Note: This is one part of a two part series, based on a recent road trip through Arizona and Utah. I will reference Arizona throughout this, and discuss the trip as a whole along with focusing on Utah specifically.
Arizona is a desert climate, characterized by blistering heat and sun on most days, particularly in the summer and spring. Here you will see little in the form of precipitation, and whatever little moisture forms is quickly soaked up by the parched ground. The days get very hot, sometimes well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Nights are the opposite, and can get very cold very fast. Temperatures, especially in northern Arizona, can and will get to below freezing during the evenings.
The environment is characterized by reddish dirt and sand. You will see cacti littering the ground with little other growth until you hit the northern portion of the state (here you may see some smaller trees, particularly in the grand canyon area). Southern Arizona can be described as flat, whereas the northern region of the state is broken up by far off mountains and beautiful red monoliths.
What to Pack
To look at an in depth list of clothing items to bring, refer to my previous blog called Camping Utah- USA This list may seem extensive, but we actually used nearly everything on this list. One thing I will note is that unless you are planning on coming during the peak of summer, or are only going to be staying in the southern portion of the state, PLAN FOR COLD. This not only goes for your clothing, but what you pack for camping gear as well. People are generally unprepared, since they view Arizona as a warm state with no possibility for cold. This belief is wrong. Make sure to have a 20 degree Fahrenheit or under sleeping bag (especially if visiting the Grand Canyon). Bring plenty of blankets, and use either a pad or an air mattress to get you off of the ground. Bring a canopy in case of snow or rain, and make sure to have a backup plan in case it gets too cold for you to sleep outside. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LiDnEKhH1-38GfM2vZWk1pAahPR2-_sFMQSUccGdTOg/edit?usp=sharing
REGIONS
Note: During our trip we visited only the Western, Central, and Grand Canyon region. So those will be the regions I discuss here.
Lake Havasu Gardens
Western Arizona is much of what I expected when planning our trip. Small, bristled bushes and cacti speckle the dry and cracked ground. It was sunny all day, and fairly warm throughout the night. We hung out here in Lake Havasu, which is a great place to visit for water sports and fishing.
Central Arizona is much like Western Arizona, with dry and arid weather. Flagstaff is contained in this region, as well as some smaller, more charming towns that are exciting places to visit. Towards the northern region, as you reach the region of the grand canyon, you may even begin to see snow and feel the chill of colder winds.
Grand Canyon at Sunset
Once you reach the Grand Canyon region, you may be shocked by the amount of large trees surrounding you. You may even see snow – we did in April. These conditions surprise most people, so don’t come unprepared. Elk and other larger animals may even be spotted in between the trees. Once you reach the actual canyon, you may be awestruck by its massiveness – but I’ll leave that for later.
Culture Shocks
If you pass through the Navajo region of Arizona, you may get to see first hand some of the differences between native culture and European-American culture. You may even note some of the poverty in these regions, so it is good to be aware when you are passing through Navajo region and maybe understand a bit about their culture as well. Their art and culture has also had lasting influences on the culture of Arizona as well.
Camp Food
Tacos
Ingredients: (Basically whatever you want in tacos) – sour cream – pork (We got a good deal on pork for our trip, and bought over a pound of it. The rest was used later on our trip, in Utah.) – canned corn/beans – onion – sweet peppers – corn tortillas
Cook the pork in some olive oil, and heat up the corn and beans in a pot. Slice the sweet peppers and onions into thin slices and cook in olive oil. Once done, set aside and put your tortillas in the same pan that the pork was in to cook for approx 30 seconds. We cooked a large bunch of this and saved over half for our lunches for the week. We made wraps (using flour tortillas) with pork, sweet peppers, onion, sour cream, and lettuce for lunches and just wrapped them in tin foil for our backpacks. They worked great and tasted delicious!
Steak and Corn
Ingredients: – Ribeye steak – Corn on the cob – romaine lettuce – ranch – cheese
We cooked the ribeye with olive oil, johnny seasoning, garlic salt, steak seasoning, and some meat tenderizer. The corn we wrapped in tin foil with the same seasonings (Minus meat tenderizer). We cooked all of them over the fire. Using leftovers from taco night, we made taco salads as well.
Slice the baby potatoes into quarters, and make sure all veggies are in bite sized pieces. Make a “Bowl” with tinfoil and place veggies, olive oil, and desired seasonings in the “bowl”. Pinch closed to make a veggie packet that is able to be placed on the fire. We used leftovers from the previous night, but if not, cook some steak to go with your veggie packets. Place veggie packets in fire and leave for 20-30 minutes (Until potatoes are soft).
The Road Trip
Day 1-3 are all described in this article. If you are interested in the second half of our trip, take a look at my previous article, “Camping Utah”.
Day 1 – Lake Havasu
Me walking over the London Bridge
Lake Havasu was more of a pit stop for us on our way to the Grand Canyon (which was determined to be too far of a drive for one day for us). Right near the boarder of California and Arizona, this beautiful town is an oasis in the middle of the desert. Spring break here was lively, with free outdoor concerts and college kids in bikinis wandering the streets. But we spent our time adventuring downtown, visiting the London bridge, and enjoying the beach while suntanning. There was a little bit of something for everyone here, with great fishing, boating, and social atmosphere, as well as fun culture and exciting sightseeing.
We stayed in Lake Havasu State park, right next to the water, and it was perfect. The showers weren’t necessarily fancy but they worked, and thats all you can really ask for. They have picnic tables and fire pits as well. This was the only night of our entire trip that temperatures did not get below freezing.
Day 2 & 3: Grand Canyon
Claire overlooking the Grand Canyon on our hike.
One of the first things we noticed as we approached the Grand Canyon, was the snow. It covered the ground and large evergreens, even in April. Be ready for the cold as you get closer. Luckily, we ordered our pass online before hand and were able to avoid what appeared to be an hour long line. Remember to do this before you head out, or you will regret it!
We stayed in the Mather Campground, which was nestled between evergreens. It had a table and a fire pit. It also has full amenities, including showers and washing units, but they are about a five minute drive away from the campground. To get to the actual canyon, you have to hop on one of the numerous shuttle buses to the main visitors center. Buses appear in less than fifteen minutes at any and all bus stops.
As for the canyon, my travel buddy (Claire) actually started tearing up as we approached it. Beautifully colored cliffs and formations spike out of the dip in the ground. We did the Hermit trail hike, and totaled about six miles. I will admit that we did underestimate how difficult the hike would be. It took over an hour a mile, and even longer coming back up, so if you plan to hike into the canyon make sure you have enough time, food, and water. We each had almost a gallon of water, and had drank all of it by the end of our hike.
I hope you all found this information helpful! Until next time, live free my fellow travel bugs!
Cozumel is an island off the coast of Mexico, a short thirty minute boat ride from Playa del Carmen, and adjacent to Cancun. This island is in the caribbean, near Cuba.
Most are pleasantly surprised by the warm climate they find in Cozumel. I have been here twice, both times in December. At this time you will be warmed by mid eighty degree weather. Don’t worry about humidity – its a nice dry heat only broken by jumping into the crystal blue waters that surround you.
One unique aspect of Cozumel for the water lovers out there is the current around the island. There is a natural phenomenon that causes the current to flow around the island. This wonderful current flow allows for aquatic life to thrive, and for the water to remain crystal clear year round.
What To Pack
Both times I have gone to Cozumel, I have stayed for a week. This is what I packed on my most recent trip:
Clothes:
One pajama set
Two pairs of shorts
It is pretty consistently warm in Cozumel, with very slim chances of rain. Cool clothes are the way to go!
One pair of jeans
I always bring one pair of jeans when I travel, just as a form of insurance. A “Just in case”. If it gets cold or you’re wandering about at night or in early morning, its good to have a pair of longer pants. Happy to report i did not need to wear them on this trip however.
Four Tank Tops
T-shirt
I always bring something with sleeves for the inevitable time in the trip where my shoulders get burned. Luckily, I didn’t get burnt on either of my trips.
Two Swimsuits
I always bring more than one swimsuit, that way I can trade off and always have a dry one. You’ll need multiple swimsuits for this trip!
Undergarments/socks
Two Pairs of flip flops
One Pair of Tennis Shoes
Though There are not a lot of hikes to do in Cozumel, if you do plan on going to the mainland during your trip at all, its a good idea to have a pair.
Exercise Pants
I always bring exercise pants for the same reason I bring tennis shoes. But they are also awesome to wear on planes, and you wont need to immediately change once you get off the plane.
Dress for formal evenings
There are some higher end restaurants in Cozumel, which I will discuss later in this article.
Rash Guard
I packed this namely for diving and snorkeling, and I was glad I brought it. A rash guard is perfect for diving here, since the water is so warm.
Sun Dress
Sun dresses are a go to fashion choice in Mexico for day wear. They’re easy and comfortable to wear in the heat.
Other:
Passport/ID (Don’t forget!)
Diving/Snorkeling Gear
As someone who does a LOT of snorkeling and diving on my trips, it made sense for me to invest in my own gear. If you do snorkel and dive a lot, I recommend investing in your own gear as well, as it saves you money in the long run. However, if you just want to go out for a day I will talk about different rental options.
Health and Beauty Products
Sunscreen
As a fair lady myself, I need sunscreen for me not to burn. Its important to protect your skin – not only for the longterm effects and cancer prevention, but to not ruin your vacation as well. The best way to ruin your vacation is by having a horrid sun burn.
Bug spray
I made this mistake on my first trip to Cozumel. There are sand fleas on some beaches, and their bites are NASTY. A travel partner and I both were dealing with the after affects for weeks. If you are someone prone to bug bites (and even if you aren’t) a good spray down is a very good idea before hitting the beach.
GoPro with all attachments
If you are serious about travel, a go pro is a great investment. I have an older version that works great.
Underwater Camera
We have a great Olympia brand underwater camera that we take on all of our tropical travels. It works great for snorkeling or cute water pictures!
Where to Stay
Cozumel is a fairly small island, but it packs a punch when it comes to diversity and difference in local, even though the majority of the island is undeveloped.
We stayed in a fantastic condominium building called Palmas Reales, in a condo owned by a man named Fulvio called Blossom (If you’d like to contact him ~ fulviocozumel@gmail.com). This condo is located just north of the downtown region, near a cute little beach called Playa Azul. It was perfect for our group due to its large size and affordability. I will note that there is not an accessible beach at this condo, but there is a ladder that leads you directly into the water, to what I would consider to be the best snorkeling on the island. The location of this condo was perfect for our uses, because it was an easy taxi drive to downtown but away from all the craziness of cruise ship passengers.
The first region you are likely to visit is the west side, where the cruise ships come in. This is the main downtown area in Cozumel, and hosts nearly all of the nightlife for the island. This is a great area to grab a bite and some drinks, and to go shopping. There are some large hotels and resorts in this area, but I personally would not stay immediately in the downtown hub. You can get cheaper accommodations with better beach access a little ways away. Note that the cruise ships namely come in on the weekends, and this downtown hub will be crammed with tourists and peddlers during this time. It is important to note that this is also where the ferry that will take you to the mainland is located.
Immediately north and south of the downtown hub have great options for hotels and vacation condos. This is also where you will find some of the best offshore snorkeling and diving on the island. These areas have some great beaches within walking distance, that have bars and good food. However, the nightlife and shopping options in these areas are slim compared to the downtown hub.
The East side of the island is a completely different world from the West side. In 2005 Cozumel was hit with two category 4 hurricanes that wiped out power on the east side of the island, and there hasn’t been much effort to restore said power. However, that hasn’t stopped the locals from making the east side a fun place to visit. The sandy beaches on the east end are littered with funky little bars and restaurants. Although it isn’t safe to swim on this sided of the island, the beaches are sublime and great for sunbathing with a drink. There aren’t many housing options on this side of the island however, and lack of power may turn many off of staying there regardless. However, it is a fun day trip.
Getting Around
I do not recommend trying to rent a car in Mexico unless you are from the area and are accustomed to the driving. Road laws are not regularly enforced here, and it can be very stressful and even dangerous to drive here without experience. Roads are also generally in a state of disrepair and signage can be lacking. Not to mention, it is pretty expensive to rent a car here. There are much more effective, safer ways to get around Cozumel.
The taxi system in Cozumel is very efficient. You will see taxis basically anywhere you want to go. They will be plain white vans/cars that you can signal down from anywhere. This is also generally pretty affordable, even if you are traveling a long ways. My recommendation is: when you find a cab driver you like for whatever reason, ask for his or her phone number and just call them an hour before you plan to leave. Not only is this perfect for when you have scheduled events that you need to be to at a certain time, and better for when you plan on doing day trips, but also this is a great way to get to know a local and learn even more about the culture. If you do this on your first day, you will likely be buddies with your cab driver by the end of the week and will gain so much more from your trip. Some of my companions go to Cozumel annually, and have actually saved a particular cab driver’s number for all of their trips.
There are also some city buses, however not as prevalent in this area. though this can be somewhat cheaper than taxis, I wouldn’t recommend using these either. They are not quite as safe as the taxis, and simply aren’t as efficient for getting around.
Food
One of my favorite things about visiting anywhere in Mexico is, of course, the fantastic, fresh, authentic Mexican food. I am a sucker for any type of Mexican food. Beware, however, that once you eat Mexican food in Mexico, all other attempts at replicating the cuisine may be ruined for you forever. So munch at your own discretion. Also, food here is VERY cheap. It’s possible to spend less than $10 USD on a plate of food and a drink here at most restaurants. So, I will start this section by saying that I have not had any bad food in Cozumel, but I’ll talk about some of the places I’ve eaten.
The Buccanos at night
Don’t come here unless you are willing to spend a pretty penny, as food here is quite expensive. All of the food is prepared directly by the head chef, and because of that you need to reserve a spot to dine. But let me be clear when I say the food is phenomenal. It isn’t exactly what I would call authentic Mexican cuisine – more seafood. But everything was very fresh and very good. Not only this, but you are steps away from a quiet beach front, and get to listen to the sounds of the waves as you eat. And who doesn’t like that? If you are looking for a high end night on the town, this is the place to be. Prices will range from $20-$30 USD a plate.
La Mission
Slightly less high end than The Buccanos, you will find La Mission downtown, tucked away down a street off of the main roadway. Again, the food here is fantastic, and quite cheap (though not the cheapest you will see on the island). One of my travel partners had the coconut shrimp our first time in Cozumel, and still raves about it today. The guacamole is also very good, and fresh. Not only this but you will find fun nightlife here, with music and drinks. Prices here will range from $10-$20 USD a plate.
Woody’s
Woody’s was one of my personal favorites, and not particularly due to the food (although, again, still quite good). The nightlife here is awesome. They have live music most nights and opportunity for dancing, which for me is always a plus. Also, their drinks are very good and will keep you dancing all night! Although not the best place if you are specifically looking for a bite, its a great place to hang out. Prices will be around $10 USD a plate.
Culture Shocks
Note: Differences in culture are based on my own cultural experiences, and therefore are based on what a US citizen would be shocked by. I apologize for this one sided view, but of course I am unqualified to note differences in culture for other cultures/countries, as I am only a visitor to those countries as well.
Money
The Mexican Peso is worth considerably less than the American Dollar, which can shock first time visitors (Seeing 50 for a beer can make some shake in their boots). Not only this, but the Peso is losing value all the time. Just over my years of traveling to Mexico I have seen the value of the peso cut in half. You are also likely to see different exchange rates at different stores, so be cautious. If you have USD, then most places will accept it, and many prefer it due to it being more stable than the Mexican Peso. I would recommend that unless you are going to be very conscious about the exchange rate, stay in USD (if that is your native currency). Shopkeepers will not make you aware if you overpay them in pesos, and will consider it a “tip”.
Language
As you most likely know, the native language in Mexico is Spanish, and although almost everyone in Cozumel knows English, I HIGHLY recommend brushing up on Spanish. Many times, natives will pretend to be confused by what you are saying in English for their own benefit. Besides, you want to be prepared on the off chance that you need to interact with someone who doesn’t know your language. It is okay not to be well versed in the language, as in most of my experience natives have been more than patient with my broken Spanish. Many appreciate the attempt. I speak decent Spanish, and it has helped me on every trip I have taken to Mexico, not to mention all the money I have saved my travel group by catching swindlers speaking in Spanish.
Phrases to Know:
1 to 10
“How Much?”
“I would like”
“to go”
“to eat”
“to buy”
“Where is”
“the bathroon”
“The store”
“The Hotel”
“The beach”
Common foods, locations, and items
The Family Culture
Hispanic culture is hugely centered around family. Family members help one another, and remain very close to one another, a trait I have always been envious of. This disposition does not stick just between the family however, but spreads out into the work force as well. Natives rely on their network and connections to survive and make money in Cozumel (and throughout Mexico), and it is something that you, as a tourist, should be aware of during your stay. If you ask your taxi driver where a good place to eat is, he is going to take you to a specific restaurant to benefit his inner group of connections. And if you asked the host at that restaurant to call you a taxi, they are going to call that specific taxi driver to benefit him. This generally is fine, but it is something to constantly be aware of, because often they do not have the tourist’s best interest at the forefront of their mind. The restaurant may be more expensive than a place right next door that serves the same food, and the taxi driver may not be the closest one to you. As a good rule of thumb, do your own research on activities and restaurants so that you may be more knowledgeable and harder to take advantage of.
“The Bargain”
As with most places in Mexico, the price you see is not the price you need to pay (except for large grocery stores, restaurants, and international chains). Shop keepers put up more expensive prices in hopes that the average tourist will be caught unawares and pay full price, but they do not expect to be paid that much. Learn the art of the deal, and barter with the shopkeeper to get sometimes more than half off the listed price.
Peddlers
Cozumel’s peddling problem is mild compared to other regions of Mexico, but still present. People may come up to you with wares and try to sell you, or mariachi bands may come up and play in attempts to get tips. If you are uninterested in the service or product, you must make that clear at the start of the interaction, then discontinue interaction immediately. As long as you keep interacting with them, they will continue to try and sell to you. Another major note with this is to NEVER buy from child peddlers. These children are pulled out of school to go sell to tourists, and we as tourists must stop buying from them in order to do our small part in getting these children back in school.
Most tourist destinations in Mexico are catered to drinking. You can get a good drink basically anywhere you stop in Cozumel, and it is normal for tourists to start drinking earlier than they would at home. The drinking age in Mexico is 18, however this is NOT enforced whatsoever. The informal rule is if your head reaches the bar, you can drink. Tequila is the known drink of choice in Mexico, but remember to drink responsibly!
Experiences
The Beaches
All over you will find beaches with bars on them. My travel group’s personal favorite was Plaza Azul, mostly because it was near our condo and fairly quiet. However there are many different beaches to lay out and sunbathe while drinking a margarita. I will comment on some of them below, but the map above has more of them listed.
Playa Azul:
Playa Azul is a beach near the north side of the island with wonderful snorkeling, good food, and good drinks. Generally quiet, as it is outside the cruise ship range.
Sunset Beach:
Sunset beach is near the downtown region of cozumel, and also has some good snorkeling/diving. Food and drinks here, as usual, are quite good and cheap, with happy hours from 1-3 and 5-7. However, you will find this beach to be quite a bit busier than some others due to its local.
Playa Uvas:
A nice beach also near downtown, with snorkeling offered. However, this is a common day spot for cruise ship passengers and is designed as such. Costs $15 to enter.
Paradise Beach:
(Note: We personally have not visited Paradise Beach, it isn’t our scene but I felt it was worth mentioning)
This is another popular day trip for cruise ship passengers. It is designed for water sports (as you can see in the picture) with inflatables and toys. So could be a good spot for those with kids. Also has food and drinks available. Costs $3 to enter with a required $10 spent at the restaurant. Its $18 to use the inflatables.
East Side
A day trip to the east side is something I would consider a must do while in cozumel (if all those in your group are able and willing to drink). There are unique bars littering the beaches on this side of the island, and the “vibe” is completely different than the west side. With no power, everything is much more laid back and authentic. Also, you won’t get all the craziness from being near the cruise ship port.
The best way to travel to this side of the island is by taxi. Get a taxi driver and tell them you will pay to have them bar hop down the east side of the island. This cost us about $100 for a large van for the entire day. The drivers enjoy this because it is guaranteed money and they don’t have to try to get new passengers. Also they often get free drinks and food from the bars for bringing your business (see: “the family culture”).
The first bar you happen upon will most likely be Mezcalitos Last Frontier. I enjoyed this place because of their hammocks on the beach. It was pretty nice to chill in a hammock with a great margarita for a while. They also have a nude beach in front, though I haven’t seen anyone partake in the festivities myself.
The next bar that will come up is actually a beach club called Punta Morena. We didn’t stop here but from what I’ve heard it may actually be possible to swim here due to the rocks blocking some of the waves.
Coconuts is a must stop on your trip down the coastline. It is up a staircase surrounded by palms, overlooking the ocean. It has a very fun atmosphere and great drinks and food. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a jungle as you enter, which is pretty unique since Cozumel has a more arid climate. They also have an interesting book full of pictures of various customers’ “coconuts” for your viewing pleasure if you wish.
Bar Miami isn’t necessarily a place to stop and eat, but their drinks are made fresh and are absolutely delicious! This is a great stop on your trip.
Freedom in Paradise will probably be the last stop you make on your east side tour. This great Jamaican/ Bob Marley themed bar has wonderful food and drinks, and a great outdoor area to sit and relax on the beach.
Chankanaab
Although my companions and I have opted not to visit Chankanaab, I believe it is still worth talking about. It is technically a cenote, but has grown to basically a theme park. Admission is $23 USD for adults, and $16 for kids. There are a lot of interesting things to do here, including snorkeling and diving, mayan ruins, a park, swimming with dolphins, etc. It is supposedly very busy and catered to tourists, which wasn’t our scene but could be fun particularly for families.
Punta Sur
We were told by many that Punta Sur was the place to visit in Cozumel, so we took the trip while there. Honestly, I was not particularly impressed. The snorkeling was mediocre at best, and bad compared to basically anywhere else on the island. The beach was nice, and food and drinks were okay, but in my opinion you can get the same thing anywhere else on the island without an entrance fee. We did make an effort to go see the crocodiles, but didnt see anything after an hour of waiting at the tour. I will say the lighthouses were pretty, but still not worth the entrance fee for me. If however you still are interested in making the trip have a taxi driver come with you and stay the day (similar to getting to the east end) as it is harder to find taxis at this region of the island, and there are a lot of destinations within the park. Admission is $16 for adults and $10 for kids.
The Main Land
If you run out of things to do in Cozumel (unlikely) a trip to the Mainland can be fun. There is an accessible port that has ferries going to and from Playa del Carmen from 7AM to 11PM, every hour on the hour. These ferries cost about $10 USD and take about 45 minutes (You can find more information here: https://www.cozumel-tours.com/cozumel-ferry-schedule.htm ).
There are some things to know about the mainland before you travel there, if you haven’t been in mainland Mexico before. It is quite different than Cozumel, and can be a little intimidating to inexperienced travelers. Expect to need to deal with peddlers a lot more than in Cozumel, and people may or may not offer you drugs. It is also not quite as safe as Cozumel (though still safe if you take reasonable precautions). Don’t walk around by yourself, don’t take drugs or alcohol from those who offer it (duh), and don’t follow anyone, regardless of what they say. Have a plan and know where you are going before getting there. My last recommendation is to not travel in tour buses. This may seem like a great, easy option, but these buses are nearly the sole victims of cartel attacks in Mexico (it is still unlikely to occur, but better to not risk it). It is much safer and in my opinion better to hire a private shuttle van to and from wherever you are looking to go.
A small recommendation is when you get into Playa del Carmen, if you have time stop at Señor Frogs – do it. This is my favorite bar chain in Mexico, and the one in Playa del Carmen is quite large. Its a fun place to stop and get a drink.
Cenotes
A cenote is an underwater cave, and they are fairly common in Mexico. They range from swimming holes to snorkeling sites to solely dive sites. They are EXTREMELY cool and I would recommend visiting one if you have the chance.
The only cenote I have personally seen (unfortunately) is the Gran Cenote. This was more of a swim site than I had expected, but was still very fun to snorkel. This was one of the few times I have been freshwater snorkeling, and it was fun to see some Molly’s and even a few smaller catfish. This would be a perfect spot for families or groups with dissimilar interests, because part of the group can swim while the other snorkels.
Other Cenotes near this Area:
Cenote Carwash
Cenote des ojos
Casa Cenote
Cenote Casa Tortuga
Cenote Calavera
Cenote Angelita
I have added some pictures of a few of the many cenotes near this area of Mexico. Cenote Casa Tortuga is actually three separate cenotes, one being an open cenote. Cenote Carwash is a more open cenote with a huge variety of fish and plantlife. Cenote Angelita is a cool dive site where dead leaves create a gas that appear like a bottom with trees poking out of it. I won’t say much else about them since I haven’t personally been to any of them, but here are some options for you all to explore!
Tulum
I knew that on my second trip to Cozumel, I needed to see some Mayan ruins. As a history buff, it had always been on my bucket list. My companions were not comfortable traveling to Chitchen Itza, due to recent safety reports and because the drive is about three hours once you reach Playa del Carmen, so we compromised and traveled to Tulum. At first I was disappointed with not seeing Chitchen Itza on this trip, but I quickly learned that Tulum was nothing to scowl at. This beautiful Mayan ruins is located about two hours drive from Playa del Carmen, right on the beach. The ruins are in good condition and exciting to view. Not only this, but the town is unique and has a fun culture. Here is a good place to see the dance of the fliers, which is a must see when you travel to Mexico.
Admittance is only a few dollars, and once you get in hop on the trolly that takes you to the main entrance (otherwise its a pretty long walk). You can pay to have a tour guide but we opted to adventure around on our own (you can always listen in on other tours if they are talking about something interesting). Bring sunscreen, because it gets pretty hot, and keep an eye out for iguanas!
Diving and Snorkeling
You would be hard pressed to find bad snorkeling or diving in Cozumel. The water is full of fish and coral alike, and you will likely see some turtles. As explained before, Cozumel is unique in the fact that its current wraps around the island, bringing clean water and nutrients to the coral and fish life.
Papa Hogs was recommended to us by a friend for all snorkeling and scuba, and they did not disappoint. We were only able to snorkel on this trip due to some of our group not being scuba certified, but the experience was still wonderful. We went with a guide named Manuel, who was able to free dive down to nearly sixty feet just for us to get some good pictures of aquatic life. Also, food and drinks were included in our trip and the food was wonderful. I have also heard good things about ScubaTony.
As far as dive/scuba rentals go, you can get equipment all over the island. Whether or not it is good equipment is up for debate. Ive heard good reviews of Deep Blue. We rented from Black Shark and I wouldn’t recommend them again. The gear was old and worn. If you arent planning on doing any snorkeling or diving besides paid trips, just rent gear from the place you are going with.
I hope you all found this information helpful! Until next time, live free my fellow travel bugs!
The Cayman islands can be found directly west of Jamaica and south of Cuba, smack dab in the middle of the Caribbean. Its about a two hour flight from the southern region of the United States.
When you step off of the plane, it is likely that you will be hit with a tropical heat wave, the kind that warms your cheeks and makes you immediately start to sweat. We headed for the Caymans in December, which is technically their winter time, but temperatures were an average of 85 degrees fahrenheit (29 degrees celsius). There were sporadic tropic storms, with warm rains and windy conditions during our stay. But for the most part, it was warm and sunny – enough to tan your cheeks.
What to Pack
I stayed for a week in the caymans, and here is all that I packed:
Clothes:
One Pajama set
Two pairs of shorts
Its very warm in the Caymans, even when it is raining. Its good to have cooler clothes.
One pair of jeans
I always bring one pair of jeans when I travel, just as a form of insurance. A “Just in case”. If it gets cold or you’re wandering about at night or in early morning, its good to have a pair of longer pants. Happy to report i did not need to wear them on this trip however.
Four tank tops
I actually probably could have gotten away with only two or three tank tops on this trip, but I always overpack.
One T-shirt
I always bring something with sleeves for the inevitable time in the trip where my shoulders get burned. Came in handy!
undergarments/socks
Two swimsuits
I always bring more than one swimsuit, that way I can trade off and always have a dry one. You’ll need multiple swimsuits for this trip!
Two pairs of sandals
I always bring one comfortable pair to walk around in during the day, and more “glam” ones to wear for a formal evening.
One pair of tennis shoes
I love to do hikes and adventures on my trips, so a pair of quality, comfortable tennis shoes is required for all trips. If you plan on hiking the mastic trail or the crystal caves these will be a need!
One pair of exercise pants
I always bring exercise pants for the same reason I bring tennis shoes. But they are also awesome to wear on planes, and you wont need to immediately change once you get off the plane.
One dress for formal evenings
We tend to do one nice dinner out during our travels, so I always bring one nicer outfit for the evenings and nice dinners.
Windbreaker
I packed this as an insurance piece, just in case it got cold or wet, and I was very happy with the choice. Sporadic rainfall does occur in the Caymans, and its nice to have a light waterproof jacket.
Rash Guard
I packed this namely for diving and snorkeling, and I was glad I brought it. A rash guard is perfect for diving here, since the water is so warm. Some people wore a 3 mm wetsuit, but I honestly did not see the need.
Other:
GoPro with all attachments
If you are serious about travel, a go pro is a great investment. I have an older version that works great.
Underwater Camera
We have a great Olympic brand underwater camera that we take on all of our tropical travels. It works great for snorkeling (though doesn’t work deep enough for diving). You will see some of the photos in this blog!
Drone (that I forgot to use, my bad)
A drone is another great investment if you are serious about traveling. It is an awesome way to get scenic views of the area you are visiting.
waterproof bag
If you are a water bug like me, a waterproof bag is a great investment (they don’t cost all that much). They work well to keep clothes and electronics dry for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and the like.
Passport/ID (Don’t forget!)
Diving/Snorkeling Gear
As someone who does a LOT of snorkeling and diving on my trips, it made sense for me to invest in my own gear. If you do snorkel and dive a lot, I recommend investing in your own gear as well, as it saves you money in the long run. However, if you just want to go out for a day I will talk about different rental options.
Health and Beauty Products
Sunscreen
As a fair lady myself, I need sunscreen for me not to burn. Its important to protect your skin – not only for the longterm effects and cancer prevention, but to not ruin your vacation as well. The best way to ruin your vacation is by having a horrid sun burn.
Bug spray
For some reason, bugs adore me. Im not quite sure if its my blood type or rum consumption while on vacation, but they just can’t seem to leave me alone. For this reason I have learned to bring bug spray with me on all trips. Its a good idea to have some on all tropical vacations regardless.
Where to Stay
We stayed in a cute little hotel near Bodden town called Turtle Nest inn. It was right on the beach, quite affordable, and came with a small car rental included. They also had a grill, and a lot of water sport rentals (Kayaks, paddle boards, the like). Though my bed was not comfortable, I would stay there again due to location and amenities. Though next time I may bring a mattress pad or a blow up mattress. They also have some of the best offshore snorkeling I saw on the island (though you have to snorkel past some foggier water with seaweed to get there). If you do happen to stay here, veer towards the right when snorkeling and you will end up on an amazing, massive coral reef.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
There are different regions of Grand Cayman, all with their unique flavor. Bodden town was a quiet town with a grocery store and a few smaller restaurants. Though it wasn’t particularly special, we chose to stay here due to location. It is about a 30 minute drive maximum to any point on the island from Bodden town, which made exploring the unique regions of Grand Cayman easier.
Seven Mile Beach is considered the busier part of Grand Cayman, and this is true. However, this “busy” is very mild in my opinion, being about as busy as any medium sized large town would be. Contrary to what you may hear, seven mile does not host the cruise ships and cruise passengers. The majority of the people you will meet in Seven Mile are vacationers or residents. The water here is phenomenal as well, being gorgeously crystal clear. However, it did not appear as though the snorkeling here was that great, with more sandy beaches than reefs. The majority of high end restaurants you will see are in Seven Mile, and the higher end resorts and hotels are mostly located here as well. All in all, a great place to relax, swim, and drink. But for my group it was out of our price range as far as lodging went.
George Town is also a fairly large town. It is a little less busy and more organized compared to Seven Mile beach. This is also where the airport is located, so a good home base location for those who like that. However, the cruise ship port is also in this area, and we did our best to avoid that area entirely. It was crowded and dirty compared to the other regions of georgetown, with peddlers trying to sell their wares to the people getting off the ships (Something you won’t see in any other part of Grand Cayman).
Camana Bay was clearly the playground for the wealthy. The clean, polished streets were lined with fancy boutiques, restaurants, and bars that you couldn’t hope to walk into without spending $200 USD. The buildings were all very new and clean, and sidewalks were lined with perfectly trimmed foliage. There is also a man made island in the center of the bay with hammocks and benches, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. If you have the money, this would be a phenomenal place to stay. However, if you’re traveling on a budget as I am, it may be a better afternoon getaway.
Rum point was an exciting region of the island. With calm waters, sandy beaches, great snorkeling, and fun bars, I felt right at home. This was the other region of Grand Cayman that did have some affordable options for hotels and condos. A little more quiet, reserved, and cultural than Seven Mile Beach or George Town, this is a great spot for those who don’t need to be surrounded by fancy restaurants or huge resorts.
The East End was the last region of the island we visited. It is very isolated, with mostly locals and residents in the area. The ocean appeared to have some great snorkeling, but was far too rough when we went for us to check. There weren’t very many options for hotels in the area, but a few smaller ones reside in the area. There are some unique restaurants littering the road, with some local food that is slightly more affordable than that found in Seven Mile or Camana bay. This would be a calm, relaxing place to visit if you weren’t in need of any fancy dining or bars, and were really looking to immerse yourself in the culture.
Not my photo, but useful nonetheless
Food
Compared to dining in the US or the majority of my other travel ventures, food in Grand Cayman is EXPENSIVE. 10 USD for a drink and 30 USD for a meal was the norm for your average restaurant. This is due to the cost of importing much of the food into the island. Due to this, we had to improvise a bit. To save some money, buy food to eat some of your meals at your hotel/condo. The best way to buy food on the island is to buy local food. Fruit stands litter the roads with very affordable fruits, veggies, and jams. On Saturdays there is a huge farmers market near Georgetown with affordable produce (you can find the address by simply typing “Farmers Market” into google maps). Grocery stores are also a fair option, but are more expensive than the local farmers. Meats are fairly expensive here as well, with the most affordable being chicken (You’ll see why once you get there). It is also worth noting that the majority of restaurants in Grand Cayman are very Americanized. We had trouble finding delectable island cuisine on our trip.
With that in mind, here are some of the restaurants we visited during our time on the island:
Chicken Chicken is located in Seven Mile Beach, and actually had some yummy, affordable food. They slow roast chicken on a rotating spicket that you can see when you walk in the door. The chicken is quite good, and the sides are agreeable as well. The cornbread is island style and VERY good. The average meal was $10 USD, which is very affordable for the island. All in all, a great stop for an affordable lunch or even dinner.
Peppers is a restaurant near Seven Mile Beach as well. The meals were your typical 30 USD a plate, and 10 USD a drink, but the atmosphere was fun and unique. The food wasn’t anything to cry home about in my opinion, but it was good and filled our bellies.
The Lighthouse is in between Bodden Town and East End, and had what I would consider to be the best food we ate on our trip. A higher end location where meals were easily 40 USD a plate, the food was good, and had a dash of island flair. There was more culture in the food here than we had eaten at any other higher end restaurant. Also, the view was amazing!
We also ate at the Harbour Grille Restaurant in Georgetown for breakfast, which had amazing breakfast foods (I can only hope this quality reaches over to their lunch and dinner menus). The interior is also very cute, with blue and white beach themed decor. Though still fairly expensive, I would recommend this location!
Culture Shocks
Note: Differences in culture are based on my own cultural experiences, and therefore are based on what a US citizen would be shocked by. I apologize for this one sided view, but of course I am unqualified to note differences in culture for other cultures/countries, as I am only a visitor to those countries as well.
Left Sided Driving
Unlike in the US, you drive on the left side of the road in Grand Cayman. Though we knew about this before we went, it was still an adjustment for our whole group with a few near death experiences as we adjusted. There are also very few intersections in Grand Cayman, with most being replaced by round a bouts. Make sure you are comfortable with round a bouts before you try driving there. Also, it was strange as a US citizen to see people honk as a “thank you” rather than a “screw you”, so be prepared for that as well.
Chickens…. Chickens Everywhere.
There are wild chickens EVERYWHERE in the Caymans. They are perfectly harmless for the most part, and just wander around looking for food you may drop. But still, it was bizarre for me to see. Try to catch a glimpse of the baby chicks when you can, since they are generally well hidden with their mommas. I enjoyed them quite dearly, and actually managed to pet one by bribing it with food.
Money
The Cayman Islands have their own currency, the cayman islands dollar, which is similar in value (but not the same) to the Euro. 1 CI dollar is approximately 1.15 USD. Note that the ONLY currencies accepted in the Cayman Islands are the CI dollar, and the USD. So be ready to exchange money if you do not carry either.
Cuisine
As I said before, the food in the Cayman Islands is very Americanized. However, there were a few things that were unique to the region. Jamaican Jerk chicken is one of the popular dishes in the region, and is a go to for lunch or dinner if you want a guaranteed decent meal. Its chicken rubbed with a spicy Jamaican jerk sauce, then generally cooked over a wood fire or in a wood fire stove. Mango sauces are also common sauces for a plethora of meals, including bread dishes and meat sauces. It is exciting to try the different kinds that restaurants have. The other food I noticed was plantain dishes, and breadfruit dishes, both of which I have only experienced in tropical regions and are worth a try.
The People
There was a unique and beautiful blend of people that reside in the Cayman Islands. Many had immigrated from the nearby countries, such as Jamaica, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. But we also met a plethora of people from far away European and African countries that had travelled to the Caymans and fell in love, so they never left.
Experiences
Stingray City:
Though very touristy, Stingray City is an unforgettable, must do experience. The stingrays are all wild, free stingrays that are by no means forced to stay in the region, but rather choose to stay due to the promise of easily accessible food. About 60 years ago, fishermen began to dump excess bait in this region so that they would not attract insects to the docks by dumping it there. By doing this, they began to attract stingrays to the area, who would eat the scraps. Older stingrays such as the one I am holding in the photo below taught younger stingrays to come here for an easy meal. To avoid the massive crowds, try to go either early in the morning or later in the evening, and avoid the weekends when the majority of cruise ships are in. We did both stingray city and the bioluminescent bay on the same trip, so we went later in the day and were only accompanied by about 4 other boats. We went with Adventura Cayman, on a private trip for $550 total (for both Stingray City, a snorkel tour, and the Bioluminescent bay) and they were a great tour group.
Bioluminescent Bay:
Since there are only 14 Bioluminescent bays in the world, I knew I had to see this one while we were in Grand Cayman. It is a once in a lifetime experience, truly, and was absolutely phenomenal. DO NOT MISS IT. We went during a full moon week, and because of this there were no tours going to the bay (the full moon apparently lessens the view of the bay), which is why we decided to do a private boat tour that would take us to the bay. Honestly, even with the full moon it was extraordinary, and I liked the fact that we had the entire bay to ourselves. There are a few ways to see the bay: snorkeling, kayaking, and glass bottom boats. We snorkeled, and I would recommend doing it that way, since it is the only option that actually gets you in the water with the plankton. The pictures do not do it justice, but I will show them anyways.
Other:
Though we didn’t get the chance to do these things, I would still recommend exploring them yourself:
Mastic Trail
Crystal Caves
Botanical Garden
Note: The Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman is also a popular tourist attraction. They do some turtle rescue and breeding for release, however they do still run a turtle farm and provide turtles for commercial purposes. For this purpose I chose not to go there, and won’t recommend others to do so. However, I do acknowledge the conservation efforts of the company, and respect other’s decision to go there.
Diving/Snorkeling
The reefs in Grand Cayman are massive and colorful, squeezed pack full of colorful reef fish. Some of the larger, more unique creatures you can find are turtles (loggerhead, greens, and Hawksbille), Southern Stingrays, Eagle Rays, and Nurse Sharks.
The offshore snorkeling I saw was nothing to cry home about, although there were some cool areas in Rum Point and Bodden Town. The real amazing snorkeling and diving is about 25 yards offshore, where the massive coral reefs start. As I said before, near Turtle Nest Inn in bodden town has some amazing coral reefs that are accessible through a fairly easy swim, and same with Rum point, although both areas you have to swim through a murky, algae coated area to get to the good stuff.
Farther out, there are some amazing, massive coral reefs. One trip we went about 80 yards offshore near rum point to snorkel, a place called starfish point by our guide, which had good visibility and exciting coral. It was my first time snorkeling in the evening, and we got the unique opportunity to see Midnight Parrotfish spraying eggs on the reef and ocean floor.
I also got the opportunity for a shore dive to see Devils Grotto, near Eden Rock. The coral reef here seemed to go forever in either direction, with bright splashes of color all over. I also got the rare chance to see a juvenile loggerhead sea turtle, a species that has been endangered for years. Though I didn’t come at the right time of year, they do have massive schools of silversides at Devils grotto as well, which I hear is pretty amazing.
The other dive I got to do during my time in Grand Cayman was a boat dive off of Spotts Beach. The fish life was flourishing here, and this dive probably had the highest density of fish I’ve seen on any reef. We got to see a few eels, and a group of Tarpon.
I did both of my dives through Don Fosters dive shop, which I happened upon by accident heading to Eden Rock. Both of my dives were absolutely fantastic, and the dive guides were very professional and fun. The weather did mean that dive opportunities were somewhat unpredictable, but they managed to tell me if my dives were cancelled the night before both times. Though they don’t do many east side dives, I would recommend them for any of your west side dives. I tried to do a dive through the famous Sunset House, but my dive was cancelled only thirty minutes before I was supposed to be there, and the employee I was dealing with was not gracious, so I gave up on that venture quickly.
When it comes to renting gear, all dive shops are likely to rent both dive and snorkel gear. Divers supply is the only shop I found that actually sold gear, and they rent out gear as well. This would be a good place to rent snorkel gear for your trip if thats what you need, though it is fairly expensive. I would recommend renting your dive gear through whichever shop you choose to dive through, and only rent it for your dive. That will save you a bit of money in renting.
I hope you all found this information helpful! Until next time, live free my fellow travel bugs!
Travelbug 