tchhabra

We are taking a cruise in April, with ports-of-call to include Cozumel and "Costa Maya". Not fans of canned cruise excursions, we're thinking of casting out on our own to sample the sights/beaches. Any suggestions for how to make best use of our limited port time in/around these locales? We'd like a relaxing beach/snorkeling day in Cozumel, and a "ruins" day in Costa Maya, ideally both off the beaten path and apart from fellow cruisers....

seasonless

In Cozumel, take a taxi (short ride) to the national park - Chankanaab. Admission is approx $7.50. For an extra fee you can swim with dolphins or watch for free. There is also a helmet dive for a fee. You'll see enough ruins to satisfy your curiosity, walk past native gardens and have a lovely beach to enjoy for sunning, swimming or snorkeling. There are rest rooms, a gift shop and snacks available. Avoid the ship's tour - it's cheaper doing it on your own.

PAGirl

Not sure where the Costa Maya port is located in reference to Playa del Carmen - but there is a great tour group located there called Alltournative Tours - we have been on two of their tours (No Hoch and Pac Chen) and they were both great. Small groups, off the beaten path types if tours. Check them out at www.alltournativetours.com.mx

PAGirl

Sorry - got the web address wrong it is www.alltournative.com.mx.

Also, I noticed that they changed the names of the tours we went on - they are now the Mayan Encounter and the Jungle Crossing.

pepper131

Costa Maya is actually the town of Mahahual. There is a cruise ship dock near the town. Look at this link:

http://www.locogringo.com/dynamic/se...l&type=any

NGail

Anyone know of any beach in Costa Maya that has decent wade-in snorkeling? We're thinking kids, so nothing too extreme.
Thanks.

colokid

Alltournative has a new building in Playa Del Carmen right on the highway.

virginia

tchhabra, mahahual is a relatively new cruise destination. until recently a sleepy little town in nowhere. now the huge pier and buildings - all very bright and colorful and new. the pier and town are actually some distance apart. at the top of pepper's link, look for 'maps', then click on aerial photos. you will get a directory page. find mahahual and click. that is the old town. at the top of that photo are sets of double arrows. click the ones to the right, once at a time until you come to the pier. friends of mine docked there last year. i will ask them what they did and repost. however if there is a doable ruins tour your ship will list it. if yes, can find someone local to take you there too.
i have not been on cozumel but i don't think anywhere will be much off the beaten path. as well, i have read that there was considerable reef damage from wilma at chankanaab. the fish are still plentiful there though.

virginia

well - 2 went diving on the reef with a local company not the ship. 4 just walked off and went snorkeling at a nearby beach. 2 went to the sloth rehab farm - a ship tour. 1 took the ship tour to chacchoban ruins. a 4 hour tour which she enjoyed very much.
here is a link to a mahahual tour company that will take you to the ruins or elsewhere: http://www.tucancostamaya.com/index.html

virginia

ngail, for kids/snorkel a bit further north in riviera maya there is a lady -laura -who has a web site www.mapchick.com. she and another woman travel often to the area with their families. perhaps she can give you some ideas. she lists an eaddress