieties. For the kids they put some on their hands to show that it doesn't have sugar and wasn't sticky. My 10 year daughter enjoyed that.

 

We then drove across the island, which was interesting. We went through parts of town where the locals lived. Very eye opening for my daughter to see how other people live. Once to the other side of the island we made a stop at some monument. I took it as where the Spanish initially landed.

 

From there we went to a resort and spent an hour or so snorkeling. There was a small café where you could sit if you didn't snorkel. From there we drove along the coast and back through the tourist district to the pier.

 

The only thing I would watch out for is the Jeeps seat four. They will group 2's together, but they will also break up groups on 3. Luckily we were the last group and didn't have to split.

[bigque]

Just keep in mind that if your port is Falmouth, you are about an 1-1/2 to 2 hour drive EACH way, to and from Dunns River Falls. That's approx. 4 hours of your day on a bus to get there and back.

 

Not true. It was only 45 to 60 minutes one way!

[Trekker954]

I have been on the bar hop 4 times. Anytime I have a friend cruise with me that hasn't been, it is a must do. the other side of the island is beautiful and untouched by tourists. No electricity (just generators). Its not a get drunk, drunk bar hop. They will offer you a fruity type drink in a shot glass at the four bars. You will have time to order your own drinks/soda (pay for them yourselves) sit in the pool or the beach. Each stop is about 45 minutes. At coconuts most people order some food. the view is to die for. They'll give you a T shirt also.

[camofwilliamsburg]

We have used Courtney Taylor Tours each time in Jamaica. The trip from Falmouth to Ocho Rios can be done, but too far for us to want to spend in transport. Write to Courtney and ask him if Blue hole is closer. It is a wonderful 'secret' spot. We go to a great little beach area all to ourselves. We have him take us to Jacob Taylor Beach, but put the chairs on Duncans Bay just a short walk up from Jacob Taylor. You can walk to a craft market and buy some carvings. You can walk to a local restaurant and get some great rice, beans and chicken ($5) for a huge portion.

If you contact Courtney, let him know you saw this post ( also you can read about him and Jacob Taylor Beach on trip advisor), and that Cori says "HI".

He is a good tour guide, reliable and will do his best to give you a great day in Jamaica.

 

My secret place to go to in Cozumel is Playa Azul Beach Club. They allow you to use the lounge chairs and palupas for free as long as you buy something either at the bar or at the restaurant. We had great fish tacos there. My sister had great steak tacos. They loved how quiet the place was. Great snorkeling right off the beach there.

[griffy116]

Not true. It was only 45 to 60 minutes one way!

 

Sorry, I went by what other posters said that took the bus. Maybe it was between waiting on people to get to the buss and stragglers.

[denamo]

One excursion we enjoyed last spring in Falmouth is an independent one. It is a walking food tour through Falmouth. We were escorted by a guide who introduced us to what the locals eat. We had samples at each stop. Information can be found at jamaicaculinarytours.com. We never felt unsafe and felt like we got a great overview of the area. We've also taken the trolley that is available at the port. Another way to get an overview of the city.

 

We always enjoy spending a beach day at the all inclusive beach club Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. If you do an online search, you can find the info for it. You will have to take a taxi to get there, but it is very easy.

 

In Cozumel we've also ridden Segways, gone to the Mayan ruins San Gervasio, taken a catamaran that included snorkeling and some beach time, and done the Salsa, Salsa, Margarita excursion. All of these have been ship sponsored excursions. The Salsa excursion was fun. It involves making six different types of salsa, and then have a salsa dance lesson. I don't think we'll win any contests for salsa dancing! You can also stay at a local hotel pool. Taking a taxi downtown is always easy and shopping total abounds!

 

Falmouth is a bit more time consuming to get to excursions, but Cozumel offers a variety of activities that are easy to find.

[mrswright]

In Cozumel we took a taxi to Mr. Sanchos beach...it was an all inclusive beach day and it was awesome! Good food, all you can drink, a nice pool. Well worth the $$.

 

 

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[Tomnsgirl]

I have been on the bar hop 4 times. Anytime I have a friend cruise with me that hasn't been, it is a must do. the other side of the island is beautiful and untouched by tourists. No electricity (just generators). Its not a get drunk, drunk bar hop. They will offer you a fruity type drink in a shot glass at the four bars. You will have time to order your own drinks/soda (pay for them yourselves) sit in the pool or the beach. Each stop is about 45 minutes. At coconuts most people order some food. the view is to die for. They'll give you a T shirt also.

 

Hello,

 

Seven of us will be on FOS and docking in Cozumel on March 6, 2015

Do u know if we dock at intl pier, interested in this tour wish I had known

about it last October

[Suzyrn89]

We did Nachi Cocom beach day all inclusive at Cozumel in Nov, it was amazing, would totally do it again. Did not do anything specific but see the port in Jamaica.

[blairknill]

Sorry, I went by what other posters said that took the bus. Maybe it was between waiting on people to get to the buss and stragglers.

 

 

Would be useful to avoid heirsay and to post on your actual experience we almost cancelled the Dunn's fall trip!!!

 

 

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[pcc1342]

We were also going to rent a jeep in Cozumel until I found out that if you have an accident, payment is expected before you can leave the island. Then you are reimbursed by the insurance company. Too risky for me.

 

 

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[CruisingGAL82]

My family was on Navigator this past June and did the Jeep tour in Cozemel through RC. Ours included snorkeling We enjoyed it. There were about 8 - 10 jeeps with a lead car. The first stop was just a come-on photo op at the beach. Scenery was nice but not really anything to do.

 

We then went to a tequila "museum". Not really sure what to call it. Basically it was a small agave farm and had an open building where they showed you the history of distilling tequila. They then had a little store where you could taste several varieties. For the kids they put some on their hands to show that it doesn't have sugar and wasn't sticky. My 10 year daughter enjoyed that.

 

We then drove across the island, which was interesting. We went through parts of town where the locals lived. Very eye opening for my daughter to see how other people live. Once to the other side of the island we made a stop at some monument. I took it as where the Spanish initially landed.

 

From there we went to a resort and spent an hour or so snorkeling. There was a small café where you could sit if you didn't snorkel. From there we drove along the coast and back through the tourist district to the pier.

 

The only thing I would watch out for is the Jeeps seat four. They will group 2's together, but they will also break up groups on 3. Luckily we were the last group and didn't have to split.

 

Thanks so much for the review. Did you feel there wasn't enough stops for pictures? Was there a beach to relax at for those who didn't want to snorkel?

Thanks!

[CruisingGAL82]

In Cozumel we took a taxi to Mr. Sanchos beach...it was an all inclusive beach day and it was awesome! Good food, all you can drink, a nice pool. Well worth the $$.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

How much was it and how far from the pier? Did you just find a taxi to take you?

[CruisingGAL82]

One excursion we enjoyed last spring in Falmouth is an independent one. It is a walking food tour through Falmouth. We were escorted by a guide who introduced us to what the locals eat. We had samples at each stop. Information can be found at jamaicaculinarytours.com. We never felt unsafe and felt like we got a great overview of the area. We've also taken the trolley that is available at the port. Another way to get an overview of the city.

 

We always enjoy spending a beach day at the all inclusive beach club Nachi Cocom in Cozumel. If you do an online search, you can find the info for it. You will have to take a taxi to get there, but it is very easy.

 

In Cozumel we've also ridden Segways, gone to the Mayan ruins San Gervasio, taken a catamaran that included snorkeling and some beach time, and done the Salsa, Salsa, Margarita excursion. All of these have been ship sponsored excursions. The Salsa excursion was fun. It involves making six different types of salsa, and then have a salsa dance lesson. I don't think we'll win any contests for salsa dancing! You can also stay at a local hotel pool. Taking a taxi downtown is always easy and shopping total abounds!

 

Falmouth is a bit more time consuming to get to excursions, but Cozumel offers a variety of activities that are easy to find.

 

How much for the Nachi Cocom beach club? Is it through the cruise line?

[LA_CA_GAL]

My husband and I did the Cozumel Bar Hop and it was great. You got to go to the other side of the island that isn't full of tourist and the drinks, food and scenery was wonderful.

We did decide that if we go to Cozumel again, it is a must to do again. We have also thought about renting a jeep and driving to the other side if we have our kids with us.

Don't let the name Bar Hop turn you off. It was so much more than just than that.

 

Loved the wild side. One of my favorite excursions. Beautiful, and great bars and restaurants over there.

 

We hired the "Private Driver". Great great great time.

Edited February 3, 2015 by LA_CA_GAL

[cmwinkel]

Thanks so much for the review. Did you feel there wasn't enough stops for pictures? Was there a beach to relax at for those who didn't want to snorkel?

Thanks!

 

For us we got enough pictures. The stops I mentioned were all the stops. The first stop we were there maybe 30 minutes. It was an area that several tours were being brought to. As I said it was kind of a tourist trap spot. The only problem I had was a guy with an iguana. I'm a sucker for critters so I went up and he put the iguana on my head. My wife got a picture and as went started to walk away the guy was wanting a tip. There had been no sign saying there was a cost. But other than that there were some rock outcroppings. One had a Mexican flag that everyone was getting a picture with.

 

At the monument stop, it was sort of in the middle of the road and then there was a little beach area you could walk down to. We were there maybe 20 minutes.

 

The snorkeling was done at a resort. There were a couple of different tours all snorkeling out of the same spot. I think the company that was running our tour brought their other tours to the same spot. There was an outdoor seating area overlooking the snorkeling area that had a bar and a snack area serving hamburgers, sandwiches, nachos. There wasn't really anywhere to sit on the beach from what I remember.

[murfturf]

Would be useful to avoid heirsay and to post on your actual experience we almost cancelled the Dunn's fall trip!!!

 

 

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I don't think its hearsay, because I have seen that number used many times even from the cruise line. We did cancel because my boys would rather stay on ship and swim rather than drive for 3 hours to and from. I too am worried about the falls - many of us in our party have knee, back or hip problems so we also cancelled for that reason.

Edited February 3, 2015 by murfturf
Typo

[bigque]

I don't think its hearsay, because I have seen that number used many times even from the cruise line. We did cancel because my boys would rather stay on ship and swim rather than drive for 3 hours to and from. I too am worried about the falls - many of us in our party have knee, back or hip problems so we also cancelled for that reason.

 

Those are probably the excursions that have some other stops along the way. If you do the Dunn Rivers Fall Express as we did, you go there, climb the falls and are back at the port in 4 hours and that was with a quick stop to eat on the way back. Drive time - 45-60 minutes each way. :cool: