We are taking a cruise and will not be using the ship's excursions. I'm looking for ideas to do on my own, we have 7 people in our family and the ports are: Costa Maya, Georgetown, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. [email protected]

HI! I have been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel as a port at least 4 times each and although I have not ported in Costa Maya, I have been to the area. I am curious what type of activities you like. Snorkeling? Beach? In Grand Cayman, I catch a taxi to cemetary reef. This is a well known local beach behind a cemetary. This beach has some of the best off beach snorkeling in the caribbean. Georgetown is also a great shopping port and home to Tortuga Rum. You can walk there and pick up your Rum cake and Rum fudge. In Cozumel, I usually do two things. I catch a taxi to El Chankanaab Beach Park which is a national park. It is $10 admission for adults. They have a great beach, snorkeling, walking trails and dolphin shows as well. You can also swim with the dolpins for an extra charge. I also love to go to town by taxi towards the evening and walk in the town square and seaside. There are local artists, musicians and many open aired restaurants and bars. Steer clear of Carlos and Charlies unless you are looking for a really wild and young crowd. Head instead to Las Palmeras (?) It is the open aired wooden loovered restaurant on the corner of the town square across from the old tender pier. Have fun!

wtggirl - I'm taking the same cruise route in March and am looking for things to do as well. We'd like to make our way into the jungle and would like to see Mayan ruins. I know these things are possible because the cruise line offers excursions, but I hate being part of the herd. Any ideas on how easy it is to find your way around Cozumel and Costa Maya to see such things? Can you hire a guide on the island, or rent a car and drive around on your own? From the other posts it sounds like Stingray City is the place to go in Georgetown. Any other suggestions?

How far out from the beach is Cemetary Reef?

For your Grand Cayman stop, do the stingray city trip. Book, not through the cruise ship and save yourself some money. Try Captain Dexter for a catamaran trip...or Captain Marvins for a quicker trip.

For beaches you could take a taxi to Cemetery beach and do some sunning and some snorkeling...or you could go to Smith's Cove. Another option would be no beach, but to snorkel Eden Rock which is a fun, gorgeous snorkel experience.