Shore excursions on the Conquest

[luv2getaway]

My husband, myself and our 2 kids (ages 7 and 11) at going on the Conquest on Nov. 9. We would like to do Martha Brae river rafting in Jamaica, Stingray City on Grand Cayman and Chakanaab Park swim with the dolphins in Cozumel. I prefer to venture on our own instead of cruise shore excursions. Does anyone have advice or hints? Should I reserve the dolphin swim ahead of time?

 

[crisp1]

I have been to Cozumel 2x, both times went to Playa Sol. I want to go to Chankanaab also for the dolphin swim. I understand the beach there is not, and the water is deep in the lagoon. The layout for Playa Sol is great for kids. Trampolines, plenty of water sports etc. They have a web page, but I forget the address.

 

[Nanatravel]

We too are on the Conquest but 10/26. I also am looking at private tours or personal arrangements because we have been to each island many times before. At Montego bay, I am communicating with a-zjamaicaplanners (Belinda) and barrettadventures (Carolyn). Both tour companies are getting rave reviews. Capt. Marvin and Capt. Brian have been recommended on line for their Sting Ray City tours at Grand Cayman including additional snorkeling. At Cozumel, a taxi is about $14 to Mr. Sancho's or Nachi Cocom both beach clubs that don't have entry fees. Playa del Sol is really nice, but with 5 cruise ships in port (I checked yesterday on-line) that adds up to about 10,000 people on shore, the place may be pretty crowded and jumping especially since ship tours go there, too.
Bon Voyage

 

[Sodey]

Reserve the Dolphin swim ahead of time to make sure you can go. (get's pretty crowded and you are there on a Friday). In Cozumel, as soon as you get off the ship,walk straight to the Taxi stand which is behind all the shops. Pay $10 total (not per person) to Chankanaab. Once at Chankanaab, walk right to the beach and head south until just south of the raft. Set up your beach stuff there. Clean restrooms,bar, food etc.. right behind you. Snorkel in the water along the shore until time for your dolphin swim.

In Grand Cayman, book earliest and shortest tour with Captain Marvins. Take earliest tenders to shore. Walk 3 blocks to Captain Marvins storefront. While waiting for van, you can do some quick shopping right there. They pick you up and drive you to boat. When snorkeling and at Stingray city, try to have you and kids do crazy things in the water. Hold hands, wave, hold Stingrays, have them put them on your heads etc.. The video photograper with Cap. Marvins will catch this all on tape. You can then purchase that video(put to calypso music) as a souvenier. Once off Cap Marvins boat, have driver drop you off at Holiday Inn Beach. Holiday Inn is free, and they have a great open air restaurant for lunch! After lunch, lay around on 7-mile beach (beautiful!). Finally, walk to Taxi stand and go back to dock.

In Jamaica, book Carolyn Barrett but once you have an itinerary with Carolyn, list your itinerary on these message boards and invite others (especially with kids your kids ages )to join you and split Carolyn's cost. You'll be amazed at how quick people will join you because many of them are apprehensive about doing it themselves but will join if someone else sets it all up. After your river experience, ask Carolyn to take you to the local jerk chicken stand (great food but I would never have driven in there myself!)
also, she knows a small craft fair to get good deals on Jamaican crafts with no one to hassle you.

 

[LHP]

Also, be aware that while Nachi Cocom does not have an entry fee...they do expect you to eat and drink at least $10 per person. Of course, Mr Sanchos expects you to do that as well...but they don't put a dollar amount on it. Nachi Cocom has the best pool =, but Mr Sanchos does has a small pool in front of their restroom, shower and lockers. I have not tried Nachi Cocom food or drinks....but Mr. Sanchos' are excellent. They are basically side by side along the beach. What I do like about Mr. Sanchos is that they don't "bug you". When you are ready, you just wave a hand and they are right there. Also the menu's are in pecos....which will be about 10% American. So don't freak when you look at the menu and nachos are $55.00. ; ) Mr. Sanchos also now has water trampolines which are $4 for 2 hours...along with jet skis ($60 for 1/2 hour) and horseback riding at set times (I did not get the prices).

I agree with the earlier poster...if you are interested in doing anything with Dolphins...personally I would book that one through the cruise ship...just to make sure you are not disappointed with them being booked up. We rarely use ship excursions any more...but I would hate for you to wait and then not get to do it. Especially if you want the Swim and Snorkle as opposed to just the Encounter (which is just standing on the platform).