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Paradise Beach Club in Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Mexico

Discover the Best Cozumel Beach Club: Comparing the Options

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One of the most popular attractions among cruisers porting in Cozumel is to enjoy a day at one of the many local beach clubs, with the most popular ones being Mr. Sancho’s, Paradise Beach, Nachi Cocom, and Chankanaab. If you’re looking for a luxury beach club in Cozumel, there are generally your best options as they (well, three of these) provide an all-inclusive experience and personalized wait service. While the island does offer some public beaches, the free access areas aren’t always desirable (they’re generally very rocky), and offer no amenities unless you pay to rent umbrellas and chairs from a local vendor. In which case, springing for a pass to a beach club may become a more appealing option. Most of the beach clubs are located just a 15 to 25-minute taxi ride from the three Cozumel cruise terminals. Top Cozumel Beach Clubs Which Cozumel Beach Club is best is a hotly contested question in the cruise world, but in my opinion, they’re all really good. Below are my top recommendations for Cozumel Beach clubs based on my own experiences. Prices vary seasonally, so consult each club’s site for the most up-to-date pricing. Note that most of them do not provide beach towels, so you’ll likely need to bring your own from the ship. Taxis are readily available at each to take cruisers back to port at the end of their day. While not required, it’s customary to tip your wait staff at the end of your stay. Paradise Beach Paradise Beach is my favorite of all the beach clubs because it offers a more laid-back vibe. It’s all-inclusive and provides beachfront access for cruisers who want to enjoy a beach day, with a wide array of large inflatable obstacles, slides, and floats for guests to use (although this requires the VIP pass, which is an additional cost). The VIP pass also includes access to stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. The pool is large and well-maintained, and there are numerous loungers and umbrellas, both poolside and beachside. The music is upbeat and pleasant, but not thumping bass, and the party crowd here is minimal. Paradise Beach is family-friendly, and the club will even provide parents of children in diapers with their own small inflatable pool, so babies and toddlers can enjoy water activities. The only thing I don’t like about Paradise Beach is that their pool does not include a swim-up bar, although the waitstaff does a great job of walking around to provide drink service to guests who want a drink without exiting the pool. They also do not provide any dessert options. I generally find all-inclusive food to be quite “meh”, and this was the case on my prior visits to Paradise Beach, but as of late spring 2024, the club has a new chef and the food is significantly better now.   Most of Cozumel’s beach clubs offer massages (Bathing Suit: Pink Halter Bikini) Book paradise beach Mr. Sancho’s Mr. Sancho’s is perhaps the most popular of the Cozumel beach clubs, and I like it, but this is one that I prefer to visit when I’m cruising with friends, rather than with my children. Why? Because this is definitely the one most associated with a party vibe, compared to the other beach clubs. That being said, it’s not that it’s not family-friendly, and you’ll certainly find lots of families with children there, but it’s more of a loud music and drink-to-excess crowd. It’s also typically more expensive than the other options. Like Paradise Beach, Mr. Sancho’s is all-inclusive (although they have a non-all-inclusive option) and boasts three pools, a buffet, and personal wait service. Admission includes access to a beachfront table, chairs, umbrella, food and drinks, and alcohol (but not the top-shelf stuff). Like Paradise Beach, Mr. Sancho’s offers a pass for an extra fee that allows guests to access an array of inflatables in the water. The advantages of this club are that they have more pools than the other options, and they offer personalized wait service and a buffet. Other amenities available at Mr. Sancho’s for an additional cost include beach massages, horseback riding, jet skiing, and parasailing. Mr. Sancho’s offers towels to rent, at $5 for the day with a $10 deposit. However, these towels are quite thin, so I recommend bringing your own. book Mr. sancho’s Nachi Cocom Many Cozumel beach clubs sell activities like banana boat rides. Nachi Cocom is a hidden gem among the Cozumel beach clubs because it doesn’t seem to be as well known as the prior two. Admittedly, the facility here is much smaller and dated than the other choices, but it still has a lot to offer. A big advantage of this beach club is its exclusivity, in that the facility limits admission to just 130 guests daily — so if you want to visit this one, be sure to book it in advance. It’s all-inclusive, so wait staff are on hand throughout your day there to serve you with whatever food and drinks you would like. While Mr. Sancho’s offers the BIG experience… tons of options and that big, party-like vibe, Nachi Cocom is the opposite. This club is small and quiet. If you’re seeking a very chill, laid-back day at the pool or beach, then this is your spot (although Paradise Bach offers this experience, as well). Of the options in Cozumel, Nachi Cocom is generally one of the most affordable ones, too. This is not the spot for tons of aqua activities and large water inflatables, although banana boat rides and parasailing are available for an additional fee, nor is the spot to party. Nachi Cocom also offers towels for rent for $5 each, but they’re quite thin, and again, I recommend just bringing your own from the ship. Of the three main beach clubs, Paradise Beach, Mrs. Sancho’s, and Nachi Cocom, this one has the most limited food options, and I like their food the least overall. Still, though, for its price value, quiet experience, and exclusivity, it’s definitely a Cozumel beach club worth considering. book nachi cocom

A group of participants swim in one of the water pools at Damajagua Falls in Dominican Republic.
Cruise Tips, Excursions

Is it Better to Book Cruise Excursions on Your Own or Through the Cruise Line?

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Once your cruise is booked, you’ll need to make some other important decisions, such as whether or not to book excursions at your ports of call and if you partake in these activities, whether you should book excursions on your own or directly through the cruise lines. Unless you’re a “get off at port and wander around on your own” type of person, you might want to think ahead and plan for what you’ll do on those days, which may involve booking cruise excursions. Each port is different, so you’ll want to do some research (like my extensive series of port-specific posts). Doing some research about the ports of call on your itinerary will be immensely helpful. It will maximize your cruise experience. You’ll also want to read reviews like these before booking anything. Doing it will help you ensure a well-rated experience with a reputable tour operator. Choosing the Right Approach First, you’ll want to decide if an excursion is necessary because not all ports require spending money on an activity. Some have amazing activities and shopping right at or outside of port, like Puerto Plata, and others have stunning beaches right off the pier, like most of the private islands like Ocean Cay.  Other ports, however, like Progreso, don’t have many good free options or interesting things to do at port, and for those you’ll likely want to book an excursion. If you decide that you need to book an excursion for one of more of your planned port calls, you’ll have to decide if you want to book through the cruise line, or book through an independent tour operator, like Viator. Here are the pros and cons of both options: Booking Through the Cruiseline The most obvious path to booking a cruise excursion is to do it directly with the cruise line, either in advance or once you’re on the ship. Many cruisers go this route, as there are some significant advantages, and this is what I recommend for first-timers. Pros: Booking direct through the cruise line is the easiest method not just for booking, but also in terms of actually participating in the excursion. When you disembark at port you’ll meet up at a designated spot, which is usually more conveniently located than independent excursions… and off you go! One huge perk of this route is that you get priority disembarkation on port day, which is important for tender ports where the process of getting off the ship can be slow. But the real benefit here is that you’re guaranteed not to miss the ship, as the cruise ship takes responsibility for its sponsored tours and if your group is late to return to the ship because the excursion ran late, the ship will wait for you. Cons: Booking direct is generally pretty limited compared to options you can find on your own, and some of the most popular excursions sell out quickly, leaving you with few options. If you wait to book an excursion when you’re on the cruise ship, for example, you will likely find few options left. Cruise excursions also tend to be more of a “cattle call”, meaning large groups herded around, which I personally dislike. The big downside, however, is that cruise excursions are also almost always more expensive, and significantly so, than independent tours. Booking an Independent Excursion Now that you know the benefits of booking a cruise excursion directly through the cruise line, you may wonder why anyone would ever want to do things differently. Well, there are some distinct advantages to going out on your own by booking an independent excursion, namely the potentially significant cost savings, and this is the way I do it. Pros: Doing your own thing and finding your own excursions gives you freedom and flexibility, and there’s so much more variety. You can also choose private drivers or private tour experiences, select small group tours, or if you’re traveling with a larger group of people, even charter your own private boat for a lower cost than most “cattle call” excursions. Independent excursions are almost always cheaper, especially when you book through a service like Viator. Cons: There’s really just one negative of going this route, but it’s a big one — the ship won’t wait for you if your tour runs late. I personally only book independent excursions, but I’m always very mindful of planning my return to ship at least two hours before the official “return to ship” time. Is it Better to Book Excursions Through the Cruise Ship or Independently? As you can probably now tell, both choices have significant upsides, as well as some big downsides and even potential risks. What you choose to do depends upon your circumstances, budget, risk tolerance, and time management skills. As noted above, I strongly recommend booking excursions directly through the cruise line if you’re a first-time cruiser. Once you’ve gotten the hang of things, and understand the importance of being back to the ship on time, going out on your own may be the best choice, given the flexibility and cost savings you will enjoy.

An employee opens the submarine hatch.
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Oranjestad

Submarine Excursion: What to Expect with this Unique Cruise Experience

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Cruisers may hesitate to partake in a submarine excursion after the tragic implosion of the Titanic submarine in 2023. Although that was a completely different situation, tourists may wonder if a submarine or submersibles are safe. According to experts, yes they are. Here’s what you can expect if you brave a submarine excursion, or something similar, popular at port destinations such as Barbados, Cozumel, Aruba, and Bonaire. Most of the cruise lines will offer these as excursions, or you can book independently. Submarine Excursions First, get the details of your submarine excursion and read reviews before booking, as it may be a “semi-submersive” experience. My experience was the real deal — a fully submerged submarine adventure at Oranjestad, the Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition. This was a great experience, but a little pricey, so now that I’ve done it once, I don’t really have a desire to do it again any time soon. If you’re claustrophobic, you’ll want to skip this one. Prepare to feel confined on a submarine excursion. Skip this one if you’re claustrophobic! On my excursion, our group met right outside the cruise port, where we were put on a water taxi and transported over to the sub. This transport took about 20 minutes each way, and then we spent approximately 90 minutes in the sub, which, for me, was more than enough time. Photos taken from a submarine will look washed out. What to Bring to a Submarine Excursion Participants don’t get wet with a submarine excursion, so you don’t need to wear or bring anything special. You’ll end up in a very cramped and confined space, as they cram tourists in, like, well — sardines in a can, so wear comfortable clothing. Getting down into the sub and back out will likely involve climbing a vertical ladder, so some degree of mobility is required, although that’s really the only physical aspect of this excursion. On my submarine adventure, our captain took us 130 feet under the surface and navigated around a couple of shipwrecks and reefs. It was really cool to float along peacefully and see what the fish see. Don’t expect vibrant colors, though, as due to the refraction of light at that depth, everything looks sort of washed out.  You likely won’t be getting any stunning, crisp photographs of marine life, but that’s okay — this one is more about the lived experience and being in the moment. Cruise Ports with Submarine Excursions My submarine adventure was in Aruba, but this is an activity offered in other Caribbean ports of call, including the following: Aruba Atlantis Submarine Expedition Oranjestad, Aruba “Semi-Sub” Atlantis Submarine Day Tour in Barbados Semi Submarine Bonaire Atlantis Submarine Experience in Cozumel If you aren’t claustrophobic or nervous about plunging into the depths of the ocean, this is a really cool and unique experience that I encourage everyone to try at least once. It’s truly an unforgettable experience and a bucket list achievement! Book a Submarine excursion

A couple pose on a wooden bridge en route to the hike up to Damajagua Falls in Dominican Republic
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, Puerto Plata

What You Need to Know About Damajagua Falls in Dominican Republic

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Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic is a popular cruise port. A well-known excursion there is Damajagua (pronounced Dah-muh-hog-wah) Waterfalls. Here are some things you should know. Damajagua Waterfalls Excursion Most of the cruise lines porting in Puerto Plata sell Damajagua Falls as an excursion, including admission and roundtrip transportation in the cost. Several independent tour operators offer this option, although cruisers do not need a formal excursion to visit Damajagua Falls. They can simply buy admission on their own. Taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive, though, so I recommend booking this as an excursion. Before booking on your own, though, be sure to check out my post about the pros and cons of independent excursions versus those sold by the cruise lines. Book Damajagua FAlls Damajagua Falls can sometimes feel overcrowded. Things You Should Know About Damajagua Waterfalls There aren’t really 27 Falls. This attraction is advertised as “the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua”, but in fact there are only around 12 waterfalls, with the rest being pools. Participants may only slide down 5-7 “waterslides”, depending upon the season and rain levels. Water shoes are encouraged, but not required. The attraction offers water shoes for rent at $3 per pair, although sizes may be limited. Whatever footwear you wear, know they will get wet and fully submerged in water. This activity is not for those with mobility limitations or who aren’t at least moderately physically fit. Participants must hike up steep hills and stairs for about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top of the “falls,” although guides do a great job of stopping periodically for rest breaks. After navigating the waterfalls, there is a 15-minute hike back to the entrance, although this is mostly on flat terrain. Participants can wear whatever they want. When I participated in this excursion, I wore a swimsuit, but others in my group wore regular clothes such as leggings and a T-shirt. Swim vests and helmets are provided and required. You may get hurt. While the guides are wonderful and do what they can to keep participants safe, this is one of those riskier excursions with a higher risk of potential injury. In my group alone, there were three injuries, albeit minor. You don’t have to jump. Participants choose how they prefer to get down from each of the waterfalls: 1) jump, 2) slide down the natural rock “waterslide” or 3) climb down a ladder. It will be crowded. This is a popular attraction, and it often runs at maximum capacity, meaning groups of up to 12-15 people are stacked up and often in the pools of water simultaneously, making things feel a little congested. You can bring your phone, but make sure it’s in a waterproof case. It’s not close to the port. Transportation to Damajagua Falls from either of the two ports in Puerto Plata will take about 30-35 minutes each way, so plan accordingly. How to Book Damajagua Falls While this is a physically demanding excursion and one that can get overcrowded, it’s still a phenomenal experience and one that was personally on my bucket list. Here’s how you can book Damajagua Falls: Book directly through your cruise line. Book in advance with an independent tour operator. Buy an excursion once you’re at the cruise port (although it may be sold out). Hire a private driver and ask him or her to take you there as one of your stops Hire a taxi and pay admission there – admission is relatively cheap, around $10 USD, although taxis in Puerto Plata are expensive. book a damajagua falls excursion Other Things to do in Puerto Plata

Red all terrain vehicles are parked on a Basseterre, St. Kitt's hillside overlooking the ocean
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, St. Kitts

What to Expect With ATV Excursion When You Cruise

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All-terrain vehicle (ATV) or utility task vehicle (UTV) excursions are popular options at many cruise ports, such as Cozuumel, Grand Turk, Costa Maya, San Juan, Aruba, and others. I’ve always had my eye on such an excursion and I finally had the opportunity to do it at a recent stop in Basseterre, St. Kitts. Cost of an ATV Excursion The cruise lines offer ATV excursions, or you can book independently. With my experience, I went with Spectrum ATV Tours, where the per-person cost is around $110, or $50 for children under age 16 who ride along with someone else. It’s important to check the requirements of your ATV excursion, as they may vary, but in my experience, the minimum age to drive an ATV was 16, and no driver’s license was necessary. What to Bring to an ATV Excursion Most ATV operators will recommend that participants wear close-toed shoes, but I wore sandals and didn’t have an issue (although close-toed shoes are definitely a much safer option). Participants with long hair should tie their hair back, because otherwise it’s an annoyance, and wearing sunscreen is strongly advised since you’ll be out in the sun for much of your experience. If the local climate has been dry, it’s wise to wear a bandana or face covering if you have one. While not required, it will help keep dust out of your face, nose, and mouth. Your tour operator will provide you with safety gear, including a helmet and glasses. Cruise Ports with ATV Excursions While my ATV excursion was in St. Kitts, this is a commonly offered activity at many cruise ports, including the following: What an ATV Cruise Excursion is Like Most operators provide tours in small groups, and ours was somewhat large, with 12 participants and three guides. They did a great job keeping everyone safe, and we had multiple stops to allow the slower drivers to catch up. We traversed some rocky hills, straightaways that allowed us to put the pedal to the metal, and a part of the path that afforded a stunning ocean view. Wildlife was abundant, which was a highlight of the excursion for me. I absolutely loved my ATV experience, although it was a bit intimidating at first since it had been years since I had driven an ATV. Many of the folks in my group were newbies, so our tour guide instructed us on how to operate the vehicle, and we took a couple of practice laps before heading off onto the path. The tour took about 3 hours, including about an hour and 45 minutes of ATV drive time, 25 minutes each way to and from the cruise port (our operator provided transportation included with the cost), and time to sign waivers and get prepared before driving off. The staff of Spectrum ATV Tours were outstanding, friendly, and always kept us safe. I knew I would get dirty, but I was surprised at the extent of it. St. Kitts was in a dry period, so I had dust all over me. If you participate in an ATV excursion, be certain to wear clothes that you don’t mind to soil. If it’s rainy, you will very likely get muddy. While it’s a filthy experience, it’s one worth doing and I loved every moment of it. I’m an active person who tends to get bored on lengthy standard group port tours, so this is right up my alley in presenting a unique way to explore a port city. Cruise ATV Excursions

Grenada Chocolate Museum
Caribbean, Cruise Tips, Excursions, St. George's

Grenada Chocolate Museum: Something Free to Do at St. George’s Cruise Port

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If you’re looking for free things to do in Grenada when porting at St. George’s, I recommend visiting the Grenada House of Chocolate. Grenada isn’t a stop where the port is a destination, like Taino Bay or Grand Turk, nor is there a beach or pool accessible by foot. If you’re trying to save money on a taxi or excursion, the Grenada House of Chocolate is a free and fun option that is a short walk from the cruise terminal.  (Note: the streets of St. George’s are not accessible, so if you have mobility issues or use a wheelchair or scooter, I do not recommend navigating the town).  Grenada Chocolate Museum The Grenada House of Chocolate touts itself as a museum, but it’s really a store with some educational components. There are lots of signs and some small exhibits, but the star of the show is the free demonstration that occurs every 15-20 minutes or so, where a House of Chocolate employee describes the “bean to bar” process. The best part is that all of these things are free, and the House of Chocolate even provides free WiFi to guests. There are also bite-sized chocolate samples available, so guests can try bits of chocolate with varying percentages of cacao, up to 100%.   The Grenada House of Chocolate provides free demos to explain the “bean to bar” process. Free Things to Do in Grenada While a purchase is certainly not required, the House of Chocolate has a wide variety of food and other items for purchase. There is a gift shop with Grenada souvenirs, packaged food items (not just chocolate, but also things like honey), a broad array of chocolates, and ready-to-eat foods. This includes baked goods, hot and iced chocolate and coffee drinks, ice creams, smoothies, and more. I recommend the Grenada Cocoa Tea if you want an authentic local taste. While the locals drink it hot, an iced version features chocolate, tea, and nutmeg ice cream.  The Grenada House of Chocolate offers baked goods and specialty chocolates. I’m always on the lookout for free activities at cruise port calls, and this one also gives cruisers a great local experience and some education about the production of chocolate. Since it’s so close to port, it’s definitely worth the stop, even if you enjoy a day at the beach or on an excursion.  What to Expect at the Chocolate Museum https://youtu.be/ONrWpMmCsz0 St. Mary’s Cathedral, also known as Visby Cathedral, is a significant historical and religious site. The cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a beautiful example of medieval architecture. Like many of Visby’s other historic sites, there is no entrance fee to visit the cathedral. 

Exploring Grand Turk in a Golf Cart
Caribbean, Excursions, Grand Turk

Exploring Grand Turk in a Golf Cart

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Search for Grand Turk golf cart rental, and you’ll quickly realize that this is one of the most popular ports for renting a golf cart. There are many rental options, both available officially through the cruise lines or you can go on your own with a third-party vendor to save money. If you go the latter route, note that you’ll have to walk a bit outside the confines of the Grand Turk Cruise Center. You’ll just hang a right once into port and head toward the taxi stand under the brown awning and keep on going. It’s a little bit of a hike, but you can get there on foot in less than 10 minutes. The good news is that because Grand Turk golf cart rentals are so common, there are several golf cart vendors. The bad news is that because this is such a popular way to see the island they often sell out. So, if you want to explore Grand Turk via a golf cart, do not expect to rent one on the same day. You will want to plan ahead and book in advance.  A golf cart rental in Grand Turk costs around $110. What to Expect Upon arrival, you’ll need to show your driver’s license and complete a waiver, and then you’re free to go! Most vendors will provide you with an island map, but it’s an easy space to navigate as it’s just six miles in total length, from the extreme south, where the port is located, to the extreme north. Along the way, you can visit some of these awesome locations, highlighted in my Five Things to Do in Grand Turk – Without an Excursion post. One of the things I love about the Grand Turk Cruise Center is that it’s an ideal spot for a free beach day, with a gorgeous and clean beach located right at the port. On a recent visit, I decided to see what the hype was about and explore the island beyond the boundaries of just the port area, and, wow — I had an amazing time! Cost of a Golf Cart Rental in Grand Turk We rented a cart for the day from Paradise Carts, which offers a standard four-person golf cart for about $110. They provided us with a map of Grand Turk, highlighting some of the key stops along the way, and off we went! It was a bit jarring at first, as they drive on the left-hand side of the road in Grand Turk, so we had to remain mindful of that. These carts don’t exactly burn rubber, so expect also to be passed often by drivers in cars, and you’ll encounter numerous other drivers in carts, ATVS, and all manner of other vehicles along your journey.  Cockburn Town Beach (Outfit: Acelitt sleeveless dress) Highlights of Grand Turk On the way out of port, we stopped at the colorful Grand Turk sign for a quick photo opp, then headed up the western Coast, stopping at Governor’s Beach and Pillory Beach along the way. It was very windy this day, which has often been the case on my prior visits to Grand Turk, so it wasn’t optimal for a beach day, although we did enjoy a couple of hours of sand and sun. We stopped several times to enjoy the antics of the wild donkeys, visited the quaint shops of Cockburn Town, and stopped at the famous Jack’s Shack on the way back to port. It’s amazing how much we fit into one short port call (we had to be back onboard by 3:30 PM), and this was only possible because we had the freedom and flexibility of the golf cart. While I love a good Grand Turk free beach day right at port, I’m so glad I ventured out this time to see the rest of what the island has to offer. Other Things to do in Grand Turk

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