My girlfriend and I are trying to plan our first vacation to the carribean. We've been looking at all-inclusives and looking at mostly all the islands in the carribean and Cozumel, MX.

We're trying to spend under $2,000 for the all-inclusive/airfare for 7 days from Boston. We settled on the Occidental/Cozumel for $1,800 all inclusive but my fear is that the only thing to do is snorkel.

We wanted to experience a jungle hike, make a mini 2 hour mountain hike and some ruins, too. I want to soak up some local flavor and restaurants and it seems that all inclusives really fake it.

Does it make sense financially to do a non-all inclusive and have to fend for ourselves in terms of food, etc?

Thanks for any insight!

-Roy

Hi Roy,
It has been a few years since we visited Cozumel, MX and we stayed at a different resort but excursions/activities will probably be pretty much the same. A MUST DO is Chankanob Park on the north end of the island. They have ruins, a botanical garden, swim with the dolphins, snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and more. Also from downtown, we took a trip on the Atlantis, a submarine, that gives you a view of the reef without diving (we snorkel rather than dive). I believe other excursions included a jungle jeep tour, tours to other ruins, a day ferry to Playa del Carmen and sunset cruises. We took a prirate ship sunset cruise complete with live band and it was fabulous. Also, I found the shopping in downtown to be some of the best (I like to bargin for bargins). I don't know how much long term damage Wilma caused but they are usually quick to get things back in shape.
Have a great trip!

Thanks for the input.

We booked a stay at the Occidental Grand in Cozumel... very excited!

Just an FYI for your next trip. Based on your criteria, you would LOVE Costa Rica. And for this one, I hope you did not do the AI. Have fun either way.

Hi, My wife and I just visited Mexico for the first time last week, we stayed in Playacar. I don't know when your trip is planned but, I heard quite a few of the guests talking about Cozumel and it was nothing positive, hurricane damage was very extensive their as a lot of the guests at the resort we stayed at were supposed to stay in Cozumel. I myself would think twice about Cozumel right now. Cancun is still very badly damaged also.