Mexico and Costa Rica

Wed 18th Oct: A 6 am start to make sure we got down to the ferry terminal in time for the 8 am ferry to Cozumel Island. With fifth Ave alot less busier at this time of morning, we made the 3.5 km walk with time to spare, so took a few photos at the beautiful mermaid arch and "Playa del Carmen" sign before boarding for the 40 minute trip across to San Miguel, the only town on the island. Our snorkeling tour wasn't until 9.30, so we had a look around a few of the nearby shops until our pick up time. After getting picked up we had about a 10 minute drive to the marina where we joined an American family of grandparents, parents, and 3 children from the cruise ship, and another older American couple. Took about 40 minutes to get out to first spot at Palancar reef. The water is probably the clearest we have ever snorkelled in and had a good array of fish, which was helped by our guide feeding them. There were quite a few groups out, and we had to stay close to ours at all times, so a bit annoying couldn't really go and explore to much from the immediate vicinity, but apart from that it was really good. My ears were hurting when I dived under, but otherwise I felt good, although did forget the earplugs, because at the last minute leaving this morning I transfered my gear into Doug's day pack and somehow the earplugs got missed - I think they would have struggled to stay in anyway. We then boarded the boat and drove about 5 minutes to Columbia Reef. Here was the grass the turtles feed on and we were in luck one was there, plus other fishes. Back on board and another short time we were at the sandy bottom of Starfish Beach. Our final stop for the day was in a shallow area El Cielo, for beers and sodas and also where we spotted quite a few rays swimming around. It was quite windy here and it was much warmer in the water than out. Back on board for the final time, we had corn chips and freshly made guacamole and salsa to enjoy, and then a very wet and cold trip back to the marina. We then had an opportunity to purchase the photos that our guide had been taking, and when we saw the clarity of the underwater photos, we couldn't resist. We were then dropped back into the centre of town. We decided to suss out price to hire a vehicle for the rest of the day to explore more of the island, after a few different prices we settled on a scooter for $300 mxn, with return time of 7 pm. It was about 3 pm when we finally got on out way and with 75 kms to get around not a lot of time to muck around. Heading south the shops soon merged into hotels and beach clubs. The rental company said if we showed the Bahia Uvus Club our map which he had written on, we could get free entry and the following things free - 5 minute massage, snorkeling gear and shot of tequila. The first guy we showed the map too looked confused but another staff member nearby came and said okay and said take a seat, then asked if we wanted anything. Doug ordered a coke, I was a bit worried about our dwindling pesos so I didn't get anything thank goodness because a can of coke costed NZ$6. The free items weren't offered, so I thought I would have a quick look at what the snorkeling from the shore offered. Had a few different fishes, but I keep comparing to Rarotonga and it was no where near that standard. Doug spent longer in the water exploring. Finally we were back zipping down the road again. Basically the west and south coastline was just lined with resorts and beachclubs and then you hit the wild eastside and had only a few restaurants. I was hoping to go to the lighthouse and ruins at the south east point but it was $300 mxn entry each and we didn't have that much. Did see a strange looking animal cross the road in front of us. When I Google it when I got back I'm pretty sure it was a Coati. Stopped on the east coast for a break and some photos, not much else to see really and didn't fancy another swim. Got back to San Miguel about 6.30pm. After dropping off the bike we took some photos at the waterfront, and decided we would try and make the 7 pm ferry back to Playa del Carmen. With only minutes to spare we got to the ticket office only to find their credit card machine wasn't working and we didn't have enough cash. Bugger another hour to wait til the next ferry. We went and exchanged US$100 and then tried to find a non-tourist restaurant. Eventually the smells coming out of one, and time running out we made our choice. I was keen for fajitas since we haven't had them yet. They didn't do them but the waiter. said the Alambres were similar, so I got beef and Doug pork, and was extremely happy with them, absolutely delicious, probably my favorite meal in Mexico. And to end our Mexican adventure I also treated myself to a Strawberry Marguerite, although later when we were walking back to the apartment I wished I had stuck to Coke like Doug because I could have done with the energy burst. Anyway after our dinner we had to rush again to the ferry terminal and this time got on board for the 8 pm crossing. After the tiring walk back, I was more than ready for bed.Read more