Cozumel, Mexico

Day 5 – Cozumel, Mexico & Jennifer's Birthday

We had a catamaran snorkel tour scheduled. It was our 6^th time here. We have always used Eagle Ray Divers for snorkel trips, but my feet can no longer handle the little ladders on their boats. They are always a great time and superior snorkeling. This time we booked a catamaran snorkel tour with Captain Ron. It was only a 3 hour tour so we knew it wouldn’t get out to the fantastic snorkeling found at Palancar and Colombia Reefs. (darn feet!)

We grabbed a cab to the meeting point at Turquoise Pier. We met at Blu Bistro across the street. Fernando came by and had the heads of each group go to the pier with him to pay. It was windy and the seas were a bit rough and he said if we had the time he’d like to wait until about 10:00 to make the final call as to go or not. For any wanting to cancel he would refund all monies paid. He came and got us again a bit after 10:00 and said the captain said it was safe to go, however it was too rough to bring the boat into that pier. He said not to worry, they would send us to the boat by taxi which they paid for. So, it took about 3 vans to get the 21 people to the other pier. As we pulled in, Greg and I smiled because it was the same pier where we always met Eagle Ray tours. The sail boat was on the opposite side of the bay and very close to the exit out to the open ocean.

 walking to the taxi area

 where we waited

 Turquoise Pier

 their pet pot-bellied pig

where we checked in for the tour

We dropped our water shoes in a box and boarded the sailboat. Less people would have been better as it was a boat that really had no seats, you just sit around the sails. Normally, they would have had a 20 minute sail to get to the snorkel site, but we were now very close. The crew was very nice, but Fernando had a long and drawn out way for the instructions on how to snorkel. He didn’t demonstrate it and move on, he asked people how to do something and then shot it down and said they would be wrong. Just demonstrate it without making people feel bad. We have snorkeled a lot, but never mind the short safety briefings. This one was a bit long and drawn out. But, it’s better than not having any at all.

 the pier from the boat

we snorkeled with the cruise ships in the backround

The first stop was at a place that really had very little to see. Hardly any fish or corals. It also is the type of tour that we really don’t like with a “fuster cluck” of people all on top of you in the water, kicking and flailing. Plus, you had to follow the guide, not just snorkel at your own pace. We found that no one was keeping up with her, so we could escape the crowd by sticking closer to her. 

In between stops (about 5 minutes apart but in deeper water) they handed out drinks and watermelon. They really did take good care of everyone to make sure you had plenty to eat and drink.

The second stop was a bit better with more purple sea fans and a few more fish.

 Fernando showing us lobsters

 2 lobsters

we snorkeled over the divers

 

After we got back on the boat they came around with free flowing margaritas or soft drinks. They would make you any drink you wanted, but the margaritas came by the pitcher full. Next they came around with homemade guacamole and chips. Then they came around with a fresh pico de gallo to put on top of the guacamole or eat on its own. Yum!

Then, they went for a short sail and eventually we found ourselves back at the Turquoise Pier. The waves had settled down and it was safe to bring the boat into where we should have taken off from. Great day out on and in the water!

 we sailed past the ship

We were close to the ship and really didn’t need a taxi (in the morning we didn’t know how far away it was so we grabbed a taxi). So, we wandered until we came to a place to have lunch and we made a good choice. I had coconut shrimp and Greg had a fish sandwich at a beachside restaurant.

 the sailboat we were on going back to the pier

 Sunset Restaurant & Bar

 bar area

 view from our table

 Coconut Shrimp

 Coconut Shrimp

 fish tacos

 despite my face I'm having a great time

We walked back to the port area and dropped by Margaritaville to see if Jim & Jennifer were still there since they said that’s where she wanted to go for her birthday. They were and we sat with them a short time since it was almost time to get back on board.

 murals on a building

 back at the port

 Jennifer & Jim

sail away

That night we all had dinner at the Chops the specialty Steakhouse Restaurant for Jennifer’s birthday. Sadly, our ribeyes were some of the worst we have ever had. The steaks in the main dining room were much better. Greg’s was cold and over cooked and mine was warm but both of ours were dense and tough without much flavor. No marbling to make it tasty and tender. The appetizers and the dessert however were very good! We all missed the evening entertainment since lunch was a long experience. (not a problem)

our next towel critter - we wondered why our TV was on - to turn it off you had to find this guy!

Tomorrow we visit Grand Cayman!