Guide to Cozumel Beach Resorts Plus Review of Nachi Cocom

With its swaying palms, shade granting palapas and clear blue waters, Nachi Cocom promises a quiet paradise to those passengers looking for a cruise excursion in Cozumel, Mexico. This little known daytime beach resort appeals to cruise passengers in the know and to those cruise aficionados who have been reading the former's online reviews. Fortunately, the management at this Cozumel resort has limited attendance to 100 with reservations required, which precaution guarantees that no beach chairs will ever need to be positioned side by side in long rows in the sand.

After two visits there myself and input from a family member who has had the priviledge of visiting four times, Nachi Cocom has consistently met our expectations for a serene, sun drenched paradise. On my most recent cruise excursion in Cozumel in October 2009, the ocean at the resort was crystal clear, calmly lapping on the white sand beach. While I was up to my neck in the sea, my toes as well as every sparsely tossed pebble in the sand were completely and clearly visible. In July 2009, the waves were rolling with a little more zest, and so I instead enjoyed the resort's pool and swim up pool bar.

Despite its beautiful thatched roof open air restaurant floored with traditional Mexican tiles, those palapas I mentioned earlier, the comfortable beach chairs, and the gorgeous landscaping, perhaps the biggest draw to Nachi Cocom is its wonderful staff. On both of my visits, the waiter Carlos anticipated my party's needs by offering drinks before we ever needed to ask. Jose at the bar operated in a similar manner and offered a warm personality and quite a few laughs. Perhaps what endeared the staff most to me, though, was that they provided the same quality of service to my children as to myself when I took the little ones there in July.

As far as lunch on this cruise excursion, I can easily vouch for the resort's nachos, chicken fajitas and coconut ice cream. I ordered the same meal on both visits and it was delicious both times. One tip to remember is that there is no need to order everything at the same time. The servings at this Cozumel beach resort are plentiful, so fill up on the nachos early in the day and have the fajitas later.

Nachi Cocom is open to Cozumel cruise passengers and day trippers from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Current all-inclusive pricing is $49 per adult and $12 per child. The all-inclusive day pass includes unlimited beverages, both alcoholic and soft drinks, an appetizer, entree and dessert, and use of the resort facilities. Activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, massages, etc. are at an additional charge.

Nachi Cocom's website appears to be outdated and unattended. According to the staff, Nachi Cocom no longer accepts direct reservations. As of October 2009, reservations can only be arranged through the booking agent Island Marketing.

Mr. Sanchos Beach Resort

A popular beach resort in Cozumel, Mr. Sanchos offers similar amenities to those of Nachi Cocom and hosts up to 500 guests per day. All-inclusive pricing is $45 per adult and $19 per child with unlimited food and beverages plus the use of snorkel equipment and kayaks.

Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach proves popular with cruise passengers and offers free admission with the complimentary use of a beach chair and umbrella. Food and beverages are available with a la carte pricing. Guests may purchase a Fun Pass, allowing unlimited use of the resort's water toys, for $10 per person.

Playa Mia

Situated on a stretch of white sand near Nachi Cocom, Playa Mia offers an extensive selection of water toys. Prices range from $15 for entry with selected amenities included to $49 for unlimited domestic beverages, a buffet, most of the water toys, and more.

Taxi Fare

For two to four passengers, the taxi ride to Nachi Cocom, Mr. Sanchos or Playa Mia is $16 each way. For five passengers, the rate is $24. For six to eight passengers, expect to pay $32 each way. The taxi fare to Paradise Beach is slightly less expensive at $14 for two to four passengers, $20 for five passengers, and $30 for six to eight passengers each way. A ten percent gratuity for the driver is appreciated.

More Information

For additional reviews and discussions of these popular beach resorts and other cruise excursions in Cozumel, Mexico, sites such as cruisecritic.com, carnivalconnections.com and tripadvisor.com offer an extensive collection of postings. These postings often compare two or more of these Cozumel beach resorts or weigh in on the merits of visiting one in lieu of another.