Cozumel Tours — Local services in San Miguel de Cozumel

I booked the private 4 stop snorkel tour for 10 from a cruise ship in early December.

The good:

communication prior and after trip price crew food pick up/drop off making it back to the dock after trip acknowledgement for our concerns (the owner John refunded us 1/2 of the tour cost and offered a free tour for 4 the next time we were in Cozumel) got close to Manta Rays snorkel sites were current floats so we didn’t have to swim far to the boat

The not so good:

were overbooked on a boat with outboard motors that did not work properly (despite making reservation a month before) boat had known engine issues, so it was 1/3 the speed it should have been communication while on the trip, needed Google translate to try and communicate only 1 hour total in the water for a 4.5 hour trip after 4 stops 2 of the snorkel sites were deep reefs (~30’) so fish were far away on board toilet was out of service

Three of our crew were injured just before the tour, the company was good as they gave us a full refund for two even though it was less than 24 hours. Only 7 could make it so we paid for 8 to keep the private tour.

The boat had 2 - 150hp outboards but despite both throttles being at max position one was running just above idle speed and the other was about 1/3 speed. The “good” engine had to be restarted 3x on the way to the first spot. It also had trouble starting at the dock but we didn’t think anything of it.

So given the engine trouble even before we reached the first snorkel location we were getting worried we may not make it back to the dock (4 of us on board have lots of experience with outboards so we knew something was wrong).

I used Google Translate to explain our concerns to the Captain and his assistant (this was his 3rd week working with the company). They acknowledged our concerns and asked when we needed to be back to the cruise ship. They assured us we would get back in time and said the first snorkel spot was close.

One of us had cell coverage so we called the number from the web site. Sophia answered the phone and after I explained our concerns she said she would have Carla call us back as she (Sophia) said she only worked in the web site.

Unfortunately we didn’t receive a call back.

We got to the first site and did the snorkel for 15 minutes of water time.

Then we went to the next two site (Starfish beach and where the sting rays were). Both sites had about 15 minutes of water time.

Then as we turned around the Captain and helper made us lunch (corn taco chips, ceviche, pico gallo, avocado and pineapples, it was good.

After we were served lunch the helper asked me if we had time to snorkel the last site, I said yes so we stopped at another deep reef and were in the water for another 15 minutes, so about an hour total for the trip.

We were very happy to get back to the dock!

Our ride back to the ship berth was waiting for us so our return went well.

Luckily we had time to snorkel in front of Senor Frogs beside the cruise ship dock, it was very good, I highly...

We are a family of 4 booked a private transport from Cozumel airport to ferry and from Playa del Carmen ferry to Xcaret hotel. We privately paid for the Ferry. First - the price from Cozumel airport to the Cozumel ferry was $99 which was a rip off which I later understood because its only 1.9 miles (3.1kms). I want to know form this company who charges that much for that short distance. We were told that a person will be holding a placard with with our name - that was not there - I had to call and find out whom to contact. Anyways this first leg was good by the company, as once I met the representative - very quickly we were at the ferry in a spacious van. We took the ferry and reached Playa-del carmen. When we got out there was no one there ( Which we were told that a person will be holding a placard with with our name. This is where our nightmare started. After multiple calls they said to go outside and wait at a place called de Antigua which is like 1/2 mile from the ferry exit. It wouldn't have been a big problem had they told me that between the road and ferry exit there is a mall which has stone bricks laid. Now just imagine me hauling 4 suitcases with my special needs child through this cobblestone paved mall road. Once we reached the place where we were told to stand the driver took about 40 mins to reach. We were standing at the side of the road. So much for the private booking!. When the driver came it was a small car and not a van which was spacious. Our pick up back to the Playa del Carmen was similar. And worse was our pick up from Cozumel ferry to Cozumel airport - it was in a run down taxi without any AC and horrible stench in the care. So my fellow visitors DO NOT USE THEIR SERVICES. I know my writing is of no use as this company will continue to fleece people like us who don't have much information but I feel even if one person doesn't use their services because of what I have written then my frustration is paid back. LOL. It will be seen if the company...

Did the ATV, Cenote (Jade Caverns), and Beach Break Tour through Cozumel Tours by Johann and Sandra as a cruise excursion.

NCL ported at Punta Langosta which was NOT a 4 minute walk to Royal Village, it would have been closer to a 1 hour walk so we took a $15 taxi instead.

Robert was a great guide! My small group of 2 had Robert all to ourselves which was fantastic!

We were lucky to be the first tour group to arrive at the cenote. Robert appeared to be the only tour guide that had a safety flotation device while jumping in since the water is very deep. To avoid extra costs bring sunglasses so you don't need to rent the ATV goggles and bring your own bandana if you're worried about dirt getting kicked up. I also recommend using a bookbag you can put on your shoulders during the ATV ride especially if you want towels after the cenote.

The beach club we went to was Playa Las Uvas Beach Club. Uvas had good food, but we didn't buy any extra food or alcoholic drinks that were not included in our package due to the high cost (like $15 for nachos). Snorkeling was subpar with cheap equipment. If you are truly looking for a good snorkel excursion I would pick another.

The only weird thing was that they made us drive the car to the ATV location and beach club instead of the guide. Not sure why this was done because at the end when it was raining the guide drove the car back from the beach club to the original location.

Overall a good experience...