Bus to Playa Del Carmen and Off to Cozumel
Once I got to the ADO bus terminal I purchased a bus ticket for 90 pesos (approximately 6.8USD). The ADO buses are extremely comfortable and air conditioned and I would highly suggest them over a taxi or shuttle which could end up costing you 30-50USD which is a ripoff. They leave every hour to Play Del Carmen in the ADO bus terminal in downtown Cancun City Centre. You can take the R-1 public bus in Cancun for 6 pesos to get there.
Once in Playa Del Carmen you are bombarded with endless requests for taxis or invitations into the shops. As was the case in Cancun, the number of tourists was small compared to how busy Playa usually is. Just walk right by the shop peddlers and head to the ferry pier to get to Cozumel. The ferries leave every hour and take approximately 45 minutes to get to Cozumel. I believe the price is 110 pesos (around 9USD).
The ferry pier in Playa Del Carmen was the first big sign of the swine flu having been in Mexico. All the ferry attendants and police were wearing hospital masks and you have to fill out a quick medical survey before boarding the ferry. The goal is to keep swine flu out of Cozumel but you have to wonder if anything they're doing is actually helping since symptoms wont usually manifest themselves until 3-5 days later. Once again your temperature is also taken before boarding. Other than that, it was business as usual.
I checked into Suites Bahia which is a great budget hotel in downtown San Miguel in Cozumel. This is the third time I have stayed here. The rooms usually end up costing around 45USD/night. That includes 2 queen beds, a kitchenette, air conditioner and TV.
The location of Suites Bahia could not be better and the rooms are very no-frills and clean. Another added bonus is that the hotel also offers free wireless and a guest computer in the lobby. They also offer a great morning breakfast and free coffee.
Once I was checked in, I immediately walked the 2 blocks to the Aqua Safari dive shop to get my equipment sorted out for tomorrows diving. Aqua Safari has been in Cozumel since 1966 and is owned by a couple named Bill and Donna. Donna immediately recognized me before and was happy to see my business again.
She explained to me that they have also been hit hard by the swine flu. Normally Aqua Safari has 3 full boats going out each day and will sometimes rent 1 or 2 books to handle additional customers if they're full. Unfortunately they have only really had one boat going out each day.
I spent Saturday evening walking around the island to see what had changed. The last time I was on the island was before hurricane Wilma. There are tons of new restaurants and stores where old ones used to stand. More on this later...
I ended up eating dinner at La Choza one of my previous favorite restaurants also recommended by Donna. the original La Choza restaurant had a thatched roof and was hit by lightening and burned down however they moved next to a new location and more importantly without a thatched roof that can catch fire. I was one of the three groups in the restaurant. As usual, the food was great. Highly recommended if you go to Cozumel.
