Coral in Cozumel

-DAY 3, Cozumel, Mexico-

Monday
7 Nov 2016
Cozumel, Mexico

This morning we rolled out of bed, put our suits on, and got off the boat! We met Roberto, who signed us in after we got sniffed by a sweet little drug dog. Soon our boat arrived and Captain Abraham along with crew Gil "the fish" (short for Gilmer), Brian, Jesus, and a couple more guys took us out for our three reef snorkel.

It was early, 730ish at this point, maybe 8ish by the time we learned about our snorkel gear and got to the first reef. It was pretty cold still and the sky was sketchy looking but the water was WARM and other than Brian forgetting to hold his mask on when he jumped in and burning the shit out of his eyes in the salt water, we were all good.

The first reef was called "Paradise" and there were a ton of fish swimming around, the water was pristine. There was also a guy taking photos of us so that was cool, he'd throw some bread or something and the fish would swarm but I think I forgot to look at him because I got distracted by all the fish. I thought the photos were a good deal so I bought them! He's supposedly emailing them to me tonight but it's 1130p so I think that so has sailed. I'm all paranoid u put my email address in wrong but I can call if we don't get them tomorrow.

The next reef was called "Dzul Ha" and I saw a little brown stingray that completely blended in with the bottom of the ocean when he was still. Gil or Brian also pulled a sea/water snake out from some coral to show us, I forget what it actually was. I also saw a bunch of Blue Tang, DORYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

The third reef was called "Villa Blanca", probably because of the white sand. It was beautiful! I saw a moray eel hiding in some coral eating something, then Brian and I saw a barracuda! It was huge. I also saw a spotted stingray, it was much bigger than thevlittle brown guy and looked just like the professor from Finding Nemo, I think he said it was a spotted eagle ray? There was also a GIANT puffer fish chugging along. Some of th e coral was manmade, put there to help the reef grow. All of it looked cool, there was this really interesting green basket coral that really did look like big green baskets or vases. It was definitely worth the price of the excursion and while chilly in the boat, the water was nice and warm and the sun came out after the first swim.

We came back to the boat to shower and eat, the guacamole was not as amazing today as it was the first day but it was still delicious. The buffet is incredible, there is so much different food! I also had tequila cheesecake which was kind of bland but fun to try.

After that we went to explore Cozumel, the port area is huge and has many shops. We also left it and ventured to Hard Rock (right across the street) but the pins were way pricey although I should have just gotten one because it might be cooler than Florida's.. Next time EZ!

We got some fun souvenirs and headed back to the ship. We enjoyed phone service for the day because dad & I both have plans that include Canada and Mexico so we were able to FaceTime some friends as well as text. At this point we were sweating for like the first time this trip, the weather ended up being amazing and so of course we needed a frozen drink! We went to the Sunset Bar because I had an awesome Piña Colada the night before with garnish and all.. well this time our drinks were basically rum so I downed mine anyway and we all got new ones at the Mast Bar, same deck but on the other end of the ship.

Before we knew it it was time for trivia! Evidently there was a music trivia just prior but I hadn't seen it on the schedule because I was just looking for the word "trivia." It was general knowledge again with the same host, Jaz. Unfortunately halfway through and after giving us one of the correct answers that most likely nobody else got (XBox One), he had to go deal with a work issue.. a computer blew up. So Ashley and I toughed it out but only ended up with 6/15. 😂

Dinner was at 6p, it was good, as usual, but dessert was better! Chocolate lava cake with caramelized banana and some type of ice cream. Our waiter's name is Tuncay, pronounced "toon-jai".and he's fantastic.

They had Family Feud (Guests vs. Officers) at 8p so MBA (me/melissa, bri, and ash) went and Jaz (the trivia guy) saw B and remembered him from trivia and was so pumped he came that he picked him to play in the feud along with four other (older) people. They started out strong but ended up losing to the officers and their consolation prize was a lanyard!

We went to get a drink, caught part of the World Series of Poker, and ran into Lisa, dad, and Elaine. We watched Lisa win a few bucks on the penny slots and then Elaine hit a few times as well. Guys, do me a favor, look up 'St. Germaine liquor' and get some because that shit is awesome!!!

Anyway, MBA went back to the room and played a couple rounds of Heads Up! On the balcony before meeting dad & Lisa at the comedy show. The comedian was Rondell Sheridan, pretty sure I talked about him Saturday but he had another show tonight for the over 40 crowd and they thought it was hysterical. We found out he played the dad on "That's So Raven" on the Disney Channel and that's why he looked so familiar.

It is hella windy outside but clear as day (night). I am exhausted and probably have to get up early tomorrow for breakfast 😣 but then DOLPHINS! 😍🐬

Adios!