This excursion truly has something for everyone! Visit the Mayan Ruins of San Gervasio, ride along the East side coast, stop for a Tequila tasting, and snorkel in a shallow reef near the shore from Playa Uvas Beach Club. All this and some fun off-road driving in your jungle-style dune buggy!
Begin your day by taking a brief taxi ride from your cruise ship pier to Playa Uvas, one of Cozumel's lovely beach clubs. Once you meet with your English-speaking excursion guides, they will show you to your buggy that seats 4 people. Please note that these are shared vehicles; you may buy the extra seats if you want the buggy just for yourself. Please check the price guide. The driver in your group will need to have a driver's license. These are island-style vehicles. Please check our other excursions if you want a more Americanized standard option. The first part of the journey will be in customized vehicles modified for heavy-duty rough riding to make the road driving portion more comfortable...think stylized Baja-type vehicles.
Then you will follow your guide to the lovely little town of El Cedral located inland. There you can see how the locals live away from the bustle of San Miguel and enjoy a tequila tasting as well. Cedral was the first settlement on Cozumel Island and has a rich history dating back to the Caste War. You will see a small Mayan ruin alongside the first Catholic church built in Cozumel.
After this, you will head to the center of the island and the Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. You will learn that this area was built by the Mayan people centuries past to honor the goddess of fertility, IxChel. It was expected that at least once in each Mayan woman's life, she must make the pilgrimage in a small wooden canoe from the mainland to this sacred site to ask for blessings. Eventually, during the Maya reign, a small colony was formed. You will have the opportunity to view these small but lovely ruins and, of course, take photos.
Then, it's off for some excitement as you head out on for the off-road portion of your excursion. Follow your guide just down the road to the east side of the island where you will do a 20-minute drive down a sandy trail that runs along the edge of the turquoise-blue Caribbean before turning around for another fun drive back. Your guide will lead you to the gravel trails for some fun sliding action. Here you will be switched to an open-air tubular-style buggy. Please be prepared to get dusty, dirty, and possibly muddy and wet!
This is when your guide will lead you back to Playa Uvas Beach Club where you will enjoy a guided snorkel tour in the Marine National Park. All the equipment needed will be provided and your guides will assist you with the equipment before leading you on a 35-minute glide over the second-largest barrier reef in the world. There is an abundance of colorful tropical marine life to see with your guide. After you will be pampered with a tasty lunch of fajitas along with two non-alcoholic drinks that are included with your excursion.
Then you are free to remain at this exclusive beach club and continue to enjoy the amenities such as lounge chairs, a beachside restaurant, and bar for any additional food and drink purchases, as well as facilities (including a swimming pool) and shaded areas. Once you are ready take a taxi back to your Cozumel cruise pier at your own leisure and cost. There is optional additional insurance available to purchase.
Please take note that a $5.00 USD marine park fee is not included in this excursion and needs to be paid in cash upon arrival.
Please note that the order of events may be switched around.
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