amyazing7

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Cozumel? We will be going there for the first time in July!

I went to Cozumel this past November 2013. And absolutely loved a little kiosk they had at the port with hand painted goods by natives on the island. One of the most unique souvenirs I have ever bought was a small painting done by one of the men there with nothing but oil paints and his finger. Yes only oil paint and his hand, no brush at all! I collect magnets so he painted me a miniature painting as a magnet and I absolutely loved it! Check out the pictures.

I am going back to Cozumel in April and plan on stopping for something else.

Your welcome Liz. Hope y have a great time :-)

-Amy

A pic inside the caves

...

The delicious Mexican Buffet

Amazing Secret River or Underground river and 5th Ave shopping?

 

Has anyone done either of these? What's the difference...besides price?

Is one better than the other?

Thanks....

I did the Underground River and Famous 5th Ave Shopping through Carnival excursions in November 2013 and I absolutely loved it!!!

This excursion was great. It was well organized and planned. As soon as you get off the ship they have a sign where you pick up a sticker which gets you on a nice air conditioned ferry ride to Playa Del Carmen. The boat ride was very bumpy that day because of the waves but if you stay inside you will be fine. They also sell beverages and snacks on the ferry. Once you get to Playa Del Carmen you are met with your excursion guide whom will then place you into a nice air conditioned bus that takes you directly to Cenote Chaak Tun.

You can research this company online through tripadvisory--- CENOTE CHAAK TUN.

On the way to the cave-site, they give some history of the caves and also some history of Mexico. There's some interesting information shared by the guides. Upon arrival you are given water shoes, life jackets, lockers and helmets- which were all provided FREE. I don't know if the other company is the same. After you change, you make your way through the forest to the cave where you are met by a Mayan priest. A brief history is given about the Mayan people and than you begin to enter the caves.

The large group was divided into 2 smaller ones of about 15 people in each.

The caves are a great experience. the water is fresh and crystal clear. There are some deep sections, but you have a life vest so there's no reason to panic. During the experience you can expect to see and hear some fruit bats, which are harmless. The guides also gave out waterproof flashlights for you to use so that you could see better underwater and in dark areas. I brought my waterproof camera and was able to get some great shoots. The tour guide will even take pictures for you if you ask. They also have a photographer that takes pictures which you can purchase. The tour lasts about 90 minutes. Since I was in the first group, once the tour finished our group was lead to the food but our tour guide was nice enough to let us hang out, swim and take some photos while the 2nd group caught up us.

After the cave excursion you are taken to another cave for a great Mexican buffet. The food is really good and drinks (sodas/water) are provided. You are than taken back to Playa Del Carmen where you can go to the beach, shop or go to the bars. The beach is beautiful so make sure you check that out also. Your tour guides designate a meeting place where you will catch the bus back to the ferry to Cozumel. This was a great excursion, definately worth the money, they take care of everything and the food is great. I highly recommend it.

I think this excursion was great because it gives you the opportunity to have fun in the caves, some delicious food, and you can also hang out, shop, or take a dip in the beach if you would like.

Below are some pictures I was able to take in the cave and during shopping.

If you have any further questions let me know.

I dont know about the Amazing Secret River but this one was awesome!

I was able to pay for reservation for a beach day through paypal. Just email them and tell them to send u the request for payment.

thanks caribsun! I'll look into Sanchos or Paradise for beaches.

San Miguel is the main and only town on the island. This link will provide you with a start

http://www.cozumelmycozumel.com/Pages/AboutSanMiguel.html

There are three piers on Cozumel so depending on where you dock you may/may not need a taxi to San Miguel. What are you particularly interested in?

Thanks for the info. I was just wondering if anyone knew good restaurants or things to do in the area or the conditions of the beach. Figured it was worth checking out since it was close to the port. I went to playa Carmen last time and it was pretty cool.

Suggestions on whether to do Chankanaab Park or Amazing Secret River? Was thinking of doing Chankanaab Park (maybe swim with the manatees or maybe just snorkel and explore the park) but am wondering which would be better, this or Amazing Secret River. 5 in our party, my husband and I, an 18, 15 and 9 year old.

I did the Amazing Secret River and I highly recommend it! It was a wonderful experience. The tour guides were informative and helpful. And if u have a waterproof camera definitely bring it. I was able to get some great pics of the cave formations.

I can post some later when I get home.

The underground cave excursion at cozumel was an unforgettable trip and we'll worth it! Def check it out!

I just booked with Almaplena... they can arrange massages $25 for 30 mins

And $45 for 1 hour.

San Miguel the town there?

Yes it is.

I will be porting at Cozumel in April 2014. Interested in going to San Miguel. Wanted to know if anyone had gone to the area, has any tips? or suggestions?

Thank you in advance.:D

Thanks, I will definately check it out.

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I just wanted to let everyone know, if you are looking for yet another option, there is a new place (opened this year in January or February) and the place is gorgeous. It's called Almaplena.

 

I just finished a complete review of our visit there a week ago with every little detail and complete with tons of pictures. This place is getting great reviews so far, but just not many people know about it yet. They only take 20 people per day here, so plenty of room to relax and they beach is just gorgeous.

 

You will find my complete review in my NCL Star review, the part about Almaplena starts at post 190.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1755846&page=5

I have read both of your reviews online and your pics look great. Just wondering if you had to choose between Maya Chan and Almaplena... Which would you choose???