Mike in the Wild

There was nothing I wanted to do more on Cozumel than snorkel.  Ringed by coral reefs, the Mexican Caribbean island is renowned for the sport.  However visiting while on a short stop off of a cruise ship, I didn't have a lot of time or options at my disposal.  Forgoing renting a car and exploring from several beaches on my own, I settled on a ship-sponsored snorkeling trip off of a catamaran.  But I was surprised to find that even before nine o'clock in the morning, very little happens with vacationers in Cozumel that doesn't include an open bar.  Yes, it seemed my excursion was a snorkeling adventure disguised not so discreetly as a booze cruise.  Sure there was a catamaran, and yes we sailed down the verdant coast just barely out of sight of our gargantuan cruise ship.  In every direction, mottled greens and blues outlined reefs just below the water's surface.  Of course we stopped and donned masks and snorkels - some of us even fins - before ju...