cch1

Hi,
I'm just looking for suggestions for things to do/see or nice places to hang out/eat while in Cancun and Cozumel from a cruise ship vs. taking the tours offered by the ship. I'm thinking of hiring a cab or a boat for alternate projects. If anyone can recommend a boat owner for fishing or snorkeling, I'd appreciate it. Ideas in general appreciated, as well.

Dolores

On our last 2 cruises, we hired a cab in the morning and got back to town about 1 and ate lunch at Pancho's Backyard. One time, we had the cab stop at Chankanaab Park for an hour or so. Very pretty and I sure wished we could stay most of the day ($10 or $20 entrance fee). Then, both times, we rode over to see the Atlantic side of Coz. Nice there in that there are very few people, sort of picturesque. We asked the cab driver to stop at most of the beach areas. Bonita's is a good stop for a soda. Chen Rio doesn't seem to open til 11:30. Believe I read they have good food but we're never there that late. It is a good stop for pictures though.

I think both times the taxi was $70 for about 3 hours. Nice to get away from the crowd for awhile.

RobertSDF

Good advice from Delores but I will add a couple of things. I have friends in Cozumel and am there about once a month.
First, I would look for one of the vans at the piers marked "Island Tours"--these are licensed tour guides--the taxi drivers are not. (if you see a van with no. 4 on it, that is my friend Miguel--nice man and a great guide) This way, you will see what you want to see at your own pace--and save a lot of money.
My favorite place to eat is Chen Rio on the Atlantic side (Miguel knows it well--often go there with the family on Sundays). It probably does not open early since it is an authentic local place.
Pancho's is good put a bit pricy and touristy. The Cozumel Museum has a nice 2nd floor balcony restaurant with a great ocean view serving breakfast and lunch. (it is on the main street near Panchos and Cinco Soles).
Don't let a taxi driver recommend a restaurant. They will take you to whomever is paying them the most--and they don't know these restaurants since they don't eat there!
Enjoy!

di32

I agree with Dolores about Chakanaub Park. This is a nice place to get away from crowds and relax on the beach. There is decent snorkeling, and it is very clean. Don't do the dolphin thing. We did it last time and it was a rip off. I will return to the Park in June to spend the day.

last_mango

We were just in Cozumel for a cruise ship stop in January. We had lunch at Casa Denis which RobertSDF and several others on this board recommended. Food was very good and prices reasonable. Salsa just about burned us alive, though. Casa Denis is about 1/2 block further away from the water than the square near the pier in downtown. Our ship docked at another pier and it was a $6 cab ride to the downtown. Great shopping!