Oct 30 2010 7 Night Western

[nenner1]

My family hasn't been to Cozumel before. We're thinking about going to Nachi Cocom as I've read some good things about it on the boards. My kids aren't ready for deep water yet so we want to go to a nice beach with clean facilities and food/drink provided. We just want to lounge in our chairs, play in the shallow water and watch the kids build sandcastles! The price looks great compared to some of the costlier DCL excursions in Cozumel. Any pros and cons? Anybody else considering going to Nachi Cocom? Or is there another place that you recommend?

Beth

First of all Beth that countdown is awesome!!! That sure is a lot of Mickey heads! LOL!!!

As far as Nachi goes, we are 99.99% sure we have decided to do this. There isn't as much info here as on Cruise Critic. There is a 37 page thread on Nachi HERE with a ton of information and lots of pictures. Some of their reviews recently haven't been quite as glowing (i.e. no chair cushions anymore, kids not getting loungers on busy days, etc.) But IMO it still sounds amazing!!

Is Nachi Cocom a DCL excursion? I might be interested in that.

No, it is only available for booking through a third party company,Island Marketing. It is pretty exclusive, only 100 people per day.

OR:
What I've been looking at is Paradise Beach. Free admission, Beach chairs rent for $2.00 and for $12.00 per person you can have access to ALL beach toys, inflatable climbing structures and snorkeling equipment. The food and drink prices at the bar seem quite reasonable too. The beach looks beautiful.
I think going here would involve a bus ride.
Here's the web site:
http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/beach.php?lyt_v=0&lyt_ss=0&lyt_bh=0&menu=0&lyt_pics=0&picnu=0&lyt_bh_1=0&ln=en&sec=beach.php

Judy, you also might want to check out the Cruise Critic Cozumel board. The owner of Paradise Beach has his own thread too (even bigger!) where he answers questions directly and gives info. We have been considering this option as well because of the water play inflatables and have found this thread so helpful!

I was considering doing the Dolphin Kids at Dolphinaris excursion, because I thought since it said age 4 and that the kids would be on a partially submerged platform, not fully submerged in water, that it would work for DS. Others who had taken this excursion said the kids do not swim. However, the passporter book says age 4, but that kids have to know how to swim? I'm not sure now whether we can do this, which would be a disappointment to DD. And I don't think it would be fair to DS to let DD do it and make him be just an observer with DH and me.

All the other excursions, with the exception of the beach days, have age restrictions that do not include our DS.

I suppose I should call DCL to check. Except, I don't always get the correct info from them, you know what I mean?

Yeah, I know what you mean about getting the correct info when you call. The dolphin excursions were high on our list before we had another baby. I peeked at the Dolphinaris website and it isn't really clear the specifics of the program the kids would be doing but I assume it is part of their regular swim program. That includes a platform interaction experience and a full swim. I would think if you wanted to, you could have DS participate in the platform part and then watch on the dock for the swim portion. I know pricewise that isn't a great value but at least that would be a way for you all to get the experience still. I know I have read TR's where part of the party has watched from the dock before (some places, like Blue Lagoon in Nassau actually have a lower price available for doing this).

HTH you all!

 

[eyes4mickey]

Nachi and Paradise Beach both look good. Tough decision, Nachi seems great just because they limit the amount of people for the day. If anyone books either of these please let me know, maybe we could make a group like we did for Captain Marvins.

 

[livingis2me]

Wow guys, Did you see Royal Caribbean's big news today? Dreamworks experience... My kids and I (and Nenner) are so excited about this. We are on the Allure in 9-2011! RC had already won me over when we went on the Independence in January. This is icing on the cake.

Don't get me wrong I'm still excited about this cruise and trying out either the Dream or the Fantasy at some point. But gosh, there is just so much fun to be had on Freedom and Oasis class ships. Now Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots!

 

[dizney-cruiser]

Is Nachi Cocom a DCL excursion? I might be interested in that.

OR:
What I've been looking at is Paradise Beach. Free admission, Beach chairs rent for $2.00 and for $12.00 per person you can have access to ALL beach toys, inflatable climbing structures and snorkeling equipment. The food and drink prices at the bar seem quite reasonable too. The beach looks beautiful.
I think going here would involve a bus ride.
Here's the web site:
http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/beach.php?lyt_v=0&lyt_ss=0&lyt_bh=0&menu=0&lyt_pics=0&picnu=0&lyt_bh_1=0&ln=en&sec=beach.php

We walked here from our hotel in November! This place is great! We were sitting at the bar (of course!) and having a drink when I saw the bartender opening all of these coconuts - so I asked him if they served drinks in them and he said they make a drink using the milk in the young (?) coconuts since there "meat" is still real pulpy - so - I had to try one (I liked it, Linda didn't - more for me!) me sitting there with this coconut sold about 10 more as people would see me and say they wanted one! We had a fun time watching the kids climb the "mountain" in the water! Fun place and yes - very clean!

 

[tjbaggott]

We walked here from our hotel in November! This place is great! We were sitting at the bar (of course!) and having a drink when I saw the bartender opening all of these coconuts - so I asked him if they served drinks in them and he said they make a drink using the milk in the young (?) coconuts since there "meat" is still real pulpy - so - I had to try one (I liked it, Linda didn't - more for me!) me sitting there with this coconut sold about 10 more as people would see me and say they wanted one! We had a fun time watching the kids climb the "mountain" in the water! Fun place and yes - very clean!

I think your comments here have helped me make a decision! I can have fun anywhere, but the kids, I think would love this Beach More than Nachi. So I guess we are going to Paradise Beach. I would love to follow someone else out there as I will have NO clue where to go, where to get a taxi, ect.... But if we have a group, the whole thing isn't anxiety inducing, for me anyway So wjcmsd, do you mind if we follow you out there?

 

[Pudo]

Is Nachi Cocom a DCL excursion? I might be interested in that.

OR:
What I've been looking at is Paradise Beach. Free admission, Beach chairs rent for $2.00 and for $12.00 per person you can have access to ALL beach toys, inflatable climbing structures and snorkeling equipment. The food and drink prices at the bar seem quite reasonable too. The beach looks beautiful.
I think going here would involve a bus ride.
Here's the web site:
http://www.paradise-beach-cozumel.com/beach.php?lyt_v=0&lyt_ss=0&lyt_bh=0&menu=0&lyt_pics=0&picnu=0&lyt_bh_1=0&ln=en&sec=beach.php

Thanks for the link to the video. Just showed my family, case closed, decision made. Sarah saw the white mountain climby thing like in the Wizard of Waverly Place movie and it was all over. Paradise beach for us!!

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

We've decided to go with Nachi and I sent the reservation form off in cyberspace to Island Marketing. Got an email back saying that they had availablity. Both places, Paradise Beach and Nachi, look super fun! Now I have to think about what to do in Grand Cayman. I'd love to do Captain Marvin's but uncertain if my two are ready for it yet. Hmmm.

By the way, I clicked on the Cruise TT site and saw that while we are in Cozumel on the 3rd the other ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Grandeur of the Seas, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Legend, Crown Princess and our own Magic! The day before in Grand Cayman the ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Carnival Legend, Carnival Valor, Century, Aurora, and our Magic. I forgot to look and see what was docked in Key West while we are there.

Beth

 

[tjbaggott]

We've decided to go with Nachi and I sent the reservation form off in cyberspace to Island Marketing. Got an email back saying that they had availablity. Both places, Paradise Beach and Nachi, look super fun! Now I have to think about what to do in Grand Cayman. I'd love to do Captain Marvin's but uncertain if my two are ready for it yet. Hmmm.

By the way, I clicked on the Cruise TT site and saw that while we are in Cozumel on the 3rd the other ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Grandeur of the Seas, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Legend, Crown Princess and our own Magic! The day before in Grand Cayman the ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Carnival Legend, Carnival Valor, Century, Aurora, and our Magic. I forgot to look and see what was docked in Key West while we are there.

Beth

Visit www.captainmarvins.com and show your girls video from there. Might help with decision making! Even though my kids don't know about this trip, we DO talk about the next time we go (though I play like we have no idea when, but maybe next year....), I showed TIM that video at Captain Marvins, and he got really exicited about it!

 

[livingis2me]

By the way, I clicked on the Cruise TT site and saw that while we are in Cozumel on the 3rd the other ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Grandeur of the Seas, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Legend, Crown Princess and our own Magic! The day before in Grand Cayman the ships at port will be: Norwegian Dawn, Carnival Legend, Carnival Valor, Century, Aurora, and our Magic. I forgot to look and see what was docked in Key West while we are there.

Beth

This is why I think we are doing Nachi. I've heard that Paradise Beach can be crazy busy. With 15,000 + in port I like the thought of being in a beach with 100 or less people. Paradise Beach does look like a lot of fun though...

 

[eyes4mickey]

This is why I think we are doing Nachi. I've heard that Paradise Beach can be crazy busy. With 15,000 + in port I like the thought of being in a beach with 100 or less people. Paradise Beach does look like a lot of fun though...

I'm thinking the same thing. If Paradise beach is packed, I don't think we will have as much fun. I will be crazy watching the kids/keeping track of them.

 

[tjbaggott]

Hmmm the busy beach vs the 100 per day beach. At first I was thinking I can't justify the cost ($139.00 USD) just to go to a beach, BUT, then I checked out Island Marketings website. That price includes a 3 course lunch AND a Free open bar (that alone will get my DH on board, LOL). And thinking of Paradise beach and the number of Cruise passengers from all those ships in port that day, well, I can see my then 13 year old doing fine on the water toys, but I think my then 7 yr old, will be too intimadated by all the big kids and adults, so wouldn't really have fun there. Hmmmm I think we've just switched to Nachi Cocom! I will have to email them tomorrow and reserve a spot for us. Thanks for posting the info about ships in port that day! Definatley worth knowing!
Is Nachi Cocom easy to get to?

 

[eyes4mickey]

Hmmm the busy beach vs the 100 per day beach. At first I was thinking I can't justify the cost ($139.00 USD) just to go to a beach, BUT, then I checked out Island Marketings website. That price includes a 3 course lunch AND a Free open bar (that alone will get my DH on board, LOL). And thinking of Paradise beach and the number of Cruise passengers from all those ships in port that day, well, I can see my then 13 year old doing fine on the water toys, but I think my then 7 yr old, will be too intimadated by all the big kids and adults, so wouldn't really have fun there. Hmmmm I think we've just switched to Nachi Cocom! I will have to email them tomorrow and reserve a spot for us. Thanks for posting the info about ships in port that day! Definatley worth knowing!
Is Nachi Cocom easy to get to?

It's a $15 taxi ride for a family of 4 each way. We can share a cab if you would like. Looks easy enough. On the way back to the port, the street is lined with stores if you want to do any shopping, it's a walk from the port.

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

It's a $15 taxi ride for a family of 4 each way. We can share a cab if you would like. Looks easy enough. On the way back to the port, the street is lined with stores if you want to do any shopping, it's a walk from the port.

I also read on their website that even the deposit (for us it was $34 for 2 adults and 2 children) is completely refundable if Magic doesn't dock there for any reason. I sent my reservation in yesterday with a quick reply from them that there was availability. So then I sent the financial information in and am waiting to hear back -- I understand from reading the reviews about Nachi that it can take a few days to get the actual confirmation number from Island Marketing. So FYI about that for any of you who decide to join us there. And we're up for sharing cabs or vans to and from the port too!

Beth

 

[nenner1]

^ Sounds great! We'll see you guys there! (we need to go ahead and book too!)

They do offer some activities (for an extra charge) the kids might enjoy. They have parasailing, a snorkel trip to Palancar reef, and I have read there is a banana boat ride available! We LOVED doing the banana boat on CC and were so bummed when they stopped offering that a few years back. So you can bet we will do that. Parasailing is $45/pp or $90 tandem, I think those prices are really reasonable too!

 

[eyes4mickey]

I also read on their website that even the deposit (for us it was $38 for 2 adults and 2 children) is completely refundable if Magic doesn't dock there for any reason. I sent my reservation in yesterday with a quick reply from them that there was availability. So then I sent the financial information in and am waiting to hear back -- I understand from reading the reviews about Nachi that it can take a few days to get the actual confirmation number from Island Marketing. So FYI about that for any of you who decide to join us there. And we're up for sharing cabs or vans to and from the port too!

Beth

Hi Beth,

Sounds great. I just sent my credit card info too. When it gets closer, we can all plan on meeting somewhere to catch cabs. CANT WAIT!!!!

 

[nenner1]

Is Nachi Cocom easy to get to?

Oh yes, it is located appx 10 miles south of the port on the west coast of the island in the main drag of resorts and beach clubs. It is actually located near Paradise Beach and Mr. Sanchos. I've read it is about a 15-25 minute cab ride (although we drove this route last year when we rented a car and it didn't seem to take long at all to drive down this stretch of road -we went back and forth several times checking out the beach clubs.)

Here is as good of a place as any to caution everyone: watch out for scams. I have read more than a few horror stories about Cozumel, like cabs not taking you where you want to go ("Oh you won't like that place I'll take you to a better one") because they get kickbacks from the owners. And from some establishments not allowing you to "leave" (i.e. get a cab back) until you have spent a certain amount of money. We had a scam pulled on us at the gas station (the old two guy distraction-while-they-change-the pump gig). I know that won't happen AT Nachi, and hopefully not on the way there either... but as an FYI to everyone to be prepared that is seems very prevalent in this port.

Also make sure you print out your Nachi/Island Marketing confirmation and payment reciept to show the taxi driver: some drivers won't take people to Nachi without knowing they have reserved their spot.

And also for any of those who might be interested: there is a great map out there of Cozumel. We bought it in '08 to use since we were driving the island on our own (great way to see the beautiful and rustic east coast BTW). It is like a map and a guide book in one with reviews and recommendations. It was a very reasonable price and is still a great resource: MAP CHICK COZUMEL MAP.

Jen

 

[tjbaggott]

I KNEW IT! This morning I talked with DH and told him all about both beaches. As soon as I mentioned the inclusive OPEN BAR for Nachi Cocom, the deal was sealed! (oh, I think the lunch did it too). So I've now sent off my financial info too for the deposit. Yes, I noticed that too about being refunded the deposit if our Ship can't make it into port, Glad to see that! Captain Marvins works the same way. SO, TWO ports we now have booked activities at. Key West I think we'll just walk around on our own, visit some shops ect.... Castaway Cay, I wonder if I might make it over to the adult Beach? That'll be a first if I do, but maybe I'll wait and do that on our B2B Dream Cruise.

Apparently if we have a large group going, we can make arrangements for a van to get us to Nachi Cocom. Does anyone know if you arrange that in advance or if they will just be there for us to hire once we are in port?

On another note, I've finally decided what to make for the adult FE gifts! I worked up a sample on my graphics program to see what the real deal would look like. I thought it pretty good, so I acquired all the supplies yesterday, and have started working on them today.

 

[Fastpaks]

So it would seem that all of us have been keeping our surprises. Last night, we were coming home from a party with some friends.I started talking about my son's 1st grade year and the amount of time that he is going to miss in school. I said, "you'll be out of school for 2 weeks." He said, "But Dad you said I'm only going to be out one." I totally played it down with the.. yeah your right thing. That was a close one as he didn't press the issue much. I just kept redirecting the questions. 140 days left and really can't wait even though I must. I honestly don't how he is going to respond when we are walking into Epcot as he has never seen it. And then the rest......

 

[tinkerbelltwins]

Just received the Nachi print out confirmation so we're in! Took about 24 hrs for Island Marketing to move from the "yes we've got availability" to "we got your deposit and you're officially in." Here's hoping more of you can join us in the sand and surf there if the spirit so moves you!

 

[kristieuk]

Been catching up on this thread just now, and thought we were all set to spend the day at Uvas Beach, but now I'm concerned about the number of ships in, and the place being crazy with people - I am trying to find out if there also limited numbers here, but doesn't seem like. I am loving the thought of only 100 people at Nachi, think I will drop them a line and check availability. It sounds wonderful!

If we get in and they will provide a van, maybe we could catch a ride together? There are 8 of us.