Hi Eric, I am suggesting Cozumel as well.
A few places come to mind to fit your criteria:
non-diver who wants to be able to lay on the beach, do a little shopping and possibly a few other things (kayaking, snorkel, etc.).
ctopus:Sea-sickness/wants short boat ride or shore dive
almtree:Not Gilligan's Island
:fish:All inclusive
:questionmark:Under $1500.00 per person without airfare
Cozumel Palace
Non Dive/Shopping/Activites: Walking distance to town
Seasickness/short boat dive/shore dive: ***
Gilligan's Island: NO
AI: YES
Less than $1500.00 pp without air: Possibly
Scuba Club
Non Dive/Shopping/Activites; Walking distance to town-just a little bit further south than Coz Pal
Seasickness/short boat dive/shore dive: *** ; In house/dedicated dive op
Gilligan's Island: NO
AI-Yes
Less than $1500.00 pp without air: Packages /yes
Park Royal
Non Dive/Shopping/Activites; 20 min walk to town; Cab/Car into town $8.00 each way per cab
Seasickness/short boat dive/shore dive: ***
Gilligan's Island: NO
AI: YES
Less than $1500.00 pp without air: Yes
El Cid la Cieba
Non Dive/Shopping/Activites: 20 min walk to town; Cab/Car into town $8.00 each way per cab
Seasickness/short boat dive/shore dive: ***
Gilligan's Island: NO
AI: Option
Less than $1500.00 pp without air: Yes ; Book on Orbitz before March 31 and use 200Entertain code
Fiesta Americana
Non Dive/Shopping/Activites: Yes, Cab/car into town; Approx $12.00 cab fare to town each way ??
Seasickness/short boat dive/shore dive: *** Most southern resort in my list;short boat ride
Gilligan's Island: NO
AI: YES
Less than $1500.00 pp: Yes. Book on Orbitz before March 31 and use 200Entertain code
***Re: seasickness. Advice is tough here as this is a personal matter. My DH, Michael, has a problem at times with seasickness. For him, the small faster boat is a good option as the rolling of larger boats causes him problems. (He also takes a small dose, 1/4 tab of Dramamine before setting out in the morning. This is not a typical therapeutic dose, but, it works for him
) Hey, as long as it works, right ??
Regardless, getting on a 6-pack boat for instance from Scuba Club or Cozumel Palace will get you to the dive sites within 15 to around 25 +min. Since Park Royal, El Cid, Fiesta Americana are south of town, the boat ride would be a shorter 10-15 "ish" min ride , which depending on your tolerance might be better. Scuba Club has it's own dedicated dive op. The other places allow other other dive ops to pick up at their pier. Some for no extra fee, some for a nominal fee. One thing to look for is land based surface intervals. I would say most ops do this.
If you have not already, jump on over to the Cozumel Forum and there you will find a tremendous amount of information regarding Dive Ops and Lodging geared to your situation. Just beware...the Cozumel folks do have the tendency to get a bit out of hand with who the "Bests" are. I truly feel however, the sometimes the
heated debates are due to the fact that we are a group of folks with a true and very strong passion for diving Cozumel. With this in mind, I recommend for folks to first search and read posted trip reviews from the past few months. Then make a list of 3-5 Dive Ops and Hotels that appeal to you. After you have a general idea of what is out there, then perhaps post questions you may have and ultimately send your questions and requests directly to the Dive Ops/Hotels that you like.
BTW: I have personally stayed at Park Royal and El Cid; Both times used Blue XT Sea Diving. The AI at Park Royal was equal to a cruise ship buffet selection; We did not use the sit down restaurants. El Cid does offer AI, however, we ala carte some meals there and cover other meals either at many of our favorites spots in town or use the kitchenette in our one bedroom tower suite. For Fiesta Americana, you may want to contact DiverKat as she has personal experience there.
Regardless of where you end up, have a wonderful time !! If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. Sue