All inclusive vacations are super fun, in my opinion, it’s very comforting knowing that you are going to go on an adventure and everything is going to be cover on the price of your room. Not have to worry about how much this meal is going to cost or how much your bar tab is running up is freeing. We were so excited about this trip because it was our first time in Cozumel and it was a chance for us to explore this beautiful island. There is so much to see and do in Cozumel.
Getting There
We are very fortunate we live in a city that has straight flights into Cancun, for us it is about 2h 10 minutes and we are there. From Cancun, you can take another flight to Cozumel through Mayair (it’s limited flights and can be expensive) or you can take the bus to Playa Del Carmen, the station is 2 blocks from the ferry. We decided to take a shuttle since it was 3 of us and all our luggage (I’m working on traveling light from now on) so we got dropped off in front of the mall in Playa and all we had to do was walk down to the ferry terminal, just a heads up, if you have a lot of suitcases like we did, you are going to be dragging them over a cob stone covered walkway, it felt like the wheels on our luggage were going to come off. There are different companies so we bought a one way ticket, that way we did not have to wait for a specific ferry company on the way back, also the shuttle we used for dropping us off would be waiting for us on the way back, they give you a time for you to be waiting for them where they drop you off. In my opinion, that is the way to go, you don’t have to worry about who is driving you or how much it’s going to cost because you already paid in advance.
Where we stayed
I am a bargain shopper for everything I buy and when I start planning my vacation it’s no different, my friends make jokes about the deals I get on vacations. I booked this one on a black Friday deal and got an extra special price for a seven-day vacation for a 2 adults and a child on a 5-star Resort.
The Iberostar Cozumel is located on the southern part of the Island about 25 minutes from the Ferry depending on traffic. The resort grounds were beautiful and well kept with lots of greenery and trees that provide some needed shade when you are walking from your room to the restaurants or lobby. Its unique rustic architecture brings indoor and outdoor together.
We decide to pay a little extra to get a beachfront walkout bungalow that we all loved so much, we could lay under the palapa on the beach and still watch my daughter swinging on the hammock on our patio, she also loved to interact with the lizard that lived under the patio. Iberostar offers lots options for dining no matter what kind of diet you are on, they are very accommodating in all the restaurants and the several bars on the property have all the refreshing vacation cocktails that we liked.
The entertainment staff was one of the happiest that I ever have seen, always trying to make all the guests feel included in all the activities. they had an extensive schedule with activities ranging from archery to bo
Things We Did
Something we do on all of our trips and we love is to snorkel, Cozumel is well known for its Barrier Reef System, as a matter of fact, our resort was packed with divers because of being so close to the best diving spots around the world, there were boats leaving regularly full of divers. I’m not a great swimmer but everyone said that you don’t have to be a good swimmer to dive so I thought I would try a free diving lesson that the resort offers and at this point, I’m sorry to say that diving is not for me yet. But we did snorkel off the beach and we took a snorkeling trip from the on-site dive center. We got to see some magnificent reef, some abundant sea life including assorted fish and even some turtles.
I did a lot of research before we left but we decide that this was going to be a relaxing trip, the only thing we wanted to do was rent a Jeep and drive around the island, we also wanted to go to Coconuts bar and grill, so we did, it’s located on the highest point in Cozumel so the view is magnificent, if you have some extra time it might be interesting to make a pit stop.
On our way, we did visit Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, a state park full of interesting history, beautiful flora, and curious birds and animals. The drive into the park is somewhat bumpy, there are tons of potholes that no matter where you try to swerve the car you still end up in one. You have to allocate at least a couple of hours for this trip, there is an observatory tower that allows you to see some crocodiles and some exotic birds and across from that that is a Mayan Ruin called El Caracol, in this spot, there was a park ranger to explain to us the history of this site. Driving a little further, we arrived at the Celarain lighthouse, we enjoyed going up to the top and witnessing some of the most breathtaking views, lots of picture taking opportunities. Downstairs there is a museum of navigation where we got to learn and see some artifacts from Mexican history. Outside the museum we found some local merchants selling their souvenirs and I love to see all the homemade stuff that these talented people have to offer, there is also a food type of truck that sells homemade juices and snacks.
We did not plan to stay there the whole day but I regretted that decision, the beach there is stunning, you can kayak, snorkel or just lay on the beach, or you can take a 45-minute boat ride and see more crocodiles.
While on our drive around Cozumel we made a stop in downtown to check all the local shops and have some refreshments, we always like to try the local cuisine, after that it was time to get back to our resort.
While in the resort, we did lots of walks on the beach, spent time at the pool, played some beach games with the resort staff, ate some yummy food, enjoyed some tasty cocktails, watched some entertaining shows, but the most important of all we spent time as a family.
Here are 3 little tips for you:
- Avoid shopping near the cruise ships. Try to shop on an off day for Ships. My daughter was having her hair braided and the lady said she had not had one sale that day so she was trying to make a deal with me, which brings me to my next tip.
- Bargain with them, they always start at the highest and come down.
- Explore the east side. We visited a few bars and restaurants there and they are all super friendly and have a gorgeous view.
- Walk along the beach and pay attention in the water, that was how we found this bea
u tiful Starfish.
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“To Travel Is To Live”. – Hans Christian Anderson
All the Best,
Patricia M.
This vacation was taken in 2018, some of the attraction may have changed.
I love the photos. Such a happy family and I can see that you had loads of fun. Mexico is on our list of countries to visit in the future. Cozumel looks like a place that has something for each member of the family.
This looks like a beautiful place and everyone had fun. That starfish is amazing!
Looks like a great family trip. Good you got to get out and explore. Such a neat island.
Wow the place in Mexico is superb. Love the beaches, the wild life and the food. The photos are great.
Bargain is sometime fun to do. These pics are great. I would love to visit those hut for staycation. Your daughter is holding such a big starfish :O I am amazed .
I almost went there last year. I would really like to plan another trip there!
This looks so fun. I am definitely adding this to the top of my bucket list. Very beautiful place
What a dream vacation! Cozumel is stunning I remember its turquoise waters and friendly people. It looks like you had a great time. Thanks for the tips, I didn’t know about the ferry.
Oh my! That star fish is humongous! I want to visit Mexico soon. Hopefully we can.
looks magical
I am dreaming to visit Mexico one day! This looks like the perfect place to relax and spend some quality time with your loved ones! Thanks for sharing I will add Cozumel to my bucket list!
wow, you guys really had great fun, wish to be there someday. thanks for this
Such a lovely place to spend the summer! I wouldn’t want to get too close with those reptiles, though.
Those starfish are so stunning. Seems like a perfect place for family outing. I bet you all enjoyed.
So cool! I was in Cozumel for a cruise last month! It’s beautiful there
Mexico is such a nice place so I am sure you enjoyed your vacation there. <3
Your Cozumel trip looks like a splendid family getaway. Love your pictures and my favorite is your daughter with a starfish! She looks adorable!
It looks like you had a great time on your trip. I have always wanted to travel to Cozumel. Your pictures are great and really capture your trip.
wow! the vacation looks so very good! absolutely fantastic, inspiring and pretty! I loved everything about it so much! I wish I was there too
The pictures are absolutely awesome. It is pretty obvious you had an awesome time with your trip. I am quite jealous actually.
Oh my goodness I just want to climb into your pictures and never leave! Thank you so much for sharing such a gorgeous trip with all of us
I love all inclusive. I am going to Mexico – near Cozumel soon so I would love to see if I can get an all inclusive stay as well.
This vacation seems like the perfect one for families. Animals, underwater activities, and so many other things to do to keep everyone busy and no one bored.
Love Cozumel. Incredible scuba diving and some really nice little eateries too. Lovely photos.
Judging by the pictures, you guys had great fun no doubt.
I love your photos.. I dream of visiting Mexico.. hopefully soon.. And ohhh that’s the biggest starfish I’ve ever seen…beautiful indeed.
Oh my your post has brought back sweet memories. Many years ago we took a Caribbean cruise and one of the stops was Cozumel. Though we had only a few hours I was totally mesmerized by the blue water and back then when you walked into the sea just knee deep, we got to see those beautiful star fish and stingrays. Though I did keep away from the iguanas!
Such a beautiful place and pictures. Glad you guys had a fun time.
cozumel is already in my travel list from a long time.
Thanks for the detailed review.
good
Cozumel is a blast! I was there for the last two years and it’s so much fun!
I like being able to read a travel diary towards a destination so beautiful and exotic, but for families!
I would also love to snorkel in Cozumel- perhaps that why I love beach destinations. Anyway, Cozumel is so calm and you’re really the right person when it comes to saving for travel- you get to enjoy beautiful experiences at amazing places on good discounts. I should follow your foot steps now!
This looks like such a fun trip! Loved seeing all the pics!
This sounds like such a fun time! Your pictures are awesome 😀
I’ve not yet had the pleasure of visiting Cozumel before, but it looks like such a dream! I’d love to go over and explore the area for myself one day soon. 🙂
Seems like you had a great time.
Thanks for sharing the experience and photos. Absolutely loved it.
Great fam bam photographs! An ultimate Mexico road trip with my mom is still counted in my bucket list!
This looks like a fantastic adventure. There is so much to see and do. Definitely a must try destination!
Wow! This looks like a fab trip and you certainly had a lot of fun! I loved the pictures. Wasn;t the iguana scary? :O
Also, I loved the last picture with the starfish <3
I now know who to contact when I plan to travel to Mexico. It is closer and I might go there, hopefully
The places is really amazing. And so lovely family you have! Thanks for sharing your travel adventure with us. I enjoy looking at your pictures and all i say is “it’s all great shot and views!” And i really love the animals too. <3
Love all your pictures! This looks like such a fun family vacation! Thanks so much for sharing your adventure, it gives me the itch to travel.
Oh my gosh, that place looks really an amazing place to visit. Everything are so beautiful in this place and this is definitely a perfect destination for your next travel.
Mexico is one of my dream places for a visit. I love its beautiful scenery, culture and food. It seems you had a really wonderful family time there! 🙂
I absolutely ADORE Cozumel, it’s such a beautiful place. Looks like you had fun. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!
hVent been to mexico and it’s one of the places husband and i would want to visit. their rich culture and food can be so enticing.
I have never been in Cozumel. Now is my bucket list. It seams like you have fun there. Thanks for sharing!
Cozumel sounds like a wonderful place to visit with the family especially since it has plenty of exciting areas to explore like and activities to do. Looks like you guys had tons of fun during your stay.
That place looks magical. Having a holiday in Mexico is our dream. I hope it will come true one day.
The towel creatures are so adorably cute! I’ve actually never been to Mexico before, and the views look incredible here!
Oh my gosh! What a pretty resort! Our girls would love it here, too, especially with all those animals. 🙂
It looks like a beautiful place to enjoy an all-inclusive vacation. I especially love that amazing starfish you found.