Jump to content
Cruise Critic Community

Playa Uvas

rscima

By rscima,
in Cozumel

 Share

Recommended Posts

artseeker

artseeker

Posted
Posted
My husband and I were at Playa Uvas on January 10th. We almost didn't get there since it was so windy thus making the seas rough. But the Captain finally got us docked and off we went to Playa Uvas. It was an easy 15 minute taxi ride to Uvas. We were greeted very warmly by Carmen. She told us about the facilities and gave us a quick tour. We were the only two people there since a lot of ships that were scheduled to be in port didn't dock.

 

Playa Uvas was wonderful and it's just as beautiful as the website pictures. We did the snorkel package which included lunch and the infamous open bar.

The chicken fajita's were delicious.......they came with fresh salsa, and a great guacomole and beans too. We had beer, magarita's and pina colada's.

 

Our waiter for the day couldn't do enough for us but in a way where it wasn't intrusive. He would stop by every so often to check on us and see if we needed another margarita perhaps??

 

The sea was pretty rough that day so since I am not a strong swimmer I didn't snorkel but my husband did and said the snorkeling was very good. He thought the snorkel guide did an awsome job of finding sea life to look at. Now I wish I would have went........next time.

 

I also was on a mission to see the "glass fusion jewelry" that stircrzy has talked about in her review. Carmen told me that the gentleman who makes the jewelry went back to Argentina. I think she could tell that I was really disappointed because about an hour later his partner came with a big bin full of jewelry just for me to look at. She makes very unique necklaces, earrings, key chains and ash trays. It was nice to purchase something that was different. My friends loved their necklaces. I bought quite a few necklaces and she gave me a bit of a deal because of that. I wish she had a website where you could buy them from her.

 

Even if more people would have been there it still would have been a very quiet and relaxing day. It's very low key. I don't know if I would recommend it for children.......maybe well behaved ones. But I felt it was more adult oriented. I can't say enough good things about Playa Uvas. The staff, food, drinks and the facility itself were all wonderful. We would go back in a heartbeat.

 

Jodi

 

Jodi:

 

I'd very much like to know a little more about the jewelry you bought; the key word for me was "different"..... how different? Stones? Beads? Silver? and the prices, are we talking what? I'd love some more info, please.

Also, how was the water temperature? :cool: Sounds like you had a grrrrrreat time! :o

Link to comment
Share on other sites
keeponrolling

keeponrolling

Posted
Posted

Photos of playa uvas

 

-------------------------------

 

My wife, daughter and I taxied to Playa Uvas ($10) and arrived at almost 9:30. Pretty early and were almost the first ones there. We were immediately greeted by Carmen………Hola Carmen!!……. We paid our fare, and she escorted us to the beach area. I had reserved a snorkel package and my wife a massage. Luz, the masseuse, came by to set things up for later with my wife.

 

Snorkel tours set out every hour or so. Soon enough the ship groups started through for the clear kayak and snorkel excursions. They are run like clockwork. They get their equipment, move on down the beach and on with the fun. When you are ready to snorkel, you tag along with a group excursion. The guides are real pros. Very helpful, knowledgeable, and are always watching your back while you are in the water. One is in the water and one in a kayak alongside to help with anyone who tires.

 

The place is unique. Compact, beautifully maintained, with a great outdoor dining area, fair prices, comfortable beach loungers, and clean facilities. We had shrimp ceviche for lunch. Most delicious! Then continued hanging at the beach area until around two for the tender back to the ship.

 

Even with excursions, the place never seemed crowded. After noon, lots more beach visitors arrived, so arriving by 10 a.m. assures you a prime lounging spot. The beach is course sand. It’s not uncomfortable, but just understand this is a good snorkeling area, so the shallows are rocky in places. I wore water shoes, and I recommend their use.

 

The staff is friendly and the service fantastic. We very much looked forward to our visit and were more than pleased we came. A real treasure and a perfect day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Stircrzy

Stircrzy

Posted
Posted
Jodi:

 

I'd very much like to know a little more about the jewelry you bought; the key word for me was "different"..... how different? Stones? Beads? Silver? and the prices, are we talking what? I'd love some more info, please.

...

 

Glass Fusion Jewelry by Sole at Playa Uvas

 

Try the above link for a better view of the jewelry. Since Sole makes it, she might could make something to your liking and ship it to you!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
LRene

LRene

Posted
Posted

OK...you guys have sold me! I didn't have time to read all 24 pages but....LOL :D I've emailed Eduardo to see about availability for our trip in February. This is our 8th or 9th trip to Coz and we've never tried Uvas for some reason!

 

I have a couple of questions. In all the photos I've seen, I never see anyone just out in the water in front of the beach beds. Is that area suitable for swimming or wading out into the water?

 

Also, exactly where is this jewelry? It reminds me of the venetian glass jewelry I got in Venice which I LOVE!

 

On their website, I couldn't see where you make a reservation for a massage? By email?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Stircrzy

Stircrzy

Posted
Posted
OK...you guys have sold me! I didn't have time to read all 24 pages but....LOL :D I've emailed Eduardo to see about availability for our trip in February. This is our 8th or 9th trip to Coz and we've never tried Uvas for some reason!

 

Uvas is fairly new...just a couple of years in business. The people who own Uvas have had business interests on Cozumel Island for many years, though.

 

I have a couple of questions. In all the photos I've seen, I never see anyone just out in the water in front of the beach beds. Is that area suitable for swimming or wading out into the water?

 

Here's a photo of some kids in the water in front of the beds...taken end of May 2006.

Also, exactly where is this jewelry? It reminds me of the venetian glass jewelry I got in Venice which I LOVE!

 

The jewelry is at a vendor stand just below the dive shop area. You have to walk up to the vendor stand...they don't disturb you on the beach.

On their website, I couldn't see where you make a reservation for a massage? By email?

 

Email Eduardo...my standard answer...:D

 

Have a great time!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
kyrisong1

kyrisong1

Posted
Posted

Hi all, we were at playa uvas in September 2006, the staff were awesome, however I think the post wilma snorkling isn't very colorful or pretty, there were TONS of rocks on the ocean bottom that made walking very uncomfortable. But the group of people working there are amazing. We got open bar, snorkling and lunch for 39.00 each with an internet reservation. Very reasonable!! We were not disappointed at all, but if your looking for amazing reefs and such you won't find it here. But is there anywhere in Coz that has fully recovered? Takes years I would think for nature to replace what is lost.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lady in tx

lady in tx

Posted
Posted

Just got back from my cruise. I went to Playa UVas on 1/25/2007.. There were 6 ships in port that day! There were 6 people who came all of us are between (22 yrs. old--26 yr old.) We all got the Beach Pass 1 for $59.00 and it was well worth the $!!

 

Upon arrival I was greeted by Carmen. She was wonderful! (Hi Carmen!)

We got there at 9:00 a.m. and we were the only ones there! Carmen explained to us that the port was closed and that right now the activities were closed, and that we had to wait. We all said that was find we would wait to see what happens. The day that we arrived there was very windy. It rained early in the morning before we got off the ship. We went down to the beach to check it out and the ocean/beach is amazing! We were greeted by Raphael..(i think?) who promptly took our drink orders and brought my fiance and me a shot of tequila! I also met Eduardo! Hola Eduardo!!! Muchas gracias por todo!

 

We had some more drinks and we went to check out the store to buy some water shoes. But we found out that they didn't have any there. I spoke with Carmen and told her that they didn't have any water shoes. She thought that they did but they didn't have any. She then asked me if I knew how to drive a motorcycle and I said "no, but my fiance does." She let my fiance and me drive her motorcycle into downtown Cozumel to buy our group some water shoes!:D It was FUN!! It took us awhile and we finally arrived back to Playa Uvas. When we got back Carmen told us that the port was open and we can do our activites. We did our Kayak first and it was fun! We saw big fish! lol..ahhh I was amazed how the water was soo clear! Very salty too!

 

After kayaking we took a break and then we went snorkeling. That WAS AMAZING!! I WANT TO GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN! LOL :D Again, I was surprised to see that the water was so clear. Our group saw tons of fish. I saw a couple of small fishies too and coral too. Our guide was pulling two people! He is a very strong man!

 

When snorkeling was over we had our lunch which was fajitas(they were great!) We drank some more and we checked out the glass fusion jewelery that this lady sells. I got 2 necklaces one pair of earings...I love them! She makes all of these necklaces, key chains, earings, ashtrays,etc by hand! Very nice lady. Another couple got some henna tattoos for $10.00!

 

We had some more drinks and it was time for us to leave. I highly recommend Playa Uvas to anyone. Their service is outstanding! :D Our waiter made sure we were happy with what we got and made sure we had our refills! Everyone at Playa Uvas greeted us and were were very nice to us. Their restrooms are kept well maintained which is very important to me! Their beach was very clean. The entrance to the beach is kinda rocky but I saw an area that was not rocky, and if you wanted to you could walk into the ocean through that entrance.

 

My crew and me felt like queens and kings that day. Even though there were other people there we felt like the only ones there! We all enjoyed Playa Uvas and I can't wait to go back!

 

If anyone has any questions I'll be more than happy to try to answer them for you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
PirateGal

PirateGal

Posted
Posted

Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi from Playa Uvas to downtown? I figured after we lounged on the beach, we would head into town to do some shopping.

 

Also, our boat ports at 10:00am with two other ships in port that same day. Do you think it would be too late to go the Uvas? Would it be super busy by then?

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lady in tx

lady in tx

Posted
Posted
Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi from Playa Uvas to downtown? I figured after we lounged on the beach, we would head into town to do some shopping.

 

Also, our boat ports at 10:00am with two other ships in port that same day. Do you think it would be too late to go the Uvas? Would it be super busy by then?

 

Check out this link it will tell you appx how much it will cost you: http://www.playauvas.com/eng/location.asp

 

 

There were 6 of us and it was $22.00

 

I don't think they will be super busy. Since they monitor how many guests are allowed there. You'll enjoy it!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lady in tx

lady in tx

Posted
Posted
Does anyone know how much it would cost to take a taxi from Playa Uvas to downtown? I figured after we lounged on the beach, we would head into town to do some shopping.

 

Also, our boat ports at 10:00am with two other ships in port that same day. Do you think it would be too late to go the Uvas? Would it be super busy by then?

 

Check out this link it will tell you appx how much it will cost you: http://www.playauvas.com/eng/location.asp

 

 

There were 6 of us and it was $22.00

Link to comment
Share on other sites
4mygrls

4mygrls

Posted
Posted

How do you pay for the jewelry,cash,travelers checks,credit cards? I saw some pics of the jewelry and it looks beautiful. Also, our ship is in port at 9:00am. When I checked out the Playa Uvas website, the choices you have to choose from of when you plan on being at the beach, the time I thought we could make would be 10:00am. Is that an okay time? Is it possible to get there in time since our ships docks at 9:00am?

Thanks

PS: When I was reading the posts and saw the name of the person who does the massages,Luz, that sealed the deal.lol. My first name is Luz. I go by Kathi though cuz I was adopted and my mom thought it would be easier for me since Luz is a spanish name and I don't look spanish plus there has only been one place I have ever lived where Luz wasn't miss-pronounced and that was Miami,Florida.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Stircrzy

Stircrzy

Posted
Posted

I paid for my jewels with cash.

 

10 AM should work fine if you get off the ship on time and jump in a taxi. If your tour starts without you, you can most likely take the next tour.

 

You will LOVE Luz...she does a fantastic massage.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
lhbsurf

lhbsurf

Posted
Posted

Just a quick note to confirm what others have said...

 

Playa Uvas was wonderful - we were there last Thursday also. Having been to Paradise Beach with the kids last trip (we loved it as well, but it was a much busier environment) we wanted something quieter this time. Playa Uvas was perfect. We just chilled on the beach and had Shrimp Ceviche (which was great!!), Guacamole, and Quesadillas for lunch. Pancho checked with us frequently to see if we needed anything - we just ran a tab and paid with a credit card on our way out.

 

I had a massage from Luz - she certainly is great!!! Worth every penny and more. I got the 30 minute relaxation and wished I had gone for the hour.

 

We (my mother, sister and me) purchased about 6 sets of the glass jewelry (Sole loved us!!!). We all have a lot of glass jewelry - I have even been to make my own before and I have never seen any as lovely as this. Sole is truly an artists - she includes some coiled up wires in some pieces and also uses bubbles as part of the art. The color combinations and variations are great - She's fabulous. Of all the souvenirs I brought my daughter (and there were tons!!!) she chose this set to wear first. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

 

We'll definitely be back to Playa Uvas.:D

Link to comment
Share on other sites
xrayvin

xrayvin

Posted
Posted

We were at Uvas Jan 19th.:D It was our last stop and we really enjoyed our day here. We were suppose to have thunderstorms all day and when we arrived in Cozumel we were a little concerned that it would be the truth. BUT the clouds started to lighten and by the time we were meeting Carmen we were good to go! There were 4 of us and we got off the ship and into a taxi in record time, we were so excited to check out Uvas. The taxi was $10 for all of us.

When we got there, one other couple was there. We claimed our spot right in the front row and one of the beach beds. We went to order a Bloody Mary and were told that we had to complete our water adventures before we drank, which is a smart idea:rolleyes: Just something to remember if you have the all-inclusive packages. Our friends had done the package 1 so they got ready to kayak, while DH and I relaxed and took the beauty in. There kayak tour was only them and their guide, Mario, they said they had a great time. They were more into seeing how fast they could kayak and said they did not see many fish until they dumped bait into the water and all the fish came to eat! But they said they saw a lot of the underwater world and would do it again. They were tired by they time they came back. The plan was to have them kayak, come back, relax and then in the afternoon we would snorkel all together (we had package 3) but due to the no drinking rule, we headed out to snorkel right away. This actually benifited us because it was too early for the cruise groups to be there and once again it was just the four of us and Mario!

At first the snorkeling was not that great, you could see a few fish but mostly the sandy bottom. As we moved around Mario showed us some coral areas and there would be a ton of fish hiding in it (hard to photograph) We were probably not Mario's favorite group. We did not follow him very well and I know by the time we were back at the beach we had exceded our 45 min. The boys got out with Mario but my friend and I satyed in longer and snorkeled in a different area and I have to say I was very impressed. We saw squid, crabs, along with the schools of fish. I have snorkeled several times and I will say it was one of my favorite snorkeling experiences. Trunk Bay in St John's was the only other shore snorkeling I have done and this was much better.

After snorkeling we layed on the beach beds and took a little snooze. when we woke up our lunch was ready. DH had tacos, our friends had the fajaitas, and I had the fresh fillet all was wonderful. He actually had the nachos for an app. and those were amazing! The drinks were great, my favorites were the mango frozen drink and the blue paradise (think that was the name)

We really never noticed the cruise tours too much, except the herd of people walking in getting their snorkel equipment or kayaks and leaving.

All the staff was wonderful. Mario was a great tour guide, Pedro kept us laughing and entertained, and Santino (I think that was his name) was absolutly the best, I can't believe I might have gotten his name wrong. He waited on us all day long we never wanted for anything.

We did buy same necklaces, and I am so disapointed that I did not buy more. She started packing up early so we ran over and got a few but I wish I had gone over earlier so I could have thought it through better! When she said she would be there all day we did not even think that all day ended at 3pm but when you are there early it makes sence it would!

This was the best place we could have chosen and I am so glad we decided to go here (we were planning on going to PB) this was definatly more of what we wanted our trip to Cozumel to be like.

The only drawback was we had such a good time that one of our friends was unable to make it to dinner that night!;)

Thanks again for the wonderful day and I am telling anyone I know that is going to Cozumel to check you out! We definatly will go back.

Now I am going to try to post a link to our pictures.

 

http://s153.photobucket.com/albums/s202/xrayvin/cozumel%201-19-07/

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing
  • Forum Jump
    • Categories
      • Welcome to Cruise Critic
      • Hurricane Zone 2024
      • Cruise Insurance Q&A w/ Steve Dasseos of Tripinsurancestore.com June 2024
      • New Cruisers
      • Cruise Lines “A – O”
      • Cruise Lines “P – Z”
      • River Cruising
      • ROLL CALLS
      • Cruise Critic News & Features
      • Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
      • Special Interest Cruising
      • Cruise Discussion Topics
      • UK Cruising
      • Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
      • Canadian Cruisers
      • North American Homeports
      • Ports of Call
      • Cruise Conversations
×
×
  • Create New...