1. Go on dives and be back in a few hours?
Yes. Especially if you stay at one of the southern resorts. The house op at Iberostar and Allegro do single tank dives bringing you back to the resort for SI. Most recently, we've been staying at Fiesta Americana for it's balanced location between the reefs and town. We use an off-site dive op who pick us up at about 8:30 and we're usually back after 2 tanks around noon but sometimes closer to 1:00 depending on which sites we do.
2. Find family-friendly accommodation?
Yes. With a couple of exceptions, all resorts are family-friendly and will have activities/programs for the little ones.
3. Have babysitting? Some kind of camp/program for our preschooler?
Yes. You'll want to narrow down you selection of resorts and contact them individually to see exactly what services and programs are offered. In a few weeks, we will have taken our 3-year old daughter to Cozumel for the 5th time and have stayed at Fiesta Americana the last 4 times. We have become very close friends with the lady at the resort who watches our daughter and our daughter has become very fond of her as well. One thing to keep in mind; You will not be allowed to leave your children at the resort in one of the free programs without a babysitter. Also, many of the free programs have a minimum age limit of at least 3.
4. Have a reasonably affordable vacation?
Yes. I cannot think of a less expensive, out of the country, dive trip to the best diving in the Caribbean and recently, I've seen the best prices in nearly 10 years of traveling to the area. We've been wanting to go to Florida but with Cozumel being more affordable, we keep scratching those plans.
5. Do something other than dive?
Yes. There is plenty else to do however, traveling with a little one, I find it best chill at the resort and enjoy the pools, beach and sun. For that reason, we really enjoy Fiesta Americana. I'll let other's comment on other activities to do.
Is Cozumel right, or would Bonaire or Roatan fit our needs better?
Absolutely! We went to Bonaire in February and while it was great and the diving spectacular, we felt that we didn't get much quality family time together because of the "buffet" style of diving. With all the nitrox diving at your doorstep beckoning us, it was tough to get in family time. Also, flying from Houston, the flight to Bonaire was 3 times longer than flying to Coz and for little one, that could be long long flight. If and when our daughter decides to dive, Bonaire will be an excellent choice. We've not been to Roatan but considered it a few years ago and honestly, we were a bit put off with the risks of malaria and subjecting a toddler to antimalarial medication. Again, another excellent destination best suited when she gets older.
Suggestions for great accomm. in Cozumel?
We've stayed at Iberostar, Allergo and Fiesta Americana. Besides Fiesta Americana being a better value, dollar for dollar we'd stay there over any other. Like I said before, great location, fun kid-friendly pools, nice ocean view rooms, decent food but only affordable with the AI plan, and like the rest of Cozumel, the nicest employees working there eager to treat you like royalty.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions about Fiesta Americana. Do a search to find some trip reports. Finally, welcome to SB!
