Well let me start by saying I review / research a lot before I even go someplace and I love trip advisor reviews . I read at least 50 reviews to really get the overall experience and decipher the negatives. Cab ride from RC port was $17.00 and about 10 min drive .We traveled with my 30 year old daughter and my 9 year old granddaughter . As you've already probably read : wristbands are entrance fee and are $3.00 , they just ask that you spend an additional $10.00 on food , easy to do . We were set up with nice lounge chairs with padding in the front row ( full sun ). Further back you can sit under palm trees . We had lunch while there : burger, fish tacos , quesadilla , chips and salsa , all very good quality . They serve you in your lounge chairs ( our server Enrique was excellent ) . There is also an option to sit at tables available at the bar or near the pool . We chose not to pay the extra $18 for other options because we didn't kayak or use paddle boats or inflatables ( my grand dgtr already did all the inflatables at labadee ) but I could see other kids were having fun on the inflatables and they were easy enough to swim too . 1 thing I forgot and even read reviews on was the water shoes ! Forgot them on the ship and could've used them . Someone mentioned rocks in the water but they are not a bunch of small rocks , they are " boulder " size like tiny mountains with seaweed . There are a few small areas where you don't encounter this but mostly you do . I was especially glad that I didn't pay for inflatables because the rocks deterred by grand daughter a bit . The beach itself beautiful and you could walk down the beach area and see other bars and shops there is a Carlos and Charlie's here if you've ever heard of . My grand dgtr got her hair braided real cute for $15.00. And my husband was happy to find one of those long sleeve SPF sun shirts at one of the shops for $20.00. My grand dgtr LOVED the pool best because the cruise ship pools were salt water and this was chlorine so it didn't sting her eyes . The pool depth was almost 5' deep , so nice for adults to wade around in . There are also lounge chairs IN the margin of the pool so adults can be half submerged in the water watching the kids swim ! There is also a beautiful swim up bar .There are ample , super clean bathrooms , changing areas , and lockers . People are right when they say it can get crowded but I wouldn't say " overcrowded " and there are plenty of lounge chairs both on the beach and pool . We like a activity and cruising so it was great for all of us . If you're a couple and you want to get away to some quiet go further to palanco beach . We thought the staff was super friendly and always ready to accommodate . We left approx 3:30 having arrived at 10 am and still didn't want to leave . We did want time to shop near the port and we did find some cheap stuff ( you could buy a nice beach bag for $3.00 for someone at home !) . We hadn't been to Cozumel in years but can't wait to go back again !!!
