Cozumel, The Down and Dirty...

[WldWcnWmn]

O.K. Gang, for those of you that "know" me you have read that I don't mince words and I am not the most diplomatic person here so that being said (typed) I need the "Down and Dirty" on Cozumel for those of you that have recently gone. Don't sugar coat it for me - and don't worry about being PC (I know the island was hit and still recovering from Wilma and they need the tourist $$$, I get it) I know not to expect untouched paradise, but I am not going to be able to afford another vacation like this for a while, and frankly I would rather stay onboard than fork out $$$ for three people to go on a so-so excursion. I reserved the excursion through Disney for the Fury Cat - is it the same excursion offered by Eagle Ray? Who's is better; and by better, I mean, who's gonna' give me a little freedom in the water and not make me hang out with 50 of my new best friends all day? If the reef is still bad (which I read it was a few months ago) what else would you recommend if not the snorkeling? Reading the description of the excursion from Eagle Ray it sounds like heaven, "Mexican Cervesas and Black Angus beef burgers" on the beach...but I have read that the food served is "nasty" and to pack a sandwich from room service. What are the ruins like...we're doing the David & Ivan tour on Costa Maya so I am "good" on temples and whatnot. Actually, I could look at ruins and temples all day but I am traveling with a Lady who wants to snorkel (she has her heart set on it) and since I am dragging her to MNSSHP the night before embarkation, I had better come through on Cozumel (plus my DD says I get enough history channel at home)! Thanks so much for your honest, candid responses...and if you just read this and can't think of anything nice to type back to me...then refrain from responding at all. I have a flame retardant suit and I know how to use it! Thanks guys~you've never steered me wrong before!

 

[noahsmom]

We were in Cozumel a week ago tomorrow. I have no desire to ever return. We didn't go on any of the excursions you mentioned. DH went golfing and said that the course was ok but he could tell it was probably beautiful before the hurricane. I went with DS on the Atlantis submarine. The sub capacity was 48 and every seat was occupied. It didn't feel too crowded but if something was spotted on the port side, the starboard side was out of luck. Also, I expected more from the reefs but they may have been damaged by the hurricane. We would have been better off finding a beach for the day.

Loved Grand Cayman though!!

 

[Jpoo]

I am anxious to hear the replies. We honeymooned on Cozumel 13 years ago, had a great time, but we were younger. Walking around in the markets being solicited did not bother us then, but it would now with our kids with us. We had the most fun renting a jeep and driving the 1/2 of the island that has paved roads and going from beach bar to beach bar in search of the perfect Margarita. We also had beer drinks called micheladas?sp which were beer (or should I say cerveza) with lime over ice with salt on the rim- very refreshing. It makes me sad to think of the island being damaged from the hurricane. We are planning a beach excursion this October. We did get sick from something while on the island, maybe ice in the drinks, or maybe a dinner out one night. I would stick to bottled beer/beverages and cooked food. We are bringing bottled water with us to the beach excursion just to be safe. I would like to hear some recent reports also.

 

[mattmommy]

We were the first group to be on the island to go to the Dolphin Discovery on Cozumel. We went on our own because DCL was going to Cancun for their DD and would leave no beach time. The DD was great on Cozumel. They were happy to have us and we spent way more time with the dolphins than I expected. That being said....

I knew there was a $12 charge for Chankanaab, but I didn't know you had to pay the $12 to get into DD in the first place.

We did go to the beach with snorkel gear. Unless you went pretty far out, the water was about the same quality of the Jersey shore. Murky with lots of sea grass all around.

Out of the 14 of us, 2 went further out and saw some fish. It's nothing like what I've heard it's like in the past.

Maybe you should take a run to Cancun or just stay on the boat.

Our group ranged from 5 - 66 and we all loved the Dolphins, but I think I'd stay on the ship next time.

The tendering was soooo much easier than I thought.

Are you going to GC? Let me know if you need an honest opinion of that.

 

[thegales]

We were also in Cozumel a week ago tomorrow (Hi Noahsmom ).

We did the Fury Catamaran and our family enjoyed it. This was the second time we have done this excursion.

You meet on board, then go as a group to the tender. Our tender boat had every seat filled. Once you exit the tender on the pier, you immediately go the the Fury Catamaran. The first half of the people get on one Catamaran, and the second half get on the other. So if you are a group, you want to be sure to stay together.

When you first board the catamaran, they ask everyone to meet in the covered section. Most seats were filled, so if you are one of the last groups to get on the catamaran, you will have to search to find seats. We were the last group, and we were able to find a spot, you just have to look.

They go through introductions of the crew, the agenda, safety information, location of the bathrooms, and snorkel gear explanation. The talk takes about the same amount of time as it takes to get to the snorkel area.

Snorkeling is in deeper water than prior to the hurricane. Not a lot to see, but for the inexperience snorkler (me), it was fun. If you are used to snorkling with exotic scenery, you will probably be disappointed. Snorkel time is about 45 minutes.

Then back onto the boat, and the bar is open. Free soda, beer, and margaritas. Music is playing as well and some folks are dancing. Probably about a 45 minute boat ride to the beach.

We were the second boat to the beach, and we were able to get water rafts, chairs under umbrellas, kayaks, etc. Drinks continued to be free, and food was available ($8 for a burger). We did not try any of the food. When we went on this excursion in Oct 2004, there were a lot more buildings at the beach, and food was included. I do not think they would be able to feed everyone with the limited facilities.

After an hour at the beach, back to the boat for about a 45 minute ride back to the pier. Drinks were still plentiful, and dance music was playing. Many people got up and danced.

Our family enjoyed it very much, but if your heart is set for some excellent snorkeling, then this may not be the excursion for you.

 

[WldWcnWmn]

Thank You for your replies......my best friend will want to know. She'll be bummed...

 

[luvmykids]

mattmommy: We are going to GC in December and would like an honest opinion of that. We were thinking about doing the stingray excursion and the Turtle Farm. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[woody73]

Stay onboard.

Woody

 

[Sue (mom of 3 boys!)]

Our last cruise (April) was on RCCL Jewel of the Seas. I think many of the tour operators were the same. Friends of ours did the 4X4 jeep thingy--and were not sure if they'd make it back alive. They said it went so fast and they almost lost control a few times. They also went to the beach (forgot which one, and left because they felt uncomfortable with all the people trying to sell them things--they stood right in front of them and some were very "pushy." One friend said they were much worse than when you get off the ship in Nassau.
We stayed on the boat. We had planned a big excursion for the next day in Costa Maya. Cozumel looks very sad, or at least it did in April. We docked at the pier, but much of it was still in repair. I took pictures from the ship, but I can't figure how to post them.

 

[RCBA]

Look for review by MusicGirl and Jillpie for Eagle Ray from the 6/24 DD. They were a group of 7 and had a blast. They saw some of the other excursion boats out and those people were snorkeling w/ 100 other people

We went to Paradise Beach, and it would not get my recommendation. The "sand" is not sand and there are rocks very close to the shore that are very sharp. My toes are still healing from nearly a month ago. I will say that the guacamole was stellar though!

 

[mattmommy]

Ok, for the tour.

DH wanted to do the turtle farm. I wanted to snorkel. He won.

The turtles were ok. It's tons of huge sea turtles with basically no swimming space in a huge tank that you look over the side to see. They had smaller pools with medium and smaller turtles. All the kids in our group were dying to hold a turtle. The guy gives it to a little girl in another group and she drops it. We all screamed (like girls). The girl started to cry and then none of the kids wanted to hold it. It does try to wriggle a lot and the fins are a tad sharp. It was hot as hades there with absolutely no breeze. DS5 and I crawled to the gift shop to cool off. I think we were there maybe 20 minutes tops.

Then you go to the Tortuga Rum Cake shop. DS and I opted to stay on the bus. Our group was in and out in about 10 minutes.

Then you go through this town with 2 buildings/shacks called Hell. One is the post office, one is the gift shop with all the tchochkes in it and a guy dressed like a devil. Very cheesy although yes, we did buy things.

The best is the stingrays. They gave out snorkel gear, but we brought our own. Either way, we really didn't need it. I couldn't get under the salt water low enough to take a picture. I saw other groups with life vests on. You could practically walk on the water (just kidding). The guys on our tour were great with the kids and our seniors. They would hold a stingray for us to pet and kiss and feed. The water was beautiful and clear. I can't go on enough about this. We took the DCL 9:15 excursion and it didn't leave us any time for the beach so I can't review on that. Next time I'd just do the stingrays and try out a beach (since the GC tour had really nice water). Or maybe I'd do stingrays at CC, but I hate to waste a precious minute of that either.
The guys on the tour would take a picture with our water cameras and then one with their nice waterproof digital. They uploaded the pictures on a laptop on the boat back and you could prepay for them and they would mail a CD with pictures on it. You can haggle with them. A cousin was too cheap/lazy to do it. My uncle and my dh went in on pictures and got a great deal. We received them about 14 days after the cruise was over. Everybody put money in their tip jar except cheapo cousin. They made sure each kid (and we had 3 scaredy cats with us) was comfortable petting by the end of the trip. Two thumbs -- way up.

 

[musicgirl]

Eagle Ray Divers is NOT through DCL. We booked this on our own.

www.eagleraydivers.com

Great small company. There were only the 7 of us on the excursion. We went out on a small fishing boat (and I mean small). For those who get motion sick, I get sick at the drop of a hat, I just took my daily dose of dramamine less drowsy and I was fine.

They did a great job of fitting everyone for equipment and off we went. The marina still looks kind of sad with sunken boats. We did see 3 large catamarans all heading out (about 100 on each). Luis assured us that we were NOT headed to the same place.

We were scheduled to do 2 reefs, but we got 3 since we were early and they evidently didn't have anyone else. They do not require you to wear vests, but you can if you want. DH, ds and myself chose not to and we were fine. You are let off so that the current takes you, so there is very little work. The boat is driven close to the group in case anyone gets tired. The guide also has a safety ring with him in the water in case anyone needs to rest.

The water here is absolutely AMAZING!! It is so blue and sooooo clear. We did see plenty of fish, coral etc. It was beautiful. Now I'm sure there is still alot that needs to re-grow since the hurricane, I can only say if that is the case, snorkeling there when it is in peak condition must be incredible.

Great company, easy to schedule, they are very flexible. I highly recommend this company!!!

 

[musicgirl]

Since we only scheduled a 2 reef snorkel, we did not get lunch. Everybody ate a very hearty breakfast and Eagle Ray had some snacks (fruit, cookies, water, pop and beer). We scheduled at 11 and we were back around 2 or so. I can't remember. The marina is not far from the dock, which hopefully you will not have to tender, but it's not bad at all, just not quick and convenient. So we knew we would not starve (especially after eating for 5 days already!!!).

Make her happy and do this excursion!!!!

 

[disgal1]

gotta chime in about Paradise beach....We got there at 845 am and left at about 3pm. We loved it! we were all the way to the edge, in front of the iceburg. the sand was great..no rocks or anything like that. the food was excellent, the service great, bathrooms clean, terrific massages ( I had 2 ). after lunch I decided to go for a walk, and the other end of the beach was rocky, I wouldn't have gotten in there without water shoes. I was told the hurricane washed away a lot of sand and exposed some of the rock.

I was barefooted all day, and had no problems. Of course, I didn't get in the water where the rocks were.

They were in the process of building a large swimming pool and lockers which will be really nice.

I hated to leave!, and would go back in a second.
They had a snorkel boat that went out to the reef from the beach, looked like about 35 people went. I had planned on going, but was having so much fun, I skipped it. Got plenty of snorkeling at the 2 castaway cay stops.

 

[Love2Cruise]

We also LOVED paradise beach when we visited in early June. We found the sand to be a little coarse, but not uncomfortable. We choose not to swim where the rocks are. Stay toward the right side of the beach. The food was great, the beer was cold, the beach and bathrooms were clean, and chairs and umbrellas were no charge. We couldn't find anything not to like.

 

[disneylover5]

We also LOVED paradise beach when we visited in early June.

How did you get to Paradise Beach.....how long was the ride?

 

[kshabare]

WldWcnWmn,

I'm confused because it sounds like you're stopping in Cozumel AND Costa Maya...

We cruised Western 2/06. We didn't get to Cozumel. I was sad until I got to experience Costa Maya. We had snorkeled with Captain Marvins in Grand Cayman (as we have 3 times prior) and we didn't snorkel in Costa Maya.

We've been to Cozumel before but before the storms. I can tell you at Mr. Sanchos we had fun. You can rent snorkel equipment or just enjoy the water. We also went to Paradise Beach once and were satisfied but did not see many fish. It could have been because we were reluctant to go out far - we rented the equipment and snorkeled from the beach. I do wonder how much of a difference there was for the people who were recently disappointed - did they have anything to compare it to?

Bottom line? Don't be disappointed with Cozumel. It's very sad what has happened but enjoy the clear water and the beauty of the island - even though it's been roughed up. It will take hundreds of years to recover from mother nature. The natives have to recover too.

I hope they skip Cozumel and send you to Costa Maya - I'd go back in a heart beat! The stop was breathtaking. We toured with David of David & Ivan and it was amazing. Feel free to check out our pictures on our site.

Kim

 

[mattmommy]

Ok, I'm going to have to go back and check out Paradise beach. It sounds great. I looked at my pictures of Chankanaab. The water looks better than I remember it, but still not great.

 

[lbgraves]

The Double Dip cruises were originally scheduled to go to Cozumel & Costa Maya before the storms hit last year.

 

[eeyoregon]

We were in Cozumel in April. Hurricane Wilma destroyed this "island" in my opinion. It was anything but tropical/beautiful. It sadened me to see the amount of destruction but I was glad that my tourist money was going towards the locals. We used local transportation to Paradise beach (not much paradise) where we spent the day.

Anything that was green prior to Wilma is gone - stripped bare - everything was brown, dead or destroyed. I would stay on the ship next time.