This is in answer to an email that I sent based on reviews from the cruise critic website posts on the Cozumel port and recommendations for tour guides. Let me know what you think.
Hola Lisa,
My name is Mike, a friend of Gerry's. I am answering because while his spoken English is very good, for him writing in English is still tricky.
Gerry has a stationwagon which seats 4 average-sized adult passengers, and comes equipped with ice cold A/C, CD player (bring your tunes!) and a cooler if you choose to buy beverages and ice during your tour. A tour costs $80USD for the 1st 3 hours and $20USD per each additional hour.
He can also provide a van with the same amenities, which holds up to 8 passengers. A van tour will run $180USD for the first 3 hours and $35USD per each additional hour. Gerry regrets the increased charge, but since he does not have a van of his own, he must rent one.
Charges are per vehicle, not per person. There is a 3 hour minimum charge for all tours.
Beverages, lunch, park admissions, etc. are your responsibility.
Gerry has lived in Cozumel for over 20 years, so of course he knows all the popular tourist destinations as well as the out of the way gems. Popular stops include:
-San Gervasio Ruins
http://www.cozumelparks.com.mx/eng/parks-sangervasio.asp
-Tequila History Tour
http://www.worldgolf.com/features/take-the-tequila-tour-when-golfing-in-cozumel-5580.htm
-Punta Sur
http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/parks-puntaSur.asp
-Chankanaab
http://www.cozumelparks.com/eng/parks-chankanaab.asp
-Discover Mexico Theme Park
http://www.discovermexico.org/
The isolated east side of the island is perfect for beachcombing, sightseeing and having a cold drink at one of the few bar/restaurants on the "wild side". Take some pics of the waves smashing up on the natural limestone "bridge" at EL MIRADOR, and a few snaps from the edge of the cliff at COCONUTS bar. At 41 ft, it's the highest point on the island!
-Mezcalitos
http://www.mezcalitos.com/
-Coconuts
http://www.islacozumel.net/food/coconuts/ http://www.islands.com/article.jsp?ID=47916
-El Mirador
http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1342995619057125515abSXCR
The west side beach clubs are where you want to be if you want to swim or enjoy a jetski, parasail or banana boat ride. Of course, just lounging around and working on your tan while enjoying a frozen island cocktail is acceptable as well! The best spots that DON'T charge an admission fee:
-Mr Sancho's
http://www.mrsanchos.com/mr_sanchos/home.htm
-Paradise Beach
http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/
Hassle and haggle free shopping can be found at LOS CINCO SOLES. The widest selection of Mexican handicrafts on the island!
http://www.loscincosoles.com/mainwelcome.htm
Gerry can also take you souvenir shopping off the main drag where they don't pay kickbacks to the cruiselines and offer much better prices. Of course, if you're a Cozumel regular or have done some research on your own, Gerry can follow YOUR itinerary!
Gerry is available, so please write back if you are interested and we'll reserve the day for you. Let us know if you need the stationwagon or the van, and what local time you'd like to leave from the pier. I'll reply with a confirmation and rendezvous instructions.
Remember, Cozumel is on Central Time. Same as Texas, one hour behind Florida.
Muchas Gracias,
Gerardo De Leon + Mike.