Need budget friendly ideas for Cayman/Cozumel/Jamaica

[ma23peas]

The good news is I was able to land the week we needed for cruising, bad news is I'm paying more than I 'planned'...so something has to give...the excursions! :(

 

Here is what I had planned:

 

Cozumel: Amazing Race excursions (five of us, two adults, three older teens)

 

Grand Cayman: Renting Seadoos to visit Stingray Island

 

Falmouth: Ziplining in the Jungle

 

 

So, we can still afford to do ONE of these, since we've never been to these islands, I have no clue to figuring out which one we should keep. The kids were excited about all three, they've never been on seadoos or ziplining and they love the Amazing Race...so if you've travelled to these ports before..what would be your recommendations? For the other two, we need to stick to a $100 budget for all five of us...I was hoping one island might be better set up with public transportation so we could just do a bit of island hopping. We don't drink so aren't interested in tequila tours or that kind of thing, but would love to visit scenic/historical areas to learn more about the culture. (That's mom talking, the kids would much rather prefer active something, but they'll be happy they can at least get one port of activity :) ) We'll be going in May and most ports are low on ships, Grand Cayman we'll be the only ship, Jamaica we are there with one other, and Cozumel will have 3 ships if that matters

 

Thanks for any helps!!

[drew sailbum]

For Cayman you can hop the public bus from the depot next to the library on Edward St. Fare is US$2.50 per person to anywhere along Seven Mile Beach - perfect for a beach day.

 

If you take beach towels you might not feel the need to rent beach chairs. Food can push the limits at the beach bar but you can gather affordable fast food at a few spots along West Bay Rd.

[cb at sea]

Definitely GC is easy to DIY....the bus, beaches, etc....bring bag chairs, if you don't want to rent!!!

 

There is really nothing in Falmouth...you almost NEED an excursion to get anywhere and do anything...

[Capt_BJ]

One of the best snorkeling sites in Cayman is walking distance from the tender landing

 

EDEN ROCK

 

If you don't have your own gear, there is a dive shop 'right there' and after snorkeling there is PARADISE a nice waterside restaurant

 

BUT ..... nothing in Cayman is inexpensive so be prepared . . . .

 

http://paradiserestaurant.ky/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/PARADISE-LUNCH-MENU.pdf

 

Prices you'd see on that page are in CI .... and $1US is $0.80CI

 

so the quick fix is

 

if you plan to add a tip .... the tip will be 40%

 

this works out about right . . . US to CI

 

But read your bill carefully as many CI places auto tip US CC folks. If paying cash .. your conversion is 20%

 

{I go to Sunset House and My Bar . . . . http://www.sunsethouse.com/

 

A walk of less than a mile . . .

Edited February 7, 2015 by Capt_BJ

[ma23peas]

We really prefer to eat on the ship, so we can walk to this snorkeling in GC? Yes! WE have our own gear! No fins but we can maybe rent those, but we all have snorkels...thanks so much!

 

I'm thinking you're right on Jamaica, anyone know if the ziplining is 'all that' or worth staying on the ship? we'd like a nice day relaxing on the ship, too..but the scenery for rainforests looked amazing..but not sure we're in port long enough to make the trip?

 

Thanks for all the help cruisers!!

[drew sailbum]

The snorkeling at Eden Rock is an easy walk from the ship. You can rent fins there if needed.

[ma23peas]

Thank you Thank you!!! Yes!! Eden Rock is IT!! I can rent fins for $5 a pair from the Dive shop! So excited!! My dh has never snorkeled and fears he can't, he gags trying...but maybe they could give him a lesson? That will be our to do excursion in GC!! Thank you!

 

Now, I'm thinking we should stick with ziplining in Jamaica (any recommendations) and to one of the Nacho Cocum or things like that for just a day at the beach in Cozumel. Thanks so much!!

[Capt_BJ]

My dh has never snorkeled and fears he can't, he gags trying...but maybe they could give him a lesson? That will be our to do excursion in GC!!

 

 

One comment .... this is big boy/girl snorkeling. No standing up. Water depth will be 20 to 40 feet in most places. I recommend renting a snorkel/safety vest in addition to the fins. DH might want to practice in the tub at home at the pool on the ship ... if you have a local dive shop they may hold classes (like at a local pool)

 

You may also want to consider the additional 1/3 mile walk to Sunset House for the same reason. They have a swimming pool where DH could 'warm up' and then also a sea pool which is ideal for building confidence before setting out to the 'real reef' with similar conditions to Eden Rock.

 

http://www.sunsethouse.com/

 

 

you can see the swimming pool in the middle of the picture, and the sea pool just above with the swim out to the reef. The dive shop is right next to the swimming pool with similar prices to Eden. It is free to snorkel here and if renting gear, use of the pool has always been OK when I've been here. I've done many week long stays for diving.

 

Heading out for dd's first night dive at the Sea Pool, Sunset House

[Capt_BJ]

in JA the zip line is probably the one at Mystic Mountain which is in Ocho Rios - it is the only one I'm aware of but could be wrong.

 

which is about 40 miles away . . . so when you look at cost and time realize you are paying for about an hour ride each direction.

 

http://www.rainforestadventure.com/jamaica_ocho_rios_tours_excursions/

 

if pre-paid for only the zipline there maybe strong temptation to upgrade the ticket . . .

[ma23peas]

My dh has never snorkeled and fears he can't, he gags trying...but maybe they could give him a lesson? That will be our to do excursion in GC!!

 

 

One comment .... this is big boy/girl snorkeling. No standing up. Water depth will be 20 to 40 feet in most places. I recommend renting a snorkel/safety vest in addition to the fins. DH might want to practice in the tub at home at the pool on the ship ... if you have a local dive shop they may hold classes (like at a local pool)

 

You may also want to consider the additional 1/3 mile walk to Sunset House for the same reason. They have a swimming pool where DH could 'warm up' and then also a sea pool which is ideal for building confidence before setting out to the 'real reef' with similar conditions to Eden Rock.

 

The dive shop is right next to the swimming pool with similar prices to Eden. It is free to snorkel here and if renting gear, use of the pool has always been OK when I've been here. I've done many week long stays for diving.

 

 

Thanks so much! We have our own pool, dh tried for weeks to 'get' it...but he just gave up. I'm hoping we'll have 2-3 weeks in the pool before our May cruise to get him more acquainted with hit. The girls and I picked it up easily...we snorkeled off St. John, also 40'+ deep...we didn't have a problem...as long as we can swim back in 20 minutes...we're good, unless there is a really strong current...do you still recommend vests for this spot? Having our own pool, we swim laps daily for exercise, not 1000 laps but usually 50-75 so we're pretty comfortable swimming...and just 40' laps not 100' :) Right now, he's all geeked up to do the ziplining and forego the snorkeling...but I'd like for him to try and not be scared, he would definitely need vest just due to his fear/gagging...

[Capt_BJ]

as long as we can swim back in 20 minutes...we're good, unless there is a really strong current...do you still recommend vests for this spot?

 

if you found yourself in the water with your kids and suddenly realized you were a 20 minute swim from shore, after an hour of snorkeling, would you be more comfortable with vests? You can swim for 20 minutes ... can they .. can you tow them? After an hour of snorkeling? I know this situation well, I towed a lady back to the boat for 20 minutes after she realized she'd over estimated ... as had her husband who could get himself back but no help to her. DW escorted him and I towed her ...

 

 

I was essentially a life guard from the age of 15 'til I retired at 50+. Water safety was and remains my thing. Why would anyone dismiss the availability of a piece of proven safety equipment when in the water? YES, I'd recommend the vests. I've been a certified diver for 40 years and I wear a vest when I snorkel. It is SMART. You never know what MIGHT happen. In my CG career I've rescued a diver 10 miles off shore, miles from their dive point .... but floating because of their vest . .

 

But the vest should NEVER be considered a crutch for lack of skill. It is NOT designed to be a replacement for basic swimming skills. Many use it this way but they are not making an informed decision IMO.

 

Sorry, I get a little passionate about this issue. Too many die because they do not respect the water .... they THINK they are good enuf and don't NEED the safety equipment available.

 

At Sunset ... ya'll can snorkel and he can sip a CayBrew at My Bar, watching you have fun . . .

 

IME, Sunset will loan you a vest for free if you rent other stuff. They are VERY safety conscious . . . one of the (many) reasons I like da place.

 

 

*********

[ma23peas]

I totally get it! My kids aren't really 'kids' anymore, 16,17, 19 and my oldest is a collegiate rower...we all swim..and they're all 5'8-6'4 so trying to drag them anywhere would take us both down! I just worried that we would not be able to swim with vests on as easily, the only kind of vests I know are the types we use for water skiing...I'm assuming with snorkeling vests you can dive under a bit? I'll make sure to get the Dive shop in on our venture and bet they'll fit us with vests! :)

Thanks!!

[lifes-a-beach]

snorkel vests are quickly inflatable with an extended mouth piece that acts as a valve for deflating them for diving. they are a must have for extended trips. I am an experienced snorkler as is my son and we rarely go without a vest just to reduce fatigue.

 

zip lining in Jamaica is very cool. its way more fun than it sounds when I say its the only reason to go ashore there.

 

take a cab to money bar in cozumel for snorkeling. a little farther is paradise beach where we go nearly every time we stop there. spend what you want.

[buffy24]

We have done Eden Rock a couple of times. My husband has snorkeled most of his life and does not wear a lifevest. I do and most of my snorkeling consists of floating on top of the water with my mask & snorkel on (face in the water). I felt fairly comfortable out at Eden Rock with my lifevest. I don't think I would have without it. If people want to walk out, I have heard that Sunset house is nice. We usually go to Smith's Cove which is about 1-1 1/2 miles from town (the opposite direction of Seven Mile Beach, or to the right as you exit the pier). It is a nice cove with bathroom facilities, picnic tables and shade. It is easy to walk out and find a level of water you are comfortable with. My husband swims out farther and snorkels out near the reef and I stay where it is more shallow. It is generally not super crowded and many locals hang out there.

[Capt_BJ]

I totally get it! My kids aren't really 'kids' anymore, 16,17, 19 and my oldest is a collegiate rower...we all swim..and they're all 5'8-6'4 so trying to drag them anywhere would take us both down! I just worried that we would not be able to swim with vests on as easily, the only kind of vests I know are the types we use for water skiing...I'm assuming with snorkeling vests you can dive under a bit? I'll make sure to get the Dive shop in on our venture and bet they'll fit us with vests! :)

Thanks!!

 

A proper snorkel vest looks a lot like an airline emergency vest. It is an inflatable vest.

 

With no air, it is nearly 'invisible'

 

http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/evo-snorkel-vest/

[ma23peas]

Thanks so much for the clarification on vests :) For sure we will use them! :) Also thanks on the tip for add'l snorkeling a bit off the way...these are all great options and so excited to do this!

 

I will go to the Jamaica thread and see which ziplining would be best, assuming there's more than one option. I think all of us would love that (minus the bugs, hoping the bug spray is sufficient!) :)

Thanks!!

[cutiepiefred]

We are planning to do the paradise beach in cozumel, from what we paid last time it was like 3 bucks a person for admission then 15 bucks to use the water sports stuff. the taxi to get there was about 6 bucks a person. they recommend that you buy food from them but its not required.

[mrsfuzzmo]

Thanks so much for the clarification on vests :) For sure we will use them! :) Also thanks on the tip for add'l snorkeling a bit off the way...these are all great options and so excited to do this!

 

I will go to the Jamaica thread and see which ziplining would be best, assuming there's more than one option. I think all of us would love that (minus the bugs, hoping the bug spray is sufficient!) :)

Thanks!!

 

I agree with snorkeling at Eden Rock or Sunset House (our fav). Depending on when you are going, you will most likely not need to worry about bugs in Jamaica. Only experienced them once after a long hot rain in June. Other than that, I've never had to use spray....and they LOVE me. There are a number of different zip line companies and facilities in Jamaica. Sorry I can't tell you which one is best, but I do know there are a few.

[Simply__Smiling]

Hi there, I and my 12 year old DS did the ziplining and bobsled in Ocho Rios back in 2012. The chairlift up the hill provided an amazing view, the bobsled was really fun (they take your picture) ... the ziplining is fun too (there are about 7 lines that you go through) however we had to wait a long time to do it because they didn't have enough harnesses so we had to wait until the large group ahead of us finished and the staff returned the harnesses. The harnesses stunk badly. Waiting was a drag. But for the those two factors, the ziplining (in comparison to other locations we've done) was pretty good.

[Chalker Guy]

If your daily budget is $100 total for all 4, ziplining is definitely out. Cheapest price I could find from Falmouth is $84 per person, from JaiTal tours (we used them for a trip to Doctor's cave beach, and I highly recommend them).

 

Another option in Cozumel is Corona Beach club, free access to snorkeling site, gear rental, just buy some snacks/drinks. I think the cab ride is around $10.

[cruisefan#1]

Thanks so much for the clarification on vests :) For sure we will use them! :) Also thanks on the tip for add'l snorkeling a bit off the way...these are all great options and so excited to do this!

 

I will go to the Jamaica thread and see which ziplining would be best, assuming there's more than one option. I think all of us would love that (minus the bugs, hoping the bug spray is sufficient!) :)

Thanks!!

 

The best zipline tour we've found in jamaica is from the Montego Bay Port. We've used this company twice and enjoyed both trips. Transport time is 15-20 minutes and the ziplines are great, it is $89/pp

http://www.ziplinejamaica.com/

[aricardo]

We have done both the jet ski tour in GC (Fat Fish Adventures) and the Amazing Race in Cozumel. We liked both tours, but if I had to chose one or the other it would be the jet ski tour. It was possibly the best tour we have ever done!

 

In Jamaica, we went to a place called Time N Place. $10 to use the beach and facilities for the day and cheap food that is delicious. My husband and I split a jerk chicken plate that was $10. I want to stress that it is VERY rustic and there is a nudist resort next door. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor. This place is not for everyone. I think our cab ride was $20 pp round trip which I thought was high for a ten minute cab ride, but oh well.

 

There are lots of cheap things to do in Cozumel. You could even just go the Margaritaville. They have water toys, snorkling, etc. all free or maybe a couple bucks to rent snorkel equipment.

 

Hope these ideas help.

[Chalker Guy]

 

In Jamaica, we went to a place called Time N Place. $10 to use the beach and facilities for the day and cheap food that is delicious. My husband and I split a jerk chicken plate that was $10. I want to stress that it is VERY rustic and there is a nudist resort next door. Read the reviews on Trip Advisor. This place is not for everyone. I think our cab ride was $20 pp round trip which I thought was high for a ten minute cab ride, but oh well.

 

 

We were at My Time N Place in Falmouth a couple of years ago, unfortunetely it is now closed. Their website is still up, but not active.

[aricardo]

We were at My Time N Place in Falmouth a couple of years ago, unfortunetely it is now closed. Their website is still up, but not active.

 

That makes me sad Chalker Guy. Thanks for the heads up, we were planning to go back there in a couple weeks. Do you know of another beach near Falmouth worth visiting?

[Chalker Guy]

That makes me sad Chalker Guy. Thanks for the heads up, we were planning to go back there in a couple weeks. Do you know of another beach near Falmouth worth visiting?

 

Red Stripe beach is between My Time N' Place and Falmouth, I walked past it along the beach when we were at My Time N' Place 2 years ago. There is also a public beach close by, but being unfamiliar with the area I would not take a chance on it.

 

We booked a private car for 4 to Doctor's Cave Beach in Montego Bay for $35 pp including beach admission, about a 30 minute drive, from JaiTal tours when we were there 2 weeks ago. JaiTal also operates buses to same for $20 pp round trip, boarding within the port compound. Admission to the beach is $6. It is a nice beach with decent snoreling, food and drinks available. They rent chairs and umbrellas for $6 each, but we just put our towels down to stake out a shady spot, and spent most of our time either in the water or at the bar.