A First Timers View of Cozumel- The Good and the Bad

[Inspector#2]

My G/F and I returned on Thursday from Coz and had a great time. Casa Dennis, Prima's, Fajita Factory (Ernesto's??) were all very good. Hit the other side of the island for a "eat and drive" tour by trying food and having a beer at all the little places. Most were very good. The only tour or park I would ever recommend is the Punta Sur Lighthouse. We hit about every single tourist sight and for $6 US this was the best. Beautiful setting, croc's (surprised me), a little ruin, and probably one of the most informative tour guides I've seen. Only had one bad experience but that just ruined about 1 hour of my life. Well two if you count the day dry with food poisoning, or the jelly fish that tore me up, or....hey did you know there is something like poison ivy on Coz???? Ya that was a surprise for me too!
I guess in the long run after 4 trips to Coz it was still fun.
Dave

 

[jawfish]

When we dive here in Texas, it's called "swamp diving". So, when I travel, just about anything is clearer and has more diverse aquatic life (than the average catfish, sunfish, bass and crappie). I too noticed the influx of "vendors" bugging you to buy their wares or visit their shops and did as the others have replied, just say "no thanks" and keep going. This is not that different from NY City, downtown Chicago, San Antonio markets or tropical dive destinations all over the world. I just think Cozumel has been on the map a lot longer, so perhaps they have had more practice!! I love diving and I love tropical locations, so for me, it is a no brainer. 2 hours by air to get there. See ya!!

 

[pennypue]

I think that the vendors just add to the ambiance. I don't get that kind of thing at home!!! I'm in a foreign country and I expect it to be different. Just like the fish.....in Ohio we get the brown and green varieties, trout, catfish, blue gill, maybe a sunfish or if I'm outrageously lucky, a paddlefish. So I expect to see different fish AND different people, and if they're harrassing me to come in their store, so much the better. It's not like they lassoed me and dragged me in!!!!

 

[Divedoggie]

Coz is paradise to some, and not to others.
Same goes for our home towns all over the world.
Everyone has a different sense for great food, and a different idea of expensive and cheap.
I understand some of Herman's impressions. Some were good some were negative.

Top reasons for liking Coz?
Incredible Caribbean water. Dramatic reefs. Easy travel. Short distance from airport to hotel. Over-all value. Have you priced tickets to Bonaire lately? The culture. Its a great combination of Spanish, Mayan, Euro, and US expat. I hope we don't completely Americanize it, like Cancun.
And its a fun place!

What is the Best in the World?
I have travelled extensively in the US and abroad. Australia, New Zealand, South America, all of the Hawaiian Islands, all over Canada, Alaska, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, many Greek Isles, Crete, and along both coasts of Mexico.

IMHO: The best diving destinations and their attributes:
Physical beauty? I would take the Hawaiian Islands. Also possibly Vancouver Island.
Culture? Mainland Mexico, Greece, Italy.
Food? Hawaii, Italy.
Diving? Clarity of water? Reefs? Coz is the best that I have been to. I would guess that Micronesia and Indonesia are incredible.

None of the above are perfect. Hawaii is super expensive, Indonesia and Micronesia require LONG flights, and longer trips to make it worthwhile, which is also expensive.
Italy and Greece are incredible, but not a diver's paradise. Vancouver Island diving is cold and poor vis. The Virgin Islands are a longer flight for me than Hawaii, and about the same price.
So....we go to Coz. And we love it!!!!!!!!!

 

[Natasha]

I do have to correct you on one thing....your a newbee on this board. Check my date, if I remember correctly I was the 16th person registered on the board and as best as I can tell the longest active member with the exception of Tech Admin.

Yes, Herman even has me beat by 5 days! I wish I could have been there to escort you and Kathy on your first trip.

I have to tell you, I lost the resort I used to like to stay at in Coz, called Plaza Las Glorias.

Now I'm at a loss as to where to stay, next time I'm in Coz. (not that I'm looking for answers to this on this thread!)

Anyway, I'll stick with you on Bonaire for awhile.

 

[herman]

Natasha, we really do need to get together again. I have got to get in another SB trip.

 

[Natasha]

Natasha, we really do need to get together again. I have got to get in another SB trip.

I'm ready! I don't mean to hijack your thread or anything :winky: But, I'm thinking of a group trip to Bermuda next summer to dive the wrecks there.

 

[herman]

I would have to get a complete new set of shorts for that trip, most of mine are cut off jeans.....I don't think they would pass as Bermuda shorts.

Our LDS has been looking into Bermuda but so far I don't think they have planned anything. From what I gathered, the cost was somewhat out of line as compaired to other locals. It would be interesting to know what you find. I may just have to join you.

 

[Natasha]

OK I'll keep you on the list. I'm planning on going there in Nov. to check it out before bringing a group there.

Sorry for the hijack..back to Cozumel!

 

[smokey braden]

natasha,
PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! let me know when you find a substitute for plaza las glorias.
regards,