Cozumel for Thanksgiving...crowded?

[marcus8]

Seems incredible that it's getting close to that time of year. But thank goodness it is as we have a 10 night stay coming up over the holiday week. Anyone know how crowded it typically gets at this time of year? Just trying to get a feel for what activities we should book in advance vs. what activities we can decide while on the island.

Thanks

Mark

 

[cxg31s]

Hi, I've been to Coz twice during Thanksgiving week. The first was 2003 and the island was really busy. The popular hotels and dive ops were booked or just about booked, and there were tons of dive boats and cruise ships.

The second time was last year and we all know what that was like since it was a month after Wilma.

Business has apparently picked up since last year but it's anyone's guess as to how bustling the island will be. If I were you, if you really have your heart set on diving with a particular op or doing a particular tour, you'd better go ahead and reserve your spot. Otherwise you'll be fine just taking it as it comes, and isn't that what vacation is all about? :14:

 

[5615mike]

Its high season...........enough said

 

[TheRedHead]

Just trying to get a feel for what activities we should book in advance vs. what activities we can decide while on the island.

Is there any activity besides diving?

 

[scubawife]

If you don't have to consider school breaks, I've found that the first two weeks of December are great on Cozumel and the mainland. Right after the Thanksgiving vacationers and before the Christmas and New Year's people get there.

...aren't you supposed to ask about crowds, etc BEFORE you book the trip? Whatever it is there's not too much you can do after it's booked. ; )

 

[marcus8]

Well obviously we had our reasons Scubawife. Our main diving is actually already booked but was wondering about additional night dives, cenotes, ATV tours and possibly a few other things.

 

[scubawife]

Well obviously we had our reasons Scubawife. Our main diving is actually already booked but was wondering about additional night dives, cenotes, ATV tours and possibly a few other things.

I hope you know I was just kidding.

You shouldn't have trouble booking excursions. If you have specific days you want to do certain activities book them a few weeks in advance. If not then just check around when you arrive and see what you can get. You can find operators for ATV and other land tours on www.travelnotes.cc, www.cometocozumel.com and www.cozumelinsider.com

If you don't have a favorite cenote guide, I'd suggest Dennis at Diablo Divers www.diablodivers.com So far he's been the best I've used. He'll meet you at the ferry in PDC.

 

[oudivegirl]

First time I was there for Thanksgiving was last year...and of course Post-Wilma so different than normal. We had a local couple stop us on the street as we were walking past them and thank us for coming to the island to show our support. (we were there to visit friends) It was really strange...but until then - we really didn't understand why so many people were surprised to see us...there just weren't very many tourists at all on the island (very sad) so booking anything we wanted was REALLY easy! But I would certainly hope and expect that this year things will be MUCH busier!!

http://www.pbase.com/oudivegirl/cozumel_nov_2005&page=all

 

[marcus8]

Thanks everyone....and no worries Scubawife. Nothing could be more crowded than Spring Break of '05 so we'll deal with it either way.

 

[bcaderunr]

I was down there mid-September for a week and we had the Island practically to ourselves, especially at night. It appears as if only one cruise ship is able to dock at the pier to the south. The north dock (Punta Langosta) didn't seem to have any functionality at all. Other cruise ships had to hover in the channel and tender their passengers to shore. At most we saw 3 ships at any time. So, for an economy that used to service as many as a dozen ships worth of activity seekers, I'd say the odds are good that you can do anything and everything at will without stressing the infrastructure. We left as many $$$ as WE could and folks were happy to see us!!! You'll have a great time. I'd be there too if I didn't have to work over the Holiday.