Has anyone done one of the 8 hour excursions? None of the 2-4 hr ones look appealing, but a couple of the 8 hr ones (you boat over to Playa de Carmen) then tour around look really interesting, seeing botanical gardens, swimming in lagoons. Are they just making them sound good? Is Playa de Carmen worth seeing? Or just stay and tour around Cozumel? Any advice you can offer...

Hi Steve,<BR><BR>Cozumel is a small island off the mainland of Mexico. The beaches and shopping are good but the ruins and the National Park leave much to be desired.<BR><BR>Playa del Carmen is the town where the tour buses and cabs meet the ferry from Cozumel. Not much to see and do there but it is the starting off point for all the wonderful ruins and fabulous National Parks.<BR><BR>Paul

Would you visit X-caret (8 hr tour) or just do Chankanaab Park &amp; visit the town? These seem to be the 2 main choices our group is torn between

You might want to &quot;swim with the dolphins&quot;.

Hi Steve,<BR><BR>For the best experience do Xcaret. If there is a tour to Xel-Ha it is just about the same. There is so much to see and do, it will keep you busy for hours. The ship's price is just about the same as doing it on your own with the price of the ferry and the cab. Plus if you do it on your own you will have to calculate your time to get back to the ship.<BR><BR>If you are going to Swim With the Dolpins you must sign up as soon as possible. It is extremely popular. Do not get it confused with the Dolphin Encounter where you just get to pet and play with the dolphins.<BR><BR>Paul