Category: Cruise Excursions

SCOOT COUPÉ CARIBBEAN ISLAND DRIVE

Excursion details

This approximately four-hour excursion is a chance to discover more of Cozumel from a ScootCoupe, a compact, open-air ride that blends the thrill of a scooter with the appeal of a mini convertible. The excursion revisits Cozumel’s past with several history-themed stops, and includes a trip to a sinkhole, plus time at the beach.

Begin by picking up your ScootCoupe from the pier and driving for around 20 minutes to the Monumento al Mestizaje (‘Monument to Miscegenation’), which celebrates Mexico’s mix of Indigenous and European cultures. The statue presents a figure of Spanish sailor Gonzalo de Aroca (also known as Gonzalo Guerrero) with his Maya wife, Zazil Ha, and their children, believed to be one of the first interracial families in Mexico.

You’ll have around 15 minutes at the monument to take photographs and learn more from your guide before returning to your ScootCoupe for a short drive to another monument, commemorating Mexico’s participation in the Second World War. Here, make a brief stop to discover more about three fighter planes from a squadron known as the ‘Aztec Eagles’, which flew in combat missions during the conflict.

Next, it’s back to your ScootCoupe for a drive of around 25 minutes to Aerolito Cenote, where you’ll spend around 20 minutes learning about the significance of such sinkholes on the island.

Then drive along the coast for about 15 minutes to a beach club, where you’ll have around one hour and 35 minutes to relax, sunbathe or go for a swim. Finally, the drive back to the port takes around 30 minutes.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 8 years of age to participate and at least 21 years of age and must present a valid driving licence to drive a Scoot Coupé.

The tour is not available for pregnant women and guests suffering from back or neck problems. Max. weight limit for both guests per vehicle is 400 lbs. Helmets will be provided and must be worn. The tour price is based on a per-vehicle rate (max. two persons per vehicle, incl. driver); go on your own or take a companion along for free. The tour can only be booked by one person per vehicle, with the price being charged to that person’s credit card. The tour price cannot be divided among multiple participants, it can only be charged to one account. If you are taking a companion, you only need to register their name with the ship’s shore excursion office after embarkation. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English.

Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. The tour price includes CDW (collision damage waiver) insurance with a $250.00 deductible. The deductible is fully or partially charged to the driver’s credit card in the event the scoot coupe is returned damaged

CAVERNS & UNDERGROUND SNORKEL & SHOPPING IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Touring underground caverns and snorkelling in a sinkhole are two of the highlights on this excursion to mainland Mexico, lasting approximately eight hours. This is followed by a generous stretch of free time in Playa del Carmen, allowing guests to relax on a beach, find a restaurant or indulge in some shopping.

Excursion details

On this approximately eight-hour excursion, venture into the caverns of Cenote Chaak Tun on a guided walking tour, followed by a snorkelling break. Finish your day in Playa del Carmen, where you’ll have free time to unwind, stroll along the beaches, shop and explore.

Begin with a ferry transfer of around 45 minutes to the town of Playa del Carmen on the Mexican mainland. From here, a bus transfer of around 15 minutes takes you to Chaak Tun, where natural sinkholes, known as cenotes, have been created by the collapse of limestone bedrock.

After a short safety briefing, you’ll explore the subterranean caves, which the Maya believed were sacred portals to the underworld, on a walking tour of approximately 50 minutes. Then you’ll have the chance to snorkel for around an hour to get a closer look at the cenote’s rock formations.

After a stop of around 15 minutes for refreshments, there’s a transfer of about 15 minutes to downtown Playa del Carmen. You’ll then have approximately three hours and 15 minutes of free time to spend however you like. Wander the beaches, explore the many shops that line the streets or sit down at a restaurant for a meal (not included in the excursion cost).

Finally, there’s around 30 minutes to regroup at the ferry terminal before the approximately 45-minute ferry transfer back to the ship.

Important Information: Transfer by ferry to Playa del Carmen lasts approximately 45 minutes and could possibly be rough depending on the sea conditions. Once in mainland it is an approximately 15 mins bus drive each way to/from the caverns, for a total travel time the ship to and from of approximately 1 hour each way. Estimated timing spent at the caverns and for snorkeling: 3.5 hrs.

Minimum age to participate is 8 years old. Due to the active nature of the tour, women who are pregnant are not allowed to participate nor are guests in wheelchairs or with physical disabilities, with cardiac or respiratory conditions such as asthma or with back/neck injuries, diabetes or epilepsy or those under medications such as anti-depressants, lithium, beta blockers and base vein constrictors. After the tour guests might have some time to spend at leisure in Playa del Carmen until the scheduled ferry time to return to Cozumel. Guests will meet the guide on arrival in Playa del Carmen. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef.

LIVING HISTORY MAYAN TRADITIONS, TEQUILA AND MARIACHI

Delve into the history of the Maya people during this excursion lasting around four hours. You’ll travel across the Mexican island of Cozumel, before enjoying dancing and indigenous rituals at a Maya village, followed by a mariachi music performance and tequila tasting.

Excursion details

With a history stretching back around 4,000 years, the Maya people have a rich cultural legacy that includes song, dance, unique cuisine and rituals. On this excursion, lasting around four hours, you’ll take a deep dive into this ancient civilisation on the island of Cozumel, once a place of worship for Ixchel, the goddess of fertility.

The day starts with a bus journey of approximately 50 minutes that navigates across the island before arriving at a traditional Maya village. You’ll then embark on a cultural tour of around one hour and 40 minutes to find out more about Maya history. During this tour, you’ll pass Maya houses and medicinal gardens, and learn about traditional cooking techniques and further Maya heritage. After touring the village, there will be a Maya dance performance and some traditional rituals.

Next, there’s an exploration of two Mexican staples: mariachi music and tequila. Over the course of around one hour, listen to traditional Mexican music and learn about the widely popular spirit that’s distilled from the agave plant, before tasting some for yourself. A journey of about 30 minutes then returns to the port.

Important Information: Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

SPECTACULAR SHORE SNORKEL AND CHANKANAAB BEACH PARK

Explore Cozumel’s natural and culinary riches on this approximately four-hour excursion to Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park. You’ll embark on a snorkelling tour, take a cooking class, participate in a tequila tasting and explore Chankanaab’s other attractions, which include a beach and botanical gardens.

Excursion details

Explore both land and sea – and treat your tastebuds – on this excursion, lasting around four hours. The fun takes place in Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, located within the protected Cozumel Reef National Park area.

Begin with a drive of around 20 minutes from the port to Chankanaab, where you’ll be given a brief welcome by a host and find out what the day includes. Then dive straight into the action with a guided snorkelling tour, lasting approximately one hour. As you swim through the waters of the Caribbean Sea, look out for all kinds of colourful marine animal and plant life, as well as underwater statues.

Afterwards, enjoy approximately one hour and 40 minutes of free time to further explore Chankanaab. Options for other activities include lounging on the beach in a hammock or deck chair, wandering the botanical garden to admire the flora, and viewing a replica Maya village. Relax in the shade of a palapa – a thatched, open, hut-like shelter, located on the beachfront, join a tequila tasting at Bucanero Restaurant, or partake in a complimentary guacamole class.

A transfer of about 20 minutes then returns to the port.

Important Information: guest must be at least 8 years of age to snorkel, but no age restrictions apply to visiting the park or participating in the tour as such. Guests are recommended to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat as well as cash or a credit card to purchase food/drink.  Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef.

Presence of seaweed in the Mexican Caribbean Coast is seasonal and could cause limited visibility and be present in the water or beach.  Seaweed is not harmful but may cause light itching on sensitive skin.

VIP SAVE A TURTLE WITH LOBSTER LUNCH and BEACH ⛱️

This approximately five-hour excursion is not just enjoyable, but also helpful. Guests will learn about endangered sea turtles at a marine biology outpost in Cozumel, then have the hands-on experience of directly helping turtles. The itinerary also includes a lobster lunch at a beachside restaurant.

Excursion details

This approximately five-hour excursion gives guests the chance to encounter and help some of Cozumel’s endangered sea turtles, while also learning about wildlife conservation.

The outing begins with a bus ride to a marine biology outpost, lasting around 45 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and briefed by a biologist working on a sea turtle conservation programme. This lasts around 15 minutes.

The next approximately 90 minutes are all about taking action. During this hands-on experience, you’ll be helping baby sea turtles that haven’t been able to fully climb out of their eggs from the nest to make their way to the sea. They’ll then be nurtured by a sea turtle conservation programme until they’re mature enough to be released back into the wild.

Then it’s time for a celebratory lunch at a beachside restaurant. Following a drive of around 15 minutes, settle in and enjoy approximately 90 minutes of relaxation and a traditional meal of lobster. An approximately 45-minute transfer then returns to the ship.

Important Information: The transfer to and from the Marine Biology Outpost takes approximately 45 minutes each way. Guests will be required to wash their hands before and after the animal interaction. Guests are advised that digging out the turtle hatchlings may involve working on your knees or lying down on the sand. To avoid injuring any baby turtles, the digging process is entirely by hand (no shovels, trowels or other tools may be used).

Although female turtles usually dig their nests relatively close to the water, some places may be easier to dig in than others. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothes, a hat, high-factor sunscreen and comfortable shoes for walking on the beach. Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. This tour is only available from July until November.

Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may only be available in English. Presence of seaweed in the Mexican Caribbean Coast is seasonal and could cause limited visibility and be present in the water or beach. Seaweed is not harmful but may cause light itching on sensitive skin

ALL-INCLUSIVE PASSION ISLAND BY TWISTER

Excursion details

Found just off Cozumel’s northern coast, Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island) is a small spot with white-sand beaches, palms and plenty of opportunity for relaxation. Make the most of this getaway during an excursion lasting around five hours.

The adventure begins as soon as you reach your mode of transport to Passion Island: a high-speed boat, nicknamed ‘Twister’. After check-in and boarding, which takes about 15 minutes, you’ll discover how the Twister acquired its name on a thrilling ride lasting about 45 minutes, during which the boat makes several 360-degree turns.

Once you reach Passion Island, the fun continues with a Mexican buffet lunch – lasting approximately one hour – and an open bar (available throughout your stay on the island), letting you toast your arrival to this tropical spot.

You’ll then have approximately two hours of free time on the island to use however you wish. Take a swim in the Caribbean waters, relax in a hammock, explore the island by wandering the shores, browse for gifts in the shops or treat yourself to a massage (at an additional cost).

Once the free time comes to an end, reboard the Twister boat and ride back to the port on a journey lasting around one hour.

Important Information: guests will get wet on the Twister ride to Passion island. Since the journey consists of high-speed twists and turns, it is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness/vertigo.

Guests must be at least 7 and no older than 75 years of age, Guests must weigh no more than 113 kg/250 lbs. and be able to fit in the safety straps of the seats of the vessel to take part. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, guests with spinal problems or guests using a wheelchair. Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. Presence of seaweed in the Mexican Caribbean Coast is seasonal and could cause limited visibility and be present in the water or beach.  Seaweed is not harmful but may cause light itching on sensitive skin

AMAZING SECRET RIVER & PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Explore an underground cave network on this active excursion of approximately eight hours. Walk, wade and swim through the caverns before enjoying lunch, followed by some free time in the city of Playa del Carmen.

Excursion details

Embark on an adventure through the winding caverns and rivers of a subterranean cave complex, Río Secreto, on this excursion lasting around eight hours. The journey to this vast site, in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, begins with a briefing about the tour, lasting around 15 minutes, including the walk to your ferry. Board the ferry and sail to Playa del Carmen, before picking up a transfer drive to Río Secreto – the ferry and drive take around 80 minutes in total.

Once arrived, you’ll spend about 30 minutes getting a safety briefing from the guide and donning your equipment. Then get ready to embark on a 90-minute guide tour of this nature reserve. You’ll be moving between the limestone caves on a journey totalling around one kilometre, via walking, wading through shallow waters and even swimming in the underground rivers. As you navigate this unique area, look out for stalagmites and stalactites gaping from the cave floors and ceiling.

After this one-of-a-kind exploration, there’s around 50 minutes to dry off, change clothes and enjoy a well-deserved light lunch.

Following this is a transfer of around 45 minutes back to Playa del Carmen, before free time (depending on the ferry departure time and timing in port) to enjoy this energetic coastal city. This could include shopping on Quinta Avenida – a buzzy street lined with shops and stalls selling clothes, gifts, crafts and more – or strolling to some of the city’s beaches to enjoy the coastal scenery. After the free time comes to an end, a ferry ride of around 45 minutes returns to the port.

Important Information: guests must be at least 5 years of age and weigh no more than 113 kg (250 lbs) to take part. Guests are recommended to wear swimwear under comfortable clothing as well as to bring water shoes and a change of dry clothes. Please note that sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the cave. The tour involves walking on uneven ground. Guests will not be permitted to take watches, jewellery, cell phones, photo or video cameras on the underground river tour. Guests will be able to purchase professional photos of their experience at additional expense. Guests are requested to take their own level of physical fitness into account when deciding whether to take part. For safety reasons, the tour is not open to guests of limited mobility, pregnant women, guests with heart or respiratory conditions, back or neck injuries and/or who have recently undergone surgery. The tour is considered to be unsuitable for guests with claustrophobia. The approx. 45-minute ferry transfer to Playa del Carmen may be rough depending on the sea conditions.

Once in mainland it is an approximately 15 mins drive each way to/from Rio Secreto, for a total travel time from the ship to and from Rio Secreto Park of approximately 1 hour each way. Estimated stay at the Rio Secreto: 4 hrs. Guests will be required to sign a waiver which may be available only in English. For calls when the ship is in port 10 or more hours, this tour will last an hour longer and guests will have free time in Playa del Carmen. When the ship is in port for less than 10 hours, free time in Playa del Carmen is not guaranteed

CENOTE-HOPPING

Explore Tankah Park, a natural sanctuary where adventure and relaxation converge. Immerse yourself in the vegetation and dive into the Mayan culture through attractions that guarantee an unforgettable experience. Board the ferry to Playa Del Carmen, where you’ll then embark on an approximately 1-hour drive leading you to your first cenote, “La Cueva,” known for its natural arch.

You’ll spend approximately 35 minutes here before continuing your exploration on to your second cenote stop, “Cenote Kay”. Witness tiny “cleaner” fish and intricate stalactites. Another approximately 35 minutes is spent here before heading to “Azul”, where you’ll spend approximately 30 minutes in the translucent waters. Marvel at the sheer grandeur of “Cenote Naval,” an expansive cenote spanning an impressive 500 meters. Feel the rush as you glide across one of the largest cenotes in the Mayan Riviera on a thrilling zip line ride. Explore the vast open-air cenote on a canoe or simply take a dip in the water. Finally, you’ll visit a traditional Mayan Village and get a glimpse of their way of life. Indulge in a typical Mexican lunch featuring handmade tortillas, Chicken Pibil, Poc-chuc pork, accompanied by side dishes, flavored waters, and coffee. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

Please note: The maximum weight for the zipline is 260 lbs. Closed-toe shoes are mandatory for the zipline activity. Tripods and drones are not permitted on this tour. It is recommended that guests bring a bathing suit, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, insect repellent, and water shoes. Transfer by ferry to Playa del Carmen lasts approximately 45 minutes and could possibly be rough depending on the sea conditions.

Once in mainland it is an approximately 1-hour bus drive each way to/from Tankah Park, for a total travel time from the ship to and from Tankah Park of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate.

XEL-HA WITH LUNCH AND DRINKS

Spend a day snorkelling, biking, zip-lining and more during this approximately eight-hour excursion to the Xel-Há water park. The itinerary also includes lunch at one of the three onsite restaurants, with unlimited drinks.

Excursion details

Xel-Há is an adventure park in the heart of the Riviera Maya, offering water-based activities such as swimming, snorkelling, water slides and river tubing, plus other outdoor pursuits, such as zip-lining. Get your fill of excitement during this approximately eight-hour excursion, which includes lunch.

Begin with a ferry ride from the port to Playa del Carmen, lasting around 40 minutes, where you ‘ll disembark the boat and board a bus over about 20 minutes. After an approximately one-hour bus ride, arrive at the park. Your guide will give a brief orientation to help you get the most out of your visit, then it ‘s time for you to head off and explore at your leisure.

You ‘ll have approximately four hours at the park to take advantage of the many outdoor activities available at Xel-Há. Water-lovers can grab a mask, fins and life jacket and go snorkelling to see all kinds of marine life, although please note that sightings cannot be guaranteed. Or climb the towering Mirador Lighthouse and descend into a natural pool via its winding waterslide.

Thrill-seekers can go zip-lining or rope swinging into a river, or you can even jump from the five-metre-high ‘Cliff of Courage ‘. For something calmer, grab a bike and ride through jungle trails. Fuel up for the day with lunch at one of the park ‘s restaurants (lunch is covered by the excursion cost), which includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It ‘s then time to head back to the port. Board your bus for the approximately one-hour journey back to the ferry pier, then board the ferry over about 20 minutes for an approximately 40-minute transfer to the port.

Important Information: Xel-Ha Park is located on mainland while the ship is in Cozumel. Transfer by ferry to Playa del Carmen lasts approximately 45 minutes and could possibly be rough depending on the sea conditions. Once in mainland it is an approximately 1-hour bus drive each way to/from Xel-Ha, for a total travel time from the ship to and from Xel-Ha Park of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each way. Xel-Ha is a property with many activities for guests to enjoy during their self-exploration. Please note, in consideration of transfer time from / to Cozumel and ship time in port, the time spent at Xel-Ha Park will be limited and may not allow to enjoy all of the available activities.

Estimated stay at the park: 4 hrs. Tour price stays unchanged as Xel-Ha currently only offers one set of rates. There is no differentiation between half and full day rates. Swimwear, a hat, water shoes, insect repellent, and change of clothes are recommended. Guests will meet the guide on arrival in Playa del Carmen. Please ensure your sunscreen is fully biodegradable as normal sunscreen is prohibited from use due to the damage it causes to the reef. For calls when the ship is in port 10 or more hours, this tour will last an hour longer and guests will have free time in Playa del Carmen. Lockers and towels are included in the tour price. Minimum age to participate on the lighthouse water slide and bicycles is 6 years old. Minimum height for the lighthouse water slide and bicycles is 4 feet and 7 inches