I am more of a "do things at my own pace" kinda person.

Can anyone suggest fun things to do on these two ports so I don't waste tons of time looking for activites?

Peace,

Deanna

For both there is always the beach. 

If you're looking for something more then check out Auto Progreso for Progreso.  I have a copy of their brochure on my website - http://www.seauonboard.com/AP%20Tours.pdf.

What interests you?

We did paradise beach in Cozumel, $10 gets you access to lots of non-motorized water activities, plenty of beach chairs and umbrellas, very attentive waitstaff, great drinks, and OK food right on the beach.

 If you do Autoprogresso in Progresso I don't recommend the Reef Club Resort, it was overcrowded, food was horrible, and no activities other than one small pool.

I ride the ferry to playa del carmen when you get off the ferry there is a great beach at the doc  i like the shopping there also. 

Has anyone rented a jeep in either of these two places?  Which has more sites to see?  Is it even possible to rent a jeep w/out an excursion. What about a moped are those available to rent? How much$$$??  thanks!

Jorge

Mopeds are not a good idea - at least in Cozumel.  I personnally have seen 2 accidents and they didn't look good.  While the taxi drivers are used to mopeds they still somehow find a way to collide.  Stick with the jeep.

My brother and husband rented a jeep in cozumel for about $65 with insurance coverage for the entire day and they explored on their own, picked the rest of the group up from the beach so we wouldn't have to spend more money on cab fare.

Wow! thanks for the great ideas everyone!

Deanna

 In Cozumel can you ride the tender to Playa DelCarmen just to go or do you need to have an excursion booked. Also once there is there only one trip back to Cozumel.

There are no tenders to Playa but you can take the ferry.  They run anywhere from one to two hours on the hour.  

Attached is the schedule/price - http://www.travelyucatan.com/playa_del_carmen_cozumel_ferry.php

Notice the NOTICE on the site....
Please Note: Ferry schedule can change due to weather conditions; ie high winds or waves.

I wouldn't risk going over if the weather might turn bad - you might not get back.

This link shows you a view inside a ferry - http://www.locogringo.com/research/ferry.html

Another good site (gives location of ferry) - http://www.cozumel-tours.com/cozumel-ferry-schedule.htm

Cruise Passengers: A taxi to the ferry pier from the Puerta Maya or International Pier should cost about $6.00 USD and take about 7 minutes.  If your cruise ship is arriving at Punta Langosta, then you can just walk next door.

I cruised on the Ecstasy back in Feb. with a friend of mine.  We're single, 30's and like to have fun. We are no strangers to margaritas.

In Cozumel we did the catamaran and snorkel excursion that was followed by a beach party.  The catamaran was nice, the crew was super fun.  The snorkeling was a little disappointing.  No reef, some beautiful fish but not many varieties. The "beach party" is kind of a misnomer.  There were kayaks and floats, a grill, beer.  No band, contests, etc.  It was relaxing.  On the way back to the ship the catamaran played loud music that a lot of people danced to, had free beer and margs.  This excursion isn't kid friendly and my parents would hate it.  In a nut shell I would recommend this excursion but I'd do something different next time.

In Progresso we decided not to do an excursion.  We caught a van cab at the pier for $1 each which was a 10 min ride to town.  We walked around, shopped, didn't buy a thing.  A lot of the things they were selling looked made in China and the town reminded me of the Texas border towns.  (Cozumel was nicer.)  We walked to the beach and into the Corona Beach club party which was really fun.  The people who'd paid for the excursion were drinking free unlimited Coronas.  Again, I wouldn't recommend this one to my parents but I'd pick it over shopping for sure.

 A young couple we met on the cruise went to a resort in Progresso and said they really liked it.  I thought  they said it was $40 but the only one I find online is around $75.

Nancy:

A young couple we met on the cruise went to a resort in Progresso and said they really liked it.  I thought  they said it was $40 but the only one I find online is around $75.

Great tip.  Thank you!! 

 Oh, where do I find AutoProgresso?

There's been lots of info posted about AutoProgreso on these boards - you can do a search - but I'll give you the basics.

Their website is www.autoprogeso.com - Or you can go to my website - www.seauonboard.com - click Ports of Call - select Progreso - you'll find a link to their website - but also I have scanned their brochure in so you can see a more detailed list then what is on the website.

You can reserve in advance but you don't have to.  There will be reps from the company at the pier when you get off the ship - just outside the duty free shop - so you can book when you get there.  The info I received back from them indicates that the shuttle that goes to the resort leaves about 2 hours after the ship arrives.  It leaves from town so you can still go into town and shop the flea market before going. 

Hope this helps.