Spring Break in Cozumel, Grand Cayman for Families

Keyser

DIS Veteran
Joined
Aug 19, 1999
We'll be going on the 6-day cruise out of Galveston on 3/9, which is during Spring Break for practically all of Texas (that's why we're going then, plus it's too late to cancel now...). This means that we'll be in port in Grand Cayman and Cozumel during Spring Break. Cozumel is of course a prime Spring Break destination for college students (not sure about Grand Cayman). So... that leaves us wondering exactly what we should plan to do in these two places during the port stops. We don't want to be anywhere near the college Spring Break "scene".

While we're considering excursions, we'd be happy with just a beach day at these two places. I'm wondering how best to avoid the college party crowds, though. Are there any beaches that are likely to be good "family" beaches during that time? The official DCL Grand Cayman beach excursions seem to already be sold out, but I'm guessing we could get to a beach some other way (taxis or something). However, I don't know where to start. Is this even an issue for Grand Cayman (I don't see the flyers around campus for Spring Break there, but maybe it is still a college student destination)? What about Cozumel - do we have any hope there?
 
I'd guess the college party crowds will be focused on beaches, Margaritaville or Senor Frog's type of places, etc., which might mean other types of excursions might keep you somewhat separated from those...and Castaway Cay (going there?) is generally a full beach day, so you can get that covered there (again, assuming the Galveston cruises go there...if not, sorry to tempt you!).

We were just in these two places -- Cayman and Cozumel -- a couple of weeks ago on the Fantasy. We did the stingray city snorkel and sail and had a wonderful time for a reasonable cost for an excursion. In Cozumel, we upped the ante a bit and did the dolphin swim at Dolphinaris. This was on DW's bucket list, so we coughed up the dough and did it...and had an absolute blast...hugging, kissing, petting, swimming with and "riding" the dolphins. Anyway, if trying to steer clear of the college crowds, these might be two good options that still get you in the water.

As for finding non-DCL excursions, I'm not an expert there (we tend to stick with the DCL options), but as Cayman and Cozumel were both very tourist-friendly, I'd be shocked if you couldn't either find something ahead of time or just hail a cab when you get there and ask for a family-friendly beach.
 
Take a look at Nachi Cocum Beach Club in Cozumel. It is an all inclusive beach day and they limit the number of guests allowed in each day (to 100 I think). Best to reserve in advance so you are guaranteed entry.
 


Take a look at Nachi Cocum Beach Club in Cozumel. It is an all inclusive beach day and they limit the number of guests allowed in each day (to 100 I think). Best to reserve in advance so you are guaranteed entry.

^^^Took the words out of my mouth. Reserve at Nachi Cocum. We were there for Texas Spring break last year. It was a perfect, relaxing, uncrowded beach day :goodvibes. They even had signs up saying that they would ask you to leave if you got disruptive :thumbsup2. Nachi is our happy place in Cozumel :cloud9:. We're completely bummed b/c our four day in February stops in Cozumel on a Sunday, and Nachi is closed :(. Book Nachi, you won't be disappointed! --Katie
 
Here's some pictures from Nachi during Texas Spring Break week last year (the two kids in blue are mine, as is the guy under the palapa :)):
100_5300_zps70937dd3.jpg

100_5296_zpse49c6ce0.jpg

As you can see, very uncrowded since they limit the number of people there. --Katie
 
Here's some pictures from Nachi during Texas Spring Break week last year (the two kids in blue are mine, as is the guy under the palapa :)):
100_5300_zps70937dd3.jpg

100_5296_zpse49c6ce0.jpg

As you can see, very uncrowded since they limit the number of people there. --Katie

oh my gosh! our group is in the far left of that picture with the pink raft! too funny! Nachi is the best and this year we are going at that same time too. However, my group wants to try Mr. Sanchos which is right next to nachi because of the water toys. Hopefully, I can convince them otherwise before it is too late.
 


oh my gosh! our group is in the far left of that picture with the pink raft! too funny! Nachi is the best and this year we are going at that same time too. However, my group wants to try Mr. Sanchos which is right next to nachi because of the water toys. Hopefully, I can convince them otherwise before it is too late.

That's hilarious!!! I always wondered if I'd find myself in somebody else's photo one day. I bet we're in a couple of yours, too!!! We did Mr. Sanchos once when Nachi was booked for a private event. We did not like it as much. I thought the fru-fru drinks tasted funny, and the food wasn't as good (the only thing we found we really liked were the grilled shrimp-- those were good). The water toys are located to the left of the all-inclusive part, so if you do all inclusive, you'll have to leave your perch to be able to watch the kids on the water toys. We just found it to be louder and more crowded than Nachi. They did have that one trampoline last year at Nachi-- I think you had to buy a photo package or something?? Not sure how you got use of it, or if it's still there. We're doing paradise beach this time b/c Nachi is closed, and I don't think Mr. Sanchos is worth the $$. --Katie
 
That's hilarious!!! I always wondered if I'd find myself in somebody else's photo one day. I bet we're in a couple of yours, too!!! We did Mr. Sanchos once when Nachi was booked for a private event. We did not like it as much. I thought the fru-fru drinks tasted funny, and the food wasn't as good (the only thing we found we really liked were the grilled shrimp-- those were good). The water toys are located to the left of the all-inclusive part, so if you do all inclusive, you'll have to leave your perch to be able to watch the kids on the water toys. We just found it to be louder and more crowded than Nachi. They did have that one trampoline last year at Nachi-- I think you had to buy a photo package or something?? Not sure how you got use of it, or if it's still there. We're doing paradise beach this time b/c Nachi is closed, and I don't think Mr. Sanchos is worth the $$. --Katie

I think my son is the little boy in the white shirt, too! lol. THanks for your sanchos review. I will pass that along. I LOVED nachi :) Now I will have to go through our pix and see if you are in any of ours!
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Excursions are an option, and I'm sure we could avoid college students that way, but we might want to do a beach day, so I'm hoping to find good beach options. Nachi Cocum seems like a really good option, if they aren't booked up yet. If anyone else has suggestions, please let me know those, also.

What exactly are you trying to avoid? :confused3
I should have been more specific: I'd like to avoid large groups of alcohol and hormone fueled young adults. I don't know if Cozumel is still as much of a Spring Break destination as it used to be (and I'm not sure if Grand Cayman is one at all), but I'd like to avoid the places where groups of college-age students are likely to congregate.
 
Cozumel has never been know as a spring break destination. It's not a party scene at all. It's more of a location for divers. People get up early to dive and go to bed early to rest up for their next day dive. You won't see a bunch of drunk people. We go yearly so I feel I can address your concern. I also have friends that live on the island. Honestly, it's the cruisers that have a tad too much to drink at places like Carlos n Charlies and Margaritaville. Those of us that stay on the island avoid places like that. Nachi Cocum is situated on a great stretch of beach. Our resort is next door to it.
 
Grand Cayman is not a Sping Break destination for high school or college kids. Alcohol is just too expensive here! :eek:

We do have a Margaritaville but it is not on the beach. There are no massive drunken Spring Break beach parties in Cayman.
 

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