We are 6 adults (56,52 and 30 somethings) and 1-4yo. Chankanaab sounds wonderful for us, clean and good snorkeling. But recently there was a comment that the walk-in beach was a very small area and to snorkel required climbing down a rocky path. We would like a nice walk-in beach for the 4yo. and sun bathers and easy access to snorkeling for the 50s adults. Would Mr. Sanchos beach be better for us than Chankanaab? Thanks so much, I can't believe it's almost time to go!
Cozumel, Mr. Sanchos or Chankanaab?
- Thread starter lpursell
- Start date
mmouse37
DCL Diva!!
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2001
- Messages
- 34,831
We did Mr. Sanchos in August. It was very nice. They had a large beach, umbrellas and chairs.....beach lounges (you can see a white one in the picture). If you wanted cushioned lounges you had to pay extra for that.
There was no charge to get in but you could not bring your own food or drink. they had a restaurant there....we ordered chips, salsa and beer, and our bill came to under $30 (that was for a few rounds of beer). They have a website www.mrsanchos.com that I printed a coupon from that gave you a free margarita or ice cream if purchased any other food or beverage.
We liked it very much. Just click the arrows to scroll through the pictures.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48731748MEQBsU
MJ
There was no charge to get in but you could not bring your own food or drink. they had a restaurant there....we ordered chips, salsa and beer, and our bill came to under $30 (that was for a few rounds of beer). They have a website www.mrsanchos.com that I printed a coupon from that gave you a free margarita or ice cream if purchased any other food or beverage.
We liked it very much. Just click the arrows to scroll through the pictures.
http://community.webshots.com/photo/48196942/48731748MEQBsU
MJ
M
magic cruiser
Guest
silly question..... I know several people have commented on the iguanas and other lizards. Are they all over the place ? I have a small phobia and am concerned. I would like to go to one of these places which would be better for me ?
It has been many years since I was in Cozumel, but at that time there were lizards EVERYWHERE - and in ALL sizes. As frightening as they look, they were very shy and immediately bolted if you came near. Didn't take long to just get used to them. Kinda nice critters actually!
DaisyDebbie
<font color=green>Just give me one to cook and one
- Joined
- May 21, 2000
- Messages
- 2,674
Great pics mmouse37, beautiful children you have 
I was thinking of doing Stingray City with my kids, they are 9 & 6 are they too young?
I was thinking of doing Stingray City with my kids, they are 9 & 6 are they too young?
Goodmorning,
Just got back from 7 day western... will post a few thoughts that will hopefully answer some of the questions here.
At Grand Cayman Island we had origionally talked about booking the Stingray City excursion thru Disney, then after reading on this board i checked out another company WWW.CAPTAINMARVINS.COM and was so glad i did. We booked the 2 hour excursion (actually about 3 hours) online with this company and thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. There was 19 of us and we were very impressed with this company. They took us snorkleing first and then to stingray city where we fed and held the stingrays. There was a girl on the staff (Miss Jackie) who video taped the entire trip and then the tape was offered for sale at the end (very worth the purchase). In fact.. we have been home less than a week and already received our copy in the mail. Let me know if you want more info on this company / excursion.
In Cozumel we rented a jeep from WWW.COZUMELINSIDER.COM and then drove to Mr. Sanchos WWW.MRSANCHOS.COM We had an excellent time lunching, swiming, playing in the sand etc... Very good food and the beach and facilities were very clean. Don't worry about what you eat here, they use purified water and such...
Two cautions with Mr. Sanchos... 1. When you enter the area you have to go thru a small market type area. The shop people are a little pushy, we found if you just said politely No Thank you... that they will leave you alone. 2. Don't have your children's hair braided here. We made the mistake by thinking we were getting a better deal than was offered on the ship or at Castway Cay. But the quality of the braiding is not good and will not last. My girls 15 & 13 paid to have their's redone when we got to Castaway Cay.
What an awsome time we had... i'll post pictures soon
Adios!
Jodie
Just got back from 7 day western... will post a few thoughts that will hopefully answer some of the questions here.
At Grand Cayman Island we had origionally talked about booking the Stingray City excursion thru Disney, then after reading on this board i checked out another company WWW.CAPTAINMARVINS.COM and was so glad i did. We booked the 2 hour excursion (actually about 3 hours) online with this company and thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. There was 19 of us and we were very impressed with this company. They took us snorkleing first and then to stingray city where we fed and held the stingrays. There was a girl on the staff (Miss Jackie) who video taped the entire trip and then the tape was offered for sale at the end (very worth the purchase). In fact.. we have been home less than a week and already received our copy in the mail. Let me know if you want more info on this company / excursion.
In Cozumel we rented a jeep from WWW.COZUMELINSIDER.COM and then drove to Mr. Sanchos WWW.MRSANCHOS.COM We had an excellent time lunching, swiming, playing in the sand etc... Very good food and the beach and facilities were very clean. Don't worry about what you eat here, they use purified water and such...
Two cautions with Mr. Sanchos... 1. When you enter the area you have to go thru a small market type area. The shop people are a little pushy, we found if you just said politely No Thank you... that they will leave you alone. 2. Don't have your children's hair braided here. We made the mistake by thinking we were getting a better deal than was offered on the ship or at Castway Cay. But the quality of the braiding is not good and will not last. My girls 15 & 13 paid to have their's redone when we got to Castaway Cay.
What an awsome time we had... i'll post pictures soon
Adios!
Jodie
We went to Chankanaab on our 12/7 cruise. I have a daughter that is 7 and a 12 year old. I would have preferred Mr. Sancho's or a different beach, but my SIL had been to Chankanaab last year and wanted to go back. In all honesty, we did enjoy our time there, even if it was not exactly what I was looking for in respects to my daughters' interests.
The lagoon/beach area would actually be great for a young one if they do not like waves. I did not find it to be crowded, it was not as tiny as I thought it would be and the children that were in it were spread out. At the deepest end I think it was about 3'. There are little tiny fish swimming around, and a couple large rocks (or coral formations? I don't know for sure) in various parts of the lagoon that children enjoyed hanging around and watching the fish dart back and forth into the little openings.
The grounds are beautiful, it was interesting to walk through the Mayan ruins, even if they are reproductions. We did not go into the museum nor see the Sea Lion show, but I did hear lots of laughter coming from the stadium where it was held.
We did snorkel, even my 7 year old for the first time. She did enjoy it, did not want to get out of the water for a long time. I have an intense fear of sharks, but I snorkeled for a bit too, and was glad to do it. It really is amazing! The water was not too wavy, and even staying close to shore (so the sharks could grab those people further out first
) I saw a lot of neat fish and coral.
The stairs can be slippery, but they aren't too bad. The hardest part was getting out - time it to the waves. Make sure the wave is pushing you as you step, do not step up as the wave is going out. It makes it a lot easier that way.
I did see some humongous Iguanas around the other lagoon (not the swimming one). They blend in so well, the only clue I had that they were there is that every so often, one would move to reposition itself on a branch. The stayed way up high in the trees, so I would not worry about them.
There were also little lizards running around, we saw them in the Mayan ruins area, did not see any near the water. My eldest loves all bugs and slimy-type things, so she was in heaven chasing the lizards and capturing one to take a picture of it (not to worry, she is very gentle and released it immediately afterwards, although she is still trying to convince me that we need to buy a lizard to go along with our 3 cats, fish, and 1 dog!).
One word of caution - make sure that if you go here, you do not pay for the 4 y.o. She should be free, but I think they are counting on people not knowing that.
Bathrooms are a problem - they had not running water in the sink, no toilet paper, and definitely no soap! We were there in the afternoon, so maybe these things were there earlier in the day, but they were not replenished. Take hand wipes and tissues if you will be using the bathroom!
All in all, this was a very nice place, something we would not see here in the States (at least, I don't think we would?). However, if you are looking for the whole "beach experience", with waves and excitement, this is probably not the place to go. But if you want peace and calm water for the little one, then do try this out.
The lagoon/beach area would actually be great for a young one if they do not like waves. I did not find it to be crowded, it was not as tiny as I thought it would be and the children that were in it were spread out. At the deepest end I think it was about 3'. There are little tiny fish swimming around, and a couple large rocks (or coral formations? I don't know for sure) in various parts of the lagoon that children enjoyed hanging around and watching the fish dart back and forth into the little openings.
The grounds are beautiful, it was interesting to walk through the Mayan ruins, even if they are reproductions. We did not go into the museum nor see the Sea Lion show, but I did hear lots of laughter coming from the stadium where it was held.
We did snorkel, even my 7 year old for the first time. She did enjoy it, did not want to get out of the water for a long time. I have an intense fear of sharks, but I snorkeled for a bit too, and was glad to do it. It really is amazing! The water was not too wavy, and even staying close to shore (so the sharks could grab those people further out first
) I saw a lot of neat fish and coral.The stairs can be slippery, but they aren't too bad. The hardest part was getting out - time it to the waves. Make sure the wave is pushing you as you step, do not step up as the wave is going out. It makes it a lot easier that way.
I did see some humongous Iguanas around the other lagoon (not the swimming one). They blend in so well, the only clue I had that they were there is that every so often, one would move to reposition itself on a branch. The stayed way up high in the trees, so I would not worry about them.
There were also little lizards running around, we saw them in the Mayan ruins area, did not see any near the water. My eldest loves all bugs and slimy-type things, so she was in heaven chasing the lizards and capturing one to take a picture of it (not to worry, she is very gentle and released it immediately afterwards, although she is still trying to convince me that we need to buy a lizard to go along with our 3 cats, fish, and 1 dog!).
One word of caution - make sure that if you go here, you do not pay for the 4 y.o. She should be free, but I think they are counting on people not knowing that.
Bathrooms are a problem - they had not running water in the sink, no toilet paper, and definitely no soap! We were there in the afternoon, so maybe these things were there earlier in the day, but they were not replenished. Take hand wipes and tissues if you will be using the bathroom!
All in all, this was a very nice place, something we would not see here in the States (at least, I don't think we would?). However, if you are looking for the whole "beach experience", with waves and excitement, this is probably not the place to go. But if you want peace and calm water for the little one, then do try this out.
Jodielyn, We're have reserved Capt. Marvins half day snorkeling expedition. Everyone says they're really great and I always like hearing it again. I e-mailed them yesterday and asked what they do if it rains. They said the only problem would be lightening and they wouldn't charge my credit card if we can't go.
I think we'd better go to Chankanaab because the adults all like to snorkel. And from what Magyar2 says the little beach sounds perfect for my 4yo grandson. It sounds like we'd better buy some water shoes to be able to climb the rocks better. I checked the website for Mr. Sanchos and I don't see anything specific about snorkeling and I haven't read any trip reports about snorkeling there.
Thanks so much for your advice. It helps so much to be able to talk to someone who was there! Linda
I think we'd better go to Chankanaab because the adults all like to snorkel. And from what Magyar2 says the little beach sounds perfect for my 4yo grandson. It sounds like we'd better buy some water shoes to be able to climb the rocks better. I checked the website for Mr. Sanchos and I don't see anything specific about snorkeling and I haven't read any trip reports about snorkeling there.
Thanks so much for your advice. It helps so much to be able to talk to someone who was there! Linda
Linda,
You will love Cpt Marvins! Make sure while you are waiting that you visit the little shop about 3 doors down and taste all the flavors of Rum Cake that they sell... no charge for tastes!
Also, make sure you buy the video! so so worth it! And tell Miss Jackie we said hello!
Enjoy!
Jodie
You will love Cpt Marvins! Make sure while you are waiting that you visit the little shop about 3 doors down and taste all the flavors of Rum Cake that they sell... no charge for tastes!
Also, make sure you buy the video! so so worth it! And tell Miss Jackie we said hello!
Enjoy!
Jodie
mmouse37
DCL Diva!!
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2001
- Messages
- 34,831
lampy...we got there fairly early (before noon) and had no problem getting an umbrella table with chairs (not loungers) under it. We were escorted to one of the thatched umbrella tables. Our server brought us over more chairs. The loungers are a little harder to come by.
After we were there awhile a different cruise line excursion came and then it got crowded. I forget what cruise line but it must have been one of their beach excursions. We took a taxi each way and it cost about $30 each way for our group of 6. We took a van to the beach and on the way back to ship we hopped in two cabs that were $15 each. It still worked out cheaper than doing a Disney beach excursion.
There was no entrance fee to get to the beach but you cannot bring your won coolers in with drinks or food. Bathrooms were Ok, a bit sandy but clean.
MJ
After we were there awhile a different cruise line excursion came and then it got crowded. I forget what cruise line but it must have been one of their beach excursions. We took a taxi each way and it cost about $30 each way for our group of 6. We took a van to the beach and on the way back to ship we hopped in two cabs that were $15 each. It still worked out cheaper than doing a Disney beach excursion.
There was no entrance fee to get to the beach but you cannot bring your won coolers in with drinks or food. Bathrooms were Ok, a bit sandy but clean.
MJ
<< We took a taxi each way and it cost about $30 each way for our group of 6. We took a van to the beach and on the way back to ship we hopped in two cabs that were $15 each. It still worked out cheaper than doing a Disney beach excursion.>>
check with WWW.COZUMELINSIDER.COM
rent a jeep for $45... then if you are bored at Mr. Sanchos you can explore the island and do some shopping..
Just a suggestion!
Jodie
check with WWW.COZUMELINSIDER.COM
rent a jeep for $45... then if you are bored at Mr. Sanchos you can explore the island and do some shopping..
Just a suggestion!
Jodie
arlenerose
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2001
- Messages
- 52
At Mr. Sanchos, where do you put your stuff, bags, cameras, PASSPORTS while swimming. Do you leave it at the table alone. I'm just afraid someone will walk off with our valuables.
Arlene
Arlene
Arlene,
We put our 'stuff' in a few backpacks that we had brought along. There was always one of us around, we left it on the table and it was always in site. No problems because the water is so close to the tables, etc.
Its a fun place! enjoy!
PS... if you rent a vehicle and have to gas it up before returning... make sure you know the exchange rate for paying in US dollars. One 'very nice' gas attendant thought i was a 'stupid gringo'... wanted to charge me $20 for $15 worth of gas.
jodie
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