Help us choose a Cozumel excursion

[MikeJ]

Third post in a series of three...

We've narrowed our choices on excursions down slightly, but not quite as well as at the other ports. Both of our kids have studied Mayan history in Grade 5 (they're now aged 11 & 13) and we thought it might we kind of neat to do an excursion where they could see some Mayan ruins. We're looking at a) The Tulum Ruins & Beach Tour, or b) the Xcarat Eco Archeological Tour. I've read some horror stories regarding Tulum (particularly the bus ride and temperatures at the site - we sail at the end of September) and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions. We're also considering skipping both these excursions (since they're all-day affairs) and going with one of the shorter excursions at Chankanaab National Park.

This is the one stop we're really struggling with. I look forward to reading everyone's comments. Thanks.

- Mike

 

[MrsG]

We did the Tulum excursion and would recommend it. We went on the Tulum/Beach excursion in July and it was hot, but not as hot as I expected. I feel the heat terribly, but I've been much hotter. We brought water and a "mister" which cooled us off. Plus, the bus ride was airconditioned and our guide was very informative so it passed the time. The beach break was welcomed too. Don't discount Tulum. We had a great time and wished our kids were with us because they would have enjoyed it as well (especially after studying about them).

We got back to the ship about 4:30. We changed and went right back to Cozumel (there is no tender) and spent hours there. Don't forget, you don't have to be back on board until late.

 

[floridaminnie]

We went on the Tulum/Beach Excursion on the July 20th cruise and were very dissapointed. Our tour guide must have forgoten that we were tourists and not doctoral students. I studied the Mayans my freshman year in college, so I knew more than the rest of my group. He went into great detail about things that had nothing to do with the buildings. For example, he spent at least fifteen minutes talking about their mathematical system and he spent very little time on the buildings themselves. I hope it was just our tour guide, but I would not go back again. I was very dissapointed

 

[hokie5cruiser]

I don't know about the ruins tours-but we did Chankanaab on our own and it was great.
We have our own snorkle equip, but you can rent it in the park.
When you get off the ship, go to the taxi stand and take a cab to Chankanaab-$10 per cab. The entrance fee is $10 per person, under 7 free. Walk in towards the beach and go to the far end where there are less people. There are beach chairs under palm trees. There are steps carved into the sea wall to get you into the water. The snorkling was great, especially near the reef. The park also has some displays of artifacts to explore, and several lagoons to look at wildlife. There is a small shallow beach area. They also have a seal show for an additional fee (we did not do this) and they have a dolphin swim area for extra $$$.
There are restaurants and drink stands(bars) throughout the park. When you are ready to go back to the ship, there is another cab stand at the front area, again $10 per cab. After this, we dropped our stuff at the ship, grabbed some chicken fingers at Pluto's, and went out into Cozumel for a little shopping.
We enjoy doing excursions on our own-not only to save $$ for our family of 5, but because we can spend as much or as little time as we want in any given place. Cost of excursion for 5 people- $64 (they let my 8yo in for free)
Enjoy your cruise.

 

[prymsu]

I also recommend Chankanaab (spelling?) for a couple of reasons. this is something that is very easy to do on your own. You will save lots of money. Also you will get to spend more time there enjoying activities, rather than wasting a huge portion of your day in travel time. Just my thoughts.

 

[pallamb]

I'm struggling on deciding on these two excursions too. Any opinions on Xcarat out there? Patty

 

[Diva of Dragons]

Hi!
Bumping and inquiring!! We are debating between ruins excursions also. How much time do you get to spend at the actual ruins on each trip? Do you get to go in any of the buildings or climb them? Or, just look at them? Thanks!!!

 

[prymsu]

a few years ago you could climb the ruins, but last time we stayed in Cancun, I had heard that they were going to be changing that rule. If you do this as an excursion from Cozumel, i am guessing that it will be close to two hours travel time one way to get to them. Also depending upon what time of year you go, this is extremely a hot excursion.

 

[MrsG]

We did the Tulum. It took us approx 1/2 hour to take an airconditioned high speed ferry to the mainland. Then approx 1hr to get to the ruins by air conditioned coach. The time passed quickly as the guide shared info on the Mayan culture. Once there, we spent about 1 1/2 hours. You were not allowed to climb the ruins. There was also a photographer who took your pics at the ruins and they were available for sale on the ferry back to Cozumel. There was no pressure to buy and the photos were really very nice. After the 30 min beach break (this should have been longer), we arrived back at the dock about 4pm changed, and went shopping in Cozumel until dinner. Overall, we loved the excursion. It was hot as we went in July. I really feel the heat, but we brought bottled water and a "mister" and I felt fine. It's been hotter here in NY the past few days than it was the whole Carribbean trip!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Hi Mike. I, too, have spent a lot of time trying to decide on a Cozumel shore excursion. Froemmer's Guide recommended the Intermar travel agency in Cozumel. I have been in contact with Sandro Delorenzi at their offices. Their e-mail address is cozumel@travel2mexico.com.

I attempted to arrange a private tour initially to Chichen Itza and then we looked into a tour of Tulum. Unfortunately, taking into account the time of day the Magic docks in Cozumel, the earliest ferry service available is not until noon. This limits the amount of time spent at the ruins. Finally, we settled on the 4-hour ATV tour they offer. In order to accommodate good ole mom, we arranged the van which takes us to/from the ATV tour to continue on a private tour for her. She will have the van, driver and a guide from 12:30 until 6pm. She will visit the local Mayan ruins at San Gervasio and then continue on to a fully escorted tour of Chankanaab National Park. Afterwards, they will pick-up my son and I and return us all to the ship.

If it sounds interesting you might want to contact Sandro at Intermar or perhaps look into other possibilities. Wishing you a most wonderful cruise/shore excursion!

 

[JLSE50]

MRS G: Thanks for putting the heat into perspective!!

Can the rest of you who spoke about how HOT your excursion was please share when you went?

THANKS in advance for date of travel and impressions!

Jan

 

[prymsu]

we went to the ruins in july too, so it was pretty hot. I think August is even hotter from what i have heard from the locals.

 

[JLSE50]

OK!! THANKS!!

PALLAMB and I are cruising with our DHs in October. We may find the temperature to be very comfortable. Nice to know. THANKS!

Jan