Best Excursions for Grand Cayman, Cozumel & Coasta Maya??

[Tinknalli]

We did Boatswain's Beach AKA The Turtle Farm last week and it was enjoyable. Got time with the turtles, snorkeling and swimming time plus time to see the other animal exhibits. The tour included lunch which did not have a lot to interest the picky eaters. Lunch was a buffet (one trip through only) that included cole slaw, pasta salad, beans and rice, chicken legs and mahi mahi. The beverege choices were water or pink lemonade. The kids ended up ordering a la carte from the menu which was not included and was expensive. Overall, enjoyable but not something we would do again.

In Cozumel we did the jeep tour through Disney. It was run by a company called Explora and was great. Drove around the island with stops at El Mirador for pictures and shopping, then on to El Cedral for a little history and cultural lesson and time for pictures and more shopping. There was a little demonstration about black coral and making jewelry with it. The last stop was going to be a private beach at Punta Sur but it was too windy so we ended with our last stop at Chankanaab where we had a buffet that even the picky eaters enjoyed. Chips and salsa and cheese, watermelon, tossed salad, rice, beans, and chicken fajitas. All very good and all you can eat. Then back to the pier. Santiago and Eduardo were great guides and they brought out beverages at every stop. This was a lot of fun. The same company runs the dube buggy tour.

 

[jlwhitney]

Just got back from the Fantasy. Excursion recommendations always depend on what kinds of things you like to do. Most people say snorkeling is a must do in the clear waters, but I don't care for swimming in salt water so we skipped that this time around.

In Grand Cayman, we did the Atlantis submarine. Pretty cool to dive about 100 feet down. Saw lot's of fish and scuba divers. I'd recommend this.

In Costa Maya, not a whole lot there to do. We went to the Chacchoben Mayan ruins. First time to Mayan ruins, so this was pretty cool despite the rain(!). I'd recommend this only if you haven't been to any Mayan sites before.

In Cozumel, we went to the Secret River excursion. This is an amazing tour through underground caverns--some filled with water. I'd highly, highly recommend this one. Not too many places in the world to experience this.

I agree with you about the Secret River it is completely worth it! Loved every minute of it.

 

[ilovetexas]

We went to Grand Caymen and did the Stingray sailing and loved it my DD was 11 at the time and hated it. This is not something to do with kids espically if they are not super adventorous since the stingrays are large. We used Stingray Sailing they were cheaper than Disney and were nothing but wonderful people. We had an issue with being double charged and emailed them and they apologized and took care of it right away.

Loved your pictures!!!

However, I will say to anyone planning on StingRay City with kids, it really depends on the kid. My DD15 wouldn't have anything to do with it but both my younger boys would LOVE it. We had kids on our trip with Moby Dick Tours and they were all having fun with the stingrays, it was a couple of the adults that wouldn't get in the water with them.

The stingrays are large and it is a little "scary" at first because you are just standing there and all of a sudden one swims up against you. Once you get used to it, it's wonderful. AND, if you kiss a stingray, you get 7 years good luck.

 

[It'sWDW4me]

We're going on our first cruise this August. This is what we're planning - I can review when we get back.

Grand Cayman - Me & DS - Reef & Shipwreck Snorkel; Mom & DB - Nautilus submarine reef tour

Costa Maya - Chacchoben Ruins

Cozumel - Cozumel Highlights & Ruins Tour - this includes the San Gervasio ruins, a tequilera, and a scenic area stop.

 

[lark]

We're pretty close to finalizing.

Grand Cayman -- seems like a good day to hang around the ship, since I assume that most will be getting off. Two of us will be doing the Pirate Encounter and the other two hope to get a few aquaduck runs in.

Costa Maya -- I think, since this is such a short stop, we're going to go with a DCL excursion; either the Chacchoben Mayan Ruins or the mini-jeep excursion. We're leaning pretty heavily toward the latter. It gets really great reviews from customers of other cruise lines, and I assume it's basically the same tour company. Also, the ruins look amazing, but it's a long bus ride back and forth on a pretty short time in port. Might wait until the little ones are a bit older to deal with the walking.

Cozumel -- Mr. Sancho's on our own.

 

[ssjones]

Grand Cayman is my most favorite port! We always do the Island Tour with Stingrays, which takes you to the Turtle Farm and then to Stingray Sandbar.

Our children LOVED this excursion!

Is this a DCL port adventure or did you use someone else??

 

[noahsmom]

You can do this tour (Stingray city & turtle farm) through DCL and there are also a variety of private tours you can book. We used Nativeway and had a fabulous experience. Others have reported great things from Captain Marvins.

We will be using Nativeway again this summer, this time we are not going to the turtle farm though. Booked Stingray City, Coral Garden, and starfish snorkel.

Grand Cayman has been our favorite port and we can't wait to get back!

 

[ssjones]

Any Comments?? Looking at this excusion.

 

[Kevin Stringer]

the stringray thing sounds cool for grand cayman...anyone have any pics? thanks!

Hi

We did a Celebrity cruise last year and stopped at all three places.
If it helps anyone, we wrote a trip report and there are a few videos too.

Go here: www.kevinstringer.co.uk
Click on the last trip link 'March 2011 Bay Lake Tower/7 night cruise Celebrity Eclipse/Vero Beach' and you should be able to find some information on what we did on Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Costa Maya. We didn't take any of the ships excursions, but booked them ourselves.
And yes, swimming with the stingrays was a marvellous experience.

Kev

 

[Silverfox97]

In Grand Cayman, we did the Island Tour, then headed over to Margaritaville for lunch and to swim in the pool & for DD to enjoy some waterslide time. We did walk around a little, as DD "had" to get her nail polish from Del Sol

In Cozumel, we did the Eco Park & Snorkel. It was only us (family of 3) and one other family. The ride there was a bit long, and then it rained and we were on an open air bus-type thing, but we made the best of it. We enjoyed Punta Sur and it cleared up nicely for some beach time. DD and I just swam (very nice and warm water) and DH went to snorkel with the tour guide. We planned on stopping at Margaritaville there as well, but DD was tuckered out, so we went back to the ship.

We went to Key West, so can't comment on Costa Maya!

 

[tammyg1515]

We were on the April 28th Fantasy cruise. In Grand Cayman, we went to the Seven Mile Beach via a bus, and I would NOT recommend it. We were packed into a bus in the heat and humidity and had to wait until the bus was full before we would leave for the beach. The person who we took the bus from had on a Port Authority polo shirt and we thought this would be a reputable company - boy were we wrong. The bar place they dropped us off at was shabby, to say the least, and beach was narrow and had a nice-size drop into the ocean. Next time, we will take an excursion.
This was our second trip to Costa Maya and I have to say we LOVE Costa Maya. Our first trip we did the Dune Buggy Excursion and it was 'the best'. We also went shopping in the small fishing village of Majahaul and it was great. Plus we had a beer and salsa and chips at a bar on the beach - a great experience and I would highly recommend.
Our last trip to Costa Maya, we did a scuba tour via Disney. Very reasonable at $125 per person. We did not have any extra time to shop in Majahaul and had just a few minutes to check out the shops at the port. The sales people at the shops are pushy and can be obnoxious.
Costa Maya was devastated by a Hurricane Lee in 2007 and the folks in the village (Majahaul) can really use the help.
In Cozumel, we did the Xplor excursion via Disney. It was pricey at $199 a person, but was very adventurous. We had a blast and food was excellent

 

[alicia1506]

we are flying from australia to take this fantasy cruise in nov and we are dying to do the chacchoben ruins tour, as we're not big on beach time/swimming as we have plenty of opportunities to do that here, but very little opportunity to explore mayan ruins.

would love to hear from those of you who experienced it.. what were your thoughts on the site/excursion etc. we are planning on only doing it with disney as we don't want to get left behind (really tight time frame).

 

[tinker6]

We were on the April 28th Fantasy cruise. In Grand Cayman, we went to the Seven Mile Beach via a bus, and I would NOT recommend it. We were packed into a bus in the heat and humidity and had to wait until the bus was full before we would leave for the beach. The person who we took the bus from had on a Port Authority polo shirt and we thought this would be a reputable company - boy were we wrong. The bar place they dropped us off at was shabby, to say the least, and beach was narrow and had a nice-size drop into the ocean. Next time, we will take an excursion.
This was our second trip to Costa Maya and I have to say we LOVE Costa Maya. Our first trip we did the Dune Buggy Excursion and it was 'the best'. We also went shopping in the small fishing village of Majahaul and it was great. Plus we had a beer and salsa and chips at a bar on the beach - a great experience and I would highly recommend.
Our last trip to Costa Maya, we did a scuba tour via Disney. Very reasonable at $125 per person. We did not have any extra time to shop in Majahaul and had just a few minutes to check out the shops at the port. The sales people at the shops are pushy and can be obnoxious.
Costa Maya was devastated by a Hurricane Lee in 2007 and the folks in the village (Majahaul) can really use the help.
In Cozumel, we did the Xplor excursion via Disney. It was pricey at $199 a person, but was very adventurous. We had a blast and food was excellent

Thx for the update on the dune buggy tour in Costa Maya. We are trying to figure out if we want to do the buggies in Costa Maya or Cozumel next year on the Fantasy...not sure if there is any difference or not.

 

[shera]

Anyone ever done the dolphin swim in Costa Maya ? Since it's at the end of the pier, I was thinking that would be easy enough to do.

 

[maggie blossom]

I need to put a plug in for Captain Marvin's in Grand cayman. We went to stingray city through them and I can't say enough about how wonderful it was. The guy who was in charge on our really went above and beyond.

In Cozumel we booked a beach excursion through DCL and hated it. I have forgotten what beach we to but it was crowded, food not good, touristy. We could have done a lot better (probably cheaper too).

But check out Captain Marvins!!

 

[eva]

The Sea Trek on Grand Cayman was really good. A bit creepy goodings down the ladder. But once you get to the bottom, it is awesome. Tons of fish that swim right up to you.

 

[Started With a Mouse]

So, we're kinda going for the Corona commercial route, we decided on the Tropicante in Mahahaul on the Malecon. After reading all the incredible reviews on Trip Advisor, looks like a nice, relaxing place to spend a few hours.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...ll-Mahahual_Costa_Maya_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

Here's to toes in the sand, cold drink in my hand...

 

[luvavacation]

I recently returned from the Fantasy Western, and did the Tropicante in Costa Maya. If it helps, here is my take on it...




My family was on the Fantasy Western Caribbean this week (6/9 - 6/16), and having been to the Chacchoben ruins previously, and with not a lot time in port this go-round, we wondered what to do.

I am one that likes to get off the boat and enjoy the local culture, so staying at the port, not venturing out of the shopping and pool area at the port, was not something I wished to do. Instead, I searched for something in Mahahual, the local town near the port, and happened upon a beach restaurant place where you can reserve your own set of chairs/recliners/umbrella on the beach. I would post a link, but I am not sure if I am allowed, so I will just suggest to do a search for the Tropicante in Costa Maya. The owner is Steve, and I sent him an email ahead of time with what we wanted, and he was quick to email back with our reservation.

Also, this place has free wireless and a free Skype phone to the States if you wish to check on things back home!

There was no fee to reserve a spot on the beach, I think you are just requested to buy something to eat or drink. We did, as it was quite warm on the beach and we needed a little something.

I must warn people though that this is not a Disney perfect place! If you are expecting Castaway Cay with perfectly manicured sand and brand new chairs and umbrellas, you will not find this in Mahahual. This is a natural beach, and things that are outside are being beated by the salt and sun. I have been to very nice beach hotels and condos in Florida with similar situations, and realize that the sun and salty air do a lot of damage to anything outside! So just remember, this is not a Disney set-up, but rather a "real Mexico" set-up, and you will be happy.

One final thing - if you have any extra new toys, Steve will collect them for the impoverished children in the area. My daughter collected a few things before our trip, and we dropped them off with Steve when we arrived. Also, if you ask, he can recommend which shops to visit if you are looking for something in particular. The silver jeweler that he sent us to had very, very good prices, compared to what I have seen previously at other ports. He also had some very nice gold jewelry, though it was a just a few pieces, but those prices were much better than what I get at home, and I did feel that the items were a better quality than what I have seen at other shops on the islands.

The one thing that might bother some people is that there are individuals that will approach you while you are on the beach, trying to sell you something. Just say "No, gracias" and they will go on their way. My daughter was actually fascinated by the different variety of people in this area of Mexico as opposed to other areas. You really see the Mayan ancestry (I am guessing that is what it is?) in some of the vendors that come up to you. You won't get that at the port's pool!

Anyway, Tropicante in Costa Maya, a great place for a real beach experience that is not built up with touristy things, and still has the flavour of Mexico!

 

[Started With a Mouse]

I recently returned from the Fantasy Western, and did the Tropicante in Costa Maya. If it helps, here is my take on it...




My family was on the Fantasy Western Caribbean this week (6/9 - 6/16), and having been to the Chacchoben ruins previously, and with not a lot time in port this go-round, we wondered what to do.

I am one that likes to get off the boat and enjoy the local culture, so staying at the port, not venturing out of the shopping and pool area at the port, was not something I wished to do. Instead, I searched for something in Mahahual, the local town near the port, and happened upon a beach restaurant place where you can reserve your own set of chairs/recliners/umbrella on the beach. I would post a link, but I am not sure if I am allowed, so I will just suggest to do a search for the Tropicante in Costa Maya. The owner is Steve, and I sent him an email ahead of time with what we wanted, and he was quick to email back with our reservation.

Also, this place has free wireless and a free Skype phone to the States if you wish to check on things back home!

There was no fee to reserve a spot on the beach, I think you are just requested to buy something to eat or drink. We did, as it was quite warm on the beach and we needed a little something.

I must warn people though that this is not a Disney perfect place! If you are expecting Castaway Cay with perfectly manicured sand and brand new chairs and umbrellas, you will not find this in Mahahual. This is a natural beach, and things that are outside are being beated by the salt and sun. I have been to very nice beach hotels and condos in Florida with similar situations, and realize that the sun and salty air do a lot of damage to anything outside! So just remember, this is not a Disney set-up, but rather a "real Mexico" set-up, and you will be happy.

One final thing - if you have any extra new toys, Steve will collect them for the impoverished children in the area. My daughter collected a few things before our trip, and we dropped them off with Steve when we arrived. Also, if you ask, he can recommend which shops to visit if you are looking for something in particular. The silver jeweler that he sent us to had very, very good prices, compared to what I have seen previously at other ports. He also had some very nice gold jewelry, though it was a just a few pieces, but those prices were much better than what I get at home, and I did feel that the items were a better quality than what I have seen at other shops on the islands.

The one thing that might bother some people is that there are individuals that will approach you while you are on the beach, trying to sell you something. Just say "No, gracias" and they will go on their way. My daughter was actually fascinated by the different variety of people in this area of Mexico as opposed to other areas. You really see the Mayan ancestry (I am guessing that is what it is?) in some of the vendors that come up to you. You won't get that at the port's pool!

Anyway, Tropicante in Costa Maya, a great place for a real beach experience that is not built up with touristy things, and still has the flavour of Mexico!

Can't wait! Thank you for your review!

 

[ThePhantomsGirl]

we are flying from australia to take this fantasy cruise in nov and we are dying to do the chacchoben ruins tour, as we're not big on beach time/swimming as we have plenty of opportunities to do that here, but very little opportunity to explore mayan ruins.

I've done both Tullem (from Cozumel) and Chaccoben (from Costa Maya)

Although getting there is a huge hassle, the Tullem Ruins are far more spectacular than the Chaccoben Ruins in my opinion. But I am glad I saw Chaccoben as they are interesting.

Had the Fantasy been in port longer, I believe I'd have booked Ian and Dave from Native Way Tours, rather than the DCL excursion. They have great reviews. I just didn't want to chance it. If I ever do a Western again, I think I might try them. Even with the shorter port times, they are supposed to be very reputable and careful about getting people back in time.

You are going in November, so while it probably could be hot, at least it should be better than the summer months. Because it was so hot when I went, my energy level was kind of low. Be sure to take several bottles of water.