Cozumel questions - staying on the cheap

[Texasguy]

I got all my gear now, was not easy blowing so much during one month. Got travel BCD too.

I am also totally set with all the accessories except lift bags and nitrox tester. Something I will buy by September. Not that I need a lift bag, just fun will be to play with locally.

PS: Got the greatest SMB http://www.leisurepro.com/Catalog.aspx?op=ItemDisplay&ProductID=AQUDADSMB&Page=1&Term=marker&Hit=1

 

[ColoDale]

A friend from Nebraska found an AI deal on cheapticket.com at Sabor (south end of Cozumel) for $1179 which includes air from Omaha via Atlanata on Delta around the beginning of Nov. Reported that there is no overnight with the flight. Not sure what your budget is or what you consider cheap. Could be a bit more that some places/packages nearer to town or in town - depends on meals.

This should not include diving. There is an onsite dive op - Dive Palancar and may offer some discount for guests. They have a website. However other dive ops can pick you up at Sabor but there might be a pier fee payable by you. Check threads in the Coz forum for recent reports of pier fees - sometimes they do and sometimes they don't charge or may have done away with it. There are two piers and one will be closer depending on where you might be.

 

[Texasguy]

How much a pier fee usually runs?

PS: I guess still cheaper than a taxi...

 

[Sue Sue]

A few years ago there was a single guy who posted an awesome account of his Budget stay. Unfortanately I can't remember the OP, however, Dandy Don, if you are reading this, perhaps you have that magic as to where to find this information for Texasguy. As far as cheap food, it is easy to find. Taco places, food carts, Chicken places, Comida Economica's ie: Chilangos on Avenida 10 or Sabores, Subway/Pizza Hut, etc, plus, don't forget the prepared foods made at the Mega and Chedraui. If you stay in town, and there are several very economical nice places to stay, you can easily get around by walking everywhere included the Town pier for dive pick up. If you want to consider a non-AI route, I would recommend you start with your Dive op and then find the lodging. Check out the reviews of the frequently mentioned ops, then narrow your list down to 3 - 5. From that list, contact the ops with your dates and what you are looking for. Find out cost, where they pick up if your lodging is in town, solo diver and any other options you are wanting. As far as budget AI/Diving, I would think Hotel Cozumel and then Blue Angel Resort would fit your needs. But, do consider non-AI, you will perhaps experience Cozumel a bit more, which, is so much fun ! Regardless of where you end up, Have a Wonderful Cozumel trip ! SS

 

[cvchief]

I don't think anyone is charging a pier fee anymore? Used to be $3 to use the one at the wyndham but I think that went away when Sanddollar lost the concession there.

Iberostar I guess is still charging the Dive op, but that won't effect you.

 

[Texasguy]

I have a question about eating at "native" places. Are you at risk to catch some kind of a bug? I heard that eating at all inclusive places is more safe as they more likely to boil water more and etc. Thus, if I will go to a local pizza, will I have stomach runs for the rest of the trip?

I was in Mexico only once for 8 days, stayed on the mainland side near Cozumel in a all inclusive resort (~$80 a day). Catalonia Yucatan Beach.

 

[ColoDale]

Ditto on the $3 but I haven't been charged since late last year at Sabor/sabor Exclusive/Aura properties. Who knows. Their policies seem to change monthly. An outside dive op would problably know. Asking the hotel is hit and miss as the employees seem to know about as much as I do.

 

[fire_diver]

Texas, you should be fine eating the food since it's been cooked. Watch out for water, ice, and non-cooked food like salad items. When you get drinks, ask for it without ice.

 

[Sue Sue]

I have a question about eating at "native" places. Are you at risk to catch some kind of a bug? I heard that eating at all inclusive places is more safe as they more likely to boil water more and etc. Thus, if I will go to a local pizza, will I have stomach runs for the rest of the trip?

I was in Mexico only once for 8 days, stayed on the mainland side near Cozumel in a all inclusive resort (~$80 a day). Catalonia Yucatan Beach.

Local Cozumel restaurants do NOT generally have a problem with food contamination issues. Nor are there issues with the tap water or ice cubes used as purified water is, in general again, used. I think one of the reasons that there is in general no problems is because since many of the customers served are tourists, and simply the restaurants can not afford to have a reputation of food contamination. HOWEVER, the same applies to local residents as a business with a bad repuation for food contamination is not going to be in business long. Although, with this in mind it does not mean there is never and will never be an issue. Frankly, before I would consider a tummy bug from food contamination, I would first think that a problem would be due to contamination from dirty surfaces which I came in contact with or a viral type bug passed on from who knows where. Wash hands, stay away from raw/undercooked foods, and keep an eye out for folks who may appear that they are ill ..ie coughing, hacking, etc. Just like you would anywhere.

 

[ColoDale]

Food poisoning can happen at an AI or anywhere else. I think it has more to do with who handled the food, how clean the kitchen and food prep areas are in addition to cooking it properly. Of course improperly stored food can be an issue. We periodically hear about e-coli and salmonella in the states. I would not put too much emphasis on it being Mexico and that you "will" get sick if you eat "native". I am not a foodie but I believe you generally get what you pay for.

There are many restaurants in town (higher $ to cheap) that have good reputations. I personnally would go with those when eating in town. Pack Immodium just in case and keep an eye out for other symptoms. There are fav restaraunt lists in this forum.

Over the years in tropical locations, I have found that many people blame bad food or water for intestinal problems when many times it's too much sun, too much fun, overeating, stress, too much alcohol, gotta make this tour then gotta do that, etc.

If you can get an AI for $80/day with air for Cozumel, jump on it. Can't tell when you did that. Ten years ago we saw AI packages with air to Coz for $799 or $899 but not lately - inflation, fuel increases, etc. Maybe you can get that out of texas since it's closer (lower air cost). We used to be able to get crazy last minute deals on charters doing air only. Things have changed.