Every Steph

6 Mayan Ruins in Cozumel (& Near Cozumel)

By: Author Rosana

Posted on Last updated: August 26, 2024

Categories Mexico , North America

Wondering if there are any Mayan ruins in Cozumel? Well, of course! The two sites on this blissful island are small, but some of the most famous sites are only a day trip away. Let’s check them out!

You have chosen to make Cozumel your base for your next vacation? Smart choice! This mostly untamed island is paradise for nature lovers, avid divers or snorkelers, and those looking for some peace and quiet. 

And the great thing is that it’s only across the pond from Playa del Carmen, easily accessible by ferry , and with great connections to other main spots on the coast, such as Cancun and Tulum, so it’s a fantastic option to escape the resort crowds without going too far.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

There are tons of things to see and do in Cozumel: cenotes, coral reefs, pristine beaches, a subaquatic museum, and marine life for epic diving and snorkeling. However, a trip to Yucatan can’t be complete without visiting Mayan ruins. Luckily for you, there are two archeological sites on Cozumel island, and some of the most famous sites on the mainland are easy to reach on a Mayan ruins excursion from Cozumel!

Here you’ll find information on the best Mayan ruins in Cozumel and around . Let’s get started, shall we?

COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS MAP

BEST MAYAN RUINS NEAR COZUMEL

San gervasio.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 70.8 miles (114 km)

The San Gervasio Mayan ruins, located in the northern part of Cozumel, date back to as far as 100 B.C. and used to be a holy site for the Mayas. This settlement—the most significant of the Cozumel ruins— was dedicated to Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Women would pilgrimage here from all over the Mayan territories to pray at these temples, which still stand today. 

Even if not comparable in size to the mighty ancient cities of the Riviera Maya, it’s worth checking out when on the island. Hiring a guide is a good idea to learn about the Mayan ruins and Cozumel’s history as a whole, but if not, there are informative signs within the site. The surroundings are gorgeous too!

➤  In this awesome Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel you’ll get your own Jeep to drive around Cozumel, following your guide. It’s fully personalized, so you choose what you’d like to do: visiting the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio, snorkeling, horseback riding, jet skiing… you name it and they will deliver! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

San Gervasio Opening Hours : Daily from 9 AM to 4 PM Cost of Entry Ticket : 193 pesos (9.50 dollars)

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 71.4 miles (115 km)

Visiting the Mayan ruins on Cozumel is good to get an idea of just how widespread the Mayan empire was. The ruins at El Cedral, on Cozumel, are the oldest site on the island, dating back to 800 A.D. All that remains now is the ancient fertility temple, which used to be a ceremonial site to honor the goddess Ixchel. 

It’s a very small site now, but it once was the capital of Cozumel, and the largest community on the island. The Spaniards tore most of the temples down, but there’s nothing to lose if you’re on this side of the island. There is a cenote nearby and El Cedral town is a cute little village.

➤ Here you can get Skip the Line Admission Tickets to the Mayan Temple at El Cedral, including free parking in case you happen to be in one of those cool jeep adventures! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Again, with this Private Jeep Excursion in Cozumel , you can tailor your trip to go from end to end of the island on a DIY Cozumel Mayan ruins tour in a single day, exploring everything in between according to your own wishes!  ➥ BOOK IT HERE

El Cedral Opening Hours : 24 hours Cost of Entry Ticket : Free

Tulum 

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 80.7 miles (130 km)

Arguably one of the most picturesque Mayan ruins in Mexico, the Tulum ruins site is perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This ancient settlement was once a fortress surrounded on three sides by thick limestone walls to protect it from invasions (the fourth side is the ocean). The main pyramid, called El Castillo, is very well preserved and used to serve as a lighthouse.

A must-visit when in Tulum, it can also be accessed from Cozumel, since the island is almost literally across the pond. Given its privileged position over a cliff, the Tulum archeological site boasts breathtaking views of the sea and the Tulum beaches, and there’s even a secluded beach directly under the site that you can access to cool off after your tour.

And if you still have time after visiting the ruins, go and swim at some cenotes in Tulum – they are the best!

➤ This Express Tour to Tulum Mayan Ruins from Cozumel takes you on a scenic 45-minute ferry ride to Playa del Carmen followed by a bus ride along the Riviera Maya to the Tulum Archeological Site. A knowledgeable guide will tell you all the secrets of this walled city and its civilization. Water, guide, snacks, and round-trip transportation are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Tulum Opening Hours : Daily from 9 AM to 5 PM Cost of Entry Ticket : 80 pesos (4 dollars)

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 83.2 miles (134 km)

Usually overlooked in favor of nearby Chichen Itza, Coba was a very important city in Mayan times, and rather than a single town, it comprised a collection of settlements connected to a main pyramid. The site is huge, spanning around 30 square miles, and structures are very well preserved.

The best way to visit the Coba ruins is to walk around from site to site or to cycle under the green canopy of the Yucatan jungle and feel the breeze on your face! The main pyramid at Coba is the tallest in Yucatan (42 meters/137 feet/120 steps), and the good news is that you can still climb it, which is forbidden in most of the other sites. 

Located in the jungle between Tulum and Valladolid, Coba is not nearly as crowded as the others, so you’ll feel more at leisure here. Very much worth the visit!

Coba Opening Hours : Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM Cost of Entry Ticket : 80 pesos (4 dollars)

Chichen Itza

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 122.4 miles (197 km)

No introduction needed, right? Chichen Itza was a major political, religious and cultural center for the Mayans and it remains one of the greatest archeological sites throughout the Americas. It’s also the biggest tourist attraction in Mexico and has been named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Its famous step-pyramid is as imposing (or more) as in the photos you’ve seen, surrounded by tons of impressive monuments, temples, and very well preserved structures. With a rich and compelling story full of mysteries, it’s surely worth your time.

Visiting Chichen Itza from Cozumel is fairly easy although it will take some good time to get there. It’ll require a ferry to Playa del Carmen and then a road trip to Chichen Itza. You can also hire one of the many tours available on the island.

Chichen Itza Opening Hours : Daily from 8 AM to 4 PM Cost of Entry Ticket : 533 pesos (26 dollars)

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Distance from Cancun : 5.6 miles (9 km)

El Meco is an ancient Mayan settlement opened to the public only very recently. A stone’s throw from Cancun, green, and quiet, it makes for a pleasant visit if you’re in the area!

The site is small and very well preserved. On top of the serene atmosphere and the shade provided by the trees, the highlight here is the pyramid, which you can climb to get stunning views of the sea (all the way to Isla Mujeres), the jungle, and the Cancun lagoons.

It’s super easy to get there from Cancun, a local bus will drop you off, and it’s a great site to visit with kids. Say hi to the many iguanas that live there for me!

El Meco Opening Hours : Daily from 8 AM to 5 PM Cost of Entry Ticket : 55 pesos (3 dollars)

MAYAN RUINS NEAR COZUMEL FAQ

Yes, you can! This will require a day trip (about 132 miles/ 213 km), but it’s certainly possible. You’ll need to take the ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen, and travel by bus or car from there. You can always join a tour and forget about logistics, since they’ll take care of everything.

There are only two Mayan ruins in Cozumel. Mexico, however, is full of them, and many of the nicest ones are reachable from the island on day trips. The main ruins near Cozumel are between 56 and 136 miles (90-220 km) from Cozumel. The two sites on the island itself are almost on opposite ends of the island, some 21 miles (35 km) apart.

There are no pyramids in Cozumel, but there are temples in the two sites on the island: San Gervasio and El Cedral. The San Gervasio ruins are on Cozumel’s northern half, while El Cedral is located on the southern end of the island.

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Sunday 21st of May 2023

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The Cozumel Mayan Ruins Sites That Are Worth Visiting

After trekking over to the mainland from Cozumel and spending a long, hot day to finally check out the Chichen Itza archaeological site , I was definitely impressed. I was also exhausted, thirsty, and soaked in sweat. It was worth it, but boy did it make me even more appreciative of the Cozumel ruins and other vestiges of Mayan culture right here on Cozumel island. 

Cozumel’s own Mayan ruins are not as famous as Chichen Itza or Coba, but the Cozumel ruins sites include an essential Mayan pilgrimage destination for the goddess of fertility, Ixchel. San Gervasio (originally Tantun ) park is the most complex of Cozumel Mayan ruins sites, and several additional Mayan relics can be found around the island, namely vestiges of old Mayan roads, buildings, altars, and arches. 

While smaller than some of the pre-Hispanic archaeological sites on Mexico’s mainland, Cozumel Mayan ruins structures are nevertheless quite historically significant and can be found in various locations around the island. 

For me, that’s a complete win-win.  

Cozumel Mayan ruins and archaeological sites make for more accessible stops along a fuller day’s itinerary, so you can really focus and take in the historical stories they have to tell. 

And if you are on a family vacation to Cozumel , taking in some culture and fascinating ancient history can be priceless…but only if you work within your kids’ (and your own!) physical and emotional stamina for such things.

Best Cozumel Mayan Ruins and History Sites to Visit

Unlike my marathon day spent touring Chichen Itza, getting exposed to some of the intriguing pre-Hispanic history in Cozumel does not have to be overwhelming.

There are several places on the island to encounter physical traces of the Mayan peoples in Cozumel and the Yucatan peninsula , and in my opinion, it’s good to take a somewhat tactical approach – at least at first.  

Cozumel’s Museum for Mayan Artifacts

My first recommendation is to spend an hour or two at Cozumel’s main museum in town, to point you in the right direction. 

The Museum of Cozumel Island (El Museo de la Isla) is a favorite site to see in Cozumel, and the whole place was fully renovated and reopened with new exhibits and updated interpretation in 2020.  

The Museum’s various galleries introduce visitors to the island’s natural history, environment, and wildlife, and then dedicate most of their spaces to the human history of the island and surrounding region. 

Cozumel museum gallery with ancient stellae and a wooden Mayan canoe

It’s a great place to start and get your bearings, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.  

A full museum visit doesn’t take up too much time, yet it fills in many blanks about what Cozumel is known for, why diving in Cozumel is so popular , and how some well-known holidays and traditions are celebrated on the island. 

It will also likely give you ideas on what else to do in downtown Cozumel , or where you might want to plan for some family activities during the rest of your stay – including several of the island’s Mayan ruins locations. 

The museum gives new visitors to Cozumel a great overview of the island’s footprint, and then covers where – and how and why – some of the Mayan sites are located, and their significance to the Maya culture, and how they are still being studied and interpreted today.  

Through a combination of original artifacts and good quality reproduction pieces, the Museum is a great way to get a full overview of Cozumel’s history, and yet do so without reading hours of interpretation – and suffering the museum fatigue that often follows.  

It’s also a good ace in the hole on a rainy day in Cozumel , or if you need a break from the sun for a while (crazy sounding, I know…but it happens). 

Planning Your Visit (Average museum visit time: 1.5-2 hours)

Cozumel museum hours : .

Please always check the link to the museum’s official page for current hours

Currently, the Cozumel Museum is open from Tuesday – Sunday from 9am – 5pm.

Admission: $9.00USD, free for children under 3 years old

Updated gallery in Cozumel's Museum of the Island featuring annual Carnaval costumes

Is there a Museum Cafe?  Yes, and it’s a lovely restaurant – with a great view! – is open on the museum’s 2nd floor

Cozumel Ruins: Top Mayan Site at San Gervasio

Tantun Cuzamil (or ‘flat rock in the land of the swallows’ (birds)) was the original name for what is now known as the San Gervasio archaeological complex of Cozumel ruins.  

San Gervasio is the most important historical concentration of Cozumel Mayan ruins on the island and consists of a decent-sized campus with different zone and building clusters, clearly laid out on maps provided. 

Mayan building ruin at Cozumel's San Gervasio (ne. Tantun) archaeological site

You can tour the map on your own, finding the various concentrations of buildings and utilizing the well-placed interpretation signage (in English, Spanish and Mayan) provided by the parks department, or you may opt to hire the services of one of many fun and knowledgeable tour guides at the entrance of the park site. 

Between the museum’s updated interpretation and the content here, there are small discrepancies about precisely where Mayan pilgrims would come to pay homage to the goddess Ixchel.  

We know from previous study of the annual Sacred Mayan Crossing that this critical pilgrimage and offerings were to Cozumel itself, and the Tantun/San Gervasio site has long been considered the primary location of Ixchel’s shrine.

All in, San Gervasio is the largest extant grouping of Mayan ruins in Cozumel and has earned its reputation as the most meaningful.  

Planning Your Visit (Average San Gervasio visit time: 2 hours)

San gervasio park site hours: .

Please double-check the official San Gervasio link here to confirm current hours.

Currently, San Gervasio park is open from Monday – Sunday, 8am – 4pm

Admission: $12.50USD adults and kids, plus a $4 parks fee; Children under 3 are free

What to Bring : 

Environmentally-friendly bug repellent, sun hat, decent walking shoes (for grass and dirt paths)  

Amenities?  The park has plentiful parking (though I’d recommend taking a Cozumel taxi there), good public restrooms, and a few small stores and souvenir stands at the main entrance to the site.  

To Make Your Life Easier :

Consider booking a private taxi for a day, and take guided tour once you arrive to San Gervasio. You’ll meet up at a convenient spot in downtown San Miguel, and have a comfortable private vehicle and a fun guide with you the whole time – and you can go eat, swim, or see more Mayan ruins afterward.

Private Driver & Van: Safely Explore Island and Relax

5-Hour tour time. Book online and securely pay via Viator!

El Caracol – Cozumel Mayan Ruin at Punta Sur Eco Beach Park

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is a third wonderful venue in this list of Cozumel Mayan ruins sites, and is run by the Island’s municipal government, so you can get reliable and updated information from their website using this link . 

The Punta Sur Ecological park itself is well-maintained and provides helpful interpretation for all of their activities, as well as places to swim, snorkel , and use clean and well-kept bathrooms and changing facilities.  

As you enter Punta Sur Eco Park, you’ll proceed down a good dirt road along the shore for a few minutes, and soon find the next major Mayan ruin spot in Cozumel, known as El Caracol.  

Author's picture from 2023 of the Caracol Mayan ruin site in Cozumel's Punta Sur Eco Park.

El Caracol is a small individual Mayan ruin, very close to another of the park’s main features – the crocodile lookout point at the eastern edge of the Colombia Lagoon. 

Live crocs might win out for your (and your kids’) attention vs. an old ancient structural ruin, but do take the time to appreciate El Caracol.

The fact that these Mayan ‘footprints’ are all around you in Cozumel – even as you take a selfie in front of it with your 5G cell phone!  Quite a contrast… 

Planning Your Visit (Average Punta Sur visit time: 3 hours)

Park site hours : .

Please always double-check the official Punta Sur Park website page for current hours.

Punta Sur park is typically open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 am – 5 pm

Admission: Adults $19.00USD, Kids 4-12 yrs $13.00, Children under 3 yrs old get in free

What to Bring: Sun hat, sun shirt, reef-safe sunscreen (like my favorite Stream2Sea line, here . (affiliate link)), bathing suit, towel, water shoes, waterproof camera *, drinking water.

Consider booking a guided tour to Punta Sur Park . You’ll meet up at a convenient spot in downtown San Miguel, and have a comfortable private vehicle and a fun guide with you the whole time. Check out this highly reviewed tour here on Viator .

Punta Sur Cozumel Park Info: 

The Punta Sur Eco Park in Cozumel is a large park with multiple highlights beyond El Caracol and the potential for a crocodile sighting. It has one of the best soft sandy beaches in Cozumel , and is also a great spot for a chance to see some rare local wildlife .

This outing is easily suitable for a full day, depending on your travel style.

Punta Sur has plenty of public restrooms, restaurants, a free mangrove boat tour (where you can possibly spot pink flamingoes if your timing is right ), the historic Celerian Lighthouse and Museum, a great big white-sand beach for swimming and snorkeling , and more. 

Just be sure to get the brochure with map when you enter the park, and then go forth and explore! 

Endemic raccoon species in Cozumel's Punta Sur Eco Park

Cedral Village History Includes Cozumel Ruins and Relics 

Making your way back up north from Punta Sur, another fascinating historical area in Cozumel is the old Cedral Village town. 

Marked from the main coastal road with a large, orange ‘entrance’ arch, the village of Cedral is one of Cozumel’s gems that doesn’t always show up in tourism information, but is definitely worth the trip.  

Google map frame showing arrow pointing to location of old Cedral Village in Cozumel

Cedral Village is the second-largest settlement area in Cozumel after the much larger San Miguel de Cozumel . 

It remains a quiet, somewhat remote residential zone, but is also home to a historic church, a smattering of stores and souvenir shops, places to get food and drink, a large cenote, and so on.  

It’s really a quirky and fascinating place.  

These days, Cedral Village is best known for its annual Festival of Cedral that takes place each spring, typically in late April or early May.

Cozumel’s Cedral Festival is a huge, multi-day party full of rodeo events, traditional dance performances, great food, and usually lots of beer .    

Last but not least, Cedral is also a great stop on your list of the noteworthy Mayan ruins in Cozumel.  

The vestiges of Mayan traces in Cedral include a fairly large building structure that may be the oldest ruin on the island, and whose origins are still debated.  

Planning Your Visit (Average Cedral Village visit time: 1.5-2 hours)

How to visit cedral village town in cozumel : .

Cedral Village requires a rental car, or can be part of a guided island tour by a hired taxi (my recommendation ). 

There are no set hours, but most small businesses located there will keep typical operating hours, but may be open later and closed earlier when tourism season is low.  

Be sure to bring a camera to catch this unique village’s character and charm, as well as spending money for water, snacks, and to support Cedral’s small shops and handmade craft vendors , sun hat, and other sun protection. 

Consider booking a guided tour to Cedral Village . You’ll meet up at a convenient spot in downtown San Miguel, and have a comfortable private vehicle and a fun guide with you the whole time. Check out this highly reviewed tour here on Viator .

Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Roads in North End of the Island 

One of the best excursions I’ve ever done in Cozumel was a standup paddleboard tour of the northern mangroves with the always cool DeLille watersports (SUP, kitesurfing, etc.). 

A totally rare and unique vantage point of Cozumel’s natural riches, this tour also surprised me and my group by offering another way to see some remnants of Cozumel’s Mayan structures, and clearly visible sections of the old Mayan roads. 

Image of three adults on SUPs exploring the Cozumel mangroves in the northern end of the island.

This particular tour is far off the beaten path, and requires some athleticism and comfort in the water.

If it sounds intriguing to you – do it!  It’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever done on the island.  

Mayan building in norther mangrove zone on Cozumel island

Bonus: you get to see another secret species of marine life in Cozumel , these inverted blue jellyfish that live in a huge colony in the northern lagoon area.  

Rare species of upside-down blue jellyfish in Cozumel's Northern mangrove.

Planning Your Visit (SUP Tour of Cozumel Mangroves approx. 4 hours) 

To arrange this specific tour : .

You’ll need to book in advance with DeLille Sports directly. There may be limitations on accessing that area due to any weather and wind on your particular day.  But if your timing is right, it is SO worth it.  

Get in touch with the awesome staff guides at DeLille, and they can set everything up.  

When we went (month of August), we met their boat in the marina that is in the North end of the island, and then motored up to the small access point where we walked through a slightly wooded area and launched our paddleboards from there.  

Sun protective clothing, like long-sleeved rash guards and tights, and water/sun hats – think kayaking gear (and see the end of this article for more packing tips).

I’d also highly recommend water shoes – scuba diving booties would be ideal, or maybe even Teva-style sandals in case you need to walk across rocky shores, etc.  

Waterproof camera .

Use Reef-Safe Sunscreens in Cozumel: 

We always advise people to use only reef-safe sunscreens like these bonafides that we LOVE from Stream2Sea .  

Honestly, if doing this particular excursion, I’d really ask you to consider keeping your sun protection strictly to the hats and physical clothing while in the mangroves, themselves, so they can stay as pristine and productive as they possibly can (they’re already stressed out…).  

If you have to use some on your face and neck, etc., of course, I understand the caution against skin damage (I’m very prone to sunburn, etc., so I get it).  But, if you can hold off until the SUP portion is finished, well…every little bit counts.

In any case, before your trip to Cozumel or any beachy location for that matter, please consider ordering ahead from Stream2Sea – they’ve really worked hard, put the research in, and have developed very high quality and ethically eco-friendly products.

They carry sunscreens, shampoo, leave-in conditioners, hand sanitizers, and even mask de-fog (the best I’ve ever used, reef-safe or not), and all with a strict, science-backed mission of being safe for the marine environment.  

If you’re in the market for some reef-safe sunscreen, etc. try Stream2Sea – it’s really nice stuff, and gets a lot of good press for being legit, and a smart woman-owned company. I’m an affiliate “ambassador” for them, so you can use promo code “COZINFO” at checkout for 10% off.

Ad banner for 10% off Stream2Sea reef-safe products

Skip the Mainland Mayhem and Enjoy Cozumel Ruins

So there you have it. Cozumel may be a small island, but it’s an important link in the chain of Mayan history in the Yucatan, and Mexico as a whole.

If you’re a real ancient history buff, you may want to take some longer day trips and explore nearby Mayan ruins in the region , such as those in Tulum, Coba, Ek Balam, and of course Chichen Itza.

And if you’re thinking of coming to Cozumel in the month of May, try to coordinate your trip to experience the Sacred Mayan Crossing event (usually the 3rd weekend in May, but dates are confirmed each year). For more, read our post on the Mayan Crossing right here .

For somewhat more bite-sized history lessons that still pack an authentic punch, you don’t even have to take the ferry.

Cozumel ruins sites are still significant, and get you close to the ancient Mayans without a full-on stressful day-trip.

Sacred Mayan Crossing annual reenactment in 2023 showing the fleet of traditional canoes being rowed by people in historic garb arriving to Chankanaab in Cozumel 2023

Don’t Neglect the Travel Insurance in Mexico

Cozumel is a really safe vacation destination, but common mishaps sometimes trip people up.

Read all about the most common “hazards” we see in this related post about staying out of harm’s way in Cozumel.

And to truly stay safe, the best thing you can do is invest in travel insurance for this trip, and any other trip you take.

I like Travelex, for ease of use and their high ratings from the Consumer Affairs website. But there are others. The important part is that you cover yourselves in case of any travel disruptions, injuries, or medical emergencies. And protect your trip investment, for pennies on the dollar of your overall costs.

Travelex: Great Travel Insurance at the Right Price

Consumer Affairs' Top-3 Travel Insurance program.

  • Free quotes
  • Accredited by Better Business Bureau (US)
  • Various levels of coverage, per need
  • Not for Diving!
  • For SCUBA diving coverage, read more about DAN insurance

CozInfo’s Cozumel Packing Essentials:

Wide Brim Sun Hat: UPF 50+

Rachel plugs away at cozinfo.com when she's not taking underwater photos, trying a new local restaurant, or teaching ESL. After a career working on some mighty fine design projects in NYC, she took a gap year to pursue her divemaster training in Cozumel...and hasn't quite made it back, yet.

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COZUMEL MAYAN RUINS TOURS

The Mayan Ruins of the Yucatan Peninsula are truly a treasure to behold. These lost cities hail back to as many as 2,000 years ago, when the Mayas were practicing such mathematical genius as astronomy and physics, long before the white man had figured out the secrets. Nobody knows what happened to the Mayas, but their legends - and their cities - live on to this day. Every visitor to Cozumel should visit Chichen Itza, Tulum, or Coba Mayan ruins at least once on their vacation. This is something truly unique to this region, and the stories that these ruins tell will move you.

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Tulum Mayan Ruins Excursion from Cozumel

Cozumel, mexico (excursion id s2084).

  • Duration 6 hours
  • Activity Level Low
  • Minimum Age All Ages

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Description

  • Meeting Point
  • Restrictions

Cancellation

  • Round-trip ferry ride between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen!
  • Round-trip air-conditioned transportation between Playa del Carmen and Tulum!
  • English-speaking, federally certified local Mayan ruins sightseeing excursion guide at Tulum!
  • English-speaking excursion escort round trip from Cozumel ferry pier!
  • Admission to the Tulum Mayan Ruins archaeological site!
  • Bottled water and a light snack!

Explore the well-preserved Mayan site of Tulum, the only Mayan structures built along the water, on this Tulum Express Mayan Ruins excursion from Cozumel cruise port. Enjoy a guided tour to see these historical, interesting, and beautiful ruins in Tulum.

Begin your journey by making your way to the Cozumel downtown ferry pier, where you will meet your English-speaking shore excursion guide. They will lead you onto the ferry for the 45-minute ride to Playa del Carmen, located 12 miles away on the Mexican mainland. Upon arrival, you will transfer to air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 70-minute drive south to the Mayan ruins city of Tulum. Depending on the group size, either a van (17 max) or motor coach (50 max) will be used.

Though not as large as the Chichen Itza ruins, Tulum is impressive in its own right. Perched on a cliff almost 40 feet above the Caribbean Sea, it was the only Mayan structure built right along the water. Tulum served as the first line of defense and the port city for Coba, which is 24 miles inland to the west. It was a significant trading port with trails leading along the coast and inland, facilitating transportation to and from the ships that stopped there.

Tulum was one of the last cities inhabited by the Maya, believed to have a population of around 1,500 at its height between the 13th and 15th centuries. Your guide will explain theories about what happened to the Mayans, leading you through the secrets, facts, myths, and wonderful legends of the ancient Mayan culture, as well as some of their astonishing discoveries.

As you visit prominent buildings such as "El Castillo" (The Castle), The Temple of the Descending God, and The House of the Columns, you will be able to admire the detailed carved figures and frescoes on the walls. The light and angles of the buildings create interesting photo opportunities with the aqua-blue sea below. There is even a stunning white sandy beach, and if time allows, you can take a quick dip in the water. Guests will have approximately 2 hours at Tulum.

What is included?

  • Round-trip ferry ride between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
  • Round-trip air-conditioned transportation between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
  • English-speaking, federally certified local Mayan ruins sightseeing excursion guide at Tulum.
  • English-speaking excursion escort round trip from Cozumel ferry pier.
  • Admission to the Tulum Mayan Ruins archaeological site.
  • Bottled water and a light snack.

Excursion Notes

  • Guests will be given a bottle of water after the visit of the ruins. There is an opportunity to purchase additional beverages and snacks at the ruins' entrance. Guests with special dietary needs may wish to bring their own.
  • We recommend comfortable cotton clothing and sensible, closed-toe walking or athletic shoes as the terrain is uneven with numerous sharp rocks. Flip flops/sandals are not recommended. 
  • A small collapsible umbrella is a great source of shade in the summer months as there is only limited shade available at the ruins.
  • The ferry ride is approximately 45 minutes each way and may be rough at times. Guests who suffer from motion sickness should consider this.
  • Flashbulbs, tripods, and professional video equipment are prohibited inside the ruins. Guests using home video cameras will be charged an  $8.00 - $10.00 government fee payable in cash at the site.
  • We suggest you have cash (USD small bills or Mexican pesos) on hand for transportation, additional refreshments, excursion staff gratuities, shopping, camera fees, etc.
  • Please pay attention to the restrictions and requirements for this excursion, no refund will be granted if the requirements are not met.
  • This excursion includes our "Back to Ship" guarantee, based on the arrival time back to Cozumel Island. It is then the guest's responsibility to catch one of the many taxis aligned at the pier for the short trip back to their cruise ship.

Where we meet

For this Cozumel Tulum Mayan Ruins Excursion, you will meet at the downtown ferry pier in Cozumel. The ferry pier is within walking distance from the Punta Langosta downtown pier, and a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the Puerta Maya and International pier. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.

Excursion Restrictions

  • This Mayan ruins excursion is not wheelchair or scooter accessible.
  • Guests must be able to step on/off the ferry as well as climb onto the transportation to Tulum.
  • Guests must be able to walk on paved, gravel, and packed dirt with rock surfaces, some on inclines.
  • There is a 10-minute walk from the bus parking area to the entrance to the ruins.
  • Children under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
  • It is strictly prohibited to climb the Tulum ruins.
  • As there is no specific end time to the excursion, it is the guest's responsibility to know their ship's scheduled departure time and plan their day to be back on board at the appointed time. The excursion length is 6 hours with the guests arriving back at the downtown ferry pier in Cozumel.

Excursion FAQ

  • Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
  • Your ship skips/misses the port.
  • Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
  • A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
  • Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
  • Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.

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Tulum mayan ruins excursion from cozumel experiences, this excursion is available to everybody and specially designed to accommodate passengers of the following cruise lines.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Tulum Mayan Ruins Excursion from Cozumel Reviews

Explore the well-preserved Mayan site of Tulum - the only Mayan structures built along the water. Enjoy a guided shore excursion from Cozumel to see these historical, interesting, and beautiful Mayan ruins in Tulum!

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

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Ultimate Combo: Mayan Ruins, Snorkeling & Lunch

Snorkel, Beach & Pool: Get ready to swim into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and discover what this magical island has to offer, including colorful fish and more. Not a snorkeler? No problem, enjoy around one hour of beach time while the rest of group snorkel. Enjoy the loungers, hammocks and umbrellas next to the ocean or maybe just cool-off in any of the three swimming pools. Discover Mayan Ruins: Take a step back in time and explore the famous San Gervasio archaeological site and discover the mysteries of the Mayan's Ancient Culture. Folkloric Dances & Mayan Lunch: Prepare yourself to experience the authentic flavors of Mexico; you will have a Mayan lunch in one of the most beautiful restaurants of the island, followed by a little traditional dance of the region. Chocolate & Tequila: Don’t miss the chance to taste some artisanal chocolate and the “world-famous” tequila. What’s Included:

  • Snorkeling gear.
  • Entrance to San Gervasio archaeological site.
  • Mayan lunch: mayan chicken tacos.
  • Welcome drink.
  • Tequila & chocolate tasting.

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Requirements & Restriction: Minimum age to snorkel – 8 years. For safety reasons, guests must be physically fit to perform the snorkeling portion and must be a strong swimmer. For safety reasons, guests with medical conditions such as: asthma, diabetes, heart problems, respiratory problems, recent surgeries (less than 6 months) may not participate on this excursion. Minimum age to consume alcohol – 18 years. What to Bring: Beach towel. Cash or credit/debit card for purchases. Please ensure your sunscreen is reef-friendly and biodegradable. Good to Know: Children 5 and under are free. If you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, notify the onboard Shore Excursions team. Tour may operate in reverse order.

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

San Gervasio Archeological site offers the only   temple   the Maya ever built to the moon goddess Ix Chel, it is located quite centrally on the island and with a good guide is a fascinating place to explore. Sadly a lot of it was destroyed by its namesake, and that is why the locals are trying to rename it back to its authentic name Tantun.

El Mirador is a short stop at a beautiful rocky beach on the southeastern side of the island.

The Mayan Cacao Company demonstrates some of the   history   of chocolate making the area, how chocolate is made and the offers a chance to sample their different kinds of chocolate, and of course purchase some.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

If booked as a cruise excursion, the tours start at many station points along the quay, your ticket should explain roughly where your point will be. Then it is a matter of finding your tour name amongst the many, many, tours on offer! This is not as hard as it might sound, they are all well signed and there are many people around who can offer assistance. Once you’ve checked in, we waited in one of the   teepee   huts, with this colourful tuk tuk in the centre, for our entire party to arrive before being escorted out of the port area and to a waiting coach.

The drive to the first stop will take about 30 minutes, and hopefully, you will get a guide as funny and informative as ours was to entertain you along the way. Whilst many guide “jokes” are pretty corny, our guide, Jesus, was honestly funny.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

THE MAYAN RUINS OF TANTUN/SAN GERVASIO

The first thing to note about the ruins are the name, San Gervasio is actually the name of a man who explored the ruins extensively, unfortunately, he used dynamite to do so and so destroyed a large part of them in the process. Our guide asked, very politely, if you could refer to the ruins by the Mayan name Tantun and our group had no problem with him doing so.

Jesus started with explaining some Mayan customs that showed how shallow our definition of beauty is, in Mayan times, boys had their heads compressed at a young age to give them a “conehead” and girls had a bead set within their eye line in order to make them cross-eyed! Wonder what “beautiful” will look like in another thousand years?

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

He then explained about the ruins themselves, again, in an informative and amusing way, the first area houses the tomb structure and the ‘Manitas’ or ‘little hands’, this is named because of the red handprints that mark the walls. It may have been the house of the Overlord of Cozumel and contains two rooms.

Moving further into the complex, there is a well-preserved arch, which leads off to two areas on the site we didn’t visit on this tour as they are off deeper in the woods. It was here we saw one of the many Iguanas that live amongst the ruins.

The final part of the ruins that this tour visit is the temple area itself. This compact area comprises several structures including the Ossuary, Palace, Altar and ‘Murals Structure. Whilst, thanks to a certain Mr San Gervasio, there is a lot less to see here than there should be, we enjoyed our tour and learning more about Mayan history and culture.

NOTE :  Whilst photography is allowed at the site, if you want to take video there is a small additional charge.

READ MORE: Looking for more information to plan your visit to Cozumel? Check it out here!

Before heading to the chocolate part of the tour, the bus stopped at El Mirador. A rocky part of the coastline offering stunning views out into the Caribbean Sea and a chance to relax and watch the waves crashing ashore.

There are a few kitsch shops selling souvenirs as well as drinks and food available if you have a little more time. As this tour stops here for only a short time, we just enjoyed the scenery and fresh sea air.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

THE MAYAN CACAO COMPANY

The visit to the Mayan Cacao Company started with a traditional Mayan welcome from one of the staff. This involved the, heavily body painted individual, blowing through a large shell which made an impressively loud noise and recanting some local dialect to welcome us.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

We then entered a shed area with some displays on the walls of the history of chocolate in the area as well as some of the utensils that were used to make the delicacy. Our guide gave us further information about the history, including the amazing amount of energy that is stored in the cacao, enough to keep someone going on a long journey on a relatively small amount of food.

Then you walk through a garden where you are offered some Mouli on a small flour tortilla, Mouli is a mix of chocolate and   chilli , chocolate is supposedly the perfect ingredient to stop   chilli   from setting your mouth on fire, better than all those other “cures” you’ve heard about. So by mixing the chocolate directly in with the   chilli , you get the taste, without the burn.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

You then enter an auditorium, where one of the staff shows you how chocolate can be made with just a few simple ingredients. Basically, the ingredients are just pounded together to make coarse liquid chocolate, this then sets to make basic chocolate.

The tour ends with a taster drink of liquid chocolate that you can add cinnamon, sugar and a couple of other things to your own taste. You can then explore the gardens a little more, or head to the gift shop which offers all manner of chocolate infused soaps and such, and of course, the chocolate that they make for sale. All the flavours were available to taste with the exception of the mint (we guess this is because it is chocolate with a filling rather than flavoured chocolate) and you can then purchase a bar or two of your favourites.

The bus then returns to the port and drops you immediately outside the secure area, as you re-enter the secure area around the port, you’ll need your ship access cards as the port security check everyone is on a cruise ship.

HOW TO BOOK THE TOUR

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

For our tour with Royal Caribbean, we could leave items on the bus between stops, so if you do the same tour then at each stop, we would suggest you should bring as little as possible and leave backpacks and bigger bags on the minibus or back on the cruise ship.

Things to remember to bring are:

  • Your ship access card and government-issued photo identification
  • Water: The tour lasts around three hours and can be very warm, however, you can purchase drinks at the Mayan ruins and at El Mirador.
  • Camera ! You’re allowed to bring cameras and phones and there will be lots of opportunities for photos and videos.
  • Insect repellent : The area is a natural home to bugs which might see you as lunch, so bug spray is worth bringing.
  • Sturdy/grippy shoes to walk around the ruins, the ground is not especially rough, but it is not the same as a paved path.

You need to arrive at your assigned meeting point within the port compound around 10-15 minutes before your tour is due to depart. Check your excursion tickets to identify the precise meeting point for your tour, once in the vicinity, all the tours are well signed and you should find “Mayan Ruins and Chocolate Tasting Tour” quite easily and be able to make contact with your guide.

WAS IT WORTH IT?

We feel this tour is a good value for what you get. It was well organised and the guide we got (Thank you Jesus!) was one of the best guides we have ever experienced. Actually funny, approachable and knowledgeable, he definitely enhanced our tour hugely. The three stops were well-timed and offer a view of Cozumel’s history and present, and who can turn down tasting chocolate as the icing on the cake?

Have you done the Mayan Ruins and Chocolate Tasting tour in Cozumel, Mexico?

We’d love to hear about it. tell us about it in the comments.

If you have any questions, or there is anything we haven’t covered, please feel free to leave us a comment and we will do our best to answer.

The map below shows all the tour stops described above in relation to the Cozumel cruise terminal.

Other Tour and Excursion Options for Your Day in Port in Cozumel, Mexico.

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mayan ruins excursion cozumel

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That cozumel has to offer, experience maya, as it was meant to be experienced, welcome to cozumel choice, where you may take an adventure in culture, cozumel mayan ruins excursions, delivering the best mayan ruins excursions experience for tulum and cozumel.

We are specialists in the Mayan culture and would love to share our passion for this civilization by taking you to the most reputed Mayan sites in the Mexican State of Quintana Roo.

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US ON AN ADVENTURE IN CULTURE

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We are excited to invite you to plunge in the Mayan culture with our expert guides who have extensive knowledge of the Mayan civilization.

For over 25 years, we have proudly been guiding cruise-ship and local hotel clients to the Mayan sites and our reputation keeps growing based on:

  • Exquisite punctuality,  as we know your time is important,
  • Small groups,  limited to 12 people for individualized attention,
  • Professional guides,  equipped with knowledge and passion for the authentic Mayan world, and
  • Our personal  involvement in consistently delivering the highest customer experience.

The Cozumel Choice offers you a  private tour  touch at a non-private price. Instead of spending hours in a crowded bus with 60 of your shipmates.  Why not enjoying a small, fully-escorted tour of Tulum, discover the Tulum ruins from the sea as the Spanish conquerors first found them, explore the highlights of Cozumel or swim with turtles in the Akumal bay?

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Why book your Ancient Maya tour with Cozumel Choice?

  • We are proudly natives, so while others learned about our culture from books, we have simply learned how to transmit our culture and our own life experiences.
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Best shore excursion in Cozumel, Mexico with Royal Caribbean

Cozumel Royal Caribbean Excursion: Mayan Ruins and Beach

Caribbean , Travel | December 9, 2019

The third and final stop on my Royal Caribbean press trip in the Western Caribbean was Cozumel in Mexico. We hopped off the ship (well, not literally) for our shore excursion: ‘Mayan Ruins, Island Tour & Beach’.

Just like our port day in Jamaica two days before, Cozumel was another return trip for me. I spent a day in Cozumel when I was exploring Mexico with a digital nomad work and travel company a few years back. On that trip, we took the ferry to the island and hired the most charming clapped-out car. It was an amazing day so I was excited to be back again!

Cozumel, Royal Caribbean cruise excursion

If you want to rent a car in Cozumel when you dock there on a cruise, be aware that it’s very expensive and the pickings are slim! Seriously, you’ll be lucky if the car has seatbelts…

Rather than spend on a rental car, it made sense to do a Royal Caribbean shore excursion in Cozumel. There’s a huge bonus to planning your onshore activities using the official excursions: you’re guaranteed to be brought back to the ship in time for departure.

My worse fear during a cruise would be to miss back on board time. Can you imagine everyone waving at you from the top deck as you stand on the pier, morosely watching them sail away?

Why I loved my shore excursion in Cozumel

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The first part of our Cozumel excursion was seeing some of Cozumel’s native Mayan ruins at San Gervasio.

We had a brilliant guide called Juan who kept us all entertained as we strode around the archeological ruins and he explained all about the Mayan calendar, which was genuinely SO interesting. It made me want to go away and read more about the topic.

I enjoy seeing historic places like this but I do think that once you’ve seen one pile of rocks, you’ve seen them all. For this reason, I was pleased that we only visited the most important main ruins for a brief overview.

Culture sufficiently soaked up, we then headed to a beach – one that I had been to on my first visit – and ate tacos barefoot in the sand.

Food in Cozumel

I had trouble finding genuinely good food in Mexico last time so was happy to go wherever the cruise line endorsed. Thankfully, the food was delicious. So were the cocktails!

Drinks in Cozumel

The food and drink isn’t included in this particular Cozumel excursion so you do need to carry dollars if you choose this trip.

Best shore excursion in Cozumel, Mexico

The beach itself is stunning; completely unspoilt with no big developments spilling onto the sand. I’ve heard there are sea turtles in the area but I didn’t see any on either visit.

Beaches in Cozumel

When the bus dropped us back at the cruise ship terminal, we realised we still had some time to kill so we had a stroll around the streets near the seafront.

What to do in Cozumel on a cruise

I just love all the colours in Mexico!

Other shore excursions we did on our cruise

River tubing and beach party in Jamaica

Dragon’s Breath Flight Line in Labadee

If you want to see all of my updates from my Caribbean cruise, follow me  @danniellelily  and check out my ‘Royal Caribbean Cruise’ highlight. I also wrote a full  review of Harmony of the Seas , in case you’re thinking of sailing on her or her sister ship, Allure!

As mentioned at the beginning of this post, I was a guest of Royal Caribbean UK. Views are my own.

Cozumel, Mexico: best Royal Caribbean excursion

Cancun Sun

The Ultimate Guide For Visiting Cozumel’s Mayan Ruins

By: Author Graciela Zamora

Posted on Published: November 28, 2021

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Chichen Itza is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the Mayan Riviera, but Cozumel has great sites too! If you’re a history buff and are looking to travel to some of the Caribbean’s most awe-inspiring archeological sites, then exploring the Mayan ruins near Cozumel is a must. Here’s the complete guide of the best ruins you can visit while in Cozumel and what you can expect when traveling to each one.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Cozumel Mayan Ruins History

Cozumel is the largest island in Mexico, and it’s just in front of Playa del Carmen, in the state of Quintana Roo, an hour from Cancun. From the year 1000, with the rise of Chichen Itza as a great political and economic center of the peninsula, the site was integrated into an increasingly intense economic network, which would lead it to become the great city it was from 1200 AD. A military base was built during Second World War, and with it, the accesses to the Mayan ruins were lost, and thus, the jungle hid them. Only two archaeological sites are intact to remind us of this past civilization, San Gervasio and El Cedral.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

San Gervasio Ruins

Of the archaeological sites in Cozumel, the most important one is San Gervasio. Here, the Mayans venerated the goddess Ixchel. This deity was one of the most important of the Mayan pantheon, as it was the supreme authority in love, fertility, and health matters. Among the most important structures of San Gervasio are las Manitas, some rooms that are believed to have been the residence of Lord Itzá de Cozumel about a thousand years ago. Other relevant buildings are the Casa Alta, the Central Plaza, El Arco, the Casa Grande, and the Chi Chan Nah, a place for rituals.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

How to get to San Gervasio

It is located 4 miles east of the town of San Miguel de Cozumel and is easily accessible through the main cross road of the island, which is a paved road in good condition. Numerous travel agencies organize guided tours, and the local taxi service offers tours from the main hotels in the city. It’s open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. General Entrance is $188 pesos (9.50 USD). The average visit time to San Gervasio is 2 hours.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

El Cedral Cozumel

The ruins of El Cedral are the oldest Mayan Ruins , dating back to 800 AD. The ruins are located in the town of El Cedral. The entrance is marked by a massive white and red arch adorned with crosses. All that remains of the historical capital of Cozumel and the former home to its largest community is a small house-sized ruin. This site is much smaller than the San Gervasio Ruins but is easily accessible. The Town of El Cedral is also home to the annual Festival of Santa Cruz and El Cedral Fair. This tradition started 150 years ago as a commemoration of an attack during the Caste War of Yucatan. These celebrations last one week and include the fair, traditional food, live music, and bullfighting.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Getting to El Cedral

The ruins of El Cedral are located in the south of Cozumel, off the highway in the town of the same name. You can travel to Cozumel via ferry from Playa del Carmen and spend the day visiting the sites. You will recognize the area immediately by the large white and red arch. If you’re interested in seeing the ruins on Cozumel, you can book with a tour operator for a combination tour of El Cedral and San Gervasio; most of these tours can be booked online or directly at your hotel. You probably won’t find tours that only go to El Cedral due to their small and remote location.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Tips for Visiting the Cozumel Mayan Ruins

  • Wear comfortable shoes, sun protection, and mosquito repellent.
  • If you arrive on your own, try to hire a certified guide on-site to make the most out of your visit.
  • You can visit the ruins year-round, but the sites are busiest from December through April when the weather is not as warm as in the summer.
  • There are fewer crowds during hurricane season from May through October.
  • The ruins are spread throughout the jungle, so plan to do a lot of walking.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

The San Gervasio and El Cedral ruins are a must-see for culture and history enthusiasts. Next time you’re in Cozumel, book a tour and explore these amazing archaeological sites.

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Shore Excursions Group

Mayan Ruins of Tulum

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  • Explore the historic Mayan city of Tulum and its ancient mysteries.
  • Enjoy a relaxing ferry ride to the white sand beaches of Playa del Carmen.
  • Venture through cultural sites such as El Castillo and the Temple of Frescoes.
  • Take a relaxing swim located behind the ancient ruins.
  • Listen to the facts, myths, and secrets of the site from a professional guide.

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Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Cozumel, Mexico

The Mayan city of Tulum is located 81 miles south of Cancun. On this Tulum tour, you'll travel to a historic Mayan city full of interesting history. The only Mayan city built on a coast, Tulum offers spectacular ocean views paired with impressive ruins. A limestone wall of over 2,500 feet surrounds three parts of the ancient city. Prepare for an experience unlike anything you've had before. Of all the shore excursions and tours to Tulum, this is one you don't want to miss.

Begin your Tulum tour with a scenic 45-minute ferry ride to gorgeous Playa del Carmen. A comfortable air-conditioned bus awaits your arrival in this lovely city, ready to transport you on a picturesque ride to the Tulum Mayan Ruins. Approximately two hours are provided in Tulum, which is plenty of time to explore the restored temples rising above the Caribbean Sea. A professional guide will explain the facts, myths, and fascinating legends of the Ancient Mayan culture that once dominated the area.

Enter the Tulum ruins through one of five doorways in the massive limestone wall. A lush field of smooth hills welcomes you, decorated with detailed stone-carved figures and the remains of what were once striking buildings. Notable highlights include El Castillo (The Castle), perched on the edge of the 2,500-ft. wall and overlooking the Caribbean Sea; the Temple of Frescoes, one of the most preserved buildings remaining; The Temple of the Descending God, and The House of the Columns. If time permits, you may have the opportunity to check out the beach located behind the ruins and take a relaxing swim. After your time in the Cozumel Mayan Ruins, you'll hop back on your bus, return to Playa del Carmen, and enjoy a ferry ride back to Cozumel.

The Tulum Mayan Ruins are extremely photogenic. Plenty of memorable snapshots are yours to take on this unforgettable Cozumel excursion. Book today as part of your next great vacation!

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Cozumel Excursions: Mayan Ruins Cruise

Take a Mayan ruins cruise as part of a Cozumel excursion during your Princess Caribbean cruise . Your short getaway includes a visit to historic San Gervasio.

Surrounded by thick tropical foliage on the island of Cozumel lie ancient Mayan ruins. To the island's northeastern tip you'll find Castillo Real, a 1,200-year-old lookout tower. To the south lies El Cedral, the oldest Mayan structure on the island, and El Caracol, a well-preserved hurricane warning structure. And tucked away in the northern heart of the island is ancient San Gervasio — the island's largest and most accessible archaeological site. To walk among these Mayan ruins on a short getaway cruise to Cozumel is to be transported back to 300 CE and revisit ancient Mayan culture.

San Gervasio and the Temple of Ixchel

San Gervasio's gray, mossy stones retain the shape of the Mayan community that once thrived there. Though Cozumel was economically important as a trading center — its main exports, salt and honey, were considered more valuable than gold — the greater significance of the San Gervasio site was religious. Mayan women, in particular prospective mothers, were expected to make at least one pilgrimage to San Gervasio to the temple of Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Mayan women braved the dangerous waters to Cozumel, usually by canoe, to pay tribute.

There is mystery surrounding Ixchel. Different sources list her also as the goddess of the moon, as well as of rainbows, midwifery, childbirth, medicine, and weaving. Ancient images depicting the goddess differ as well: Some appear as that of an old woman with claws on her hands and feet, possibly tied to the Mayan name of the island, Ah-Cuzamil-Peten , which means "land of the swallows." In other images, Ixchel is a young woman with a rabbit, also a Mayan symbol of fertility and whose shape the Maya saw in the dark of the moon. Her complexity adds to the mystique of her temple at San Gervasio.

Cozumel After the Maya

The Mayan society in Cozumel flourished until the 1500s, when Spanish explorers discovered the island and warred with the Mayan people, distorting them with massacres and diseases. After that, the history of the island grew more diverse: It became a pirate hideout in the 17th and 18th centuries; it boomed during the 20th-century gum craze (the result of the island's sapodilla trees, producers of chicle , a chewy substance); and, in the 1960s, a television documentary by Jacques Cousteau made the island prime for snorkelers and scuba divers.

You won't need a canoe to experience a Cozumel excursion. On a Western Caribbean getaway cruise , guides will take visitors into the heart of San Gervasio and the Mayan ruins. Step back in time and discover the mysteries of the Mayans —you're guaranteed to come back with new perspective. View Caribbean cruises.

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Mayan Ruins and Beach

$ 110.00   (from)

Excursion Cozumel private island tour Mayan ruins and beach

  • August 2024

Please select a date

Max. participants

English, Spanish, German

  • Description
  • Tour Details
  • What to bring
  • Further Information

Mayan Legacy Cozumel: Excursion Mayan Ruins and Beach

Make the most out of your day in Cozumel - See the whole island, discover the Mayan ruins and the beaches of Cozumel. The Cozumel excursion offers a  fantastic combination of culture, history and a beach break

Far away from overcrowded tourist attractions, our local guide explains the  ancient Mayan culture  in Cozumel, the  arrival of the Spaniards  500 years ago and the dark times of  pirates and smugglers . More than a thousand years of history await us in the  abandoned Mayan ruins of San Gervasio , in the middle of the Cozumel jungle.

The uninhabited east side offers  lonely beaches  to discover and take impressive photos. If desired, the excursion can be combined with a  Tequila Tasting .

This private excursions  Cozumel Mayan ruins and beach  gives you interesting insights how local people live, into their traditions and history. This is a private experience and the tour can be flexibly adjusted. Already from 2 participants - enjoy our  Cozumel Excursion Mayan Ruins and Beach

  • Certified, bilingual tour guide with credential for the archeological sites in Mexico
  • Experienced driver, englisch-speaking, transportation
  • Meeting point close to the cruise ship piers or pick up from your hotel
  • Entrance fee to San Gervasio
  • Detailed tour and information in archeological site San Gervasio
  • Beach break
  • Mexican snack at beach break
  • Stops to take pictures
  • Guided downtown tour
  • Beer and water in a cooler
  • Wild beaches of the Cozumel East Side
  • Max. 16 participants

Excluded features

  • Drinks in the beach restaurant (optional)
  • Gratitudes (optional)

Meeting Point We pick up guests of the cruise ships near the respective port of call. Please let us know your cruise ship in the reservation. Guests from Playa del Carmen will be picked up from the ferry port right after their arrival on Cozumel. Please let us know your ferry times in the reservation. Guests staying in hotels on Cozumel will be picked up in front of their hotels, if possible. Please let us know your hotel in the reservation.

Mayan ruins – Undeveloped East Coast – Beach Break 

This custom Cozumel Island Tour  Mayan Ruins and Beach  is a private tour, that allows you to create or adjust for your own perfect adventure. Let us make your Private Excursion Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach the  highlight of your vacation .

Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach: San Gervasio (Entry fee included)

This Cozumel excursion takes us directly to the largest  Mayan ruins  on Cozumel, in the middle of the jungle. Most of the constructions can be dated to the late classical period between 1200 and 1500 AD. An excursion into the  pre-Columbian times  , into the  world of the Maya  and their  traditions  . We get to understand the Mayan peoples better as well as their architecture, mathematics, astronomy and religion. Compared to the massive archaeological sites of the Riviera Maya, the Mayan ruins of Cozumel are relatively small, but full of history and mystery. They are definitely worth a visit.

C ozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach: East side of Cozumel and Beach Break

After leaving the archeological site San Gervasio, we drive with you to the beautiful and almost undeveloped east coast of Cozumel. We stay at the  wild beach  of Pescadors (Spanish: fisherman). The wonderful headland invites you to take a walk, have a Mexican beer in the cozy restaurant (not included in the price) or put your feet in the crystal clear water.

Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach: Additional stops

Ask your private tour guide for recommendations on additional stops during your customized Cozumel Island Tour.

What should I bring?

  • Light clothes and comfortable shoes
  • Swimwear and change of clothes
  • Sun glasses
  • Sun protection: It is not recommended anymore to apply sunscreen in Cozumel to protect corals and water quality. Please use sunscreen BEFORE the beginning the tour. If possible, only use  biodegradable sunscreen  in your vacation.
  • Camera, charged

Availability

The availability of our excursions can only be guaranteed after confirmation by us. If an excursion is not possible on your desired date, we will suggest another date or refund any payments already received.

For a binding reservation we charge a deposit of 20% of the tour price. The remaining payment will be made in CASH on site. Please note that payment on site by credit card is not possible. If you would like to inquire about the tour without a binding reservation, please  contact us .

Customization of Excursions

Under special circumstances we adapt our tours to external conditions. We discuss this individually with our customers. Adjustments will be made, for example, if the weather changes at short notice. We also adapt excursions for cruisers to the berthing times of cruise ships.

Cancellation policy

  • With the reservation we charge a deposit. We keep these as administration fees for “no-show” guests.

We refund the deposit, if

  • You cancel the excursion at least 24 hours before
  • If you have to cancel the excursion for whatever reason, please inform us as soon as possible. We might be able to sell the excursion elsewhere and will refund the deposit.
  • This excursion was cancelled by Leon Tours
  • If your cruise ship does not dock in Cozumel on the day you booked, we will be happy to provide you with a voucher for a future visit or refund 50% of your deposit.

We ask for a phone number for each reservation to contact you in case of any changes.

Your desired date is not available?  Contact us!

Why Leon Tours?

  • Small or private groups  Our tours are either private or small group excursions.
  • Certified tour guides  Our tour guides have the required SECTUR (Secretary of tourism in Mexico) certifications
  • Quality Service and Support  Enjoy our excellent customer service. We have local knowledge and love to give you recommendations
  • Locally owned family business  If you book through Leon Tours, you will support local businesses. We use local guides wherever possible
  • Book with confidence  We spent many years in building up our online presence. Follow us on Trip Advisor or Facebook
  • Small refundable deposit  We charge only a small deposit to secure your reservation
  • Mexico Experts  We strive to give you the best service and bring you to the most beautiful places.

14 reviews for Mayan Ruins and Beach

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John and Deborah Saxon – 1. June 2024

We just returned from a trip where we did a tour with Juan Carlos at Leon Tours, and it was fantastic! We met him after debarking from our cruise ship, and he was ready and waiting with water and cool drinks for what turned out to be a fascinating tour of the island. Due to our time constraints, he customized the tour to include historical and cultural highlights as well as some beach time. We saw a site dedicated to Ixchel, a church commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Spaniards’ arrival, the monument to the mestizos, and El Cedral—a fascinating spot where a Mayan ruin and a church stand side by side. Juan Carlos showed us videos of his families and others in his community celebrating their annual festival there and provided the overall big picture regarding the culture and history of Cozumel. His family has lived on Cozumel for four generations, and he was full of insight. He also pointed out interesting features of geography as we circled the island and then took us to a beautiful, uncrowded spot to enjoy some time in the water. We couldn’t have had a better tour!

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Deb and Charlie – 18. March 2023

Undoubtedly one of the most relaxing, informative, and beautiful tours we could ever have imagined. Gerson was helpful and kind from the moment he met our group. His wealth of knowledge added to the enjoyment of this tour. When we signed up for the Mayan tour, we had no idea we were in for such a beautiful day. Thank you for the opportunity to experience the island. Sitting at the restaurant on the beach …watching the blue ocean waves, while enjoying fajitas, chips, and drinks…was picturesque. Muchos Gracias Amingo!

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Nadja L. – 7. June 2022

The tour was simply awesome. Varied, great scenery, great tour guide. For me so far one of my highlights in Mexico ? Birgit imparts her knowledge totally sympathetic, responds to the needs and you have above all at each spot enough time. Any time again!

Paul D. – 7. June 2022

The day with LeonTours on Cozumel was great! Birgit is an incredibly kind and nice person. Thanks to her we had an incredibly beautiful and exciting day! With a jeep we went around half the island and that in a smaller group of four. Thank you for making our day so sweet and showing us so many great places!

We would choose LeonTours again and again! ♡

Nadine M. – 7. April 2022

We were personally looked after by Birgit.From the beginning of the booking to the end of the implementation, the tour has worked excellently. Every necessary change Birgit informed us, so it was unproblematic to find each other. The guided tour of the Mayan ruins were very informative and entertaining, as was the visit to the Teqila Museum. We got to know several beaches. Birgit reacted flexibly to the unfortunately not very good weather and showed us Cozumel’s city. She even thought of our health in the form of water and insect spray. We say a big thank you for this great day.

Pancho L. – 5. April 2022

It was a great excursion with lots of notes and background knowledge at each place from the guide. Our most beautiful excursion in the course of the tours of our cruise.

Manuel U. – 1. April 2022

Private tour with Gerson. He has brought us closer to the island with a lot of heart and a huge knowledge and showed many beautiful corners. He responded to our wishes and we always had the opportunity to take photos and ask questions. We are happy that we came across Leon Tour. We are very happy to recommend you! No mass handling but individual round trip. Great. Thank you very much, Gerson. GRACIAS!

Noel M. – 7. March 2022

We spontaneously requested a tour and the next day we were off. At the port we were welcomed by Birgit. She asked us about our wishes and responded to us individually. A super tour, we have seen a lot off the tourist masses. Birgit had prepared everything very well and when we also wanted to snorkel, she also made this possible. A great day on the island thanks to Birgit from Leontours . Highly recommended!

Sabine S. – 7. February 2022

We can recommend Leon Tours without reservation. Reliable, flexible and competent. Birgit, who is super nice, gave us an unforgettable experience on Cozumel and wonderful memories. She showed us the island, brought over the fascination for the Mayan culture and fulfilled our wishes (such as visiting a local supermarket). We were only on Cozumel for one day, but Leon Tours made us so excited about Mexico that we will definitely be back.

Marc C. – 1. February 2022

We booked the tour and can only recommend it. Andrea accompanied us and really took a lot of time. We could learn a lot through her and had a lot of fun! Beautiful island with many animals. The tour was not expensive at all. So… See that you book the tour and I hope you have the with Andrea ???

Rainer T. – 22. December 2021

We were on a cruise in Cozumel and booked a day tour with Leon Tours. Meeting and re-arrival at the ship has worked great and on time. The tour guide was very professional and super nice. She was also prepared for all eventualities (water in the bus, moscito spray etc.). Our wishes were taken into account and she gave us many insider tips. We had an unforgettable day in Mexico and would book here again anytime.

Rachel R. – 7. December 2021

Tour: 5-6 hour tour private excursion on Cozumel Maya ruins and beach.

An all around successful excursion with a very knowledgeable and symphytic tour guide. We can highly recommend this tour to any “cruiser”. Thank you very much for a great day

Nina S. – 1. December 2021

Highly recommended. Everything has simply worked tiptop. Even one day before the trip, we were contacted and the details were passed through again. It is rare to find such a service. keep up the good work ….. thank you

Rabea H. – 6. October 2021

It could not have been better. We can recommend Leon Tours without reservation. Reliable, flexible and competent. Birgit, who is super nice, gave us an unforgettable experience on Cozumel and wonderful memories. She showed us the island, brought over the fascination for the Mayan culture and fulfilled our wishes (such as visiting a local supermarket). We were only on Cozumel for one day, but Leon Tours made us so excited about Mexico that we will definitely be back.

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Shore Excursion Details

Tulum mayan ruins, cozumel, mexico.

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Added to Favourites!

  • 8 hrs Estimate Duration

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

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mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Historical Landmarks

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Cozumel cruise port guide: How to spend your day ashore

Cozumel cruise ship

Cozumel is perhaps the most popular island in Mexico — and for good reason. The largest of Mexico's islands in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel packs a punch for cruisers looking for a fun island escape.

Port areas can seem intimidating, especially a bustling one like Cozumel. While plenty of activities await cruisers in town, beyond the port, this Mexican gem is a paradise for both adventure seekers and sunbathers, with coral reefs, fantastic beaches and lush jungles. Cozumel is also one of the world's top diving destinations, with legendary snorkeling sites like the Palancar Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, and enchanting Playa El Cielo.

Beyond the beach, the island's rich history is still displayed at ancient Mayan ruins. Cozumel's history dovetails with the present, with warm and welcoming locals and area restaurants serving delectable recipes that have withstood the test of time.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

For an island packed with so much, it's extremely manageable to navigate. Cozumel is only 185 square miles, and most of that is jungle and beach. A road circumnavigates the island and cuts through the jungle, making it easy for travelers to get from the more populated western coast to the rugged, less-developed eastern shores. So, cruisers visiting for a day can really maximize how much they see and do in Cozumel.

Because there are so many things to do in the Cozumel cruise port, it's not surprising it's a popular port of call for a wide variety of operators. They include Carnival Cruise Line , Celebrity Cruises , Royal Caribbean , Holland America , Princess Cruises , Norwegian Cruise Line , MSC Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises .

If your next Caribbean cruise adventure takes you to this dreamy Mexican isle, let this be your guide for how to spend your day ashore in Cozumel.

3 things TPG loves about Cozumel

  • Idyllic tropical scenery with beautiful beaches
  • A blend of history, culture and nature
  • Distinctive cuisine

What we could do without

  • Bars and restaurants near the port can be overpriced
  • San Miguel can feel touristy and crowded when multiple cruise ships are docked

Cozumel fast facts

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Arrival details

The Cozumel cruise port is Mexico's busiest and one of the most popular cruise ports in the Caribbean, welcoming more than 3 million cruise passengers every year. The cruise port on Cozumel can be a little confusing, as it has three terminals on the island: Punta Langosta, Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal. Punta Langosta is in downtown San Miguel, and Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal are on the southwestern part of the island, about 5 miles south of San Miguel. It's about an 11-minute walk from Punta Langosta to San Miguel and about a 10-minute taxi ride from the other two terminals.

Language : Spanish is the official language, but most tourist services use English.

Currency : Mexico uses the Mexican peso; 17 pesos are roughly equal to $1. However, many restaurants, shops and bars will accept dollars, likely at a more expensive exchange rate. Most facilities will accept credit cards. It is best to travel with pesos, though, to get the best deal.

Time zone : Cozumel uses Eastern Standard Time. It does not observe daylight saving time.

Top things to do in Cozumel cruise port

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Cozumel is a treasure trove of beachy island opportunities. It's one of Mexico's few Caribbean islands and features a culture and energy all its own, with Indigenous Mayan roots and a laid-back vibe that runs on island time. Cruisers should begin their adventure in port by exploring San Miguel de Cozumel, the island's largest city. This buzzy port of call overflows with shops, restaurants and tour companies.

Begin your adventure in port by exploring the island's stunning underwater world through snorkeling or diving excursions among the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life. Cozumel is perched along the Mesoamerican Reef, the world's second-largest barrier reef system. Finding a dive shop should be easy — dozens of them are near the cruise port. The majority of the dive shops are along the western coast of the island, whether in San Miguel proper or along the beautiful beaches that rim the coastline.

Dive into the aquamarine waters of Chankanaab, a small lagoon just 4 miles from San Miguel. Teeming with tropical fish, it's part of Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, an outdoor playground with zip lines, a sea lion show and a crocodile exhibition.

Delve into the rich history of the Mayan civilization with a visit to the ruins of San Gervasio or the ancient ceremonial site of El Cedral. Additionally, Discover Mexico Park Cozumel is an interactive cultural park that showcases Mexico's traditional music, art and food. Here you can watch the traditional Danza de los Voladores, the Dance of the Flyers, who spin from the top of a 100-foot pole. Also called Voladores de Papantla, the awe-inspiring aerial dance is recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

If you seek relaxation, unwind on the fluffy white sand beaches of Cozumel, where crystal-clear water sets the scene for sunbathing and water sports. At the island's southern tip, Punta Sur Eco Beach Park is Cozumel's largest ecological park. One of the most beautiful beach areas on the island, it's a main destination for snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking.

Popular Cozumel excursions

Cozumel may be only 185 square miles, but it is packed with activities that cater to many different interests. From underwater adventures and adrenaline-pumping experiences to cultural sites and shopping opportunities, there are dozens of Cozumel excursions from the cruise port.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Beach day pass

A favorite Cozumel excursion from the cruise port is to park yourself at the beach for the day — and Cozumel has plenty. Many beach clubs on the island offer day passes for cruise passengers, which include use of the facilities and restaurants with all-inclusive access. Playa Mia Grand Beach Park is one of the most popular beach club parks to spend the day, simply because of the sheer volume of things to do. Guests can enjoy more than 20 land and water sports activities, a kids area, an open bar and a buffet serving international dishes. Beach access and a swimming pool are available, too.

An all-terrain-vehicle or Jeep adventure tour

The vast majority of Cozumel is carpeted with scrubby jungle, meaning ample opportunity for adventure tours. Cruise passengers can climb aboard an ATV or hop into an open-air Jeep for four-wheeling adventures to places in Cozumel that are removed from the buzz of downtown. Explore inland off-road trails, visit and swim in the Jade Cavern Cenote, and venture deep into Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.

Diving and snorkeling

Cozumel offers a multitude of activities focused on the island's beautiful blue water and magnificent natural environment. Just about every water sport under the sun — sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving, among others — and encounters with dolphins, manta rays and sea lions are available to Cozumel cruisers.

Tour Mayan ruins

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

Cozumel is home to more than 30 Mayan archaeological sites, and cruise passengers can get up close and personal with some of the island's best. Excursions to the ruins of San Gervasio include a guided walk through the largest and most important Mayan settlement in Cozumel. Some cruise lines also offer excursions to the ancient cliffside city of Tulum on the southeastern tip of Mexico.

Visit the mainland

Cozumel is a 30-minute ferry ride from downtown Playa del Carmen, making it easy for cruise passengers to get to mainland Mexico for even more adventure. Steps from the ferry terminal in Playa del Carmen is the iconic Quinta Avenida, the main drag known for its lively atmosphere, restaurants, shops and bars. Many cruise excursion companies even arrange for cruise passengers to visit the various theme parks that pepper the Riviera Maya, like Xcaret Park, Xenses Park and Xplor Park.

Related: 8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Best Cozumel beaches near the cruise port

The Mexican Caribbean is known for its gorgeous beaches. That's especially true in Cozumel, with its sugary soft sand and mesmerizing water.

Playa San Juan

This northwestern beach is one of the easiest beaches to reach from San Miguel. Its proximity to resorts and shopping makes it a top draw for cruise passengers, which can mean bigger crowds when cruise ships are docked. Its convenient location makes up for that, though. Snorkeling is one of the top activities at this beach, and many local shops rent equipment. Buccanos Beach Club, which offers a pool, a restaurant and other amenities, is also here.

Playa Mia Grand Beach Park

One of Cozumel's largest beaches, this action-packed coastal playground has something for everyone in the family. Expect water park activities, food and bars, spa treatments and even a 500-foot-long adventure circuit with floating obstacles.

Paradise Beach

Five miles from the cruise ship pier, this stunning stretch of sand is worth the relatively short trip from town for the endless activities available. The beach club offers refreshments and a pool, plus cruisers can purchase a fun pass that grants access to the water park, kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Stingray Beach

Close to San Miguel and a quick walk from Punta Langosta, this calm, western beach gets its name from the clusters of stingrays that swim and float just offshore. Gliding through the water, these gentle creatures are a big draw for snorkelers and swimmers. Other beach activities include paddleboarding tours, chocolate workshops and open-sea snorkeling tours.

Mr Sanchos Beach

About 15 minutes from San Miguel, this west coast beach is a paradise for families thanks to its sprawling beach club. Cruisers can purchase a day pass to the beach club, which grants access to swimming pools, a spa, a restaurant and lots of activities. Some activities cost extra, but the pass includes horseback riding, parasailing and Jet Ski tours.

Tip : Beaches on the eastern side of the island see far fewer crowds. It's only about a 30-minute drive to the eastern coast from downtown. Food and drink prices will typically be cheaper on the eastern shores, but the beaches are rockier here, and the water is more choppy.

Playa El Cielo

The best way to visit Playa El Cielo on a cruise is to book a snorkeling shore excursion. Trust us, it will be worth it. At the southern tip of Cozumel, this dreamy swath of sugary sand is known for its crystal-clear water and the thousands of starfish that rest on the bleached white sand beneath the waves. You can't access El Cielo by car, so excursions shuttle travelers over by boat.

Passion Island

If it's possible to elevate a Cozumel beach experience, Passion Island does just that. This small, pristine wedge of paradise is just off the north coast. Thick with palm trees and nothing but turquoise water as far as the eye can see, the protected island is just a five-minute crossing over from Cozumel. The best way to reach it is from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal, where guides can arrange transportation, lunch and activities.

How to get around Cozumel on your own

mayan ruins excursion cozumel

  • On foot : San Miguel is an extremely walkable town, with a grid of crisscrossing streets that are flanked by restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
  • Taxi : Taxis are abundant on Cozumel, particularly at the cruise terminals. It's about a four-minute taxi ride from Punta Langosta into San Miguel and about a 10-minute taxi ride from both Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal. Always confirm the price before getting into a taxi. Prices are fixed, but it isn't uncommon for some taxi drivers to overcharge tourists.
  • Bike or scooter : Getting around Cozumel on two wheels is popular transportation for tourists, and there are many bike and scooter rental shops in San Miguel. Keep in mind that scooters are still motorized vehicles, so you should not drive one if you don't have experience. It's also extremely important to wear a helmet.
  • Car : All three cruise terminals have rental cars available near their taxi departure areas.

Cozumel restaurants near the cruise port

Mexican fare reigns supreme in Cozumel. However, as an international tourist destination, it also provides a broad selection of cuisines for visitors to sample.

Plenty of restaurants are steps from the cruise port, but keep in mind that you will be paying a pretty peso at many of the more popular tourist restaurants. San Miguel is where you will find the majority of the restaurants on the island. Most places here are walkable, and you'll find the widest variety of restaurants to choose from.

Restaurants are also scattered along the coastline — mainly in the form of beach clubs, which is a big thing in Cozumel. A few specialty restaurants can be found on the beaches, too. For example, Buccanos has a reputation for the best seafood in town. ​​It's pricey, but higher prices are something to expect in Cozumel in general. This is one of the most popular restaurants for catching the sunset, so be sure to make those dinner reservations far in advance.

Another coastal must is The Money Bar Beach Club, beloved by both locals and longtime visitors. A two-for-one happy hour makes this a popular spot at sunset. Plus, live music sets the scene for a lovely sundowner moment.

On the east side of the island, things go a little off-grid, in a good way. Cozumel's wild and windswept eastern side means only a handful of beach bars and restaurants are available. Mezcalito's Restaurant & Beach Bar is a must. It's one of the island's oldest bars, and this Cozumel institution serves up signature laid-back beach vibes and views out to sea.

Cozumel dishes to try

Mexican food may be an overarching term, but you'll find that its definition changes everywhere in Mexico that you visit. Cozumel is no exception. Cozumelian cuisine combines Mayan recipes, Spanish flavors and Caribbean twists. When visiting Cozumel, a few dishes must be on your foodie bucket list.

Cochinita pibil is a Yucatan essential. This slow-roasted pork dish is prevalent throughout the Yucatan peninsula; the pork is heaped into tacos or stuffed between bread for plump tortas, all topped with pickled onions. Taqueria Maya is the best spot in town for this must-try dish.

Another Yucatecan specialty, panuchos are made from fried tortillas stuffed with refried black beans and topped with cabbage, pulled chicken, red onions and avocado. You can find these at the stalls within Cozumel's Mercado Municipal, which opens at 7 a.m.

Don't miss the simple, rustic, delicious pescado frito (fried fish). Most people are frying up grouper or red snapper on the island. It's quick, easy, delicious and cheap.

As with most coastal destinations in Mexico, ceviche is a staple in Cozumel. The fresh fish salad has lime juice, pico de gallo, cilantro and sometimes tropical fruits. The best part? You can find it practically everywhere on Cozumel.

Cozumel cruise port shopping

Puerta Maya and the International Cruise Terminal both have tons of shopping right in the terminal area. Puerta Maya even has a two-story shopping mall with more than 50 different outlets. Also, several local merchants sell handmade crafts and souvenirs from carts.

Across the road from the International Cruise Terminal is the Royal Village Shopping Center, which has lots of options for shopping and dining. You'll also find the Mayan Plaza with even more shops.

Punta Langosta is within walking distance of San Miguel, where an overwhelming number of boutiques and souvenir shops await. Los Cinco Soles, known for its wide selection of handicrafts and silver, is one of the best in town.

Speaking of silver, Mexican silver is always a nice treat to take home with you. Sergio's Silver from Taxco has arguably the best selection of jewelry in town and is within walking distance of the Punta Maya terminal.

Related: 10 things you should never buy on a cruise ship (or in port)

Free things to do in Cozumel cruise port

The best part about Mexico's beaches is that they are all usually free to access. If you want to just hang out at the beach without going to a beach club, most of the beaches in Cozumel are free to use. Playa Palancar, Playa Chen Rio and Playa Mezcalitos are just a few favorites.

Also, it's always free to wander around the main plaza in San Miguel to people-watch and window-shop.

Bottom line

Cozumel can be a crowded cruise port, especially when multiple ships are docked. However, it really is a gorgeous destination to explore.

Travelers who can break away from the crowds of downtown San Miguel will be rewarded with sprawling beaches and a rugged, wild landscape. Adventure travelers will be spoiled for choice with outdoor activities. And for those who want to lay low, do a bit of shopping and eat something local, Cozumel delivers.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • Top ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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25 Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico in 2024

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Looking for the best things to do in Riviera Maya Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’ve gotten to personally experience pretty much all of the area’s best excursions and activities.

The Riviera Maya offers some incredibly unique adventures with its stunning natural attractions such as beaches, coral reefs, freshwater cenotes, and jungle landscapes.

But with so many amazing options to choose from, it can be hard to know which activities to choose during your limited time here.

MY TOP PICK

Catamaran Sail to Isla Mujeres

⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?

My top recommendation for the best thing to do in Riviera Maya is to go on a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres –the water there is unbelievably clear!

In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the best things to do in Riviera Maya that you won’t want to miss on your Mexico vacation.

So whether you’re looking for a boat trip, an amazing snorkeling tour, an adrenaline-pumping adventure park, or a cultural excursion, I’ve got you covered!

I’ll also share some helpful tips and important things to know when booking and planning your Riviera Maya tours and excursions.

Ready to find out which of these amazing Riviera Maya excursions is right for you? Let’s get started!

Top 3 Picks: Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico

Catamaran Sail to Isla Mujeres

Catamaran Sail to Isla Mujeres

✅ Crystal Clear Waters ✅ Food + Open Bar + Transportation

Chichen Itza Pyramid

Explore the Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins

✅ Guided Chichen Itza Tour ✅ Cenote Swim + Valladolid Visit

Sea Turtle on Akumal Snorkeling Tour

Snorkel with Sea Turtles in Akumal

✅ Sea Turtle Snorkeling ✅ Cave Exploration

Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico

These are the best Riviera Maya sightseeing tours and activities including a mix of water excursions, cultural experiences, and adventure activities:

1. Set sail on a catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Catamaran Sail to Isla Mujeres

One of the top excursions in Riviera Maya is a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres , which is a tiny island just off the coast of Cancun.

The color of the water near Isla Mujeres is the brightest shade of turquoise you’ll find in the region–it’s really unforgettable!

And you can’t miss visiting the famed Playa Norte , the most popular spot on the island and considered to be one of the best beaches in the world.

On a catamaran tour, you can usually snorkel, swim, and lounge on the deck with food and an open bar included.

Most catamaran tours leave from Cancun and offer round trip transportation from Playa del Carmen or the Riviera Maya.

Travelista Tip:  If you have a larger group or want a more exclusive experience, consider booking a  private catamaran tour .

2. Visit the ancient Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza

Chichen Itza Pyramid, One of the Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya

The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located about 2.5 hours from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which makes it a great option for a cultural excursion and day tour.  

With impressive pyramids and large ancient remains, Chichen Itza is one of the largest Mayan ruins and one of the most visited archaeological sites in North America.  

It is even considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World and a UNESCO World Heritage site .  

The easiest way to visit Chichén Itzá from Riviera Maya is on a guided Chichen Itza and cenote tour , which includes round-trip transportation, a cenote swim, and a leisurely stop in the quaint colonial town of Valladolid.

It’s a long day but so worth it for a captivating cultural experience! And you’ll get to cross off visiting one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World! ✅

⏫ Upgraded Option: For a more private and personalized visit to Chichen Itza, consider booking one of these best private tours to Chichen Itza .

3. Swim with wild sea turtles in Akumal

Sea Turtle on Akumal Snorkeling Tour

Located halfway between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is a small beach town where you can swim with sea turtles in their natural habitat directly off the beach.

The easiest way to visit Akumal Bay is to book a guided Akumal snorkeling tour which includes the use of snorkeling equipment, knowledgeable guides, entrance fee and taxes, life jackets, and roundtrip transportation.

Plus, when you go with a reputable guide, they’ll make sure you’re respecting the environment and not doing anything to disrupt the turtles’ natural habitat.

I’ve been to Akumal multiple times and it’s truly an incredible experience getting to swim alongside sea turtles of all sizes right off the beach.

You can read my full Akumal snorkeling tour guide for all the details!

4. Get cultural at Xcaret Adventure Park

Xcaret Mexico Espectacular Show at Xcaret Park

There are many adventure parks in Riviera Maya but the most well known are the theme parks operated by a company called Grupo Xcaret.

Grupo Xcaret has 8 different adventure parks in the region offering various types of adventurous Riviera Maya activities.

The original of Grupo Xcaret’s parks,  Xcaret Park (pronounced “Ish-ka-ret”) features 50 attractions within its massive property.

Visitors can spend a full day out among the jungle trails, swimming in underground rivers, exploring caves, and frolicking on beaches or natural pools.

Drawing your attention towards the country’s culture and heritage, its range of park activities makes it one of the best Riviera Maya excursions for families with younger children.

Stroll through open-air aviaries, the Butterfly Pavilion, and Coral Reef Aquarium. Plus, historians will love the Maya ruins and Mexican Folk Art Museum.

Xcaret Park’s main highlight is the Xcaret Mexico Espectacular production, which is a 300-person crew show that is a history lesson but fun–featuring pre-Hispanic dances and more!

You can read my full Xcaret park review for all the details!

5. Snorkel with giant starfish at El Cielo in Cozumel

Snorkeling with Starfish on the El Cielo Tour in Cozumel

One of the best snorkeling excursions in Riviera Maya Mexico is visiting “El Cielo” in Cozumel, a sandbar where you can snorkel with giant starfish in crystal clear water. 

El Cielo can only be visited by boat so the easiest way to get there is to book a guided El Cielo snorkeling tour .

On the El Cielo tour, you’ll get to snorkel at three different coral reefs, as well as visit El Cielo and a super stunning beach called El Cielito.

You can read my full El Cielo tour guide for all the details–it really is an unforgettable experience!

6. Visit the Tulum Ruins

Tulum Ruins

For Mayan Ruins exploration that is not as far away as Chichen Itza, I would definitely recommend visiting the  Tulum Ruins .

Located just north of downtown Tulum, the Tulum Ruins are the closest Mayan ruins to the Riviera Maya and an incredible oceanfront fortress.

The Tulum Ruins can be visited fairly easily on your own or you can book a guided Tulum Ruins tour for the added convenience of an experienced tour guide and roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup.

Once at the archaeological site, you can explore the ancient ruins at leisure or go for a swim at the public beach just south of the ruins.

🆚 Related Reading: Tulum vs Chichen Itza Ruins: Which is better?

7. Visit Xel-Ha adventure park

Xel Ha Adventure Park in Riviera Maya Mexico

Another Xcaret park known for aquatic adventures,  Xel-Ha Park  (pronounced “Shell-Ha”) has a prime location around an inlet of the Caribbean Sea, which yields the best water activities.

This stunning natural water park near Playa del Carmen offers cenotes, caves, hidden beaches, and hammock gardens.

In the center lies an expansive “pool” offering unlimited snorkeling, where red flags mark areas rich in marine life.

While swimming and snorkeling take the spotlight, the eco-waterpark isn’t just a large natural aquarium.

Manmade slides, high jumps, and water ziplines add dimension to the park and there’s even a mile-long lazy river.

And you’ll definitely want to climb the Scenic Lighthouse for panoramic views over the park and then glide down one of its four spiral water slides.

You can read my full Xel-Ha review for all the details!

8. Swim in a freshwater cenote

Cenote Taak Bi Ha

The Yucatan peninsula is known for its incredible cenotes (pronounced “say-know-tay”), which are freshwater swimming holes where you can swim, snorkel, or just hang out in a beautiful place in nature.

There are literally thousands of different cenotes in Riviera Maya and the Yucatan peninsula, unlike anywhere else in the world.

Visiting a cenote is one of the most unique things to do in Riviera Maya and a great way to experience the natural wonders of the destination.

Plus, a lot of them have adventure activities like snorkeling, cliff jumping, or overwater ziplines.

Many of the cenotes near Playa del Carmen can be visited easily by driving or renting a car , and then you’ll pay a small entrance fee upon arrival.

Or for a hassle-free option, consider booking an all-inclusive cenote tour with transportation and a guide included.

Travelista Tip:  Regular sunscreen is prohibited at cenotes so you’ll want to be sure to bring  biodegradable sunscreen  to avoid a sunburn.

9. Soar over the jungle at Xplor adventure park

Zipline at Xplor Adventure Park in Riviera Maya Mexico

Another one of my favorite Xcaret adventure parks is called Xplor , which is one of the best excursions in Riviera Maya Mexico for adventure seekers.

At Xplor, you’ll be treated to a full day all-inclusive adventure experience where you can go ziplining on multiple circuits, swim and raft through underwater caves, and drive amphibious vehicles.

Xplor has hands down the best ziplines in Riviera Maya and they even have some overwater ziplines where you will end with a splash!

The park offers a full day of Riviera Maya adventures that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping!

You can read my full Xplor review for all the details!

Travelista Tip:  For an after dark adventure park experience, check out  Xplor Fuego 🔥

10. Navigate through underground rivers at Rio Secreto

Rio Secreto Underground River in Riviera Maya Mexico

Rio Secreto  is one of the most popular attractions in Riviera Maya where you can swim through an impressive underground river with over 1 kilometer of stalactites and stalagmites.

At this totally unique natural attraction, you get to trek through underwater caves, as well as participate in additional activities like biking and rappelling.

And with it being underground, Rio Secreto is an all-weather activity and makes for a great rainy day activity in Riviera Maya.

It really feels like you are in another world! You can read my full Rio Secreto review for all the details!

11. Visit the tropical island of Isla Contoy

Isla Contoy

Located about 30 km north of Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy is a small, uninhabited tropical island that will leave you with a jaw-dropping first impression!

Only allowing 200 visitors per day to its pristine white-sand beaches lined with palm trees, the island offers a totally exclusive tropical island experience.

Despite its small size, the island is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including over 100 species of birds.

Isla Contoy can only be visited on an Isla Contoy tour , where you can enjoy the island’s jaw-dropping beach and birdwatching opportunities.

I personally visited Isla Contoy and can honestly say it’s one of my favorite places in Riviera Maya and the most beautiful beach I have seen in Mexico 😍

You can read my full Isla Contoy tour guide for all the details!

12. Snorkel at an underwater sculpture museum

Isla Mujeres MUSA Underwater Museum of Art

For a one-of-a-kind underwater adventure, check out MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art located off the shores of Isla Mujeres.

This underwater sculpture museum is full of giant artificial habitats including art installations, human statues, and even a house and a car.

To visit MUSA, you can book a MUSA snorkeling tour or scuba diving tour to get an up close view of life-sized statues.

13. Swim with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres

Whale Shark in Isla Mujeres

If you are feeling daring, a more adventurous activity is swimming with whale sharks in Isla Mujeres, which is one of the best Isla Mujeres tours from Riviera Maya .

Whale shark season is only between the summer months of May-September , when the plankton blooms in the shallow waters off the shores of Isla Mujeres.

A whale sharks snorkeling tour is a truly unforgettable experience, where you get to swim right alongside these giant creatures.

They are actually considered gentle giants so really it’s not as scary as it sounds!

You can read my full Isla Mujeres whale sharks tour guide for all the details!

14. See a Cirque du Soleil performance at Joyà

La Joya Cirque du Solei

Located at Vidanta Resorts, Joyà is the only resident Cirque du Solei performance in Mexico.

I’ve seen the show twice and the acrobatic performances are so impressive! And the story is so unique and inspired by local culture.

I even took my entire family when they came to visit and they said it was the highlight of their trip!

Plus, what makes Joya unique is that it is one of the only Cirque du Soleil shows to offer a gourmet dining experience where you can optionally enjoy a 3-course meal and champagne before the show.

You can read my full Joyà Cirque du Soleil review for all the details!

15. Ride ATVs through the Mayan jungle

Riviera Maya ATV Tour

The Riviera Maya landscape is admittedly pretty flat but you can still find some very fun all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or “jungle buggy” experiences.

The best places to drive ATVs are at Xplor adventure park or by booking a Riviera Maya ATV adventure tour with all of your transportation and equipment included.

Be prepared to get dirty as you’ll likely be driving off road through water and mud!

Many Riviera Maya ATV tours include a visit to a cenote afterwards where you can wash off the grime and cool off with a refreshing cenote swim.

16. Discover a hidden lagoon at Kaan Luum Lagoon

Kaan Luum Lagoon

Located just south of Tulum, Kaan Luum Lagoon is a secret swimming hole and one of the less well-known Riviera Maya attractions.

It’s definitely a hidden gem and makes for a fun excursion or day trip. Its most notable feature is a deep cenote in the middle of the lagoon where you’ll see a sharp contrast in the color of the water.

At Kaan Luum Lagoon, you can spend the day swimming in the lagoon, lounging on the dock, or applying a mud mask.

The attraction is somewhat off the beaten path so it’s easiest to visit by renting a car or booking a Kaan Luum Lagoon standup paddleboarding tour .

17. Try standup paddleboarding

Standup Paddle Boarding in Riviera Maya

Standup paddleboarding (SUP) is a unique and fun Riviera Maya activity, offering the opportunity to paddle board right off of the beach and get a killer workout too.

It’s really an incredible experience to go standup paddleboarding in Riviera Maya on the Caribbean Sea with bright turquoise hues and some impressive ocean views.

You might also be lucky enough to spot some tropical fish and other marine life!

I recommend paddle boarding at Aloha Paddle Club in Playa del Carmen, which has the best reputation for paddleboarding and water sports in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

You can choose from mixed tour groups, sunrise sessions, or even book a SUP tour with them to a nearby cenote or lagoon.

18. Make a splash at Jungala water park

Jungala Water Park in Riviera Maya Mexico

Located at Vidanta Resorts, Jungala is the newest and largest water park attraction in Riviera Maya.

The water park is a great Riviera Maya excursion for families and features extreme slides like a looping water slide, a free fall slide, a near vertical slide, and a high speed flume ride.

It also claims to have the longest lazy river in the world. When compared to Xel-Ha , Jungala is more manmade but still tons of fun!

And for adults or those looking for a more relaxed experience, you can also take advantage of their private cabanas and spa pool.

19. Indulge in local eats on a Playa del Carmen food tour

Trying Marquesitas on a Playa del Carmen Food Tour

If you are a foodie, then I would definitely recommend a  Playa del Carmen walking food tour  for a chance to experience the local food culture.

Playa del Carmen food tours are a fun way to try the best foods and local dishes, and give you the opportunity to meet new people in a relaxed environment.

On the tour, you’ll get to try many different local Mexican and Yucatan specialties, as well as popular Playa del Carmen street foods all hand picked by a local guide.

Most are walking tours, which is also a great way to explore the town of Playa del Carmen on foot as well as 5th Avenue, the town’s main street.

20. Sweat it out at a Mayan temazcal ceremony

Mayan Temazcal Ceremony in Riviera Maya

Taking part in a temazcal ceremony is one of the most unique ways to experience the Mayan culture in the region. A temazcal is essentially a sweat lodge heated by hot stones.

The spiritual sauna experience takes place in the jungle and is led by a Mayan shaman that will conduct a traditional ceremony for healing, relaxation, and releasing toxins.

The Riviera Maya temazcal experience is followed by dinner and a dip in a freshwater cenote.

It’s a totally unique way to experience the Mayan culture, while also improving your health and wellness.

21. Go ziplining at Cenote Zapote eco-park

Cenote Zapote Zipline in Riviera Maya

Cenote Zapote is an eco park near Puerto Morelos along the famous “Ruta de los Cenotes” where you can go ziplining, swim in cenotes, and do other adventure activities.

The park is located pretty far off of the main highway so for easy access, the best way to get there is by booking a guided Cenote Zapote tour .

Visiting Cenote Zapote is a full day adventure park experience where you’ll visit three stunning cenotes, as well as zipline through the jungle, explore the park on bikes, and cruise around on ATVs.

I visited the park with some blogger friends and it was one of the best Playa del Carmen private tours I’ve done!

What I love about Cenote Zapote is that it feels much more natural and is not overly commercialized. You can read my full Cenote Zapote tour guide for all the details!

22. Go on a wildlife expedition to Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve

Dolphin on Sian Ka'an Tour

Located just south of Tulum, Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the most outdoorsy things to do in the Riviera Maya and perfect for nature lovers.  

Officially recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site , Sian Ka’an is one of the largest protected areas in Mexico and offers the unique opportunity to explore a tranquil nature reserve.  

While visiting, you’ll have the opportunity to observe wild marine animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and stingrays, as well as exotic plant varieties and birds all in their native habitat. 

Due to its remote location, the easiest way to explore the reserve is through a guided Sian Ka’an eco-tour , which is a full-day wildlife expedition offering a small boat trip, snorkeling, and nature observation.

23. Get your adrenaline pumping at Xavage

Xavage Park in Riviera Maya Mexico

The newest of Xcaret’s adventure parks, Xavage is located just south of Cancun, Mexico.

I’d equate it to an Xcaret park on steroids since it’s where you’ll find some of the most adrenaline-pumping activities!

Xavage  offers 7 different heart-racing activities including an intense ropes course, Superman-style ziplining, white water rafting, monster trucks, kayaking, a high-speed jet boat experience, and a kids pool.

The white water rafting and monster truck course are intense–and probably some of the most unique experiences you’ll find at Xcaret theme parks .

You can read my full Xavage review for all the details!

24. Let loose at Coco Bongo Show and Disco

Coco Bongo Playa del Carmen

Advertised as a Las Vegas-style production, Coco Bongo is an all-you-can-drink show and nightclub with locations in both Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

The Coco Bongo Mexico experience attracts vacation-goers from around the world for a 4-hour long pop culture inspired production.

The show features giant screens, acrobats, confetti explosions, celebrity impersonators, tribute singers, and more. 

The massive, multi-level halls hold up to 1,800 spectators for a lively night of drinking and dancing–it’s actually a lot of fun!

You can read my full Coco Bongo review for all the details!

25. Go horseback riding in the Yucatan jungle

Riviera Maya Horseback Riding on Beach

Saddle up for a horseback riding adventure if you’re looking for a low key, yet exciting way to explore the Riviera Maya.

Suitable for riders of all levels, this Riviera Maya horseback riding tour takes you horseback riding through the Mayan jungle.

During the ride, you’ll learn about the flora and fauna and even get the chance to spot monkeys, coati, and other wildlife.

Once you reach a natural cenote, you’ll get to dismount and cool off with a cenote swim before heading back to the ranch.

How to Book Riviera Maya Tours

There are so many tours in Riviera Maya that it can definitely be an overwhelming booking experience.

From my personal experience, these are the best ways to book your Mayan Riviera activities:

Book online

The best way to book excursions in Riviera Maya is to book online in advance through booking platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide .

This is what I personally do and recommend for booking Riviera Maya tours. Not only does it allow you to reserve your spot in advance, but it’s much more reliable.

I once purchased an El Cielo tour from a street vendor on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen and had a terrible experience.

When we arrived in Cozumel for the tour, the tour operator had absolutely no record of our booking and we were almost turned away. Talk about stressful!

While the tour vendors on 5th Avenue may be a little cheaper, booking online from a reputable site such as Viator (owned by TripAdvisor) or Get Your Guide will give you an electronic record of your purchase and a paper trail.

You’ll also have the opportunity to read loads of customer reviews and get firsthand information on what the tours are actually like.

Plus, if there are any issues, it’s much easier to work with these companies’ customer service departments for questions, disputes, or refunds.

I once had to contact Get Your Guide support and they were super responsive and sent me straight away to a direct Whatsapp chat with a support agent.

El Cielo Cozumel

Book at your hotel or resort

If for some reason you’re not able to book a particular tour or activity online, then I would recommend booking with a tour representative at your hotel or resort.

Most hotels and resorts in Riviera Maya will have a tour desk in the lobby where you can book tours and get brochures with more information.

⚠️ Just keep in mind all inclusive resorts will only offer tours with their chosen operator so your options will be much more limited. Plus, you can’t reserve them in advance so it’s possible the spots will sell out for your desired dates.

Riviera Maya Tour Transportation

It’s important to know that the Riviera Maya region is pretty widespread and transportation here can be very expensive.

For this reason, I would highly recommend booking a tour that has transportation included with hotel pickup.

This will by far be your easiest and most hassle-free option, where a large van or bus will pick you up directly from the lobby of most major hotels in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya.

And if you’re staying at a smaller hotel, Airbnb, or vacation rental, then they will typically give a meeting point in downtown Playa del Carmen like outside of Coco Bongo or La Bodeguita del Medio.

Alternatively, if you are comfortable driving in Mexico on your own, then renting a car in Playa del Carmen is also an option for getting around and exploring the region.

This is a great option if you want to get to some of the more off-the-beaten-path attractions, hidden beaches, and less well known activities in Riviera Maya.

If you do want to rent a car, I recommend booking with Discover Cars , where you can compare rates from both local and international rental companies.

↳ Search for rental cars on Discover Cars here !

Tips for Planning Your Riviera Maya Mexico Excursions

Follow these tips to make the most of your Riviera Maya tour experience:

Plan in advance

There are so many fun activities and tours in Riviera Maya that you’ll want to take some time to plan out your excursions to really make the most of your trip.

Everybody’s vacation style is different so you’ll want to decide what’s most important to you in terms of activities. Are you a total beach bum or more of an activities person?

The luxury resorts in Riviera Maya are pretty spectacular so it’s always a solid option just to stay at the resort!

But if you want to get out and explore the destination, then definitely take some time to research and plan the best tours in Riviera Maya in advance.

Sea Trek at Xel Ha Park in Riviera Maya Mexico

Depending on the length of your trip, I would try to aim for at least 1 or 2 excursions during your stay.

Plan a mix of water activities, adventure activities, and cultural activities depending on your interests.

And don’t be afraid to try something new! After all, one of the most rewarding things about traveling to a new destination is the opportunity to try something new and different. I bet you’ll be glad you did!

Check the weather

It’s best to check the weather forecast to determine ideal days for your excursions, especially for Playa del Carmen boat tours and water activities.

If it’s raining, stormy or very windy, then there’s a chance that activities may be canceled.

Normally tour providers are pretty good about alerting you of concerning weather conditions and will help you to reschedule if needed.

Leave time for R&R

Make sure to leave adequate days for relaxing by the pool and soaking up the sun on the incredible white sand beaches in Riviera Maya .

I tend to try to schedule activities at the beginning of the trip so I can reserve the rest of the days for pure rest and relaxation.

Don’t drink too much the night before

Most tours have extremely early pickup times (like 7AM) so I would avoid scheduling them the morning after a night out of heavy drinking.

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than being hungover on a long boat ride or tour bus!

Catamaran Sail, Top Things to Do in Riviera Maya

FAQs About Top Things to Do in Riviera Maya

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about what to do in Riviera Maya:

Tours and activities can fill up quickly (especially during high season) so it’s best to book excursions as far in advance as you can. Most tour companies like Viator and GetYourGuide have flexible booking options that allow you to cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour date.

Cancun is a beach town located at the north end of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. Riviera Maya is the name of the entire coastal resort district than spans from Cancun all the way down to Tulum.

Riviera Maya is known for its clear turquoise waters, beautiful white sand beaches, and Mayan archaeological sites. The region is also a popular tourist destination, with many resorts and hotels catering to visitors from all over the world.

The weather in Riviera Maya is warm all year round so there really isn’t a bad time to visit. High season runs from December–April, which is when the weather is dry and sunny. The rainy season is from June–October, where chances of rain will be higher but there will still be plenty of sun.

Yes, the beaches in Riviera Maya typically have shallow waters, calm waves, and warm temperatures so you can swim in them all year round. Some beaches may be more rocky or have more seaweed depending on their location and the weather conditions.

Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico

Are you ready to experience all these amazing things to do on the Mayan Riviera?

As you can see, there are endless amounts of Riviera Maya tours and activities to suit every interest.

My top recommendation for the best thing to do in Riviera Maya is a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres –the water there is just so unbelievably clear!

And if you’re looking to upgrade your Riviera Maya tour experience, check out these best private tours in Riviera Maya for a more intimate and personalized experience.

But no matter which of these best Riviera Maya excursions you choose, you’ll get to enjoy Mexico’s beautiful beaches and incredible natural attractions and will no doubt have an unforgettable time.

So what are you going to cross off your must do Riviera Maya Mexico bucket list first?!

🇲🇽 Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

🏨 Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

✈️ Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

🚗 Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

🤿 Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

🚨 Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most snorkeling tours, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

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Allison Sicking is the founder of Viva La Travelista. After moving to Playa del Carmen, Mexico in 2018, she created her travel blog to empower others to travel safely and confidently in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. Using her Spanish language skills and expertise in Mexico travel, she is passionate about teaching others to travel Mexico like a local.

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7 Best ATV Tours in Cozumel Mexico in 2024

Are you looking for the best ATV tours in Cozumel Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that  lives in nearby Playa del Carmen , I’ve had the chance to personally experience some of the most adrenaline-pumping ATV tours and adventure excursions in the region. 

While Cozumel is a small island, a large part of it is still undeveloped, which makes it the perfect spot for riding ATVs.

In this post, I’m sharing my top recommendations for the  best ATV tours in Cozumel , from jungle buggy tours to beachside adventure excursions.

So whether you’re staying on the island, are visiting Cozumel on a cruise, or simply visiting on a day trip, I’ve got you covered!

Ready to find out which of these best Cozumel ATV tours is right for you? Let’s get started!

Best ATV Tours in Cozumel Mexico

These are the best ATV tours Cozumel has to offer:

1.  ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern with Transfer

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 230 5-star reviews)
  • 🕘  DURATION:  3.5 hours
  • 🎟  HOW TO BOOK:   Check prices and availability here →

Why book this tour?

This ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern tour  is the perfect ATV tour for a Cozumel shore excursion, as it’s a shorter excursion and includes transfer from your cruise ship.

You’ll hop on an ATV in Cozumel and ride through the jungle trails with your guide, getting to explore parts of the island on an off-road wilderness adventure.

Very friendly tour guides, and one of the few experiences where they are not trying to upsell you the entire time. We had a great time and definitely recommend this activity.
–JACK ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Then, you’ll make your way to Jade Cenote, a coral cave where you can cool off with a refreshing cenote swim.

And throughout the day, you’ll learn about the Mayan culture from your knowledgeable guide as you explore the island.

Plus, this Cozumel ATV jungle tour offers multiple departures throughout the day and pickup and drop-off from a meeting point, even if you’re not visiting on a cruise.

What’s included in the  Cozumel ATV to Jade Caverns :

  • ATV riding in Cozumel
  • Professional guide
  • Helmets, bandanas, and goggles
  • Round trip transportation

2.  ATV Mud Kicking and Snorkeling by Boat in Cozumel

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 175 5-star reviews)
  • 🕘  DURATION:  5.5 hours

This ATV Mud Kicking and Snorkeling tour  is perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path and explore the jungles of Cozumel.

With your guide, you’ll cruise through the trails on an ATV, and then make your way to Jade Cenote where you can cool off with a dip in the middle of the jungle.

And if you’re brave enough, you can even do some cliff jumping at Jade Cenote for the ultimate adrenaline rush!

STOP!!!!! You need not to look anymore! Everything was PERFECT. No hassle, no hidden fees just a great excursion! Extremely personable guide, a local with tons of info and knowledge about the island and history of the island.
–DONALD ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Afterwards, you’ll make your way to Tortugas Beach Club (one of my favorite Cozumel beach clubs), where you’ll get to enjoy lunch, an open bar, and fun water sports and activities.

Then, hop on a boat for snorkeling in Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters, where you’ll get to see tropical fish, coral reefs, and marine life.

Plus, this Cozumel ATV beach adventure includes a knowledgable local guide to show you the way and all gear is provided!

What’s included in the  Cozumel ATV and Snorkel Tour :

  • Snorkel by boat
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Soft drinks
  • Use of snorkeling equipment
  • Use of water park at Tortugas Beach Club
  • Free wifi at Tortugas Beach Club

3.  ATV and Clear Boat Ride Full Experience in Cozumel

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 60 5-star reviews)
  • 🕘  DURATION:  4.5 hours

This full experience  ATV Tour Cozumel and Clear Boat Ride  is perfect for those looking for a multi activity adventure on Cozumel.

With your local guide, you’ll hop on an ATV and go for a ride through jungle trails up to  Passion Island  (Isla Pasión) on the northshore.

Next up, you’ll board the one-of-a-kind  Cozumel Clear Boat , which is a boat that is completely transparent on all sides.

Victor was awesome! We had a great time riding ATV’s, snorkeling and on the glass bottom boat. Memo our guide on the boat made sure we were comfortable in the water and was very informative. Definitely, worth the money.
–MICHAEL ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

The Clear Boat is one of the  best Cozumel excursions –I’ve been on it and it is SO COOL!

You’ll be able to see all of Cozumel’s stunning marine life right beneath your feet–and you’ll pass over some sunken ships and get to do some snorkeling too.

Afterwards, you’ll get to relax with lunch and some soft drinks at Uvas Beach Club. Plus, this small-group tour has a max capacity of 14 passengers, offering a more personalized experience.

What’s included in the  ATV and Clear Boat Ride Full Experience in Cozumel :

  • ATV Riding on a Honda 250 ATV
  • Clear boat ride
  • Bottled water
  • Pick up at the meeting point

4.  Private Dune Buggy & Snorkel Tour: All-Inclusive

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 65 5-star reviews)
  • 🕘  DURATION:  5-6 hours

This All-Inclusive Private Dune Buggy Tour  is perfect for those looking for a private driving adventure in Cozumel.

Since it’s a private tour, you’ll be able to customize your own itinerary and explore Cozumel’s rugged terrain at your own pace.

These private dune buggies look like convertibles and you can choose to drive yourself or let the guide take the wheel while you enjoy the scenery.

Really great time! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about each stop we visited and very nice. I got to see a lot of the island that I wouldn’t be able to see if I did not do the tour. Highly recommend!
–MAHALEY ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Also included in the tour are visit to  Playa Chen Rio  and Playa de San Martin, as well as a visit to  Punta Sur Eco Park , which is a beautiful eco-park located at the southern tip of the island.

Once there, you can climb the scenic lighthouse, take photos at El Mirador, or take a stroll around the park to get a closer look at some of Cozumel’s abundant wildlife.

You’ll also have access to the Sky Reef Beach Club, where you can enjoy lunch, refreshments and use of snorkeling gear. And transportation from the cruise pier,  hotels in Cozumel , and from the ferry is included.

What’s included in the  Private Dune Buggy & Snorkel Tour :

  • Private Dune Buggy Tour in Cozumel
  • Private guide and vehicle
  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Cooler of beer and water in vehicle
  • All fees and taxes
  • Punta Sur Park National Park Entrance fees
  • Transportation from Cruise Pier, Hotel/Resort/Airbnb & Ferry
  • Beach clubs with snorkel equipment and snorkel guide
  • Entrance to El Mirador
  • Entrance to Sky Reef Beach Club
  • Entrance to Chen Rio Beach

5.  Tortugas Jeep Adventure & ATV Jungle Experience

  • ⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 45 5-star reviews)

This Tortugas Jeep Adventure and ATV Jungle Experience  is perfect for those looking to explore the best of Cozumel. Instead of choosing between a jeep or an ATV, you’ll get to do both!

You’ll start off with a  Cozumel jeep tour  to the eastern side of the island, including a tequila tasting and an opportunity to explore El Cedral, the oldest settlement on the island.

Such a fun-filled day! Luis, our guide, was fantastic. We loved learning about the Mayan culture (black coral is beautiful), tequila tasting was fabulous, and the ATV jungle tour was just the right amount of adventure. Would absolutely do this trip again.
–JILL ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Next up, you’ll hop on an ATV and ride through the jungle to Jade Cenote, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim.

Then, you’ll make your way to Tortugas Beach Club, one of  Cozumel’s best water parks , where you can enjoy a delicious lunch and then go snorkeling with a guide in the Caribbean Sea.

This tour includes transportation to and from several Cozumel locations, as well as beach club access, lunch, and a professional guide.

What’s included in the  Tortugas Jeep Adventure & ATV Jungle Experience :

  • Cenote Swim
  • Tequila Tasting
  • Beach Club Access at Tortugas Beach Club

6.  ATV Seashore Combo: Adventure to Mezcalitos plus Optional Snorkeling at Playa Uvas

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 25 5-star reviews)

This ATV Seashore Combo tour  is perfect for those looking to explore Cozumel’s coastline on an ATV!

You’ll hop on a semi-automatic Honda TRX 250 ATV and ride along the coast to Mezcalitos, a beach on the island’s less developed eastern side.

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a two-hour guided tour, taking in different beaches and Maya ruins, including Ixpalbarco and Castillo Real.

The ATV experience was incredible with a great combination of beach and jungle with some rocks and water thrown in for good measure. The really pleasant surprise was after the ATV ride when we were taken to Playa Uvas for lunch and snorkeling.
–ROBERT ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Then, make your way to Playa Uvas Beach Club at an all-inclusive resort for lunch and an optional guided  Cozumel snorkeling tour  in the Caribbean Sea.

This small-group tour ensures personalized service, and lunch, bottled water, snorkeling gear, and transportation from designated meeting points are all included.

What’s included in the  ATV Seashore Combo Tour :

  • ATV riding in Cozumel Mexico
  • Optional snorkeling at Playa Uvas Beach Club
  • Local taxes
  • Local guide
  • Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points
  • Use of helmet

7.  Express and Extreme ATV and Zip Line Adventure at Mayan Extreme Park

  • ⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 30 5-star reviews)
  • 🕘  DURATION:  2 hours

This Express and Extreme ATV and Zipline Jungle Adventure tour  is perfect for those looking for a quick adventure experience in Cozumel.

The tour takes places at Mayan Extreme Park Cozumel, where you’ll get to experience ATV riding and ziplining through the jungle.

The BEST ATV ride in town. Zip Lines are fast but not too fast. We had a blast. We will be coming back again!
–JENNIFER ( READ MORE REVIEWS )

Your knowledgeable guide will lead you on a thrilling ATV ride, suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers.

At the end of your ATV ride and ziplining adventure, you will get to sample some of Mexico’s famous tequila and learn more about it.

Group sizes are capped at 15 participants, so you will be sure to get personalized attention. Plus, all necessary equipment is included.

What’s included in the  Express and Extreme ATV and Zip Line Adventure at Mayan Extreme Park :

  • ATV 4 wheeler rental
  • Tequila tasting
  • All necessary equipment

Cozumel ATV Tours: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Cozumel ATV excursions:

Is there a cenote in Cozumel?

Yes, there are some cenotes in Cozumel, including the popular Jade Cenote and Cavern. However, they aren’t as large or as impressive as the  cenotes near Playa del Carmen  and the surrounding Yucatan peninsula.

How old do you have to be to drive ATVs in Cozumel?

Drivers typically must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license for an ATV rental in Cozumel. Children ages 7 older can typically ride as a passenger.

How many people can fit on Cozumel ATVs?

ATV rentals in Cozumel Mexico typically seat 1-2 people. Some of the larger jungle buggies may be able to fit 4 people but it depends on the tour operator.

How long do ATV tours in Cozumel last?

ATV tours in Cozumel typically last 2-6 hours, depending on the tour operator and the type of ATV tour you choose. Some may include additional activities such as snorkeling and lunch, which will increase the overall tour duration.

What should you wear on an ATV tour in Cozumel?

It is recommended to wear a swimsuit and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty on an ATV tour in Cozumel. Closed toed shoes are required so you’ll want to wear water shoes or old sneakers.

What should you bring on Cozumel ATV tours?

Closed toes shoes are required and it is recommended that you bring a bandana, sunglasses, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash for tips.

If you choose a Cozumel ATV tour with snorkeling, beach club access, or a cenote swim, you’ll also want to bring a beach towel and a change of clothes.

Where will you get to ride ATVs in Cozumel?

A Cozumel ATV rental typically take place in the jungle and along the coastline, allowing you to explore this tropical paradise from a unique perspective. You may also get to visit some of the island’s Mayan ruins, beaches, and cenotes.

Can you ride ATVs on the beach in Cozumel?

No, the beaches in Cozumel are not really suitable for ATV riding. Plus, the beaches are protected areas for sea turtle nesting.

Final Thoughts: Best ATV Tours in Cozumel

I hope this ATV Cozumel tours guide was helping if you’re looking for a thrilling and adventurous activity while visiting the island of Cozumel!

There are many fun options for riding ATVs in Cozumel from jungle buggy tours to adventure parks.

Plus, you can often combine them with other adventure activities like ziplining, snorkeling, and cenote swims.

My top pick for the best ATV tour in Cozumel is  this ATV Adventure to Jade Cavern —where you’ll not only get a thrilling ATV ride but also get to visit Jade Cenote, which is unique to the region.

But no matter which Cozumel ATV excursion you choose, you’re sure to have a thrilling adventure exploring the island landscapes and incredible ocean views in Cozumel!

  • Best Things to Do in Cozumel
  • Best Jeep Tours in Cozumel
  • Best Snorkeling Tours in Cozumel
  • Clear Boat Cozumel Review
  • Atlantis Submarine Cozumel Review
  • How to Visit Playa Palancar Cozumel

Are you looking for the best ATV tours in Cozumel Mexico? You’ve come to the right guide! As a travel blogger that lives

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    Please select a tour departure date and time in order to add this product to your cart. Visit the historic Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Cozumel on a Day Tour from Shore Excursions. Limited availability so book now at 866-999-6590.

  20. Cozumel Mayan Ruins And Beach: Private Tour

    Cozumel is an undeveloped island with ancient ruins and a rich Mayan heritage. The private tour allows for exploration of the best sites on the island, including the San Gervasio ruins and historical monuments on Casitas Beach. Inclusions in the tour are bottled water, entrance fee to the archeological site, a certified tour guide with special ...

  21. Cozumel Excursions: Mayan Ruins Cruise

    Take a Mayan ruins cruise as part of a Cozumel excursion during your Princess Caribbean cruise. Your short getaway includes a visit to historic San Gervasio. Surrounded by thick tropical foliage on the island of Cozumel lie ancient Mayan ruins. To the island's northeastern tip you'll find Castillo Real, a 1,200-year-old lookout tower.

  22. Private Excursion: Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach Break

    The Cozumel excursion offers a fantastic combination of culture, history and a beach break. Far away from overcrowded tourist attractions, our local guide explains the ancient Mayan culture in Cozumel, the arrival of the Spaniards 500 years ago and the dark times of pirates and smugglers. More than a thousand years of history await us in the ...

  23. Cozumel, Mexico Tulum Mayan Ruins Excursion

    Snack. Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum. Once there, your guide will escort you ...

  24. Cozumel cruise port guide: How to spend your day ashore

    Cozumel is home to more than 30 Mayan archaeological sites, and cruise passengers can get up close and personal with some of the island's best. Excursions to the ruins of San Gervasio include a guided walk through the largest and most important Mayan settlement in Cozumel.

  25. 2024 (Cozumel) Atlantis Submarine Adventure Cozumel

    Cozumel Mayan Ruins and Beach Break. 96. 4WD Tours. from . $117.02. per adult (price varies by group size) Itinerary. You'll start at. Atlantis Submarines Cozumel. Carr. Costera Sur Km 4, Zona Hotelera Sur, 77675 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico ... Private Custom Jeep Tour in Cozumel with Lunch and Snorkel . 21. 4WD Tours. from . $69.94. per adult (price ...

  26. 25 Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya Mexico in 2024

    The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are located about 2.5 hours from both Cancun and Playa del Carmen, which makes it a great option for a cultural excursion and day tour. With impressive pyramids and large ancient remains, Chichen Itza is one of the largest Mayan ruins and one of the most visited archaeological sites in North America.

  27. 7 Night Western Caribbean Holiday

    The 7 Night Western Caribbean Holiday visits Tampa, Florida; Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; Roatan, Honduras; Puerto Costa Maya, Mexico; Tampa, Florida. Explore our cruise itineraries and choose from a variety of rooms depending on your needs and budget. Start planning your next cruise vacation by selecting a destination and departure port.

  28. 7 Best ATV Tours in Cozumel Mexico in 2024

    The tour takes places at Mayan Extreme Park Cozumel, where you'll get to experience ATV riding and ziplining through the jungle. The BEST ATV ride in town. Zip Lines are fast but not too fast.