Meridiano 87 - Marina FONATUR

Cielo Diving & Snorkel Day 1

Puerto Libre Hotel

Welcome Event

InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa by IHG

Rehearsal

Bridal Party Getting Ready

Wedding Day

Ceremony & Reception

Aqui + Ahora

After Party: Aqui + Ahora: Central Location

Puerto Libre Hotel: Pool Area

Day After Brunch

Cielo Dive Day 2

Mealani & Ryan Hoyt 

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Registry

Communication during & prior to wedding week will be on Whatsapp group chat

Wedding Events 

Sunday Feb 22: Welcome Event530pm at Puerto Libre Hotel in the pool area Monday Feb 23rd: Rehearsal at presidente caribeno optional breakfast at 10, rehearsal 1 hr.requested attendees: Mealani &amp; Ryan Matt &amp; Lorena Mama K &amp; Jim BJim SmithDianaTroy, Eli, Claire, Sofia, Amalia, Mateo &amp; Kyle Tuesday Feb 24th: Wedding Day! Ceremony at 530pmEl Presidente Cozumel Caribeno Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow. Afterparty: Aqui y AhoraCentral location.1130pm- whenever we want.It is walking distance from the hotels (puerto Libre and flamingo). Wednesday, Feb 25th: Brunch11am-1230pmserved at puerto Libre pool area

Additional Events / Options

Diving Days: Saturday Feb 21 &amp; Friday Feb 27. Meet at 720am at the puerto libre lobby.Boat leaves at 8 am fonator marina.Scuba: $100 US per person + $25 for equipment. Snorkel: $40 + 5 rental. Tip not included. Cash or pesos only. Lunch provided. On the fly things we may do/ you SHOULD do if you're interested: Wednesday, feb 25th: Potential Salsa dancing at wet wendy's, 9pm. Thursday, Feb 26th: Potential beach day at Buccanos beach club, TBD

We will not be answering messages outside of the whatsapp group to ensure we are able to remain present during the week. link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CSt0DNs1ODfIeMLLFX09QL

Itinerary in Cozumel

Basic Info: 

We rec'd booking your hotel stay first.  Rec'd dates: 2/21- 3/1   We recommend staying at Puerto Libre, as that is where the majority of us will be staying (including us). Use code M&R. Note** the Double rooms are two queens.   There is a QR code and link below for the hotel we are requesting our guest's to stay at, though it is ultimately up to you.   Flights *should* go down later, so keep on eye on that.

Your stay in cozumel

We have a hotel block from 2/20/26-3/1/26 for Puerto Libre. Some have chosen to stay those dates, and other's have chosen 2/21-2/28. ou can decide for yourself what is best for you and your family. You can also book directly from the website (https://www.puertolibrehotel.com/) and use code "M&amp;R." ﻿The hotel owner provided our guest's 15% off with the code. You can also book via booking.com, but it may be limited given that the owner already blocked out our dates. Info: It is locally owned, brand new, great staff, comfy beds, clean space, unlimited filtered water, ocean view, walking distance to everything, and has a pool. It is more of a boutique hotel stay. You won't need a place that has beach access, as there is a lot of beach clubs that we all will spend more time at (plus, ultimately it is less expensive to focus on beach clubs for beach days opposed to a beach resort).

Hotel Recommendation: Puerto Libre

This is a 3 minute walk from Puerto Libre 

Hotel Flamingo 

This is the fancy hotel, about 20 min drive from the hotel that majority will be staying at. However it is where the wedding is at! 

El Presidente 

Searching: we use booking.com or google flights Flying into Cozumel: We recd flying into Cozumel, Mexico as it is much more convenient. Round trip tickets from SFO tend to be 500-750/each and have a layover in Dallas or Denver. Flights will reduce the closer it is to the date, put a watch on the flights. Sometimes it will say more then 700... clear the cache and look a different day and watch the flights. We have never paid more then 750 round trip. There are cheaper options as well (see cancun below) Your flight will be the biggest expense of the trip, as once you are in mexico it is much cheaper. The CZM airport is about 10-20 min away from where we will be located for the trip. The cheapest days of the week to book flights are on Tuesdays. You can also do flight watches to watch them drop and decide. Hopper is a good app for flights, as well. For flights into CZM, typically there are overnight flights any day of the week, and morning flights on Saturdays and/or Wednesdays from SFO. There are alot of time options for the flight back. Typically more flights , and cheaper flights, will show up when the dates are closer. At times, the search will also show you Cancun, so be aware of that. To date, on google flights, the average for our wedding date week is 600/round trip into cozumel.The cheapest days of the week to book flights are on Tuesdays.

Flying into Cozumel

We recommend using COZU shuttle from the airport to your hotel as taxi's are not allowed in the airport area. It should cost about 8 USD per person, or you can rent a full car for $30 which can fit up to 5 people. COZU shuttle is right before you leave the airport area on the left of the last set of sliding doors. You can buy the tickets right there, or pre-buy. They will take your card, USD, or pesos. We rec'd using a taxi for the ride back to the airport as it will most likely cost 4-6USD (200 pesos). They allow taxi's to drop off from the airport but not pick up.

Transportation from Cozumel Airport: CozuShuttle

You can also fly into Cancun, Mexico. This option at times can be cheaper and more convenient time frames for flying, though more time consuming. There are "puddle jumpers" which are a quick flight from Cancun to Cozumel. Puddle Jumper flights typically won't show up in your search until 2-5 months prior, and don't show up for rec'd when you search for flying into cozumel so you have to search for them separately (flying into cancun, then flying from cancun to cozumel). The flights are from MayAir or Aerus and cost about 45-70USD. Again, check a few months prior for the puddle jumper, they do not have options for about 4 or more months. You can also take a taxi (1 hr) or the bus (1.5hr) to the ferry, followed by taking the ferry across the island (30-40 min). We would also advise not arriving on a plane into Cancun any later than 6 PM. Keep in mind the last ferry is at 11 pm, and the first ferry is at 7am. The bus trip is now about 240 pesos/person (14 USD). If you are a family, a taxi only for you and members in a large car/van, can be negotiated to 900-1000 pesos (50USD). There are two ferry lines, and prices are around $10 each way for adults and $6 for kids.&nbsp; Typically, it is much cheaper to get a ride from an agency at the airport, or take a taxi, and then get the ferry tickets from the terminal. Be sure to check the ferry times. It is much more expensive to do it beforehand, and a "private" shuttle that is pre-booked online is typically not needed, and way over priced.

Flying into Cancun

You can click this link to explore more options and make an informed decision for your flight to cozumel.

Getting to cozumel

Travel/ Accommodations

Potential Packing List:   - Passport  - Snorkel and fins / Dive gear. Rec’d water shoes for kiddos. - Reef safe Sunscreen (we use Stream2Sea. Must be reef safe or you won’t be allowed to use) - Clothes for warm weather. You will not need a jacket.. think Hawaii / florida weather. Nothing fancy, either. It's pretty casual there. - Bathing suit  - Hat / Sunglasses  - US cash or pesos & card. Most locations take your card for payment. Ensure your bank is aware you will be out of the country. - A beach bag or regular bag for beach days/ boat days  - Beach towel or sarong. Most hotels will have some (including puerto Libre).  - Mosquito repellent and misquito anti itch ** a lot of mosquitos at sunset only -Reusable water bottle - Imodium and zofran just in case (you can also buy it from the pharmacia there)

Q + A

** Culturally, servers will not bring you a check unless you ask for it. 

COZ Coffee Roasting Company

Coffee/SnacksCost: $. Allergy: Has DF milk options.&nbsp; Vibe: In and out, grab and go coffee. Some breakfast options. Try the peanut coffee.

Cafe de Isla

Breakfast/LunchCost: $. Allergy: GF/DF options.&nbsp; Vibe: quiet and beautiful backyard, best coffee on the island, fresh juices and all organic. Try the plaintain mash

Jolly

Breakfast/BrunchCost: $$. Allergy: GF/DF options with indicators on menu Vibe: Local vibe and comfortable cozy. Great food, absolutely delicious and worth it. MUST try the banana latte!!! The enchilada breakfast, Croque Madame, and bacon.

Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Coffee/DrinksCost: $$. Allergy: GF/DF. Able to change items easily. Vibe: Fun for all ages and place to hangout plus eat.It is three levels. Go upstairs to the rooftop with view of the ocean. First level has coffee, breakfast, board games, foosball, air conditioning. Second level has a pool table, video game room, old school arcade games. Top level has a beautiful view. Gf and dairy free options. Has karaoke on Wednesday nights. Mealani and Ryan are good friends with the owners, whom are expats from Canada.

Crazy King Burrito

Lunch/DinnerCost: $. Allergy: GF and DF options, huge burritos and bowls.&nbsp; Vibe: Outside on a side street, authentic mexican. Get the garlic shrimp or steak burrito/bowl.

Mister Taco

Lunch/DinnerCost: $. Allergy: GF/DF options. option for no cheese on the menu, and you can ask for corn tortillas. Vibe: Authentic Tacos, where you will most likely be the only non-local there. Plastic tables, tacos, simple and quick and traditional.

Los Sera's Tacos

Lunch/DinnerCost: $. Allergy: GF/DF options Vibe: Authentic Tacos, where you will most likely be the only non-local there. Plastic tables, tacos, simple and quick and traditional. They also have pizza, which is fairly decent (no GF/DF pizza)

La Choza Cozumel

Lunch/DinnerCost: $. Allergy: Has symbols, able to make changes. Vibe: Delicious Authentic Mexican Food. Not expensive, a lot of really pretty plants. Try the sangria and garlic shrimp or steak! And the salsa.

Flamingos

Ice Cream Cost: $ Allergy: DF options Vibe: Best ice cream on the island

Bajau Steakhouse & Seafood Grill

Dinner/Drinks Cost: $$$&nbsp;Allergy: More limited in the allergy options, but there are still GF/DF options there.&nbsp; Vibe: Great drinks, more fancy, decent view. More recommended for appetizers and drinks as they have good top shelf drinks. They have a jazz player most nights, and the owner, Rico, is very sweet.

Guido's

DinnerCost: $$. Allergy: Has symbols, able to make changes, has GF pasta and can make DF items. Vibe: beautiful little backyard area. Italian food, Pizza, Pasta, Delicious. Try the Aglio's pasta, the sangria, and the Goats &amp; Greens salad. Family friendly but can also be romantic. Sit in the back outside.

Hannya Tiger Sushi

Dinner/LunchCost: $$ Allergy: Has indicators on menu &amp; Server Asks Vibe: Low key atmosphere. Really good service. Mid level price, VERY yummy. Get the sampler #3!!! and the Truffle Habachi Hand Roll.

Olea Cozumel

Happy Hour/DinnerCost: $$$. Allergy: Limited GF/DF options but some.&nbsp; Vibe: Low key backyard, live jazz music, good pasta and pizza. Great happy hour, great drinks. Garden/Play area for kids.

Buccanos At Night

Dinner/SunsetCost: $$$. Allergy: Has symbols, able to make changes, has GF/DF/Vegan menu. Vibe: Highly recommend to go for a date night. Closed on Sundays/Mondays. Make a reservation and go during sunset, if you sit outside you will need to wear pants or use bug spray. Romantic and family friendly, but more fancy. Great drinks and great food. Try the lobster nachos, the fish of the day, and the natural mystiq drink.&nbsp; Reservation number: + 52 1 987 114 5607.

Additional Recommendations 

Azul Madera: Lunch/Dinner 

La Moninita: Drinks, Lunch/Dinner, Views

Kooben Laab: Lunch/Dinner

Smashburger: Lunch/Dinner

Cozumel dreaming: All you can eat sushi.

  Punta sur pizza & brewery

Minkos: front yard/ backyard house vibe, Burgers/Meats

La cuisine: Health Food

Los Tacotalles: live music and tacos

Sucre sale: French breakfast

Coco cafe: Sandwiches near sunset beach 

Food Rec's 

(: OUR FAV. ACTIVITY REC'S  :) 

Beach Club/Pool, Breakfast and Lunch. Family Friendly.&nbsp; Vibe: There is a beach with safe waves for kids to play in, a pool, cabana's, lounge chairs, food, drinks, boogie boards, snorkeling gear and tours. There is a fee to get into the beach (400 pesos), however the fee goes toward's your food/drinks/beach items that you order. The Beach Club is open Tues-Sunday from 10am-530pm, food ends at 4pm. We recommend going by 11am, and renting a cabana or two (again, the cost goes towards your rental or food).

Buccanos Beach Club

Dive Boat. $100/day includes two tank dive and lunch. Slow boat, amazing people. Best people to dive with, contact Mealani for more details as we will most likely be diving with them too.

Diving with Careyitos

You can rent a buggy or bike for a day (we recommend using Discover Car), or you can contact a taxi driver (Our friend Rufino's # is&nbsp;+52 987 141-0242, you can text him on whatsapp and say it is from Mealani, Jim's daughter) to take you around the island. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the eastern side of the island. Family Tip:&nbsp;Families with small kids may want to skip trying to swim at west side beaches for safety reasons. Punta Morena: great beach club, family friendly, can *most of the time* get in the water there. Chen Rio: More Child/Family oriented. While it has big waves and strong tides, there are some small tidal pools along the beach where little ones can play more safely. Welcome to Miami: More adult oriented. drinks, walks, hammocks, beautiful view

Drive to the Wild Side

A major religious center (Mayan Temple) dedicated to Ix Chel, the Maya goddess of fertility, love, and childbirth.&nbsp; Women from the Mayan civilization would make pilgrimages to San Gervasio to offer sacrifices and seek Ix Chel's blessings.&nbsp; Features architectural structures with low walls and white-washed stones.&nbsp; San Gervasio is open to the public for tourism and can be visited with guided tours or by visiting on your own.&nbsp;A museum with a collection of artifacts and information about the Mayan civilization can be found nearby.

Arqueológica San Gervasio 

Visit Cielo for snorkeling and swimming. It is a sandbar in the ocean where many rays will swim around you. You can take various tours and research the right one.

El Cielo Cozumel Sandbar

Additional Rec's

From peeling and hand-grinding your own cacao beans to choosing how sweet of chocolate you want to make, the class is fun and interactive for the whole family.

Learn to make chocolate

If getting on a boat isn’t your thing, it’s still possible to enjoy snorkeling on Cozumel. Money Bar isn’t a swanky drinking establishment. It’s a waterfront restaurant with a small beach that allows guests to snorkel right from the shore!If you don’t have your own snorkeling equipment, then it’s available for rent from a hut adjacent to the restaurant’s dining area.They also have live music each night.

Snorkeling / Live Music at Money Bar

The only active pearl farm in the Caribbean. Only accessible by boat, it’s the best-kept secret on the island of Cozumel. Owned and operated by a local family, this beautiful location at the north end of the island has remained pristine. It offers visitors gentle breezes, clear turquoise waters, coral reefs for snorkeling, and a white sandy beach. During the tour, you walk the farm facilities to learn about how they cultivate pearls. You even get to snorkel at the hatchery, which has a life-size Virgin of Guadalupe underwater statue and some beautiful natural reef formations. After snorkeling, you visit the farm’s sandbank while a local chef grills pineapple for a tasty afternoon snack. Adults can even enjoy a cold beer under a beach palapa. The rest of the afternoon is left for relaxing. Whether you spend it lying in a hammock, swimming in the ocean, or playing in the sand, it’s a perfect day for parents who want to enjoy a special day on Cozumel with kids.

Cozumel Pearl Farm

There are inflatable obstacle courses, kayaks, food/drinks, and snorkle gear included in the all access pass. Plan to spend the whole day there. If beaches and saltwater aren’t your things, then hang out at the pool or the pool bar while the kiddos swim. Lockers, Wifi, showers, changing rooms, and restrooms are also available to all guests. Even ocean kayaks are included in the access pass! This is the most popular beach club Cozumel has to offer. This means it can get a bit hectic during the high season when multiple cruise ships are in port.

Mr Sanchos Beach Club

Open 9am-4pm. Theme park that celebrates all the things Mayan.It is one of the top educational experiences in Cozumel for kids. Visitors can watch the famous Mayan ball game (Pok To Pok) and explore local foods like tamales and tortillas (GF/DF available). Enjoy cultural fiestas and folklore dances during meals. They offer various packages to suit different budgets and timeframes, including transportation and a visit to nearby Cedral town with a cute gift shop and Mayan ruins.

Kun Che Park

In addition to enjoying the beach on the southern tip of the island, visitors here also get to see a variety of wildlife. Punta Sur is an eco-reserve with over 1,000 hectares of protected land as well as a beach park. In addition to relaxing on the beach, visitors can check out the Navigation Museum and explore the two lighthouses. But if relaxing on the beach is all you seek there are hammocks, restrooms, and showers to make the day easier.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

The newly renovated museum has 11 interactive rooms with cutting-edge technology. Displays are posted in both English and Spanish. Visitors can discover Cozumel’s culture, history, and biocultural heritage. The museum tells a fascinating history you won’t find anywhere else from who conquered it in the 1500s to how Abraham Lincoln tried to buy it! It also has displays about the island’s history with Carnivale as well as ancient artifacts found on the island, what the island is made of, and local history about the Mayan people.

Cozumel Musem

From presentations in the digital dome to hands-on workshops for kids, it’s a great way to spend a little time learning about Mexican culture. They even offer a presentation on Mayan constellations from time to time!Workshops are presented Thursdays-Saturdays to kids 5-12. There are extra fees included with these workshops.Hours: 10 am – 6 pmClosed: Sundays &amp; MondaysGeneral Admission: FreeDigital Dome Price: 200 pesos for adults150 pesos for kidsWorkshop Prices: 30-50 pesos

Cozumel Planetarium

additional recommendations:

Del Mar: adults only beach club

Aqui y Ahora: Karaoke, board games, pool tables. 

Mayan pyramids 

Sting Ray Beach: Snorkeling

Salsa dancing at wet Wendy’s on Wednesday nights 

Sunset beach : great snorkeling as it’s a protected and flourishing reef. Easy cheap lunch, basic foods.

Activity rec's

Where is the best place to get a massage/facial? 

We use Mayan Essence Cozumel. Lupita is amazing, and all her colleagues are great, too. They can come to you at most hotels or you can go to them. It is $65 USD for a 1.5 hour massage.&nbsp; website:&nbsp;&nbsp;https://mayanessencecozumel.comwhatsapp:&nbsp;&nbsp;+52-987-113-3928&nbsp;

taxis

Always make the taxi driver tell you the price before you get into a cab.&nbsp;If they give you a higher price, say nevermind and go to the next. It is not customary to tip your driver, and be sure to have around the exact amount. It should be about 100-150 pesos for most locations in town, and around where we will be (anything within 10 min drive), unless you are staying over by the presidente, Mr. Sanchos, Money Bar area (20 min drive or more.&nbsp;) in which it would be 200-250 pesos.

Money

Everywhere will take American Cash and most will take cards. But it’ll be cheaper price to use pesos.&nbsp;We tend to do a blend of both. Do not get pesos out at the airport. We get pesos out from an ATM at a bank directly next to aqui y ahora (in town) as is the cheapest, though they only allow a certain amount. The ATM allows you to take out 6,000 pesos (305 USD) per card, twice a day, and charges about 80 cents each time. The best recommendation would be to get PESOS out prior to coming or go into the bank next to aqui y ahora as they are able to provide more then the ATM. the current conversion is 19.5 pesos for every 1 USD. Everywhere here will be abundantly cheaper, unless it is a tourist trap. Be sure to let your bank know you will be out of the country.

food allergies

The restaurants are very supportive of allergy issues and can make modifications easily. Alot of their foods already do not have gluten or nuts in them, and there are alot of non dairy options. Most restaurants have allergy indicators and a good amount of the restaurants we recommended cook allergy items separately.&nbsp;Mostly everyone there speaks English. Allergy statements in spanish if needed: I am allergic to walnuts - "Soy alérgica(o) a las nueces" / "sin nueces"I am allergic to gluten-"Soy alérgica(o) al gluten" / "sin gluten"I am allergic to dairy -"Soy alérgica(o) a los lácteos" / "sin lácteos"

general information

eating out: it is typical for a server leave you alone after you have eaten your food, opposed to the american way of bringing the check right awayIn order to pay the bill it is customary to ask for the check. "la Quinta por fa = the check please." ﻿Avoid the restaurants that are in town front facing, aside from the ones we've recommended, as they tend to be overpriced. Touristy Areas: Along the main line, there are alot of store front's that will try to sell you something. That is the way they do it as there are alot of cruise ships in the area. You can ignore them or tell them "no gracias". It won't happen outside of that front facing area. Buying items: most of the time, you can talk people down from the actual price for items (not food). With that being said, the stores facing the water will be more expensive. walking even a 5 min walk inland, you'll get the same item for half the price. Sundays/Mondays: most places are closed on sundays and some on mondays, except for a select few and tourist areas. be sure to check their websites. there is Sunday night free music on the square. watching the sunrise from the steps on the water is pretty customary for locals on sundays as well, so it will be busy on that night.

Shopping

Pancho's backyard is good for touristy items that are higher quality. Mi Casa has some cute items as well. Otherwise, avoid the square and the front facing ocean area for buying items, as it is just sort of annoying with everyone asking you things. The Grocery store is Mega. They have great dietary options and low cost food. they also have items for sale. Get the frozen bananas, you won't be upset about it.

places to avoid

avoid the beach clubs except for those we recommended, especially carlos and charlies, and sanchos. They are just not good food, overpriced, and loud music all day. avoid buying items or going to restaurants on the front of the ocean, except for those recommended, as they are overpriced as well. Is cozumel safe? The general answer is yes, it is safe. Cozumel is an Island whose sole industry is tourism. Everyone on the island has a vested interest in keeping tourists safe, because any bad press will directly effect there livelihood. Also being an island its been insulated from the other ills of Mexico. Like any real tourist spot (including the US), you still have to take normal precautions, like pick pockets, some minor scam artists, ect. We have never run into anything like that, though. We have never once felt unsafe, and Ryan is someone who was afraid to travel to mexico (until he fell in love, and now says he feels safer in cozumel then in california). We feel safer walking around outside at night in Cozumel than we would in most large US cities, including Downtown Santa Rosa. What I tell most people is that Cozumel isn't anything like the mainland, so you should not look at it as what you may have heard about mexico. Given its an island, and trying to get a boat across from the mainland is a challenge unless its something large like a Ferry/Cruise ship, its well isolated from the crime/cartel issues that plague the Mexico mainland areas.

Ryan & Mealani

Ryan & Mealani

Q + A

Where is the best place to get a massage/facial?

Are plus one's invited?

What do you recommend packing?

Do I need to rent a car?