Cruise to Mexico.....Suggestions for local(non-tourist trap) spots to check out.....

[Valenciawatchrepair]

The wifey and I will possibly be going to Cozumel and Merida around the end of this year. Going to be a thrifty cruise, but I'm thinking I'd rather find local spots instead of the typical excursions or tourist spots people tend to be corralled to. Maybe some TRF'ers have been to these spots?

[TheVTCGuy]

Take me with you....


I lived on Cozumel as a teenager... back in the 70s. I am sure it has changed immeasurably since then but it is arguably the most beautiful place in the world.

[Danny83]

Try this restaurant La Lobsteria

[GerardoG]

Do you have the ports of call?

[BravoOne]

You must not have been on many cruises before? You can be sure that with the limited time on shore that you will not find many, if any cool non tourist spots and if some guys says come with me and I will show you something special, beware if not afraid.

[BravoOne]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Take me with you....


I lived on Cozumel as a teenager... back in the 70s. I am sure it has changed immeasurably since then but it is arguably the most beautiful place in the world.

And they still let you in the USN?

[hsfrank]

When we were in Cancun, the most touristy spot of them all, we just got off the ship walked around and watched the suckers buy all the over priced items. Then we found a local coffee shop and have a cuppa. I wound up at a nice restaurant and had brunch before returning to the ship.

[Cryten]

That's why I don't like cruise ships. The whole of the Yucatan peninsula is worth taking your time to explore, and Merida as a beautiful city, but I couldn't imagine trying to see anything with 3000 of your ship mates in tow.

The whole area is littered with archaeological sites, and as impressive as Chichen Itza is, that's where all the cruise ship passengers from both Merida and Cancun will be headed, so that's definitely one to avoid

Uxmal is an impressive site with an unusually shaped main pyramid, and Kabah with its amazingly well preserved wall of Chaac (the rain god) is worth the effort, but I don't know how the cruise ships affect those sites as I always make a point of avoiding the ships and the crowds they bring.

Otherwise Merida was fun to explore on it's own, we spent a few days there eating drinking and absorbing the sights and sounds - but again, that was sans cruise ship passengers, your experience may differ.

[GermanyMatt]

There's an Ultra Jewels on Cozumel that seems to have a very nice selection of Rolex watches. That's where I bought my D-Blue about 6 weeks ago. Don't go in there unless you're thinking about buying. :)

[Pix]

You may want to google Mexican resorts drugging guests.

[Goin2drt]

On Cozumel the family rented scooters and road to the other side of the island away from the crowds. A couple nice bars/restaraunts right on the water. Very scarce on that side. We had a blast.

[NKflyer]

For Merida, the ship will call at Progresso, right? They used to rent cars right near the pier and you can drive yourself to some of the ruins that Cryten mentioned, as well as Merida itself, at your own pace. Cars are cheap but but you have to buy mandatory insurance which is an extra $20 or so. Still, a thrifty "excursion".

The last time we were in Cozumel, we made a reservation at a private beach club called Playa Uvas that was walking distance from the pier (some folks not used to the heat might cab it, though). They had free snorkel gear, kayaks, chairs, umbrellas, etc and the price included a couple drink tickets. I think it was maybe $15-20 per person and wasn't very crowded at all.

[Valenciawatchrepair]

Thanks guys.

[SDRider]

Originally Posted by hsfrank

When we were in Cancun, the most touristy spot of them all, we just got off the ship walked around and watched the suckers buy all the over priced items. Then we found a local coffee shop and have a cuppa. I wound up at a nice restaurant and had brunch before returning to the ship.

My wife and I flew to Cancun for our honeymoon back in the early 90s. The entire downtown is a tourist trap. We rented a jeep and drove down to Tulum to see the Mayan ruins. Best idea ever! You could actually walk through the entire site unescorted back then. Now it is all roped off and you can't go into many of the buildings. Tulum is an amazing place. I'd love to go back there again and explore.

We spent the rest of the time on the beach or in the water... or in our hotel room. ;)

I don't think I'd wander far off the beaten path anywhere in Mexico these days and stick with beer and wine. No mixed drinks.