Help planning BUDGET 4 day trip

[rainmaker]

'm presently in Cozumel, and staying at Safari Inn for about $45 per night, including taxes. The room is huge, has cold a/c, loads of hot water, private bath and couldn't be any cleaner. They also provide free bottled water and broadband access. However, if you have Windows Vista, getting connected can be a challenge.

I'm diving for two weeks with Blue Angel. Got their 10-dive package for $300 (cash) and that includes unlimited shore diving.

I'm eating very well for about $5 per day. I brought a small percolator in my checked baggage and make coffee in my room. I buy my food at the local supermarkets for breakfast, lunch and snacks. I eat out once per day (supper) and usually spend less than $3. Biggest food bang for the buck (in my opinion) is the cafe at the rear of the Chedruai store. There's usually 15 - 20 locals eating there in the evenings. Tacos are about 50 cents each, and I just had a very large plate of mushroom pasta that cost about $2. There's no tipping expected, bus your own table.

That's how I do it, and I'm having a great time!

 

[Niko17]

I have a free flight that I can use to go to Cozumel.
Never been, so would be awesome.

I am trying to build a SUPER cheap trip. Would arrive on the 28th, and leave March 3rd. So two days of diving.
Trying to find a dive resort, but not digging the prices.

Anyone have any good ideas on how to make this as cheap as possible?

depending on what you are looking for. I know places where you can pay as little as $30 a day and this is in down town.

With regard to your diving I can recommend Pascual Scuba Centre. It is privitely owned and so the prises will be competetive. Pascual has been a DM since mid 80's and he speaks very good english. I actually manage him so I can help you out with any questions you have.

If you like you can e-mail me at the following address and see if I can help you find a suitable hotel and also help you with your diving needs. e-mail: nmatlhong@hotmail.com

 

[dive pro]

Papahogs.com, mike and margaret will quote you on hotel villablanca (next door), food (hogstowncafe) and dives. They may offer you what you are looking for.

 

[shawrg]

rainmaker,

Sounds like my kind of trip! Will you be posting a more detailed trip report and describe the diving?

 

[hallboy]

yes, i m really interested too

Anyone know i f living underwarer is still a good operator?
I really would like to maximise my bottom time, without making my third dive in ten feet of water and each afternnon at the same place

 

[rainmaker]

rainmaker,

Sounds like my kind of trip! Will you be posting a more detailed trip report and describe the diving?

Yes, I'll be posting a detailed trip report when I get home. I'll be home on Feb. 24, trip report should be posted by end of Feb.

I'm updating my dive-log page each day from Cozumel. Click on the link below my signature, then scroll down and look for "Dive Log" in the nav box.

 

[shawrg]

Rainmaker,

I visited your home page and enjoyed reading your past reports very much! They are full of useful information and bring back a lot of memories of my own trips (although I have not been to costa rica). If I ever get the motivation, I will use your website as a template for my own! I look forward to the February post. Thanks for sharing.

 

[csky217]

I can second the recommendation for Hotel Pepita. The rooms have double beds and two can stay for the same price. The rooms have fridges and there's a very pleasant central courtyard with an awning where you can eat lunch, drink (free) coffee), or sit around and drink beers from Chedraui. These days, you can even email the hotel now to make reservations. Or you can just wander around that area and look for even less expensive hotels like Mary Carmen, Palma Dorada, etc.

Sometimes Orbitz has coupon codes which knock up to $200 off a 5 night hotel+air package. With a very inexpensive hotel like Bahia or Suites Colonial, this can get you to Pepita-level pricing.

Have a great trip!