Cozumel Excursions

[PrincessBelle39]

We can't seem to make up our mind as to what excursion to do in Cozumel. Last time we did the Dolphin swim at Chankanaab which we absolutely loved. We loved the swim and we loved Chankanaab itself. We would do this again but we are going to Discovery Cove during our Orlando stay so really no need to do another dolphin swim.
I've looked at Tulum but decided its too long a day for the kids. We would also like a short amount of time for shopping in Cozumel (tequila) following our excursion.
Just wondering if anyone has done the Salsa and Salsa. This looks like fun. It says that there is approximately 45 minutes at the end for enjoying Chankanaab. I'm wondering if this is enough time for swimming though. And would there be time for shopping on return.
I also looked at the Secret River and Playa Del Carmen. This includes some shopping in Playa del Carmen, and although I imagine there would be no time for shopping in Cozumel, I'm thinking this would be an ok replacement. I'm just a little worried about feeling claustrophobic in the caves. And again its a long day.
The other I looked at was the Cozumel Beach Break, but again I'm not sure if we will be back in time to shop.
Any suggestions or comments would be great. We are travelling with a 7 and 10 year old.

 

[jlwhitney]

We can't seem to make up our mind as to what excursion to do in Cozumel. Last time we did the Dolphin swim at Chankanaab which we absolutely loved. We loved the swim and we loved Chankanaab itself. We would do this again but we are going to Discovery Cove during our Orlando stay so really no need to do another dolphin swim.
I've looked at Tulum but decided its too long a day for the kids. We would also like a short amount of time for shopping in Cozumel (tequila) following our excursion.
Just wondering if anyone has done the Salsa and Salsa. This looks like fun. It says that there is approximately 45 minutes at the end for enjoying Chankanaab. I'm wondering if this is enough time for swimming though. And would there be time for shopping on return.
I also looked at the Secret River and Playa Del Carmen. This includes some shopping in Playa del Carmen, and although I imagine there would be no time for shopping in Cozumel, I'm thinking this would be an ok replacement. I'm just a little worried about feeling claustrophobic in the caves. And again its a long day.
The other I looked at was the Cozumel Beach Break, but again I'm not sure if we will be back in time to shop.
Any suggestions or comments would be great. We are travelling with a 7 and 10 year old.

I have done Xcaret and that is a blast, it is a long day but when you are at the park you go at your own speed, though you won't have time for shopping with it.

Playa Del Carmen seemed really nice we walked through a section of it on our way back to the ferry and I thought it would nake a nice excursion just going there, but could be wrong.

 

[williamsfamily]

We did the Ecological Park and Snorkel excursion when we were last in Cozumel. The open air ride took us to Punta Sur, on the southern tip of Cozumel. The excursion began and ended at the "mall" of sorts near the pier in Cozumel.

There was plenty of beach time, and snorkel time for my husband. We brought along our own food, as lunch was not included. It was a pretty good mix of everything, and if we had wanted to shop when we returned, there would have been time. We just wanted to get back on the ship.

Good luck deciding!

 

[PrincessBelle39]

Thanks for the comments. They are both tours I've looked at too and considered. We do want some water activitiy ie: swimming, snorkelling. Afterall, its the Caribbean.
XCaret looks awesome and we are leaning towards this. Just having trouble letting the shopping thing go. Not that we want to buy a lot. Just some tequila and a couple of souvenirs for the kids.

 

[DLW8]

We were booked on the Furty Catamaran snorkle/beach excursion, but unfortunately, the weather dictated that it be canceled.

however, we had friends go on that same excursion and LOVED it. Adults and kids alike had a great time and they said the staff was amazing.

 

[PrincessBelle39]

We were booked on the Furty Catamaran snorkle/beach excursion, but unfortunately, the weather dictated that it be canceled.

however, we had friends go on that same excursion and LOVED it. Adults and kids alike had a great time and they said the staff was amazing.

I hadn't looked at this. I had just assumed that being Beach Party, it was aimed at teens/young adults. But it looks fantastic and I think its holding number 1 position of possibilities at the moment. Does anyone know what time it departs. I'm assuming we would be able to shop before the tour as its 3-3 1/2 hours and gets back at 5:30pm This would suit perfectly.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

We have stayed in Playa Del Carmen and have been to Xcaret several times. We thoroughly enjoy it. It's a full day when you stay there let alone a boat ride over from Cozumel. 5th Ave is large, the shopping district in Playa, but it's the same as in any port, tshirts, knock off name brand items, alcohol, that type of thing. Once you shopped in a couple you have seen it all. We also stay in Cozumel. It is more laid back and has pretty much the same items. Our favorite thing to do in Cozumel is the Toucan catamaran sail. We are going again in a couple of weeks and will do it again. http://cozumelsailing.com/

 

[jlwhitney]

Thanks for the comments. They are both tours I've looked at too and considered. We do want some water activitiy ie: swimming, snorkelling. Afterall, its the Caribbean.
XCaret looks awesome and we are leaning towards this. Just having trouble letting the shopping thing go. Not that we want to buy a lot. Just some tequila and a couple of souvenirs for the kids.

At Xcaret there was a hugh shop and really nice. Def could get souveniers there for the kids. Tequila not so much (or at least cant think of it)....but you would probaly be able to get it in grand cayman....or costa maya (if on the fantasy).

I can't see giving up a fantastic excursion for some shopping. An excursion makes memories that last a lifetime and your kids will talk about for days on end, while shopping the stuff gets used fast or forgotten about.

 

[llnolte]

We did the fury catamaran and it was awesome. You snorkel first and then go to a private beach where there are slides, trampolines, blow-ups, etc in the water for everyone to use ( young and old). My girls were 11 and 14 and we all had an amazing time!!! We didn't leave until 12:30 or so and you get back right before the ship departs. We had plenty of time for shopping in the morning before we left on the excursion.