peggionthego

We are considering a getaway to Cozumel in April...will be traveling with our 2 teens. Reading this forum and others, think all-inclusives aren't the way to go because we will want to try different restaurants. Would be helpful to stay somewhere with a great pool (slides?) and with water activities offered (kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, etc). Any suggestions? Would probably prefer a suite with single sofa beds and a king for mom and dad. Otherwise, have to get two rooms. (teens are different genders).

cch1

Hello,
Since you are traveling with teens, I'd recommend you try to save some money on your overhead hotel-wise and to rent a jeep and explore the island. I stopped at Cozumel for a day trip on a cruise a year ago and we rented a jeep and went to the national water park (blanking on the name) not far from the port where I snorkeled for about an hour or two (pretty nice variety of fish + there is a dolphin swim w/in the park and you can hear them clicking under water) and then we drove the shoreline of the island stopping at various sea-side bars/restaurants for a drink/snack/swim. This is easily done and you should be able to get a jeep w/ insurance (since your insurance won't cover you in Mexico) for about $40 US/day-cheaper than taxis and allows you more freedoms. I always advocate for independence versus tours and all-inclusives, but that choice is up to you. Good luck.

Diana

Chankanaab Park was destroyed in the hurricane, and the dolphin facility is closed (thank goodness - not a good activity to participate in).

There are lots of good restaurants on the island, so I would not go with an AI.

Lots of hotels are still closed. You might want to get on the cruisecritic.com board for Cozumel. Lots of great current info on there, or you can go to http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/ - good info there as well...

blondlady

There are great restaurants in Cozumel, however if you are staying at the nicer beach resorts in the southern end of the island you have to either have a rental car or take a taxi into town. I don't know what hotels are open after the hurricane though. I think Occidental is but it is all inclusive. The hotels right by town don't have great beaches, but snorkeling is good. I stayed in a Condo by Cozumel Palace and they had a nice pool area and good snorkeling. A condo would be nice and if you have a car you can get around easy. The Northern condo's are reasonably priced. Its fun to drive around the island (if the roads permit, see the ruins, stop at Chen Rio for Shrimp Cocktail), but parking in town may be difficult at times.

TC

Peg, A good choice might be the Coral Princess resort. They have a nice pool and sandy "beach" area. No water slides or water toys, but the best snorkeling right in front of the condo. Many of the shallow snorkeling reefs were damaged during Hurrican Wilma, but the reef wall at CP is reported to be in good shape. The CP is undergoing a major renovation after the hurricane. It will reopen next week, Feb 4th. It is in a good location, a residential area about one mile north of town. Its easy to walk, bike or taxi into town for any activity. Take a two-bedroom unit and the kids will each have their own bed although share one bedroom and bath. The sofas do make into beds as well. The resort has a nice casual restaurant for breakfast or lunch and the units have nice kitchenettes for doing your own thing. Take a look at the web site -- keeping in mind that everything has been revamped and will have a slightly different style from the pictures after the hurricane renovation. You should be able to find a deal on this property through lots of different tour operators - depending on your location. We've been going to the Coral Princess (and actually own a unit there) for 13 years and still love it. Happy to answer any additional questions regarding the CP or the island.

http://www.coralprincess.com

BayouGal

Peggi, saw on another post that you have more specific plans now. What have you decided? I am taking my daughters (17 & 23) on a trip in May as graduation gifts, and strongly considering this area. Also interested in many of the same activities that you are asking about. Would really like to know what itinerary, lodging, activities, etc, you have come up with. Thanks!