Category: Caribbean

HOT TAMALES! COOKING AND COOL WATERS

Immerse yourself in a cultural journey that blends ancestral flavors with with a refreshing swim. Your experience begins at Zacil de Cocay with a welcome mocktail made from seasonal fruits, followed by a hands-on culinary workshop where you’ll prepare a traditional roasted tomato salsa with pepita and cilantro, and handcraft two tamales—one with chicken and one with espelón, a native black bean—using time-honored techniques. While your tamales steam, you’ll head to Habita for a refreshing swim in a hidden freshwater pool surrounded by jungle. After a light fruit snack, return to Zacil to enjoy your handmade tamales served with agua de jamaica in a peaceful garden setting. The experience concludes with a guided tasting of artisanal tequila and locally crafted chocolate, offering a flavorful insight into Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.

Please note: Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and wear comfortable, light clothing

DOLPHIN BEYOND CONNECTION & MANATEE ENCOUNTER VIP EXPERIENCE WITH LUNCH

Excursion details

This wildlife-focused excursion of around four hours is a chance to observe and interact with some fantastic marine creatures. Begin with a quick briefing on the dock before walking to your transport, followed by a short ride to Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, home to a dolphin sanctuary accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammals Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

After arriving there’s a brief introductory orientation and time to change into swimwear, before 15 minutes to walk to the dock and receive a briefing on the dolphin swim experience. Then spend the next approximately 50 minutes interacting with some of the ocean’s most fascinating marine mammals in a lagoon.

Observe dolphin behaviors and vocalizations, creating a moment of presence and harmony. Throughout the program, you will engage in a series of meaningful behaviors, such as Dolphin Insight, Touch & Trust, Eye to Eye, Dolphin Bond, Heart to Heart, Ocean Echoes, and One to One, each thoughtfully designed to foster connection, awareness, and joy. Float gently face-down with clear goggles, ears beneath the surface, and experience the magical sounds of dolphins communicating and moving gracefully around you.

After your marine adventures, take about 20 minutes to shower and change before continuing the afternoon’s activities for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. During this time you’ll be able to visit the VIP lounge, enjoy a buffet lunch, watch sea lions showing off their acrobatic leaps and spend some free time unwinding, which could involve exploring the rest of the park, relaxing on the beach or by the pool, snorkelling (equipment is available to hire at guests’expense), or viewing replicas of ancient Mesoamerican art. A short ride then returns you to the port, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. For the dolphin beyond connection program, guests must be at least 48 inches to participate. Life jackets are mandatory to be worn throughout the dolphin program.

All guests will be required to sign a waiver, which may only be available in English. All minors under 18 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult throughout the tour. The tour is not available for pregnant women and guests suffering from pre-existing neck, back, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, joint issues, diabetes, motor limitations, guests under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or guests who have had recent surgeries. The maximum age to participate in the dolphin experience is 79 years old. All guests should consider their physical fitness before reserving this tour.

Photos of your Dolphin Program will be available for purchase right after the interaction and only at the Park. Bring hat and sunglasses, comfortable shoes or sandals, swimsuit under cover-up or light clothing. All sunscreen is prohibited from use before entering the water due to the damage it causes to the reef. Cameras are not allowed when interacting with the animals. As a special benefit for MSC Cruises guests, a “Dolphin Dollars” voucher offering a $10.00 USD discount on the purchase of photo packages is available at Dolphin Cove Caribbean destinations.

The voucher has no monetary value if not used. Restrictions apply: valid only for single or couple (2 people) photo packages and non-cumulative. The discount applies to photo packages only (not for 1 single photo) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Guests must present their Cruise Card or bracelet

CITY TOUR BY TROLLEY

See the sights of Cozumel on a trolley tour of some of its most significant landmarks. This approximately three-hour excursion includes a visit to Playa Casitas beach and shopping time near the main square.

Excursion details

Enjoy city sights, seaside and souvenir shopping during this approximately three-hour excursion on a classic-style trolley bus.

Once you ‘ve boarded your trolley, the tour begins. As you make the approximately 15-minute journey to Corpus Christi Church, your guide will tell you about the area ‘s history and point out any highlights. Once in Corpus Christi Church, spend around 20 minutes exploring key landmarks.

Back on the trolley, embark on the approximately 30-minute journey to a photo stop at Playa Casitas. On the way, your guide will tell you more about the vast history of Cozumel and its Maya civilisation, believed to date back to the first millennium. You ‘ll have around 25 minutes to stroll along and take in the coastal views, before heading downtown on another short trip.

Here, you ‘ll have approximately one hour of free time to go souvenir shopping for crafts, clothes, jewellery and more, or take photos of the colourful ‘Cozumel ‘ sign or the giant Mexican flag. You ‘ll then take an approximately 20-minute ride back to the port.

Important Information:One of the trolleys is equipped with a lift for a wheelchair, available upon request at the Shore Excursion desk and based on availability. Guests are recommended to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and cash for any purchases. The maximum age to participate is 80 years old. Guests must be able to climb up and down four steps

RAYS AND SNORKEL BY CATAMARAN WITH TACOS, GUACAMOLE & OPEN BAR

Go snorkeling and get up-close to marine life on this approximately four-hour excursion. The itinerary includes a catamaran ride, snorkeling with stingrays and tacos and guacamole with an open bar.
Excursion details

This excursion of around four hours is a chance to glimpse Cozumel’s underwater scenes and get to know some of the creatures that inhabit those waters. Begin by boarding your catamaran and setting sail for around 15 minutes.

You’ll arrive at a coral reef for your first snorkeling stop, lasting around 60 minutes. Dive in and observe the coral, plus other plant life and marine life. Then reboard your catamaran and continue the journey to Stingray Beach and its stingrays. Before getting into the water, your guide will give you a safety briefing, before you spend approximately 30 minutes in the shallows with these majestic creatures. You’ll even be able to feed them by hand.

Then venture into deeper waters for the next half an hour, where you’ll encounter more stingrays, and perhaps some other aquatic wonders, potentially including tropical fish, nurse sharks and another coral reef. The next hour or so is spent on land, relaxing on the beach and refueling tacos and guacamole and an open bar. Once this relaxation time comes to an end, you’ll sail back to the port on a journey of around 15 minutes, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction and use biodegradable sunscreen. Part of the proceeds for this tour will support Stingray Beach Coral Reef Transplant Programs.

The spotting of wildlife is not guaranteed. Guests must be at least 5 years old to participate. Cameras are not permitted during the encounter portion of the tour for both the guest and wildlife safety. Guests may be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. The maximum weight to participate is 250 lbs

MEXICAN STREET TACO TRAIL BY BIKE

Discover a variety of traditional Mexican food on a culinary bike tour through downtown Cozumel, lasting about four hours. Three distinct taco stops, each showcasing different aspects of local culture, offer an exploration of this Mexican classic.
Excursion details

Your approximately four-hour journey into Cozumel’s vibrant taco scene starts with a drive of around 20 minutes from the pier to the Cozumel Municipal Market. Stroll through the colourful food stalls for about 45 minutes as your guide discusses tacos and the traditions behind their preparation. Then it’s time for your first bite: tacos de cochinita pibil, a Yucatán specialty of slow-roasted marinated pork topped with pickled onions.

Next, pick up your bike and cycle for approximately 15 minutes to a local restaurant, where you’ll have about 35 minutes to enjoy fresh fish and shrimp tacos.

Continue cycling for another 25 minutes or so to your final stop at another traditional restaurant in the main square. Soak up the restaurant’s historic charm as you tuck into a crispy pork belly taco and a tinga de pollo – a shredded chicken taco with a smoky tomato-chipotle sauce. A cold beer to accompany the tacos makes the perfect pairing. This final stop – lasting approximately 90 minutes – also includes some free time, which could be used for shopping, relaxing in the leafy plaza or even seeking out additional foodie treats (at guests’own expense).

The return ride to the port on your bicycle takes about 15 minutes.

Important Information: Guests should be able to ride a bicycle to participate on this tour.

It is required that guests wear closed-toe shoes. Guests are recommended to bring sunglasses and a hat. Please notify the Shore Excursions desk upon embarkation if you have a shellfish allergy. Menus are subject to change. Guests must be at least 15 years old to participate. The maximum weight to participate is 250 lbs. The maximum height to participate is 6’4 “. Guests with a history of neck or back injuries, or are pregnant, are not permitted to participate on this tour. Guests may be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English

LA CASA BEACH RETREAT – ADULTS ONLY

Excursion details

Live coastal life at a Caribbean-style beach house retreat on this excursion, lasting around four hours. Your venue for the day, La Casa, boasts a beachfront location and you’ll be able to enjoy a Mexican lunch, plus drinks.

A drive of around 20 minutes from the port to La Casa starts the excursion. Once arrived, there’s approximately three hours and 20 minutes of free time to spend however you like, making the most of La Casa’s amenities and scenery.

Soak up the sunshine from a beach chair or take a swim in the Caribbean Sea as you admire the views. During this time, you’ll be served a three-course lunch prepared by the venue’s chef. There’s also the chance to learn more about Mexican cuisine in a cooking demonstration.

And don’t forget to grab a drink from the open bar – a bartender will be on-hand to prepare freshly made cocktails. If you want to delve a little deeper, take part in a Mixology Class or a tequila tasting to learn more about Mexico’s beloved agave-distilled spirit. Those looking for something more active can take advantage of the waterside setting and go snorkelling, with equipment included in the excursion cost.

After the free time comes to an end, a transfer of around 20 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: The minimum age to participate is 18 years old. Guests must be physically fit and know how to swim to utilize snorkeling gear. Access to the ocean is via a ladder. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash/credit cards if they would like to purchase a massage or souvenir onsite.

LUCHA LIBRE: A MEXICAN WRESTLING SHOW

Excursion details

Full of colourful costumes, elaborate moves and intricate masks, professional wrestling in Mexico (known as lucha libre, which translates into English as ‘free fight’or ‘freestyle fighting’) is one of the country’s most popular sports. Matches are often an exciting extravaganza thanks to larger-than-life characters and fast-paced action.

See the spectacle for yourself on this excursion, lasting around three and a half hours, which lets you watch a live lucha libre performance in all its glory. Begin with an approximately 30-minute transfer to a venue, Barriecito, where you’ll be welcomed and receive a briefing over approximately 15 minutes, which also includes time for photos.

Take a seat in the wrestling arena and watch a short introductory video to learn more about lucha libre, whose roots date back to the 1860s, during the French intervention in Mexico. The sport later become more widely popularised in the 1930s thanks to Salvador Lutteroth, a tax inspector who became a wrestling promoter.

Then prepare to watch the action in a wrestling performance of around 55 minutes, featuring luchadores in traditional-style costumes and colourful masks – these masks are an important symbol of lucha libre, helping to conceal the true identity of the wrestler.

After the grappling, suplexes and dropkicks have ended, it’s time to refuel over an approximately 30-minute light lunch, where you’ll get to enjoy three tacos and two margaritas. Following this, there’s around 15 minutes of free time in Barriecito to use however you wish, before a transfer back the port, lasting around half an hour.

Important Information: it is recommended that guests wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Guests may be required to walk on uneven surfaces

BEACH BASH: SNORKEL, TEQUILA & MORE

Excursion details

Make the most of Cozumel’s coastline on this excursion of around four hours, which offers a mix of aquatic activities alongside time on the beach, plus plenty of food and drink to keep you fuelled.

Your beach break begins with a transfer of around 15 minutes to Playa Uvas, a beach club on Cozumel’s western coast. Once arrived, enjoy approximately three and a half hours of free time to spend however you like. You’ll have access to the venue’s watersports equipment, meaning you can go snorkelling (Cozumel is known as a snorkelling hotspot), kayaking and paddle-boarding, or keep it simple and take a swim in the Caribbean waters. If you’re looking to relax, grab a beach chair or hammock and sit back, enjoying the coastal setting and sea views.

Whatever you choose to do with your time, you’ll be able to enjoy two hours of unlimited access to a buffet and drinks, including local beers and cocktails, such as margaritas and daiquiris. If that whets your appetite, you can learn more about Mexican food and drink in a cooking class and tequila tasting session.

When the three and a half hours is over, a transfer of around 15 minutes returns to the port, concluding the excursion.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 8 years old to participate. Food and drinks are available for 2 hours after the snorkel portion. The minimum age to drink alcohol is 18 years old. Guests are recommended to bring a bathing suit, water shoes, towel, and sunscreen. The watersport equipment is available on a first come, first served basis. Entrance to the ocean is through a bridge to avoid the rocky shoreline

CLEAR BOAT EXPERIENCE AND SNORKEL

Excursion details

Get to know the mighty Caribbean Sea a little better on this approximately two-hour excursion, which lets guests view Cozumel’s waters in a variety of ways. Begin by boarding a ‘clear boat’and receiving a safety briefing, totalling around 15 minutes.

Then set sail on the first part of your trip, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Your transparent vessel allows for viewing of underwater marine life and plant life, but a highlight for many during this first section will likely be sailing past and viewing a sunken ship that now inhabits the waters. As you sail, your guide will tell you more about undersea nature.

You’ll then continue for around 15 minutes to a nearby sandbar, where you’ll be able to enjoy a snorkelling session of approximately 40 minutes. Cozumel is much-loved as a snorkelling location, and as you explore the water, keep a lookout for various marine creatures and coral formations, amongst other sights. Once the snorkelling has ended, you’ll sail back to the port over approximately 15 minutes, before disembarking to conclude the excursion.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 5 years of age to participate on this tour. Guests must be at least 8 years of age to snorkel on this tour. The maximum weight to participate is 250 lbs. Guests must be sober in order to participate. It is advised that guests wear their bathing suit and bring a towel and sunscreen.

Guests may be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Guests should be able to swim and consider their physical fitness prior to booking this tour.

KUZA BEACH PARK DAY PASS WITH LUNCH & DRINKS

Enjoy a day of beach-based fun on this excursion of about four and a half hours, which transports you to an extensive Cozumel beach club. You’ll have free time to swim, go kayaking and explore the venue’s jungle trails. A Mexican buffet lunch and drinks from the bar are included.
Excursion details

Whatever type of beach day you want, you’re sure to find it on this approximately four-and-a-half-hour excursion, with plenty of activities to try and tropical landscapes to explore. You’ll be enjoying the many amenities of KUZÁ Beach & Adventure Park on Cozumel’s south-west coast, reached after a short safety briefing and a 30-minute transfer drive.

Once arrived, make the most of around three and a half hours of free time to use however you like. There are multiple beach areas, including a “chill beach ” for relaxing and a family-friendly beach that backs onto a children’s play area. Feel free to take a dip in the cooling sea or sunbathe on the sands.

For those who want to see more of the water, kayaking is available for an additional cost for those interested on paddling the coast. If you prefer to wander the park on foot, take a walk around KUZÁ’s jungle paths, surrounded by thick greenery and a mangrove lagoon.

Beachside entertainment comes in the form of live music, games and cultural activities, and when it’s time to eat, a Mexican buffet is included in the excursion cost. You can grab drinks – including local beers and cocktails – whenever you like from the open bar.

Once the free time is over, a transfer of around 30 minutes returns you to the port.

Important Information: Beach chairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The price of this tour includes lunch and domestic open bar. This tour involves minimal walking, mostly at your discretion. Transportation to the beach club may be provided by bus, van, or taxi. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash or credit cards for any additional purchases. Children under the age of 18 years old must be always accompanied by an adult