FA option - Explorean Cozumel

[Sandy VDH]

My niece has just come back from her Honeymoon. I sent her to the Explorean Cozumel. Explorean Resorts (run by Fiesta American). https://www.explorean.com/index-en.html This is one of the top rated resorts in Cozumel.

They are available from HGVC directly, but they are also available via RCI. I got one for an RCI getaway, so getaway fee only and NO RCI TPUs or HGVC Points. Getaway was $299.

So although this is an All Inclusive resort and I don't feel many are worth the cost of exchanging via HGVC or RCI but rather directly booking is usually a better deal. I don't agree that is the case with the Explorean offering available. The AI fee also includes 1 daily activity, in addition to food and beverages. In the case of the Cozumel resort, it also give you access to all the facilities at the Fiesta America Cozumel. So you get the best of a small intimate resort and the facilities of a bigger resort all in one.

The AI Fees via RCI are $100 pp/pd BUT the fees via HGVC are $80 pp/pd. (Rates for 2019) Which for an AI fee is not bad, but one that also includes a daily activity is really good. Their activity included jeep island tour, snorkeling and beach trips, Ruin trips, Tequila tasting, Jungle Biking trip etc. On some of the longer trips, which were up to 5 hrs, they brought beverages and snacks for the guests.

Oddly enough you pay the same amount via RCI or HGVC to stay at the Fiesta Americana next door, but you don't get the free daily activity included. So stay at the Explorean.

My niece said the food was fantastic, the staff was excellent and they really enjoyed their honeymoon. (They got married in October, but just getting around to having a Honeymoon now). Tripadvisor has really great reviews as well.

In general, most AI through RCI are not worth it. For what you pay in fees you likely can get a travel package that is less when you add up all the fees ( MFs, exchange, AI and flights). But I did price compare this resort by booking directly vs booking via an exchange.

If you are thinking an AI option I would recommend Explorean Cozumel.

 

[buzglyd]

I’ve thought about this one for a while because of the great reviews. It might be worth a try and I could also add a Bacalar trip.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I’ve thought about this one for a while because of the great reviews. It might be worth a try and I could also add a Bacalar trip.

Too funny, I just put this on your give me an idea for an exchange post. Now I have just noticed that you posted here too.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Thanks @Sandy_VDH for the info. I have always been curious about this resort and the daily activities. Do you have a full list of all the activities available?

I am also interested in the pros/cons of staying in Cozumel at this resort compared to staying in Cancun at the Westin Lagunamar? (I have never been to Cancun/Cozumel but hope to go sometime in the future.)

Would it make sense to spend a few days at each? or do each of these deserve a separate week?

 

[hurnik]

Thanks for the comparison, Sandy!
We're booked for June for 3 nights in the FA, not the Explorean via HGVC.
The $80/p/day AI fee is about my "top" that I'm willing to spend, LOL!, but I'd agree with your assessments. I think also the Explorean has an extra restaurant you can go to (vs. the FA you cannot use the Explorean restaurant, but the vice versa is true).

I like Cozumel mainly for the snorkeling and on that side of the island, you almost never have to worry about the Sargassum problem.

@CalGalTraveler:
I don't think you''ll have to worry about the Sargassum issue up by the Westin, but may wish to check the Trip Advisor forums. Also depends on when you go. typically Sargassum isn't an issue in Dec-Feb but then it has a tendency to pick up a bit in March and increase as the temps get warmer. But usually in the Cancun Hotel Zone, I don't think you have to worry about it, but I could've sworn one year it was bad up there as well, but I could be wrong.

I've not stayed at the Westin. But I would like to.

I've been at the El Cid la Ceiba in Cozumel. Hopefully I'll remember to write a review about the FA in CZM.

 

[klpca]

We spent a week there last May and will be booking for next May as soon as availability is posted for 2020. We almost cancelled this trip - airfare was very pricey and our trip was just a few weeks after the ferry was bombed. But in the end, the ferry bombing seemed to be some kind of a local power struggle, not terrorism, so we decided to go anyway. We had an awesome time! I am normally not a fan of AI's but we felt that it was a good value because of the daily excursions. The excursions that we did were the jeep tour of Cozumel (the Jeep was sketchy and had a lot of mechanical issues but somehow completed the entire trip), sunset kayaking including stargazing, a day trip to Punta Sur (including a tour of a rickety tower - max 10 people, lol), drift snorkeling at the local beach (Money Bar back to Explorean), and a snorkel trip out to El Cielo, Columbia Reef, and Palancar Reef. Every excursion was excellent.

The food was pretty good, the service was excellent, and having access to Fiesta Americana was a big plus. I can't see how anyone could have a bad trip there, but I suppose that it's not for everyone. The rooms are set back behind the Fiesta Americana and definitely in a jungle setting, so if an ocean view is at all important, this is not the place for you. It was a bit buggy too - definitely take your bug spray.

For us, besides the excursions, the best part was the people that we met. It was a fun place, and we met a bunch of fun people. In fact we're all going back next May to pick up where we left off. About half of our group are regulars who go every year. It's that kind of place. I highly recommend it.