cozumel

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

A bud and I are headed down 1 feb to 15 feb. I've read the previous posts, sounds like Toms condo and casa viento are the places to be. I also read in the previous posts that there is a chance of getting skunked. As such, we are considering staying downtown. My questions are:
- If we stay downtown is it a real pain in the butt to get to the launch?
- Can anyone recommend a decently priced, and nice enough place to stay downtown?

I'm interested in hearing anything anybody has to say about cozumel and kiting.

Bettyboarder · Tue Nov 27, 07 1:42 pm

Cozumel is great there is a lot to do there even if you get skunked. Downtown to kite launch is only about 10-15 min drive so it's very reasonable to stay downtown. Casa Vento is pretty cool, not the best hosts though and last I heard they were selling it not sure if they did or not. We stayed in the condo below Tom's on our first time, great spot if it's windy cause you can walk a block and kite.

There was a hotel Trevor stayed at last time in downtown that was very cheap and pretty nice if you dont need anything fancy.

You can email Adrian at cozumelkiteboarding.com for details too. He has a great hook up on a boat if you want some flat water riding. He also has the best restaurant on the island.

Mark · Tue Nov 27, 07 1:50 pm

Rich,
Check out Costco travel. You maybe able to get a "deal" on an all inclusive or cheap package deal. Rent a car as you will want to drive to the other side of the island for waves.
In the off time, remember its a top 10 diving location. I recommend the "devils throat".

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

Rich, we stayed at Casa Viento, and did not have a good experience there b/c of feuding owners, chainsmoking indoors by all who live there, very loud partying into the early morning every day by owners, and their dogs who pee on your stuff if you leave the door open. Nuff said! Tonski

NERDSKI · Since 03 Mar 2006 31 Posts THE DITCH

All i can say is RENT A CAR 4 Sure! Plenty to do on the island. snorkeling and fishing were great nonwind activities the 2 weeks we were there. No complaints on Casaviento for us - we had a great experience there "all tho it sounds like things have changed". We rented a bug and it was great for cruising the island with all our gear. I would also recommend flying direct to Cozumel - to maximize time there. Have a great trip. I would go back in a heart beat! Very Happy

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

I was thinking of bringing a 9m & 13m setup. Anybody have any advice on the wind condish in coz late jan early feb time frame?

Bettyboarder · Thu Nov 29, 07 8:43 am

Adrian told me that feb and march are the good months to be there. You could check weatherunderground for past reading to get a idea. It's one of those places were it's kind of a guess.

Our first trip we went in early Feb and had wind everyday, then last year we went in late Feb and only had a few days.

I would say take as many kites as you can the 9 and 13 will be good, if you have a glide or similar I would try to take that too.

DrScoles · Since 13 Nov 2006 25 Posts Sammamish, WA

I know Tom, been in his condo, very nice, about 40 yards from the beach. I went there with 9/13 bows last christmas, really needed a bigger kite. Or get a surfboard. Adrian is super nice guy, doing the lagoon trip is cool. He also has a nice restaurant. There is some political tension with some of the instructors, kinda lame... Coz is still my favorite dive spot in the world, if no wind, get under the water!

Windless in Maui, Mike

Cozumel Tom · Since 14 Aug 2007 18 Posts Toronto / Cozumel

Rich,

Feel free to e-mail or call me directly. I'll give you all the info on Cozumel. My condo is available for your dates, but it is a one bedroom with a king size bed. More geared to couples. There are several 2 bedroom condos in the same building that are available that time.

Attached is the weatherunderground wind history carts for Cozumel. Wind is monitored at the airport, which is about 5 mph less that the other side of the island (Wave Ranch, etc.) and 10 mph less that the Country Club and Lagoons.

Lots of variety and uncrowded. NO WINDSURFERS!!...well, maybe one or 2 but they stay away from the kiting area.

Cozumel Tom · Since 14 Aug 2007 18 Posts Toronto / Cozumel

Here is the wind history graph for Cozumel for February 2006.

scottnorby · Sat Dec 08, 07 5:45 pm

Just got back from staying in Tom's condo.
It was GREAT...great condo....great location...

Our big tips for you.
1. RENT A CAR...NO question. And not a convertible because you can use your car as a gear storage if there are windows, a roof, and an alarm. Otherwise there is a lot of packing of gear from the room to the car.

2. Get to know Adrian!!--- because you can get the downwinder of your life and he will blow you away when you see him catch your kite in his boat while operating the outboard.
Adrian is incredibly talented and you MUST let him take on on a guided tour on at least one day where wind is predicted.

3. Have a way to check the weather. Find an internet cafe and check the weather every morning. Sitting around waiting sucks if the wind never comes.

4. SNORKEL!!! In front of the El Cozumelelo hotel there is a GREAT spot....ironically a short 2 block walk from Tom's condo. We snorkeled almost every day and it was worth the trip.

5. Go to the east side if there is no wind and rent a boogie board if there are waves. We were stoked getting barrelled in small little waves because the water is SO warm and clear. The east beaches are desolate and quiet.

6. We were there 2 weeks and I rode 2 days --Tami rode 7. I could have ridden more with a bigger kite but only brought a 16.
So bring a big kite....or BETTER yet bring a surfboard.
With a beefy shortboard I would have ridden 7 days.

7. Bring misquito repellent....I had 50 bites on each arm from one night of no wind when we left the window open.

8. Go fishing! The fishing is insane there.

The day we left the forcast shifted and there will be 2 straight weeks of wind.
We just had bad luck.....

But we had a great time anyways and there are plenty of things to do.

rich · Since 30 Nov 2005 306 Posts portland Obsessed

anybody fly united to coz? Any tips on dealing w/ them?

Cozumel Tom · Since 14 Aug 2007 18 Posts Toronto / Cozumel

Rich,
Not sure about United. I think they connect through Atlanta to CZM

American Airlines connects through Dallas to CZM.

Continental connects through Houston to CZM.

NW Airlines connects through Detroit to CZM (and probably another airport)

My buddy Bob Miller got a good deal from SFO to Mexico City to CZM.

There are winter charters direct to CZM from Colorado, Minneapolis and other semi-northern cities. I would check with a Denver travel agent.

Best price is not always the best option as the cheaper flights can sometimes stick it to you for your gear.

scottnorby · Sun Dec 09, 07 7:22 pm

Forgot a HUGE one....
Tip number 7----EAT AT ESPECIAS (spanish for spices)

Adrian has a really cool little restaurant in town and the food is really really good!!
Get the empenadas ($1 each) and the small stuffed zuccini....stuffed with cheese, cream cheese, and fresh tomato sauce.

SO GOOD!

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

Good guide! Got to agree about Adrian, that guy is the man and his food is to die for. Knowing him makes you feel like a local.