In fairness I should add that buffets in any part of the world can be bad. You don't know how long the food has been sitting out and the people working at the restaurant don't always monitor that either. Whenever possible it's always best to go for fresh cooked food.

Oh dear. I've always heard about people getting sick from AI buffets. But sorry you had to prove the point P_M!!

No diarrhea is not unusual when you get 'bad' food. Sometimes it only comes up the other direction. Nor is it hanging on for awhile even once you're back home.

Nor is it (unusual for it to be) hanging...

I am so happy to hear of your experience w/a variety of marine life right off the beach in Cozumel. Hurricaine Wilma (Oct. 2005) and Emily just a few monmths prior, really devastated the coral reefs and hence marine life immediately around Cozumal. I had snorkeled there before Wilma many times and it was so great. But then went back in 2008, 3 yrs after Wilma, and snorkeled and there was hardly any coral or marine life at all compared to prior in the exact same area (just a bit towards town from Chankanaab).

So I hope your experience now, a few yrs later, signals that there is recovery happening on reefs just off of Cozumel. we have snorkeled off of Akumal and other places off mainland across from Cozumel in last 3 yrs and had great snorkeling experiences, but apparently the mainland was not get as affected by emily and Wilma as the shallow reefs right off of Cozumel.

Thank you both for reading my report.

emd3, this might sound strange but I thought of you while I was hurling through the night. I remember your story of how sick your son was on your trip to Peru and I was wondering if the same was happening to me. Fortunately I made it home without having to go to the hospital, and I'm happy to say that I'm now feeling better.

One good thing came from this, I usually come home with a few extra pounds after a vacation, but not this time.

Nice report, PM - I love snorkeling too. Sounds wonderful except the getting sick part. I've been sick in Mexico twice - no fun. Have you guys ever been to Hol Chan in Belize? If you like snorkeling, it's another good spot.

Thanks for the report. Maybe I missed it. Did you fly into Cancun and then over to Cozumel, direct to Cozumel, or ferry via Playa? (We stayed in Playa and thought Cozumel might be a nice change).

I had the same experience as emd3 regarding the reef at Cozumel (also in 2088, I think). Went back the next year or so and snorkeled in Akumal with a couple BIG turtles!

Bitter, we flew straight into Cozumel a American Airlines.

VG, a few years ago we were on a cruise that stopped in Belize. We did a snorkeling tour but I don't remember where. I do remember how great it was.

Hurling in Mexico is no fun, no matter what the cause, although I'd be particularly pissed if I got it at an AI. Paying to get sick sucks. I went on a boat to go snorkeling w/the giant whale sharks (as big as whales) last summer from Cancun's pier, and OMG, everyone on the boat hurled at one time or another over side of boat. Note to self: Choppy water in a little fishing boat is a big bummer - AND you really can't enjoy whale sharks or anything else when you have your stomach in your mouth.

Aw, P_M, You've brought back some good memories for me.
These, however, do not include hurling.

We used to stay there for long spans of time before Coz got popular. This was in the days where we paid so little for our room (10. per night and a couple cartons of Vantage cigs for the owner for the entire stay) we'd actually keep our room while we took off to other Yucatan locations.
We'd rent bicycles for a 1. and ride the island and to Chankanaab Park to snorkel and drink Ritas. Breakfast was from a very inexpensive place around the corner where they squeezed fresh fruit everyday and had freshly made yogurt - again, for pennies (pesos).

In any event, you've whet my appetite enough to want to make a day visit this winter from the Yucatan.
Thanks for posting.

Cybor, easy to do from the ferry terminal in Playa Del Carmen! (insert smiley face here)

But be aware Coz. town has changed. I used to go there 20 to 35 yrs ago. But now the cruise ships stop there and it has changed. So many folks from the cruises are all over, at Chancanab (which now has dolphin swims, etc., and admission price to snorkel, etc.) and other places. Doesn't affect those at resorts too much, but affects day trippers who go across on the ferry.

Isla Mujeres hasn't changed too much, but ferry there leaves form Cancun.

emd,
Thanks.
We did a day trip a few years back and were indeed shocked (even though we knew ahead) at how much Coz had changed.

Nice to know that one can still ferry across. I think we used to come across to Cancun. That ferry was definitely very seasick worthy.
The key back then and now to snorkeling at Chancanab and a few other places is to get there early in the am before the crowds stir up the bottom of the waters.
That and most of the better (more colorful fish) seem to come in closer to the shore earlier in the day.
Hoping, to also get some diving in

ooo, diving.

Have you snorkeled at Akumal w/the sea turtles, and at the reefs (2) right off the beach there? If not, put that on the list. That bay did not get disturbed as much from Wilma as Coz. and some other areas...

My husband and daughter are headed to Playa tomorrow for a wk. I won't get down there til early April as the condo is tied up/ rented til then. It is like withdrawal for me.

Haven't been to Akumel but am putting it on the list. I just ordered a couple Yucatan and Chiapas travel books. All tips welcome.

I'm sorry for you that your condo is rented the rest of the winter. I know the owner of mine. I'll put in a word for you. She may let you have the air mattress.