Don't Miss These Exciting Tours From Cozumel This Year
As you plan your next tropical getaway to Cozumel in 2024, you’ll want to take advantage of everything this stunning Mexican island has to offer. With its beautiful beaches and abundant marine life perfect for diving and snorkeling, Cozumel is a dream destination.
But the adventures need not stop there. Just a short ferry ride away, the mainland beckons with ancient Mayan ruins, magnificent cenotes, and eco parks waiting to be explored. This year, make time for the top tours from Cozumel that will allow you to experience the very best of the region.
From day trips to the magnificent Tulum Ruins to the breathtaking cenotes, you’ll find everything you need to craft an unforgettable Yucatan adventure. Let your trip to Cozumel open the door to full immersion in all the culture, history, and natural beauty this corner of the world has to offer.
Taking the Ferry to the Mainland From Cozumel
To experience the natural wonders and Mayan culture of the Yucatan beyond Cozumel, the ferry ride to Playa del Carmen is a must. Two ferry companies, Winjet and Ultramar, operate ferries between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen nearly every hour, making mainland excursions convenient for tourists staying on Cozumel.
Explore our blog post detailing information about the two ferry companies, their schedules, and where to purchase tickets.
Must-See Tours From Cozumel to the Mayan Ruins of Tulum and Refreshing Cenotes
These three tours are ideal for travelers staying on the mainland or for cruise ship passengers with limited time for day trips.
Discover the Ancient Ruins of Tulum
No trip to Cozumel is complete without visiting the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tulum. A quick ferry ride from Cozumel brings you to Playa del Carmen, where private tours will transport you to Tulum’s walled city, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. The ruins feature several well-preserved structures, including El Castillo, the tallest building on the site. After exploring the ruins, relax on the white sand beach or go snorkeling in the turquoise waters.
Our recommended tour: Tulum “Express” offers private transportation to and from the ruins, along with a private guided tour including entrance tickets with fast-track entry.
Experience the Magic of the Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes found in the Yucatan Peninsula, formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock to reveal underground water systems. They offer unique opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the crystal-clear waters amid stunning cave formations.
Our recommended tour: “2 Cenotes” private excursion, providing exclusive transportation to and from the cenotes, along with a dedicated snorkeling guide. This package includes entrance fees, complete snorkeling gear, and the option for a traditional Mexican meal to conclude your adventure. Select from a wide range of cenotes for your exploration.
Combine Tulum and the Cenotes
By combining Tulum and the cenotes in one comprehensive tour, you’ll discover the natural and cultural highlights of the region in a single unforgettable tour from Cozumel.
Our recommended tour: ” Tulum Cenote” package includes exclusive transportation to and from the ruins, accompanied by a private guide throughout the day. Enjoy a guided visit at the ruins, with the option to explore one or two cenotes of your choice. Plus, all entrance fees, snorkeling gear, and the opportunity for a delightful Mexican meal to conclude your adventure are included.
Tours further away if you are staying mainland
If you have ample time to venture beyond Cozumel and aren’t constrained by cruise ship schedules, the following tours are absolute musts.
Chichen Itza
One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza is a spectacular site not to be missed. Its massive step pyramid, El Castillo, is an architectural and astronomical wonder. The site’s many other well-preserved structures, like the Temple of the Warriors and Ball Court, provide insight into the Maya’s advanced civilization.
Due to the ferry schedule, the earliest departure from Cozumel is at 7 am, with pick-up at 8 am in Playa del Carmen. This schedule means you’ll arrive at Chichen Itza one hour after it opens, resulting in slightly more crowded conditions.
Our recommended tour: the “Chichen Itza Valladolid” package, includes exclusive transportation to and from the ruins. Experience a guided tour at the ruins, followed by a delightful Mexican meal in Valladolid, with free time to explore the colonial city at your leisure.
Ek Balam
For a more off-the-beaten-path Maya experience, visit Ek Balam, an ancient city in a lush jungle setting. Its monumental arch and Acropolis structure hint at Ek Balam’s former glory as a regional capital. The site receives far fewer visitors than Chichen Itza, allowing for a quieter, more intimate experience exploring the ruins.
Our recommended tour, the “Ek Balam Cenote” package, offers exclusive transportation to and from the ruins. Enjoy a guided tour at the ruins, followed by a refreshing cenote swim, and conclude the day with a delicious Mexican meal in a small village.
