Coz vs Playa vs Isla Mujeres

[Aggiebq86]

I'm looking at these options for a vacation. I'm looking for a balance between diving and land activities since many in our party are not divers. We are not interested in the club scene. We are looking for some outdoor family activities. I've been to Coz for a week but didn't venture out to far since we didn't have a car and it was just me and my pre-teen (now 15) daughter. Does anyone have any advice/input?

 

[robint]

I'm looking at these options for a vacation. I'm looking for a balance between diving and land activities since many in our party are not divers. We are not interested in the club scene. We are looking for some outdoor family activities. I've been to Coz for a week but didn't venture out to far since we didn't have a car and it was just me and my pre-teen (now 15) daughter. Does anyone have any advice/input?

what type of activities?
what time of year?
what price range?
all-inclusive or not?

Playa del Carmen area has more topside activites for adventurers. Mayan ruins are there to explore and worth the trip alone.
check out my video:
[vimeo]4098985[/vimeo]

trip report: http://www.rnrscuba.net/MayanRuins/ChichenItza_March2009.html

there are lots of things to see, get this map/travel guide:
Mayan Adventure map & travel guide

also check these out:
Tours and Excursions Riviera Maya | Alltournative Tours Riviera Maya
Cancun Attractions - Playa del Carmen Activities - Hidden Worlds

Diving is definitely better over in Cozumel, but the activities there are more amusement park types of things. I like Playa better in that respect. Also, downtown San Miguel Cozumel is very touristy and can be crowded especially when cruise ships are in port (sometimes 5-7 at a time!)

robin

 

[ibj40]

Have you considered Puerto Aventuras? We've been there about six times over the past five years, and it is central to just about everything on the Riviera Maya. It is a gated community, good access to diving, very laid back. We usually stay in one of the condos and dive with Dive Aventuras.

 

[cardzard]

I'm looking at these options for a vacation. I'm looking for a balance between diving and land activities since many in our party are not divers. We are not interested in the club scene. We are looking for some outdoor family activities. I've been to Coz for a week but didn't venture out to far since we didn't have a car and it was just me and my pre-teen (now 15) daughter. Does anyone have any advice/input?

Have you thought about joining the Scubaboard Invasion of Cozumel ?
http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/in...61018-scubaboard-invades-cozumel-package.html

 

[Aggiebq86]

The invasion looks like a good idea. I also like what I hear about Playa from robint. I loved the diving on Cozumel but have to agree that when the cruise shops were in town, I hated going to the Square. I haven't stayed at the all inclusive hotels because I like having the flexibility to choose where I eat on the economy. I want to experience the local food and culture some.

 

[DET]

I recommend Playa del Carmen, as well. Esp. if you can stay near downtown close to the ferry pier. That gives you options of going to Cozumel for a day of diving and/or touring. Or hook up with a dive shop in town for diving from Playa.
Being near downtown allows you to walk to the restaurants for dining and being on he mainland gives you access to more activities. Xel ha, Xcaret, Tulum, Ruins, etc.
If more of you were going for a dive vacation, then Cozumel would be your best choice.
I was the only diver in our group and staying in Playa, seemed to work best. We stayed two blocks from the pier and we could walk to most things we needed.

DET

 

[tendi]

I love all 3 of those places. Cozumel is really more for divers. Beaches are better on Isla Mujeres and Riviera Maya. If you like to rent a car and explore on your own, the Riviera Maya is great for that. There are 3 different ruins within driving distance (Coba is my favorite). We also love going to the Cenotes. We have stayed in Akumal a couple times and really enjoyed it. Isla has (or had...not sure since there has been a hurricane sine I was last there) a wonderful beach. There isn't a ton to do on the island but enough to keep you busy for a week.

 

[stevep4444]

I have recently been to the 3 places in discussion with non-divers. Coz is for divers and cruise shippers,IMO, so if you have non-divers I would not stay there. If you are a non-AI person like myself I would stay in Playa and/or Isla Mujeres. I would split my time because it is not difficult to get from Playa to Isla or vice versa.My diving experiences in Playa were just OK other than the dive that we saw the Bull Sharks on. Playa has nice beaches and some quaint,reasonably priced hotels and from there you can dive , easily access Coz,Tulum (ruins),Akumal(diving or snorkeling with the turtles on the main public beach) or one of the many theme parks for day trips. I would recommend spending a few days on Isla Mujeres as well. There is a safe and comfortable vibe and has nice beaches,ok diving, a couple good snorkeling sites,zip lining,etc while touring the Island on scooters or golf cars. If you wish PM me and I will provide bus ,ferry and taxi info and/or hotel ,dive,snorkel recos.
Enjoy your adventure.