Re: cozumel

Posted ByMichigan Trudy on September 01, 1999 at 19:29:05:

In Reply to: cozumel posted bykathy yaryan on September 01, 1999 at 04:36:37:

I was looking for Cozumel on a shoestring this last July. I agree that package deals by far offer the best in prices. I ended up with a package to Casa del Mar. It is a moderate hotel but better than our local Red Roof Inns and such. Our room was cooled well, had enough (although not abundant) space, facilities worked well, staff was friendly, gardens were pretty. They have a shallow pool on the grounds, one restaurant/bar, and a beach across the road (connected by a bridge). Snorkeling there was good. If I remember correctly, it was less than $600/person for 7 nights and round trip air out of Detroit. It was the best price I could find. I intend to do it again next July.
You can snorkel for the price of rental equipment ($5-6/person) right out front. You can pay $7/person to enter Chankanaab Park, rent equipment and snorkel their. If you purchase your own snorkeling gear, you can snorkel at many public beaches for the price of cab fare. You can rent snorkeling gear at the beach by the hotel and take it to another beach as long as it's back by closing time.
BUT for really awesome snorkeling, I would HIGHLY recommend booking a day on the Arrecifes. The Kuzamil Snorkeling Center books snorkeling trips on the Arrecifes. It costs $55/person for 8:30 - 4:00 or so. Lunch is buffet at Reef Club (included in the price...as is the snorkeling equipment, pop, beer, and Eduardo's expertise.) What really puts Arrecifes above the other snorkeling trips is the help given by Eduardo. He dives down (while you float on the surface) and points out critters that would otherwise go unnoticed. He helps others who want to learn to dive down for a closer look. He brings starfish and lobsters to the surface (still under water) so you can have a better look. He dives down and swims through the coral coming out in another location. He takes pictures for you with your camera so you can actually SEE something when your film is developed. It's out of this world. It's an experience you will always remember. I heard about him from another Cozumel Discussion Board (travelnotes) and I'm so glad I did.
Also, if money is an issue, it's cheaper to eat at local restaurants instead of going all inclusive. But if you can bite the bullet and pay the all inclusive price, it gives you lots more spending money when you get there. You don't have to save any of what's in your pocket so that you can still eat at the end of your time in paradise! :o) Without AI, the money in your pocket won't go as far. That's a great relief to those of us who don't budget well. Look at the prices and judge for yourself. You can eat for prices comparable to America if you know where to go. You can also pay more if you're not careful. Most restaurants have a menu outside if I remember correctly, so you don't embarrass yourself by getting in over your head. There are many many good reasonable places to eat that are easy to find. There's lots of advice to be found on this and other boards. You've got time to research. Best of everything to the happy couple.

: my son is getting married Jan. 1st and wants to
: honeymoon in Cozumel. Any advice on cheap to moderate
: priced hotels on the beach. What's the best airlines
: to get there. Good inexpensive restuarants. What about
: diving and snorkling?

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