Cozumel, Mexico

RAZOR 4x4 all-terrain

Our most FUN excursion we did so far in Cozumel is this 4×4  (ATV like) RAZORs! We had a fairly small group and our guide was awesome! He asked us at the beginning if we wanted a leisurely stroll, or an adrenaline rush! We chose the latter, and he delivered! He was going at super speed and we had a blast trying to catch up with him. After a while he’d often stop and make sure we’ll all caught up, safe, and having a good time. Hearing my wife’s scream of excitement at the speed and going over some water/mud in itself was worth it 🙂

Nachi Cocom beach club (all inclusive)

Our favorite all-inclusive beach club in Cozumel! Space is limited here, you need to reserve for your party in advance. Prices are reasonable ($55/adult, $39/teenager, $19/child, 3 and under Free), especially since it’s all inclusive with unlimited drinks, plenty of food, pool, beach, and amenities. You pay deposit on their site, and balance when you get there. Very similar to Mr Sanchos, except here they limit to 135 people/day max (Mr Sanchos is easily 5-6x this number), more relaxed atmosphere. Taxi for our family of 4 was $17 each way (total, not per person). Don’t forget to tip the staff who takes care of you, for good service.

mr sanchos beach club (all inclusive)

Similar to Nachi Cocom, being all inclusive and all you can drink and eat. You should also reserve in advance (just in case) with $5 deposit, and balance once you get there. Prices also similar to Nachi. Taxi for our family of 4 was also $17 each way (total, not per person). One main difference, besides the number of guests (~700 max, vs Nachi at 135 max) and more of a ‘party’ atmosphere here, is you can order food as many times as you want here, vs at Nachi it’s usually once for appetizer and once for main entrees (although you can order multiple items). We were pretty full at both locations. No additional cost for use of kayaks. Similarly, don’t forget to tip for good service. 

Chankanaab beach adventure park

We had a good time as well at Chankanaab. It is a National Park with multiple things to see and do. Included in admission price is beach area, hammocks, snorkeling (bring your own snorkeling gear to not have to rent theirs), sea lion show, crocodile exhibit, kids playground. Don’t expect a SeaWorld performance for the Sea lion, but no complaints or high expectations (it’s free). Same with croc exhibit, it’s pretty small. Similar taxi cost (~$17 each way for our family of 4). We didn’t purchase our tickets in advance, bought once we got there (~$23/adult, $16/child). We printed and used a coupon their site to save $1-2/person for the entrance fee.

dolphin discovery

The place is close to Chankanaab. Similar taxi cost. We booked in advance on their site. I checked their site often and got a 2-for-1 special, and did the Dolphin Swim with my daughter. We enjoyed the experience, except for one thing: how they don’t allow you to take your own camera, and they constantly pester you to look at their camera (photographer) so they can snap the pictures, so they can sell you the pics at the end ofcourse. After multiple times they did this, I thought to myself you know what, I paid for this excursion, they won’t let me bring my own camera, so I will make the best of this and enjoy it without giving a hoot for their photographer. I kept ignoring their “hey look here, look at the camera!” and enjoyed my time with the dolphin. Afterwards, they let us have an encounter with the Manatees, that was pretty cool tool. At the end, I bargained and got a good deal for the pics (half the price what they asked for initially).

paradise beach

One of the cheapest things you can do in Cozumel (besides staying on the ship ofcourse, lol). Similar taxi cost to/from. Entrance is only $3/person, that gives you access to the beach, pool, and amenities (restroom, etc), they just request you spend $10/person for food or drinks, although not enforced. There is an optional $18/person ‘Fun-Pass’, which covers beach floats, kayaks, trampoline, rock climbing iceberg, trampoline, etc, if that’s your thing. They now also have a new “all-inclusive” option. Check their site for further details.

playa mia

Great option, especially if you have young kids. Recommend you reserve in advance from their site. They have lot of options, from just entrance, to adding food, and adding transportation. Knowing the taxi fare to/from, I would recommend you do NOT get the transportation with them, and just take a taxi yourself to and back when you’re ready (will save you some $). Included for no additional cost: Kid’s play structure/slides, twister water slides, pool, floating park, underwater ‘Mayan city’, kayaks, sail boats, water bikes, paddle boats, floating mats, beach volleyball/soccer.

stingray beach

We did an (non-cruise line) excursion called “Everybody Loves Rays“. It is fairly close to the ship. First part is the ‘encounter’ with the sting-rays, you get to touch them while in shallow water (waist deep), and then you get to snorkel and see them and other fish on your own (no guide with you for this part).

Personal story: we were all about to jump in the water for the 2nd part (snorkeling), and they started shouting “Stop, STOP!” as they saw this alligator….. Somehow it got in behind/below the fence. Took about 30 mins to capture him. It was definitely an experience I won’t forget!

4x4 TERRA-CROSS, AND SPEED BOAT

Cruising with a friend this sailing, we did the “4×4 Terra-cross and Speed Boat”, which comes with lunch too. First we drove in this 4×4 (see pic) through downtown and all the way up north on the island to the off-road location. Then the real fun began! They had a guide in the very front and the very back (to make sure all stay together), and did few stops to make sure everyone who wants to drive gets a turn. Then we went to another site where we put out stuff in lockers and onto the Speed Boat! 2 person speed boat, super fun!!