Do you know much about the Wyndham property, El Cid La Ceiba? We are planning anniversary trip for memorial day weekend and are looking for caribbean/mexican destination through our timeshare. Thanks! BTW...we can also trade into RCI, but obviously would be more beneficial to stick with our home properties, if possible.

Bethmac, Are you asking about two different properties -- The Wyndham and El Cid -- or is El Cid La Ceiba now owned by Wyndham?

El Cid is literally right at the cruise ship pier. Its a noisy, hustle bustle end of town and the water isn't very nice because of the cruise ships coming and going. The view is almost always blocked completely by huge ships. It would not be my choice for an anniversary.

The new Wyndham resort on the far south end of the island is a huge AI, only a few years old and quite lovely. It would absolutely be my choice over El Cid. No comparison.

RCI could get you into:

The Coral Princess in the near north end. An older property that has been refurbished after the hurricane. Its on a great snorkeling reef, quite charming, wonderful staff. Its our home base every February.

The Cozumel Palace which used to be the Plaza las Glorias. Its a big property right in town that has also be refurbished lately. Easy to walk everywhere especially good restaurants in town. I wouldn't want the AI here.

Melia - north end. I nice bigger property in a good location.

Park Royal -- yuk! A timeshare nightmare full of rowdy partiers.

May be other RCI properties that I'm unaware of. Does this help?

Hi T.C.
Would you please send me your list as well.
Thanks a bunch.
Donna ([email protected])

We are headed to Cozumel at the end of May for 8 days. Would love to have your list!
Thanks so much, Andrea ([email protected]).

No problem "style". Its on its way.

We've been to Cozumel a few times. My first trip was back in the early 80s and my last trip was 10 years ago - can't believe it's been that long. We think we're going back in November and I'm expecting a lot of changes. Could you send me your list? Thanks, Susan ([email protected]).

Its out to you, Susan.

Wow, great.

Not sure if TC's list is appropriate, we're only in Coz from noon until 7 on a cruise (smaller ship, looks like we might be the only one that day.)

We spent another day there on a cruise and it was very disappointing. We took a self-drive 4x4 tour with a group around one end of the island, into the middle to see the ruins, a brief snorkel and a beach lunch. The whole thing had a horrible package feel, very frenetic, and we were underwhelmed. Disappointed by all the litter on the beach as well, and the snorkelling was lousy.

I'm wondering if we should just get off the ship and wander around and chill a bit, have a couple of beers and people-watch and perhaps go to the market. Looking at "My Cozumel" it sounds viable to do this on foot from the ship.

None of the ship's excursions look promising to me, despite their all being included in the cruise price.

There *is* a speedboat and beach trip from Barracuda Beach that might be fun. Or a simple snorkel trip apparently to somewhere close to the pier where you can walk into the water via steps. Is there any decent onshore snorkelling left in Cozumel these days?

Bottom line is that I would like to come away from the island with a good feeling about it, instead of an bad feeling.

Any advice is welcome. There are three of us, my husband and I are in our 60's and our friend is in his 40's. He's up for anything, we're up for most things.

Cozumel is what it is. If you do cruise ship organized activities, they will feel contrived - because they are. Since you are already disappointed with the island, you probably won't change your mind in the few hours you spend there this time. I'm certain that the speed boat trip won't endear you to the island. You won't even see the island. Do keep in mind that all that litter on the beaches is dumped there by the cruise ships. The people of the island clean those beaches by hand every week. The cruise ships continue to dump and pay huge fines for doing so. Unfortunately the fines cost them less than the price of dispossing of their trash in a proper way. The moral price doesn't seem to factor in for the shipping companies.

What would you like to do while on Cozumel? If you are just going to wander and chill from your ship, do try to go all the way into town. You mention walking from the pier, but that is a long hike from town if you are at the southern pier. Do you know where your ship docks? You mention disappointing snorkeling. Where have you snorkeled before -- what other islands for comparison? How long ago where you last on Cozumel? Where did you snorkel that time -- shallow (close to shore) reefs or the deeper (farther out) reefs? I'll try to help if you give me a little more information about yourself.

TC,
You obviously know the area well. I am about to spend a week on Cozumel with my wife and 2 teenage boys. We are already booked at El Cid (I saw your less than high praise above), but we are where we'll be. I would love to receive your list and any other suggestions you have for us. Thanks
[email protected]

Good afternoon TC,

I just saw that you have a great list of things to do in Cozumel! We are going there in a week, and we will have the time to explore since we are staying 2 weeks there!
I would love to get your list of things to do!!!
My email is [email protected]
Thanks a lot!!!
Cheers
Thierry

Your emails are on the way, Thierry. Please send an email to me when you return with your findings and reviews on the trip. Enjoy!

Hi TC..we are planning a trip to Cozumel and would love your list!! I don't know anything about Cozumel and any suggestions would be so helpful!

My email is [email protected]

Thank you so much for your help!!
Pam

I have sent 2 emails Pam. Enjoy and please report back after your visit. I ask this of all the people who I've sent my list to. I always want to know what they found while on the island or if any of my info needs an update between visits. So far <u>not one single person</u> from the above list has contacted me after their travels. Oh well.

"What would you like to do while on Cozumel? If you are just going to wander and chill from your ship, do try to go all the way into town. You mention walking from the pier, but that is a long hike from town if you are at the southern pier. Do you know where your ship docks? You mention disappointing snorkeling. Where have you snorkeled before -- what other islands for comparison? How long ago where you last on Cozumel? Where did you snorkel that time -- shallow (close to shore) reefs or the deeper (farther out) reefs? I'll try to help if you give me a little more information about yourself."

Thanks TC, I know that being on a cruise ship is no way to see a place. I'm sorry to hear that all the garbage comes from cruise ships, what a world!

We were there for the day in 2007. I can't remember specifically where we snorkelled but had the idea it was the south end of the island, we went around one end, and then stopped at the ruins in the middle then back to town.

I have snorkelled in French Polynesia most, Harbour Island in Bahamas, and St. John USVI.

I don't know where we're docked. So far according to Cruisereport.com we're the only ship in port (small ship, SS Voyager, 700 pax). I don't remember it being that far to town, but do remember the long pier.

Thanks, I will definitely report back after our cruise in December!

WWanderer, Oh my....snorkeling in Cozumel is not going to be anything like FP. As much as I love the island, I've been to FP and there really is no comparison. The Pacific corals and fish are amazing and the reefs near Cozumel will appear so very ho-hum by comparison. The shallow reefs around CZM were greatly damaged in the hurricane a few years ago and are in the recovery stage now. Doing nicely, but its not FP.....and never will be.

I can't imagine your ship being the only one in port in December. That would be rare, but then I'm not on the island in December, so anything is possible.

Wandering into town to chill would be a good idea. If you dock further out, just take a taxi. They are plentiful and cheap. You could have lunch either outside on the square at Casa Denis -- the waiters are fun and the food is good - to watch the foot traffic. Or lunch at a tiny little place called Camillo's just off the square. Its not much for atmosphere, but the fish tacos are outstanding. All the locals eat there. Shop in some of the better places like Cinco Sole, Mi Casa, Silver Emporium or the shell shop (right next to Mi Casa) for some pretties. Have a taxi take you back South along the beach to The Money Bar to chill. Its a good location with a bit of easy snorkeling right out front. I imagine you'll be back on board for dinner.

Oh yes, we'll be on board for dinner. Voyager has great food usually. As for other ships, I was surprised to; I know CruiseReport.com doesn't cover all the cruise lines, but covers all the major ones I can think of. Who knows, maybe it's inaccurate or incomplete. December 12th.

Maybe people are just too busy in December to fill very many cruise ships. Your advantage. Enjoy.

Hey TC, we would love to see your list and compare ot with ours. We have been going to Cozumel twice a year for the last 10 years and still enjoy every single visit. We have always rented houses there, drove around like the locals on mopeds, done lots of diving, and just had an all around great time. We have been seriously craving the Candela Fish from La Candela or the Veracruz Fish at La Perlita...or El Moros, and you can no never go wrong with some gelato from Sorissi! That list of cravings goes on and on! Anyway, we would love to see your list to compare and see if maybe we have missed something...by the way, have you tried the new empanada place just outside the square, across from Kinta? Unbelievable banana and chocolate empenadas...among others!

Sorry, forgot to add our email address...it is [email protected]. Thanks again.

Yes, we did try the new empanada place last February. The desert empanadas were wonderful. Kris made coffee for us at Kinta and I went across the street and got empanadas for everyone late one night. It was a lot of fun.

I'm not a big fan of Sorissi, sorry to say - ever since they charged us nearly $100 for one "special" covered pizza on my birthday two years ago. I am a huge fan of the ice cream at La Flor de Michoacan however. The black walnut is "to die for". And Rye - at El Moro, is my very favorite waiter. Going there is like going home. Try the fish tacos for lunch at Camillos next time. Yum!

Topping for winter 2011 travelers.

Hi TC. We will be travelling to Cozumel next week and would appreciate if you would send your list to us. Thanks!email - [email protected]

Hi Vcrew. Emails are on their way. Enjoy.

HI
Please send me your guide. Planning on first trip in April!
Thanks
[email protected]

Thanks TC. I got them.

i'd love to read your guide. [email protected]

Looking to go to Riviera Maya in June for my honeymoon and may jump over to Cozumel for a few days. Think I could get a peak at your world famous things to do list?

Thanks!

[email protected]

Well....I don't know about "world famous" but I've sent you each two emails filled with my best advice. Hope it helps and you enjoy your visit.

Hi, I am new to these forums, but I am looking to travel Cozumel this March for 8 nights with my girlfriend. I'm 20 and she is 18. We've never left the country, and she's never been out of Missouri aside from a couple vacations, so I would like to show her a really good time. As college students, we are on a pretty tight budget.

I'm interested in doing a little bit of everything: An ATV tour, horseback riding, snorkeling reefs, scuba diving (possibly getting certified if I really enjoy it), parasailing, one or more Mayan ruin visits (Is a tour really necessary? And is Chichen Itza really necessary if we aren't history buffs by any means?), visiting cenotes, maybe a horseback ride, swim with dolphins and maybe manatees/sea lions, etc...

Also, what is parking like there? I was considering renting a scooter for us, but am concerned about parking for scooters and the safety of leaving it somewhere.

I was looking to stay at Hostelito, Beachhouse Cozumel, and La Casona Real, which seem to be the top-rated, budget friendly places.

I found a tour company, Cozumel Tours by Johann and Sandra.
http://www.cozumel-tours.com/ I was wondering if anyone knew how nice these tours are. Also, I'm looking for the cheapest way to get certified, without compromising safety and still doing at least 6 dives. I'm willing to do the PADI-eCourse.

Basically, I'd like to know which excursions are necessary to see on the island and mainland, the best method of travel, parking availability, info on tour companies, and estimated expenditures from March 12th-20th. Keep in mind a tight budget. I'l be taking a flight to Cancun, bussing to Playa del Carmen, and ferrying to Cozumel, all which will cost about $665 round trip.

[email protected]

Well, Mr Greenburgh, you are asking for quite a lot in one holiday. First let me say that you will NOT be able to do all of these things and be certified to SCUBA. SCUBA certification is a huge commitment to be done safely. It is not something that you squeeze in between all the other activities. Your girlfriend will spend a lot of time alone while you study to pass the written tests and get certified. You will also not be drinking and diving the next day, so keep that in mind as you plan your spring break. I would recommend that you learn to dive on another holiday or do it in your hometown, then finish with the open water certification whilst on holiday somewhere. You can snorkel quite nicely on Cozumel.

The Mayan ruins and cenotes are all on the mainland, so you should plan one day for each of those activities -- making sure to coordinate with the ferry schedule and hoping bad weather doesn't close down the ferry. So do be mindful of the weather forecast for any day you travel by ferry.

You might want to check to make sure they will rent a moped to your girlfriend. Being under 21 she might not qualify. Two on one moped is such a bad idea, as a couple of bad accidents have left tourists injured or dead. Personally, I would suggest you just rely on taxis.

You say you are on a tight budget, yet most of the activities you list are quite pricey. SCUBA dives, after you are certified are about $75 each and you would need to rent equipment on top of that.

You can not take a rental car to the mainland, so would have to rent there or take tours after exiting the ferry. I'm sure you can google for the pricing of tours to the ruins. Swimming with the dolphins is about $150 I think. Not sure about manatees, etc.

My advice would be to consider staying on the mainland. You will save a lot in travel time and expenditures. The best and least expensive way to get certified is at home, in a pool, with your local dive shop. Reconsider your wish list and compare it to your budget. Good luck.

Hi TC, I'd really love your list too. Thanks.
[email protected]

Hello lovetotravel. I've sent you two emails. Hope they help.

Greetings TC. Could you pls send your list to [email protected]? Thank you! Any opinions on the El Cozumeleno all-incl resort? We are considering that in early May.

Hello GTK. I'll send my list off to you. I don't have an opinion on El Cozumeleno. I have never stayed there. It is rather large, but in a good location. The water is nice there. Its fairly close to town. I'm not much for AI -- so probably the wrong person to ask. There are so many great restaurants in town, that I would hate to be hooked to an AI for my meals. We have a condo with a kitchen and go into town at night for dinner. Have you had a look at Trip Advisor reviews?

TC, We will be a mother/teenage daughter at El Presidente for a week. We'd love your list too. We've traveled extensively solo, meeting my husband as his business allows. We are comfortable solo, but thought I'd ask if you have any safety tips too - other than the obvious for two women traveling. Any comments on fun for an 18 year old daughter hanging with her Mom? We enjoy adventure and relaxation, depending on which way the wind is blowing! For the list: [email protected]

I "volunteered" to organize a trip for 10 people ranging in age from 16 to 69 so would appreciate your list. My email is [email protected]

Thank you TC. I have received both emails with the list. I will print and go over with a highlighter for all that there is to offer! Thank you for organizing such a descriptive listing.

You are welcome, Julie. I hope the list offers some help. You don't say when you are traveling, but the second week of March is Carnival this year. It is a wonderful time to be in Cozumel, with dancing on the square, parades, and lots of festivities. The pre-Carnival activities have already started, so there is something going on all the time between now and then. I think you and your daughter will love the water and the shopping and do try some of the great local restaurants.

TC,
I'm going to Cozumel in a few weeks and would love your list of things to do if you get a chance?? Thank You! [email protected]