Cozumel Excursion Advice?

[erinbunny]

We are leaving this Saturday and have no plans for our stop in Cozumel. I tried to look into independent tour companies, but the time our ship will be in port is relative limited and nothing was working out. We could always just go to a nice beach and hang out, but I was looking at doing a ship sponsored shore excursion. A couple that we tried to book were full, but we are hoping to try to book something when we get on the ship. I tried to get some advice on the Cozumel Port of Call board, but no one seemed to know anything.

Has anyone been on NCL excursions in Cozumel? Any bad or good experiences to help us decide what to do? Thanks!

[EDelPinoRN]

We were on the NCL Dream this past Jan. Half of our group went on an NCL excursion (the dune buggy and snorkel tour), and the remainder of us made our own tour when we arrived in Cozumel. First, we arrived early in Cozumel; therefore, we were able to get off the ship prior to those who booked with the NCL excursions (pick up your boat transfer tickets on Deck 10, forward, before reaching the casino... the number on the ticket determines what time you'll get off the ship). Those that went on the NCL excursion mentioned the damage they saw while on the dune buggy's and when they went snorkeling. They were upset though because they were not allowed to swim on their own and had to follow the leader (with a floating red ball). As for us when we arrived there were plenty of people offering tours. We negogiated a price (from $45 to $30 per person), based on the things we wanted to do in Cozumel. Specifically, we went see ruins, had lunch, beach break, and shopping. We toured 3/4ths of the island in all, with our a/c van and tour guide (the taxi driver). Hope this helps.

[MidtheNight]

Last October we went and did the Dune Buggy Tour (pre Hurricane Wilma) Cozumel Dune Buggy Tour which we found through recommendations here on C.C. We were the only ship in port that day and we were the only ones on the tour! OMG, we had such a blast. Went to the east side of the island (that was an eye opening experience as you drive through the real part of town) and went through a preserve area on paths, rough terrain and beach. On the way back we stopped on one of the beaches for some snorkeling (too rough that day so we just swam and body surfed a little) while our tour guides fixed us lunch. When I say fixed I mean fixed right then and there too....homemade guacamole and homemade salsa (both made right then and there) and had beans, rice, tortillas and the best grilled chicken I've had in a long time. They also provided water, soda, beer as well for the whole day. Next time we're in Cozumel we're doing it again we loved it so much. Our guides were fantastic and even though it was just the two of us (the next day they had a full group going out) we still had a riot. It was a very long day but worth it IMO. They will also modify the amount of tour time based on how long you are in port which helps a lot. Only downfall for some people is that you have to be able to drive a stick shift...which was definitely needed in some spots of the jungle and the beach. We loved it as it was different from just going to the beach....BTW, we passed the Jeep 4x4 Tour on the way back to the town and they didn't look like they were having as much fun (very sedate pace) and didn't go as far into the preserve as we did.