I`ve been to all 3 and if I may offer a suggestion, I would say go to Playa Del Carmen (one hour south of Cancun). It isnt as touristy yet and it is very peaceful. We normally stay at the Gran Porto Real which is very nice and when I priced it a few weeks ago it was around $2100 for 2 which was all-inclusive with a oceaview Junior Suite, flight included via FunJet. We are going in 4 weeks but we are trying another hotel "Secrets Resort" just outside of Playa. You can hop on the ferry in Playa and go to Cozumel which is a blast. We like to rent a jeep and go to the other side of the island where there are no hotels and just hang out on the beach....its beautiful and peaceful. As far as going all inclusive or not we normally do, although we do end up going into town a few nights for dinner. Have fun!!
I really didn't like Playa del Carmen the one time I went, but I could have just caught it on a bad day. Actually the last cruise I went on made a stop in Playa del Carmen, and this time I just stayed on the ship. Of course that could of had something to do with still being hungover from Cozumel the day before . I'm telling you Voodoo, you should at least consider a cruise. Best money I've ever spent on a vacation. All the gourmet food you can eat, casinos, vegas style shows, stops in multiple ports, etc...
I also enjoyed my cruise. We went to Montego Bay, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman. The only thing I disliked about it was that we didnt get to stay at any of the ports during the night hours. We would get off the ship around 10:00 am and have to be back on by 5 or 6 pm. This didn't by any means make me not want to take a cruise again. I also hear they have cruises that allow you to enjoy the ports nightlife.
On your list Cozomel would probably be the best. You say you don't dive - that's okay as the snorkeling is terrrific as well. As for Belize, my wife and I really enjoyed our trip last November. However, I'm pretty sure you need a passport. One nice thing about Belize is that English is the native language (most people speak both English and Spanish). Most people who go to Belize stay on Ambergris Caye (pronounced Key). It's an island off the coast with the world's second longest barrier reef nearby. The reef makes snorkeling and diving excellent but it also makes the beaches kind of lame. The beaches are not bad, but you get no surf (the reef protects the shore from the waves) and, because the water is so still, a lot of seagrass grows right off the shore. The beaches are still nice to lay on in a hammock or something. If you want to see more of Belize check out my website: Belize 2003
Great photos. Makes me want to go. Belize is pricing out a little more than Cozumel but it sure looks nice. Your wife caught a bigger fish than you did?!? Must have been the lucky rockets hat she was wearing.
