Kudos to Fat Cat!

Cheran · 03-31-2004

We were in PDC in February with some friends and had a chance to go on the Fat Cat Catamaran (booked thru this site...click on "Trip Planning" in the upper right corner). We had an amazing time, and didn't realize just how much fun we had until we returned to PDC last week and took a disappointing trip on the Raiatea Catamaran.

First of all, I should've posted my kudos to Fat Cat as soon as I got home from our February trip. Jez was our skipper, and he was extremely personable, as was the rest of the crew. We sailed south to Xaac Cove where we did some snorkeling, strolled the beach, and played fetch with Kimba. Back on board we had some snacks and spent the entire day sipping away on the free rum punch. Drinks were served from the moment we boarded until the end of the excursion. The boom netting was a hoot...something I'd never experienced on any other catamaran trip. I even had a chance to meet one of our fellow board members, Beach Lady. (By the way, Jez, not sure if you'd remember us or not...One of the guys in our group mooned everyone from the water in front of Ritchie's Island. We went to the Tequila Barrel that night to buy you a drink, but we must have missed you.)

Last week we were back in PDC (as part of a company trip) and went on the Raiatea Catamaran trip that was prearranged for our group. We were originally signed up for a full-day excursion, but were informed upon arrival that the people at Raiatea had decided to cut our trip down to a half-day. Guess we didn't have enough people to fill their catamaran, and they were looking at it from a financial viewpoint. As soon as we boarded, the skipper started barking orders at everyone, and we were told, in no uncertain terms, that beverages would not be served until we arrived at our snorkeling spot, a good hour north of PDC by boat and near the Calica pier. When it was time to snorkel, everyone was forced to wear a life jacket, even though we were snorkeling just off shore and most of us were veterans. Maybe the currents are stronger at that location, but it seemed kinda weird. We also had to follow the skipper in the water and watch him point out fish and coral...No one was allowed to snorkel away from the group. About the only positive things I can say about this trip is that they served a nice lunch and the weather was wonderful.

To sum it all up, if anyone is thinking about taking a catamaran trip in the PDC area, make sure you book it with the Fat Cat Catamaran. You'll have a much better experience!

TAPPY · 03-31-2004

I want to take the FAT CAT when we go down, do you know if they pick up in several spots or just one location ?????

For your other trip - where did it pick you up at ??

Do you think a 10 year old would like a FAT CAT - or is this mostly an adults only sort of trip ???

(guess I should use the search key)

Cheran · 03-31-2004

According to the PDCInfo page, the Fat Cat has pick-up locations at Porto Real, Club Bananas, Playacar Aviary, Plaza Playacar, Aventura Palace, Barcelo Maya, or as necessary. We stayed at the Blue Beach hotel on our February trip (next to the ******) and were picked up at the Porto Real.

There were only adults on our Fat Cat trip, but I've read numerous trip reports where people brought their kids and had a great time.

On our trip last week we stayed with a group at the Aventura Spa Palace, and we had private transportation arranged thru our company. But I think Raiatea might also offer transportation.

TAPPY · 03-31-2004

Thanks for the info - we are staying at the Barcelo (figured an AI was the best way for us to go for our first trip) so that would fit in with our plans....

- next time will stay at one of the local spots in Playa....

dougie46 · 03-31-2004

We took the Fat Cat last year, and will be doing so again this month when we get down there. There were a few of the regulars from here on the trip with their kids, and from what I remember, they had a gas....There is drinking and such of course, but the kids did all the things we did and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't think twice about taking them on this trip...They will enjoy it, I am sure...
We have been on "Cat" trips all over the Caribbean and on the west coast of Mexico, and as I have said before, Jez and the crew have made it the best we have been on...I don't think I have heard a bad thing said about their trip...

TAPPY · 04-01-2004

Thanks Dougie, I dont mind the drinking or having a good time (I am in that mix) - was hoping for other kids to be around so mine would have some one to hang out with.

Does the Dog get to go on all of them ??? I think that is cool !!!

andy766 · 04-01-2004

Put the Fat Cat on your must do list for any first time visitor.

dougie46 · 04-01-2004

Tappy,
Kimba is the boss of the "Cat", Jez only steers the boat...You really have to see this dog in action....Don't set your beer down....

As far as other kids go, you would have to check when you book as to whether there are others on the trip you want to go on...

squish · 04-01-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy766

Put the Fat Cat on your must do list for any first time visitor.

Or... for any repeat visitor!!! I'm all ready looking forward to BFE IV!!!

Tanaratige · 04-01-2004

Last week we were back in PDC (as part of a company trip) and went on the Raiatea Catamaran trip that was prearranged for our group.

Is this the Robinson Crusoe tour out of Akumal?

Cheran · 04-01-2004

No, it's the Raiatea Catamaran, and it sails out of Puerto Aventuras.

TAPPY · 04-01-2004

Does the Fat Cat or the Raiatea go to Akumal ???? I would really like to go there as I hear that is a good spot to see all the sea turtles.

Cheran · 04-01-2004

Both the Fat Cat and the Raiatea leave from Puerto Aventuras. Raiatea goes north to Inna' Bay, which is located just south of the Calica cruise port. Fat Cat goes south, but only as far as Xaac Cove, which is just north of Akumal.

Sand Flea · 04-01-2004

We've been on the Robinson Crusoe trip out of Akumal and it was really good. You have to have at least 4 people. The boat seems to be much smaller than the FAT CAT but a great time with good food and drinks. We've doing the FC this summer for the change plus we're not planning on renting a car and FC has pickup service.

Enjoy!

JEZ · 04-01-2004

Cheran,

Thanks for your kind comments about our cruises aboard the Fat Cat. I will pass your comments on to all the crew!

As ever,
JEZ

03-31-2004	#1 (permalink)
Cheran lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11	Kudos to Fat Cat! We were in PDC in February with some friends and had a chance to go on the Fat Cat Catamaran (booked thru this site...click on "Trip Planning" in the upper right corner). We had an amazing time, and didn't realize just how much fun we had until we returned to PDC last week and took a disappointing trip on the Raiatea Catamaran. First of all, I should've posted my kudos to Fat Cat as soon as I got home from our February trip. Jez was our skipper, and he was extremely personable, as was the rest of the crew. We sailed south to Xaac Cove where we did some snorkeling, strolled the beach, and played fetch with Kimba. Back on board we had some snacks and spent the entire day sipping away on the free rum punch. Drinks were served from the moment we boarded until the end of the excursion. The boom netting was a hoot...something I'd never experienced on any other catamaran trip. I even had a chance to meet one of our fellow board members, Beach Lady. (By the way, Jez, not sure if you'd remember us or not...One of the guys in our group mooned everyone from the water in front of Ritchie's Island. We went to the Tequila Barrel that night to buy you a drink, but we must have missed you.) Last week we were back in PDC (as part of a company trip) and went on the Raiatea Catamaran trip that was prearranged for our group. We were originally signed up for a full-day excursion, but were informed upon arrival that the people at Raiatea had decided to cut our trip down to a half-day. Guess we didn't have enough people to fill their catamaran, and they were looking at it from a financial viewpoint. As soon as we boarded, the skipper started barking orders at everyone, and we were told, in no uncertain terms, that beverages would not be served until we arrived at our snorkeling spot, a good hour north of PDC by boat and near the Calica pier. When it was time to snorkel, everyone was forced to wear a life jacket, even though we were snorkeling just off shore and most of us were veterans. Maybe the currents are stronger at that location, but it seemed kinda weird. We also had to follow the skipper in the water and watch him point out fish and coral...No one was allowed to snorkel away from the group. About the only positive things I can say about this trip is that they served a nice lunch and the weather was wonderful. To sum it all up, if anyone is thinking about taking a catamaran trip in the PDC area, make sure you book it with the Fat Cat Catamaran. You'll have a much better experience!

03-31-2004	#3 (permalink)
Cheran lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11	According to the PDCInfo page, the Fat Cat has pick-up locations at Porto Real, Club Bananas, Playacar Aviary, Plaza Playacar, Aventura Palace, Barcelo Maya, or as necessary. We stayed at the Blue Beach hotel on our February trip (next to the *****) and were picked up at the Porto Real. There were only adults on our Fat Cat trip, but I've read numerous trip reports where people brought their kids and had a great time. On our trip last week we stayed with a group at the Aventura Spa Palace, and we had private transportation arranged thru our company. But I think Raiatea might also offer transportation. Last edited by Cheran; 03-31-2004 at 05:59 PM.*

03-31-2004	#2 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,106	I want to take the FAT CAT when we go down, do you know if they pick up in several spots or just one location ????? For your other trip - where did it pick you up at ?? Do you think a 10 year old would like a FAT CAT - or is this mostly an adults only sort of trip ??? (guess I should use the search key)

03-31-2004	#4 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,106	Thanks for the info - we are staying at the Barcelo (figured an AI was the best way for us to go for our first trip) so that would fit in with our plans.... - next time will stay at one of the local spots in Playa....

03-31-2004	#5 (permalink)
dougie46 life=playa Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 679	We took the Fat Cat last year, and will be doing so again this month when we get down there. There were a few of the regulars from here on the trip with their kids, and from what I remember, they had a gas....There is drinking and such of course, but the kids did all the things we did and really enjoyed it. I wouldn't think twice about taking them on this trip...They will enjoy it, I am sure... We have been on "Cat" trips all over the Caribbean and on the west coast of Mexico, and as I have said before, Jez and the crew have made it the best we have been on...I don't think I have heard a bad thing said about their trip...

04-01-2004	#6 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,106	Thanks Dougie, I dont mind the drinking or having a good time (I am in that mix) - was hoping for other kids to be around so mine would have some one to hang out with. Does the Dog get to go on all of them ??? I think that is cool !!!

04-01-2004	#7 (permalink)
andy766 beachaholic Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Vermont Posts: 342	Put the Fat Cat on your must do list for any first time visitor.

04-01-2004	#8 (permalink)
dougie46 life=playa Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Posts: 679	Tappy, Kimba is the boss of the "Cat", Jez only steers the boat...You really have to see this dog in action....Don't set your beer down.... As far as other kids go, you would have to check when you book as to whether there are others on the trip you want to go on...

04-01-2004	#10 (permalink)
Tanaratige toe in water Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 54	Last week we were back in PDC (as part of a company trip) and went on the Raiatea Catamaran trip that was prearranged for our group. Is this the Robinson Crusoe tour out of Akumal?

04-01-2004	#11 (permalink)
Cheran lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11	No, it's the Raiatea Catamaran, and it sails out of Puerto Aventuras.

04-01-2004	#12 (permalink)
TAPPY añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Louisiana Posts: 15,106	Does the Fat Cat or the Raiatea go to Akumal ???? I would really like to go there as I hear that is a good spot to see all the sea turtles.

04-01-2004	#13 (permalink)
Cheran lost on fifth Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 11	Both the Fat Cat and the Raiatea leave from Puerto Aventuras. Raiatea goes north to Inna' Bay, which is located just south of the Calica cruise port. Fat Cat goes south, but only as far as Xaac Cove, which is just north of Akumal.

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04-01-2004	#14 (permalink)
Sand Flea beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: AHHHH - living back in Texas! Posts: 252	We've been on the Robinson Crusoe trip out of Akumal and it was really good. You have to have at least 4 people. The boat seems to be much smaller than the FAT CAT but a great time with good food and drinks. We've doing the FC this summer for the change plus we're not planning on renting a car and FC has pickup service. Enjoy!

04-01-2004	#15 (permalink)
JEZ añejo Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: At the Beer Bucket, Playa Del Carmen Posts: 3,576	Cheran, Thanks for your kind comments about our cruises aboard the Fat Cat. I will pass your comments on to all the crew! As ever, JEZ