Learn how the Maya people once used this world-famous underground river system for rituals and ceremonies while you enjoy the work of Mother Nature on the low ceilings and everywhere you turn.
This adventure mainland shore excursion from Cozumel cruise port begins when you meet with your friendly, -bilingual cenote snorkel excursion guide at the ferry pier in downtown Cozumel, just a 5-minute walk or 5-minute taxi ride away from your cruise terminal. The ferry cost is included and you can just relax and enjoy the ocean breezes as you are taken on a short 35-minute trek across beautiful ocean waters to Playa del Carmen.
Once you arrive in Playa del Carmen on Mexico's mainland, your Sac Actun Cenote Excursion guide will show you to your comfortable transportation for a scenic, 1.5-hour ride from Playa del Carmen to the famous underwater world of Sac-Actun. You'll be shown to the first of the cenotes, which are spring-fed, underground bodies of fresh water. This cave system is one of the largest submarine cave and underground freshwater river systems in the world. Also known as 'La Cueva Blanca', this system once hosted a variety of rituals and ceremonies for the ancient Mayans.
Cenotes are well known for their incredibly clear water. You will buckle on your life vest and your Cenote Excursion guide will then lead you on an incredible swim through the caves. No rush. You'll be able to enjoy this guided excursion through the cenotes and caves for well over an hour. See the stalactites and stalagmites that are seemingly everywhere and listen to your Cenote Shore Excursion guide as it is explained how important this system was for the Maya so many years ago. Listen as it is explained why ceremonies were held by priests and how warriors prepared for battle. Water was life, and civilizations sprang up around these cenotes, which were used for everything from cleansing to eating to worshiping their gods. In addition to the interesting ceiling in the cave, you will also get to see the small fish swimming in the cenote water.
Then, after your time in the cenote and cave system comes to an end, you will dry off and hop back on board for the return to Playa del Carmen. On the transportation, you will receive a lite snack of a croissant with ham and cheese, one fruit, one chocolate, a cookie package, and a bottle of water or soda.
Upon arrival in Playa del Carmen, your Cenote Excursion guide will walk you to the ferry pier where you will catch the ferry back to Cozumel island. Arriving back in downtown Cozumel, guests may choose to shop, sightsee or head directly back to their cruise ship terminal according to the ship's schedule.
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