OVERVIEW

Fly high over Cozumel in a helicopter and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of ancient Mayan sites before dining at a Mayan-themed restaurant. Although you will initially fly over the contemporary downtown of San Miguel de Cozumel, it won’t take long to reach the northernmost reaches of the island where the Mayan presence was greater. At the very tip, you will look down on the lighthouse at Punta Molas, where the ruins of Mayan navigation beacons were unearthed. Not far away, you will find Mayan ruins along the waterfront at Castillo Real and more extensive ruins at San Gervasio, an inland pilgrimage site where the Mayans worshipped Ix Chel, the goddess of childbirth and medicine. Upon landing, you will head for Ix-Kool, a restaurant that celebrates Mayan culinary traditions with authentic recipes. Lunch will likely include Mayan-style tortillas stuffed with marinated pork and sikilp’aak’, a Mayan appetizer with a wonderfully smoky flavor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See northern Cozumel from high above in a helicopter with large windows.
• Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Mayan ruins along the coast and inland.
• Hear enlightening commentary that describes the landmarks as you fly over them.
• Dine on dishes made from authentic Mayan recipes in a Mayan-themed restaurant.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the highlights of Cozumel by riding an open-top state-of-the-art bus around the city in a Caribbean style. Hop on and off at the attractions along the way while listening to a fascinating narrative that brings the island alive. Your adventure starts at the Port, followed by a stop at Benito Juarez Square – named for the national hero and former president of Mexico. Take a stroll through the captivating streets and then hop off at the different destinations throughout the route. Enjoy a tequila tasting, while learning about the early Mayan culture. History buffs may enjoy the Monument of Two Cultures. It commemorates a shipwrecked Spanish sailor in the early 16th century that chose to live among the Mayas rather than return to his homeland. You can also stop at one of Cozumel’s premier beaches, where you can relish the white sand and refreshing waters. Stay as long as you like, and enjoy the Caribbean style Hop on Hop off, where you don’t wait for the bus, the bus waits for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a state-of-the-art open-top bus around Cozumel, taking in the sights along the way.
• Hop off the bus at attractions at the designated stops.
• Hear engaging commentary that describes each attraction, so you can easily pick your favorites.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a beach towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Fly between Cozumel and mainland Mexico in a helicopter for the ultimate sightseeing experience and explore the Mayan ruins at Tulum after landing. Once you take off, you will soon look down on attractions such as the Punta Sur lighthouse near the island’s southern tip and the adjacent El Cielo sandbar. Not long after crossing Cozumel Channel, you will touch down in Tulum. Although not the largest or most elaborate archaeological site on the Yucatan peninsula, Tulum may be the most beautiful. The Maya built the walled city of Tulum in the 11th century to control maritime commerce, and the city-state’s excavated temples and buildings are spectacular. As you meander about, you will see El Castillo – a cliffside tower that probably served as a landmark for sailors – and the Temple of Frescoes, an observatory used to track the sun’s movements. The building was once painted red and you can still see remnants of that hue.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Fly high over southern Cozumel and the Riviera Maya coast before landing in Tulum.
• Wander through the ruins of Tulum, a Mayan walled city built in the 11th century.
• Explore excavated buildings such as the temple that the Mayas used as an observatory.
• Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a restaurant in Tulum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Spend the day luxuriating at a waterfront resort where everything you could possibly need will be included. It won’t take long to reach the resort, leaving you more time to enjoy its abundant amenities. Being directly on the Caribbean Sea, its big draw is the wide, powdery beach and the crystal-clear waters that rim it. You could spend the whole time right there, doing nothing more ambitious than basking in the sun, lying on the beach, and taking the occasional dip in the sea. There are non-motorized watersports available if you are feeling adventurous. But don’t overlook the other options. The resort also features swimming pool and plenty of coconut palms and thatched-roofed palapas if you want to stretch out in the shade. Unlimited meals, snacks, and an open bar are also included, so your day couldn’t be more carefree and enjoyable.

The Barracuda Beach Club on the island’s northwestern shore will be the venue for the barefoot cookout and day at the beach. Upon arrival, you will be served a welcome drink of Xtabentún, a honey and anise-flavored liqueur synonymous with the Yucatan peninsula. You will then learn how to prepare Tikin Xic-style fish. The fish – usually a firm white fish such as grouper or snapper – is traditionally marinated in achiote sauce, wrapped in plantain leaves and cooked in an earthen oven. It makes for a tasty lunch as you will discover firsthand. The open bar for margaritas perfectly complements the meal. The Barracuda Beach Club sits right on a beautiful stretch of sand that couldn’t be more inviting.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy cooking fresh fish on the beach in a traditional Mayan manner.
• Savor a honey-flavored welcome drink and take advantage of the open margarita bar.
• Relax at the Barracuda Beach Club.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the island’s most alluring attractions from the comfort of a state-of-the-art Open Top bus and then spend hours relaxing at a local beach club. As an introduction to Cozumel, you will stop at the city’s Esplanade de Bandera, a seaside square where the Mexican flag proudly waves. The views are spectacular. A brief walk through a pedestrian-only area of downtown will present more highlights, including the traditional San Miguel Church, which perches on the edge of a park named for Benito Juarez, a national hero who fought against foreign occupation and later became president. Visit a recreation of an ancient civilization, learn the history, and taste the renown Mexican tequila. Connect with Mayan ancestral heritage. It is on to a nearby beach club, where you can bask in the sun, relax under a beach umbrella, and enjoy a refreshing swim.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive around Cozumel on a state-of-the-art Open Top bus.
• Explore the highlights in the lovely pedestrian-only section of downtown Cozumel.
• Enjoy a tequila tasting at a recreation of a Mayan Village and live a cultural and heritage experience.
• Spend free time relaxing as you please at a local beach club.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Join a hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Mexican dishes for your lunch, all of which contain the not-so-secret ingredient Tabasco hot sauce. The venue for this fun-filled culinary experience will be the special work-station kitchen at the Blu by Dolphinaris, a facility that offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Everything you need to make a tasty three-course meal will be waiting at your work station, as well as the Mexican master chef who will offer entertaining guidance and cooking tips. Although the menu may change, it typically includes a delicious and flavored fresh shrimp cocktail, our traditional “Yucatecan Style Cochinita Pibil (pork meat)” and refreshing Caramel sweet potato for dessert. You will also learn to make an inventive style of a Rumchata (tiger rice milk) with a little bit of Rum. The drinks are unlimited, even after class if you wish to relax out on the deck that surrounds the infinity pool.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to prepare a variety of authentic Mexican dishes in a hands-on cooking class.
• Discover the versatility of Tabasco hot sauce, which is an ingredient in each dish.
• Follow cooking tips from the entertaining chef to create your three-course lunch.
• Enjoy endless margaritas, domestic national drinks and draft beer during class, lunch and afterwards.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Savor a pairing of tacos and tequilas that highlights Mexico’s traditional food and spirit. UNESCO added Mexican cuisine to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity because it involves so many ritual practices, techniques and ancestral customs. The taste is even more impressive as you will discover by sampling three distinctly different types of tacos. Tacos Dorados are unique in that the corn tortillas are stuffed with spiced meat and then fried until crispy. Conchinita Pibil tacos originated on the Yucatan peninsula and feature juicy smoked pork topped with onions and achiote sauce. You will also likely sample Tacos de Guisado – the so-called King of Tacos – which are made with savory stewed ingredients ranging from steak to vegetables. The tacos will be thoughtfully paired with tequilas that complement their flavors. Silver tequila is usually among the choices as this clear, unaged or slightly aged spirit is known for its smooth, warm finish.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Sample three types of tacos that are representative of traditional Mexican cuisine.
• Taste three different tequilas that demonstrate the spirit’s versatility.
• Appreciate how the thoughtful pairing of tacos and tequila brings out their flavors.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Cruise off Cozumel on a luxury yacht and snorkel the crystal-clear turquoise waters, where you will likely see an abundance of colorful fish and perhaps even a hawksbill turtle or two. It won’t take long to reach Colombia Reef, an area teeming with marine life. You may spot neon-colored parrotfish, black groupers, pinkish-purple Creole wrasses and graceful eagle rays swimming by remarkably close. El Cielo is another prime place to snorkel that can only be reached by boat as it lies about a half-mile off Cozumel. The water along the sandbar there is only about 3 to 4 feet deep, making it ideal even for novice snorkelers. The calm shallow waters also attract huge numbers of red-cushion starfish, the largest species of starfish in the Caribbean Sea. Despite their name, these starfish can be yellow, brown and green. Back onboard the yacht, you can snack on fish ceviche, shrimp salad and guacamole.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy cruising the waters off Cozumel’s sheltered west coast in a luxury yacht.
• Observe the colorful fish and marine life while snorkeling Colombia Reef.
• Look for starfish, which are abundant on the shallow sandbar known as El Cielo.
• Snack on fresh fruits, shrimp salad and other seafood while onboard the yacht.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Race through the streets of downtown Cozumel with a group of fellow adventurers while solving riddles and following clues that will lead your team to the finish line. This fun, highly interactive experience is like a scavenger hunt reality show come to life, in which you will be pitted against other competitive teams that are just as intent on being first. Along the way, you will have to use your wits to figure out the intentionally misleading clues at each destination while racing against the clock. Besides having a great time, you will visit places off the beaten path that few visitors to Cozumel ever see. There is no better way to really get a feel for the town and the local culture. The finish line is a wonderful family-owned restaurant serving traditional Mexican fare; two cold beverages are included. A discounted menu is available for Amazing Race participants. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Create your team and participate in a fun-filled scavenger hunt.
• Race through downtown Cozumel solving clues that will lead you from destination to destination.
• Enjoy the camaraderie of the team and try to be the first to cross the finish line.
• Have fun at the post-race party and awards ceremony.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Spend hours exploring Punta Sur Eco Park, an ecological reserve where you can observe marine life, snorkel along a coral reef and relax on the sugar-white beach. Your adventure will begin with a thrill by climbing an observation tower to watch saltwater crocodiles in the lagoon below. The world’s largest living reptiles, these ominous-looking crocodilians can live to be 70 years old. A wonderful panoramic view of the reserve’s natural wonders awaits you atop the Celarain Lighthouse, whose interior holds a fascinating marine navigation museum. The ruins of El Caracol, a lighthouse that the Mayas may have built 700 years ago, lie nearby. You will be free to spend the remaining time at the beach doing whatever you please, even if it is nothing more ambitious than basking in the sun. As an option, you will have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Cozumel Reefs National Park.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch saltwater crocodiles swimming about a natural lagoon at the Punta Sur Eco Park.
• Enjoy a spectacular view of the island’s southern shore from atop the Celarain Lighthouse.
• Relax on a beautiful stretch of beach that rims Cozumel’s southern shore.
• Observe the abundant marine life while snorkeling at Cozumel Reefs National Park.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Find everything you need for a fun-filled, carefree day with family and friends at Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. Enjoy the best of the Caribbean; relax and let loose with top-notch services, facilities and exciting activities for all ages. Your worry-free tour package includes round-trip transportation, all you can eat service, and domestic open bar, access to waterslides, pools, non-motorized water toys and much more! This is the ideal place to swim in the crystal- clear waters of the Caribbean, sunbathe on the white-sand beach or have a blast in the largest floating park of the island. Explore the Buccaneer’s Bay kid’s area; a lagoon-pool chock-full of fun activities including a pirate ship, water cannons, water sprays and animal slides; relax with your favorite drink at the Oasis Island Pool and make a splash on the 200-foot long Twin Twister Waterslides. Your tour also includes access to lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, a large shopping area, underwater Mayan city, organized games, playground, kayaks pedal boats, beach volleyball, and more. Other optional services and activities such as massage and snorkel gear rental are available for an additional fee.