Paradise Beach and Wave Runners

Just back from our 8/21/04 Zuiderdam cruise and our first visit to Paradise Beach. We enjoyed it very much as did some of our fellow cruisers we talked into going based on the reviews on this board. Our same friends later went to 7 mile beach in Cayman and said Paradise Beach was much nicer. (They got hit for over $25 at 7 mile beach for 2 chairs and an unbrella - free at PB).

We arrived just before 10:00 am with our 2 boys and was impressed how clean everything was. The bar wasn't yet open and there were guys raking the beach so smooth it looked like a carpet - so neat to be the first placing your footprints on the sand.

We had two beers, two margerittas, a soda and 3 food items from the menu, all were very good - total $50 plus tip, not bad for a very enjoyable day (plus $12 cab fare each way).

I did make it to the top of the iceburg - not an easy trick for a fifty+ year old guy.

Right next door they rent wave runners - $30 for 15 minutes, $55 per half hour or $100 per hour. Minimum age to ride is 16, two can share and take turns. The wave runners looked to be in good shape and are very very quick. There is no insurance available and you are responsible for any damage. My advise if you want to rent a waverunner is to go early before it gets crowded out there. One wave runner by itself is pretty safe - it can get dangerous when things get crowded.

They also did banana boat rides for $10 pp (it was $20 at Holland America's Castaway Cay)

I didn't get to meet Paradise Beach Tom as we left around 1:00 pm, just wanted to let Tom know his staff is very nice as is the facility.

Lou

loudbmw@msn.com

$30 for 15 minutes is outrageous!!! Surely there is someplace else to rent a waverunner for cheaper. I would pay $30 for 1-2 hours but not 15 minutes. It would take me that long to figure out how it works!

Lou...Sorry I didn't get to meet you that day, but glad you all had a great time at the beach! I'll pass along the compliments to the staff...hasta la vista!!

karenh...that is the going rate in Cozumel I'm afraid.....