Solo cruiser looking for advice on beaches

[bnbeyer]

I posted this in the solo cruisers forum, but I'm also going to post it in the relevant Caribbean ports forums. Hoping to get some feedback.

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I'm excited to be going on the Carnival Vista Nov. 2 with a free balcony stateroom. I won a seat in the slot tournament finals and the casino. I was going to take a friend, but she had to back out. My husband doesn't want to go because of our dogs and teenager in school. I asked my sister and another friend, but they aren't available. So solo it is! Since the cruise was free, that's really not a problem for me.  However, I don't want to do shore excursions. I was planning to just take taxis to beaches at the ports. Since I'll be alone, I'm wondering if you have recommendations on if these would be safe or not for a solo woman and if you would recommend a different beach. I do like snorkeling also.

 

Montego Bay - I was probably going to go to Doctor's Cave beach or maybe Frenchman's Cove beach. Thoughts or recommendations?

 

Cayman Islands - I was thinking about going to Cemetery Beach, but it is isolated with no facilities, so since I'll be alone, I'm not going to do that.  There are a gazillion other beaches I've seen listed, and I don't know which one to choose.  Maybe I should just tag along with a group from the ship?  Options I've seen on the SevenMileBeach are Royal Palms, Beach Club public beach, Sea Grape beach, Courtyard Marriott, Smith Cove, and Spotts beach. 

 

Cozumel - I'm debating between Chankanaab, which I heard was a good option for both snorkling and the beach, or Paradise Beach, which Mitsugirly reviewed as offering great facilities, good food and drinks, a HUGE pool, nice beach and good service.

 

I welcome your thoughts!

[MisterOJ2]

I've never done a beach at Grand Cayman. We always have either done an excursion there, or just walked around town and shopped.

 

In Cozumel, I always recommend Nachi Cocom - if you like the idea of an all-inclusive. I would consider it super safe for a solo woman. Especially since there is nothing really close to it and the staff there is just great. Snorkeling there can be fun, but not awesome. The ocean floor is mostly sandy, but there are a few rock formations where fish hang out. And there is a small pier where I've always seen plenty of fish and even stingrays in the past. 

 

In Montego Bay, I'd recommend taking the Carnival-operating bus out to Doctor's Cave Beach instead of a taxi. You can get on it inside the cruise terminal and they will just charge your S&S card. That beach is a little more public and busy, but I'd still consider it pretty safe. Depends on how comfortable you are though. You will be approached by people trying to see you stuff - unlike in Cozumel. I know that makes some people uncomfortable, especially if they're solo. But if you're okay with that, Doctors Cave is a good option for a beach day.

[JohninDC]

Chankanaab is a good option if you want beach, snorkel area and pool, but the admission fee is about $20. Paradise Beach is another good option with HUGE pool, good facilities and a nice beach, and only a $3 admission fee but a longer taxi. If you want quiet and relaxing AI then the above suggestion of Nachi Cocom is one of our favorites. AI for about $55.

 

Wherever you choose I would try to pair up with others from your roll call at least for the ride to the beach. Cab fare to all will be about $17 each way, except for Chankanaab which should only be about $12.

 

In GC we have twice done the snorkel and stingrays city tour with Moby Dick. They will drop you at 7-mile beach after the tour - from there a shared ride back to the port is about $5

[bnbeyer]

23 hours ago, MisterOJ2 said:

I've never done a beach at Grand Cayman. We always have either done an excursion there, or just walked around town and shopped.

 

In Cozumel, I always recommend Nachi Cocom - if you like the idea of an all-inclusive. I would consider it super safe for a solo woman. Especially since there is nothing really close to it and the staff there is just great. Snorkeling there can be fun, but not awesome. The ocean floor is mostly sandy, but there are a few rock formations where fish hang out. And there is a small pier where I've always seen plenty of fish and even stingrays in the past. 

 

In Montego Bay, I'd recommend taking the Carnival-operating bus out to Doctor's Cave Beach instead of a taxi. You can get on it inside the cruise terminal and they will just charge your S&S card. That beach is a little more public and busy, but I'd still consider it pretty safe. Depends on how comfortable you are though. You will be approached by people trying to see you stuff - unlike in Cozumel. I know that makes some people uncomfortable, especially if they're solo. But if you're okay with that, Doctors Cave is a good option for a beach day.

 

Thank you for the Nachi Cocom and Carnival bus tips!!!!

[bnbeyer]

19 hours ago, JohninDC said:

Chankanaab is a good option if you want beach, snorkel area and pool, but the admission fee is about $20. Paradise Beach is another good option with HUGE pool, good facilities and a nice beach, and only a $3 admission fee but a longer taxi. If you want quiet and relaxing AI then the above suggestion of Nachi Cocom is one of our favorites. AI for about $55.

 

Wherever you choose I would try to pair up with others from your roll call at least for the ride to the beach. Cab fare to all will be about $17 each way, except for Chankanaab which should only be about $12.

 

In GC we have twice done the snorkel and stingrays city tour with Moby Dick. They will drop you at 7-mile beach after the tour - from there a shared ride back to the port is about $5

 

I appreciate the info on pricing. It isn't a huge factor in my decision, but it really helps knowing what to expect. Also, I didn't know that Chankanaab had a pool. Thank you!!!

 

[TTEllis]

Been to Nachi Cocum twice solo, super laid back all-inclusive great food. Swim up bar in the pool, beach and water are excellent. You can look up the beach and see Mr. Sanchos you'll appreciate at being at Nachi. Both times I was there solo probably 35 maybe 40 people it was great. Sun is smoking hot drinks are long and cold. Have a great time. 😉

[TTEllis]

I posted this pic my friend Adelle(The Bun Mom)from our CC group took this when I was sitting on the beach under a palapa. Too the far right west about a mile or so is Mr. Sanchos you can see it down the beach.

Always solo and keeping it that way. 

Have Manuel bring you an ice cold Corona and start walking up the beach it's nice. 

Hold on I found another pic solo on the beach at Nachi. Water was great see for yourself. Beach was perfect.