Chanakaab Park and Key West

[Nicnme]

I would like any info you can provide about how to "do it yourself" for Key West - we would like to go to the aquarium and pirate museum (if time permits). Also info for Chanakaab Park in Cozumel. I found this site VERY useful and $$$ saving when planning our last cruise exersions. Thank you everyone!!!! This place is great! 8)

[Divemaster]

Take the tram/trolly into town - both the aquarium and treasure museum are close. Try the aquarium first to see a ray feeding and be sure to play around with the critters in the tide pool.

Originally Posted by Nicnme

I would like any info you can provide about how to "do it yourself" for Key West - we would like to go to the aquarium and pirate museum (if time permits). Also info for Chanakaab Park in Cozumel. I found this site VERY useful and $$$ saving when planning our last cruise exersions. Thank you everyone!!!! This place is great! 8)

[Donna]

In Cozumel, its very easy to get a cab over to Chankanaab park, great way to spend the day in Cozumel. There is plenty to do there including snorkeling, huge beach area, food and they also have the Dolphin swim going on there. No problem getting a cab back to the pier when you are finished for the day. Although, if you are interested in doing the Dolphin swim, I recommend pre-book that at Dolphin Discovery, it does fill up quickly.

[Nicnme]

I appreciate the information - but it leads to more questions

In KW for the tram / trolly - how far from the pier is it and approximate cost?

In Cozumel - I was there in 2005, since then there has been some hurricane damage. Anyone know the status of the pier? And do you have to walk to the "gate" for the taxi to the Park and approximate cost of the taxi trip?

Thanks again everyone.

[Hot Nail]

Key West is a fun place to go and bar hop! Even if you don't drink that much, it is still fun to do that a bit at Key West. They have a bunch of really cool island type bars in town that have that "feel" to them. Have a great time!

[Cruze Lover]

We did the Trolley Tour in KW. When you disembark, walk into town and bear left. I believe the tour we used was accross from a pirate museum.
If I recall back to 2003, it was about $20 pp and you could get off at any stop and explore. The drivers were funny and very informative and it was a great way to see KW and get a feel for it. This Buffett fan highly recommends you stop at Margaritaville.
We have been to Cozumel twice. The first time we did the Fury Catamaran trip which is one of the best excusions I have ever done.....snorkeling, time at private beach with kayaks, then dancing onboard on the way back! Last March we were back again and took a taxi to Chankanabb. They are available at the pier, maybe $10 to Chankanaab and then the entry fee was $25-30. THere are discount coupons available if you look on the Cozumel travel websites. There are mock ruins there to explore, gardens, and a beach. THe beach has a coral wall into the water with steps, the snorkeling was decent. THere is a small childrens beach that has sand leading into the water. There is dolphin swimming for an extra charge. ALso some palapas, chairs, and drink service at beach and restaurant as well. A nice low key day, not the best beach, but an easy do it yourself trip.
As far as hurricaine damage, there is rebuilding everywhere. The pier we docked at in 2003 is totally gone, as is the nice little beach right off the pier. We were at the International Pier both times. Lots of shopping right there. The pure vanilla is a must.....bring me some....my mother-in law is out. Maybe that is my excuse for another cruise back!

[Nothin but blue skies]

Been to Cozumel several times both before and after Hurricane damages. We love both Chakanaub and Paradise Beach. We try to go to Paradise when the grandkids go because they have more for them to do and got to Chakanaub when it is just us.

Since the Hurricane, Chakanaub has done a lot of work, but I would recommend the beach shoes for wading into the water at either beach. There is a lot of rough cement in the lagoon area at Chakanaub and it can be hard to navigate.

We downloaded the discounts for Chakanaub in October, but our taxi driver gave us a better discount on the way out. With his discount, we also got a food/drink coupon and two free t-shirts.

[Nicnme]

NBBS - Thanks for the tip about getting coupons on-line. I will also be sure to mention to our taxi driver about the coupons. Do you remember which taxi company you used or are they all the same? Thanks 8)

[Nothin but blue skies]

I don't remember the name of the taxi company. We had walked down to the old part of town near the San Miguel Plaza and there was a line of white taxis on the side of the main street. We caught one of those and he gave us the special.