Going on a cruise to Cozumel and Calica Mexico, Shore Excursions?

Question

I have looked through the excursions on the Carnival website, I know they are priced high. We know what we are doing in Calica but I can't decide what to do in Cozumel.

I want to see the jungle but I also want to shop a little for souvenirs but I really don't want to have to pay the cruise line so I can go shop (that's just crazy).

Any suggestions???

Things to see??

And do they port at beaches that are worth seeing or do you have to go somewhere for the white sand, etc...?

This is our first cruise.

Thanks.

Answer 1

just to be honest to me Cozumel is horrible just got back from cruise like 2 weeks ago but Cozumel was the worst until we got off on are on and then found this beach with a nice little restaurant.....don't worry the people on the island will literally drag you in to there shops lol ...we rented a van and just road around and found a bunch of side places to chill even tho i did not like it compared to the other islands i still had fun and wish i could do it allllllll over again ........ ENJOY YOUR TRIP

Answer 2

I've been to Cozumel several times and I'm going back this week.  My husband and I bought our own snorkeling gear and we go snorkeling there.  We found a set for about $20.  We usually leave the flippers at home (because they take up too much space in the luggage).  Depending on which dock your ship comes into, you can get off the ship and go snorkeling within a short walk from the dock.

The beaches we've been to so far have been less than impressive.  They're narrow strips of dark sand.  But the water is beautiful and you can see fish and corral very well (even without snorkeling).

In regards to shopping, the cruise lines will push diamonds, gemstones and silver.  There are some shops with beautiful jewelry, but be aware that many of the shops are connected with the cruise companies--so you may or may not be getting a good deal.  The silver jewelry is very beautiful.

Usually, the cruise ship offers a session about the excursions and opportunities on shore for the next port.  It's quite helpful and informative to go to this session, even if you don't go on their tours.  We usually find that it gives us an idea of what we most want to do on shore that day.

Have a great cruise!

Answer 3

Don't know anything about Calica.  But Cozumel is a very easy and safe port to go out on your own, as long as you keep a close eye on your time.

Chankanaab Park is a beautiful location and has many activities.  [Check their website.]  Paradise Beach is very popular with cruisers [I think they also have a website].  It's easy to get a taxi and go to wherever you want to go [they tend to drive like maniacs, but the roads are pretty straight!].

The shopping in Coz is right there on the waterfront, but it will be crowded if there are several ships in port.  You can go back from the main street and find little shops that will have pretty much the same things, but usually less - and you can bargain in most shops there.

For a lot of into, go to CruiseCritic.com, click on "Boards", then "Ports of Call".  You might also want to check out "First Time Cruisers", your cruiseline's board, and the "Roll Call" for your particular sailing.

Have a great time!

Answer 4

Cozumel has a ton of excursions.  The excursions are expensive if booked through Carnival but there is some assurance regarding the tour operators when you book with your cruise line.  If for some reason, a cruise sponsored excursion is late back to the dock, they can alert the ship.

Carnival checks out the vendors and de-lists tour vendors with complaints.  We had friends that booked an excursion in Jamacia and were charged triple what was quoted in order to get back to the ship.

Cozumel and Playa de Carmen have some great excursions.  The dolphin expereince was fun but a bit expensive.  The submarine ride was fun.  My family really enjoyed the Cavern by Jeep tour.  We took a ferry to Playa de Carmen, drove jeeps to an underground cavern and got to swim in the underground river and then off to a private beach for a real Mexican lunch.  It was great fun.

My cousin never books excursions.  She just grabs a cab at the dock and asks for the best free beach.  Take several $1, 5 and 10 to pay for taxis and shop in port.  Avoid big bills and the "malls" in Cozumel.

Answer 5

this site has good useful info

http://allcruiselines.info

Answer 6

You can take a taxi into downtown to shop in Cozumel. It's $14. I just came back from Cozumel on Saturday and we talked our taxis down to $10 a ride. Then we took a taxi out to Playamia which I purchased through the cruiseline. IT WAS AWESOME! $29 flat for free drinks, water trampolines, water iceberg, sunfish sailboats, jetskis, games, etc. We went shopping in the morning, put our souvenirs in a locker at Playamia, and just enjoyed ourselves. They have different packages with buffetts, but we just had a big breakfast before going. Others on our cruise said they had drinks down at Senor Frogs, or went parasailing.