Best Way to get from Tulum to Cozumel?

[Lisa A.]

My family and I will be staying at the Dreams Tulum resort later this month (family wedding).

We would like to take a day trip to Cozumel. We have been to the island before but would like some advice on best way to get from resort to ferry in Playa del Carmen, without taking the official Apple tour.

I suspect that we will need to take a cab into Tulum and then take a bus? Is that possible?

We will be traveling with two children, 8 and 6.

Thanks! Love this great info on this forum!

[DougSR]

I suspect that we will need to take a cab into Tulum and then take a bus? Is that possible?


If you don't have a car that would be the easiest, most economical solution. The bus goes from Tulum into PDC. Walk over to the ferry and viola!

[Gale in KY]

I just did this in March. You can get a cab into Tulum, then take a bus to Playa. The bus is about $4 and takes 1 hr from Tulum to Playa. It arrives at the new bus station, so you will have to walk a few blocks down the ferry dock. Bus from Tulum runs every hour. Ferry to Coz $11us, runs every hour, except at noon..no ferry at noon,. takes 30-45 minutes to cross, depending on the weather and seas.

[austxdan]

Seems like that would work . . . but I always hate starting out a trip heading in the wrong direction (Yes, sort of like heading from Austin to Dallas and then south to Mexico).

Since Dreams Tulum is actually a bit north of Tulum, my choice for you would be to hoof it out to 307, and hop a collectivo north to PDC. They'll drop you off just a couple blocks west of the Bus station. It will cost you probably about $2.50 USD ($25 MXP) per person and be a lot more fun than a bus.

Collectivos run from 5:00 am to 10:00 PM according to this (http://www.travelyucatan.com/collectivo.php). Of course it also says only $20 MXP Tulum to PDC, so I think its dated a bit.

Be adventurous - try the collectivo, you won't regret it.


Dan

[AdGuy]

Be adventurous - try the collectivo, you won't regret it.


Dan...if it were you/Chris or me/Jennifer, I'd agree with your collectivo recommend. But two folks dragging a 6 year old and 8 year old? Not so sure it would be "a lot more fun" for Lisa and hubby with all the travelling they'll be doing that day. I think the taxi/bus option would work best for them. :)

[Lisa A.]

Lee...
I agree, hubby and I would be more than willing to do the Collectivo if we were without the kids.

Thank you all for the info. I will investigate and post again if I get stuck.

I would appreciate thoughts good places to take the kids snorkeling. I read somewhere on this forum that Akumal/Half Moon Bay might be good for that. What do you think?

[Gale in KY]

Akumal Bay absolutely has the best snorkeling in the entire area! Best part of all is you can do it from the beach, no booking tours or boat rides necessary. The water is usually quite smooth and easy to snorkel, even for the little ones, but it has been "discovered"..and is alot more crowded with snorkel tours that come in from other areas than it used to be. It's still the very best there is to offer as far as snorkeling goes.
Not sure if "Hallnass" is a member here, but I HAVE to share her BIG Tortuga video..it's posted to youtube, so I dont' think it's a problem.
Check this out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k26ZPhSQUKQ&feature=related

And another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLCxcSWEQy4&feature=related

Minnie has the tortuga pictures, she always manages to find the turtles in the bay!

You can find lots of underwater shots from Akumal on Locogringo. There is an abundance of marine life in the bay.

This one is a good view of Akumal Snorkeling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPIDvt_iq4Q&feature=related


Akumal for snorkeling is a triple play, if the bay is too rough, you can visit Yakul Lagoon just north of the main bay..it's usually calm, but go early before the tour groups stir it up..the visiblility is not always great, but it's a good place for the kids to get used to snorkeling.

In between Yakul and Akumal Bay is Half Moon Bay..GREAT snorkeling but the water entry is not good..it's rocky and there is alot of turtle grass. I saw alot of rays in Half Moon in early May, they are so beautiful.

[minniemex]

I think it is a great idea to snorkel Akumal Bay with the kids!! We had our grandchildren out with us while we snorkeled and they just followed along. They were only 3 & 5 at the time!! I agree with Gale, if it is rough just go to Yal Ku as it is always calm. I saw some younger snorkelers entering Half Moon Bay in front of La Buena Vida - so that might also be a place to go with the kids. The entry seemed somewhat better than other parts of the bay.

Here are some turtles from Akumal Bay -
http://s86.photobucket.com/pbwidget.swf?pbwurl=http://w86.photobucket.com/albums/k83/Minniemex/Akumal%20April%202007/1177643314.pbw

[susan]

If your kids haven't snorkeled before definately do Yal ku. They will see lots of fish and rock formations. it would be an easy swim for them and more relaxing for you. If it is a relatively calm day Akumal bay is great as well but any wave action really stirs up the water.

I think your kids would love an eco tour which includes snorkeling in Punta Allen.

[Lisa A.]

Thank you all for the great advice!