Thanks for all the input so far. Xel Ha sounds like a lot of fun. I also would like to go to Chichen Itza. We'll take a look at Playa del Carmen too.
Cozumel is a blast. I've been there several times as a stop on cruises, but I've never stayed overnight. I disagree with Vodoo's statement about Carlos and Charlies though. I don't remember the drinks being blatantly weak, and I've been there on 4 or 5 different trips. There is always such a big crowd there and the place is just wild. Highly reccomend checking it out if you've never been there.
The wife and I got wasted at Carlos and Charlies during our honeymoon. She was stumbling back through the metal detectors onto the cruise. Funny stuff.
nice personal attack, genius... McDonald's, Burger King, Dominoes, The Gap, Marriott, etc. you can get all that crap and a white-sand beach and blue-water ocean in the united states. if you want to go to Mexico, i would recommend heading south of Cancun (if you're into the carribbean scene) or to the southern part of the pacific coast for a more pure beach/surf culture experience. conversely, if you're more into the history/archaeology of the region, head into the peninsula to Chichen Itza (very hot temperatures) or up into the mountains of Chiapas (much cooler) where you can visit Palenque and the cool, clear, soothing waters of a mountain river (where the jungle is beautiful and awe-inspiring.) is that better?
I'm probably the local expert on Mexican vacations - we go once or twice a year... Good choice. Cozumel and Playa Del Carmen are waaay better than Cancun - less like the US. Package deals will generally save you more money. I think we stayed at the Iberostar Cozumel, which was very nice. If you go to Playa Del Carmen, you can stay at the best resort we have been to in Mexico in 7 trips, the Barcelo Maya. Cozumel - less commercialized - calmer ocean - smaller - better scuba diving Playa Del Carmen - still not as commercialized as Cancun - more options - more waves - better snorkeling (especially Barcelo Maya) - local bus can take you everywhere for pocket change For us, the package deals have been the way to go for our last 4 or 5 vacations. All you can drink and eat, and you don't have to figure out where you want to eat 3 times a day. Most of the nice resorts have a nice broadway style show every night as well as activities during the day. The resort staff are generally super friendly as well. Any of the tours we have taken have been fun so far. Most of the time we spend a little less than $2000 for the whole trip staying 5 days or so. About the dolphins, and this is just my take, but DON'T DO IT!. The more people spend $100 a head to swim with dolphins, the more wild dolphins are captured to set up operations like this. These dolphins do not live happy lives - they would much rather be free and swimming in the ocean. Timeshares - people wearing official-looking uniforms will jump all over you just after you get your baggage. If you are with a particular tour, ignore these people and proceed outside the airport where they will have a sign with your tour logo on it. It's your vacation time that they will waste - don't give them the time of day. Snorkelling - this is my favorite thing to do in Mexico. If you are in Cozumel, get on one of the tours that offer to take you to 3 locations. There are a few spectacular locations in Playa Del Carmen area that you don't need a tour if you are a reasonably confident swimmer. My favorite sightings from our last trip were green sea turtles and bluntnose sting rays. Ruins - Chichen Itza is famous, but Tulum is underrated for its beauty and Coba is a nice site that is bigger and closer than Chichen Itza, but less developed. That's enough for now - you can pm or email me if you have more questions.
Cozumel is awesome and is great for snorkeling and diving. The last time I was there I stayed at Hotel Cozumel. Its five min from El Centro and also you can take a boat to Playa Del Carmen. If your into the whole club thing there are several places to go. Senor Frogs and Carlos & Charlies are together...one above the other. Check out the Hard Rock...they usually have this band there..(name?)..they dont speak a lick of english but can rock out with the best of them. Pink Floyd, Fuel, Tool, etc. If you want to check out some hot local spots, get a jeep and ride along the coast and see some of the cool bars. I went to the Bob Marley bar and others, but if you go farther you will hit Punta Morena..this was my favorite. They had the best ceviche in Cozumel. A lot of locals go there. Also check out Chankanaab, kick back and have a beer...relax and have fun.
I agree. If it is his first trii, it will be fun. Don't just stay on the beach strip on the island. Use it as a base to explore the area. Cancun island is sort of like Miami Beach. International, not particularly Mexican, but not a bad place to sleep and go to the beach a time or two. The ferries to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel as well as the long beach with its various sites across from the bridge are all at hand. I think Cozumel is pretty limiting. OK if you just want diving and a small protected environment that aside from the ferry to Playa Del Carmen can be sort of confining. Another question. If it is just 3 or 4 nights, I say go to Cancun, but take at least two day trips. One to Isla Mujeres and one to Tulum.
