Cozumel versus grand cayman

[Ophidion]

Hello everyone

My fiancé and I are trying to plan a vacation back to the western Caribbean next march for my 30th birthday. We went on a cruise last year and grand cayman and Cozumel were our favorite places that we visited plus they have the added bonus of having a Lcdh in both locations.

W can only afford one location so I had some questions that may help narrow down our decision:

In terms of cost, which location is going to be a better value overall (food/lodging/entertainment etc)

We are mostly beach bums and neither of us drink so the nightlife in terms of bars/clubs which has the better views/beaches etc.

Which place is going to have a more friendly cigar culture? I spent a few hours in grand cayman at the Lcdh and they were incredibly helpful and friendly. In cozumel the tour we were on ran late so I didn't have a chance to get to the Lcdh.

Any experience or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Rushman]

Hey there. I live in playa del carmen just across on the mainland from Cozumel.

As far as "beach bum" goes, I think more rustic, not laying on the beach of a $500 per night resort.

Cozumel has some great beach getaways if you rent a scooter or car, with the benefit of also having day trips to PDC which also has some nice spots.

I am also a big fan of grand cayman, but my beach experience there was simply at the resort. Also nice watch shopping there.

If you decide on Cozumel and make it to PDC for a day trip, swing by my shop for a smoke.

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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=20.631754,-87.070600

[Tarks]

My vote would be the Caymans. I have never been a fan of Mexico (Been to Cozumel, Playa, Cancun) and it just isn't for me. Although, I will say that the beaches in Playa will be nicer than the Caymans. But like cigars, we all have different tastes so your mileage may vary. Expect the Caymans to be more expensive (off the resort) but I think it is worth extra money. Just my opinion.

[rfenst]

If you travel after March 15, your hotel expense will be less because the spring tourist season will be over. If you are a scuba diver, both places are great. Cayman is absolutely awesome with so many different dives of different types it will bow your mind. Diving in Cozumel is very good, but IMO not nearly as good. Cozumel is less safety conscious and is drift diving, which I dislike.

Cayman has much more to do. You will not have to leave the island to stay busy or shop. All of the beaches are very nice to great and there is much on the island to explore water is spectacular. IIRC, Cozumel really doesn't have beaches.

and some colonial ruins.

Cozumel is not as clean and I do not feel it is as safe. I am not saying it is dangerous, but that I feel and know I am more secure in Cayman. It wouldn't present me from going back to Cozumel. I am just comparing the two for you. As to the people, I found that most Cozumel men were rude to my wife (ignoring her presence or request in a restaurant would be good examples}

Dining is a no-brainer. Cayman wins by a mile with much, much greater choices in multiple price ranges.

Activity-wise, cayman is great: Stingray City, an aloe farm, museums, brewery, rum cake factory, and a all kinds of shoping including everything from markets where you can try to barter to some real upscale stores.

Now, before you finish your conclusion that i am pushing Cayman over Cozumel, there is one very important thing to consider: Cayman is probably going to be quite a bit more expensive...

But, it's time for me to change my tune... ARUBA!!!

Better than both Cayman and Cozumel. Less expensive Great native people. So much to do: Great shoping from local markets to some of the most upscale brand-stores. Casinos, if you are in to them and everything Coz and Cay have. i have been to all three and Aruba wins by ten miles. It is so much better that we have gone too many times to count. There is a constant breeze, which makes the temperature comfortable. more restaurants of all types and price ranges than you can imagine. Plus both an LCDH and Cigar Emporium (owned by the same guy as LCDH). If you go to Aruba, try to stay at the Hyatt. It is, by far, the nicest hotel. I would rather have a room there with no windows than anywhere else on the island. The staff is awesome and the grounds are beautiful.

I am sure you will enjoy any of the three you choose, but i promise you that Aruba is the place to be!!!

Aruba has everything both Coz and Cay have and then a whole lot more...