I'm sure you groaned when you saw this thread appearing!! I've received the holiday info pack for the Mexico, Guatemala and Belize tour for Feb and there are just three optional excursions offered - one for San Pedro (the snorkeling trip that was mentioned in the brochure/website) and two for the add-on (Cozumel and Xcaret). When I asked some months ago about optional excursions for the add-on, I was given a provisional list of around five different excursions so obviously something has changed there! This doesn't bother me too much as the ones I was somewhat interested in are Cozumel and Xcaret but I have reservations and questions about both.

First of all, the description of the Cozumel tour is very vague:

"With nearly 90% of its territory uninhabited, Cozumel represents one of the most important jewels of the Mexican Caribbean. Cozumel is home to one of the largest reefs in the world - the Palancar reef where snorkelling and scuba diving are the best in the world. Due to the unique beauty of its crystal clear waters all reefs that are found around the island have been declared National Parks. The average temperature is 26-28 degrees all year round - perfect for lazy days on the beach or in the sea. Cozumel has been recently discovered by the "jet set" international but still retains the traditional flavour and quiet of a Caribbean island."

This trip is described as "full day - minimal walking - simply stunning" and costs a whopping £99. However from the description, I'm not sure what the trip actually entails!! I'm guessing from previous correspondence a snorkeling/diving experience is offered - which I would not be interested in (as previously mentioned I'm not a swimmer). But if there were other things on offer to do on the island I would be interested in doing this tour, but I need to know exactly what this would entail! On the Belize thread I've asked if it would be possible to do the Atlantis submarine tour on Cozumel, but I haven't received an answer to that question so could you please look into that for me? I am fairly sure that more people would be interested in doing a submarine tour of the reef than snorkeling or diving! I think it would be a fantastic experience to see the beauty of the reef, fish etc coupled with the excitement of going in a real submarine!

My other question is the day in Xcaret - it is also very expensive at £125. I've looked at their website and would be interested in some of the activities there but not all, so I'm wondering how long we have there as it might be a very long day if there are not enough things to do there that interest me! The evening show looks excellent but that obviously entails hanging around until it starts, so if we were to arrive first thing in the morning I don't think I'd want to spend a whole day there. So could you tell me what time we would arrive at Xcaret and what time we leave again?

I only plan to do one of the day trips so I need to make up my mind as to which one to do. I'm hoping to spend one relaxing day enjoying the facilities at the hotel and the wildlife there - providing of course that we will be staying at the Iberostar Tucan!! I know we can book in resort but I'd prefer to pay before I go, to avoid having to take quite so much cash with me. The prices are given in sterling, but I'm guessing we would be paying in US dollars or even peso if we pay in resort? Could you also advise on this?

Sorry for all the questions but I really want to get the best out of this holiday!!

Best wishes and many thanks,

Bob

I have passed on your interest of the Atlantis Submarine Tour to the Holiday Creator and the Overseas Services team here at JYHQ, and we are just waiting to hear back from our agents. In addition, I have just passed over your questions mentioned above so I hope to get a reply very soon.

Kindest regards,

Monty

That's brilliant, I couldn't ask for any better!!

Thanks a million,

Bob

The park your mention is well worth a visit, but the price you quote is ridiculously high. It might be worth considering doing it independently as I did.

Our holiday planning and development are there this week and they will be talking to the tourist boards of Mexico and Cozumel along with a number local agents to see if these excursion suggestions are something that we can look to offer to our customers.

Hi Sarah, thanks for your comments. If I get to Cozumel I'll keep a look out for the bar!! I hope JY will adapt the tour there so that the submarine is an option; if some of the group want to go snorkeling/diving and some want to do the submarine hopefully it would be possible to accommodate both. I don't mind paying a reasonable price and I know JY and the local agents have to take a cut. I really don't want to have to organise an excursion myself - apart from the fact that I don't speak Spanish, I really don't want the hassle. My job requires me to organise people and events the whole time and I want my holidays to be free from any responsibility!!

Cheers,

Bob

I am interested to see what the replies to your questions are. I am glad I am going in March and not February as hopefully by that time all the little niggles will have been ironed out. Aren't I selfish?!

Jaya

It's just two weeks since I asked the questions about the submarine on Cozumel and the timings of the Xcaret trip and the subsequent reply from James regarding the travel convention. I'm just wondering is there any progress on answers to these questions?

Best wishes,

Bob

I am sincerely sorry for the delay. I am still waiting to hear back from the relevant people regarding your questions, however many of them have been in the USA. I have chased them today and I promise to get back to you as soon as possible.

Kindest regards,

Monty

Many thanks - it must be a nightmare trying to chase up so many questions for us but I do appreciate it!

Best wishes,

Bob