GalCruzer Posted September 23, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 23, 2014 (edited) We are going on the Carnival Ecstasy in February. One of the stops are in Cozumel Mexico. We are looking to get a good tour of the Mayan Ruins. They offer a few off the Carnival site, such as; Mayan Ruins of Tulum, Ancient Culture/Mayan Ruins & Island Sightseeing, Coba Maya Ruins and Mayan Ruins & Beach. Hoping someone has been on some of these, if not all, to tell me which ones are better to get a good tour of the Mayan Ruins. We have never been to Mexico and want to make the most of this visit to the ruins. And also are these a long ride from the ship? TIA :) Edited September 23, 2014 by GalCruzer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
092306 Posted September 23, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We've done Tulum and Xunantunich, but not sure if that one is offered. We liked Tulum. It's not that lengthy of a tour and there are numerous ruins though none are huge like Xunantunich and you can't climb them. At least you couldn't when we were there. We found the Tulum tour informative, loved the beach and got really beautiful pictures. Would definitely recommend bug spray though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KatieBug28 Posted September 23, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 23, 2014 We've done Tulum and Coba. I would pick Tulum hands down. It's absolutely gorgeous right there on the beach. Coba was still interesting, but the main drawback is that it hasn't been excavated very well. So you just have a pile of rocks overgrown with jungle, and you have to use your imagination to see it as a temple, etc. I wouldn't do Coba again, but I'd book Tulum a second time in a heartbeat! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drumbum675 Posted September 23, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Xunantunich is in Belize, not Cozumel. But if you do get the chance, do it. It's great. My favorite excursion I've ever done is Secret River (Rio Secreto) in Cozumel. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken076 Posted September 23, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Tulum is GREAT, but be aware there's a lot of Travel time. From Cozumel you take a 45 minute ferry to the mainland, which is often VERY choppy ride. Then you motorcoach for 30 or 40 minutes, usually stopping for 15 minutes or so at a "Gift shop". At Tulum there are some eateries and such, and a shuttle (extra) to the ruins. We toured with group then had an hour or so of free time to explored or shop or go to the beach at bottom of the cliffs. Same saga for the return trip, except no strop. A LONG 7 hour day. ken Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted September 23, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 23, 2014 The ruins in an all day excursion. you will spend quite a bit of time on transportation. Ferry to Playa. Bus to the ruins.. it takes 2 hours to get there- 2 hours to get back there is a stop midway on your way there== do not purchase stuff here as you can buy it at the pier for a LOT less money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golfb4cruzing Posted September 23, 2014 #7 Share Posted September 23, 2014 Tulum is a FULL day. The only one we've done but would do it again. The scenery was excellent. I didn't find the beach much and we were there for the ruins. I have mobility issues and managed to walk it. The only downer was running the gauntlet of shops and sales people at the end before reaching the buses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judyzoo Posted September 24, 2014 #8 Share Posted September 24, 2014 I've been to Tulum twice, and recommend it. It's not huge, but a good size with a variety of ruins and is walkable. And even if you don't go down to the beach, the view overlooking it is beauiful. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GalCruzer Posted September 24, 2014 Author #9 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Great tips, good and useful info! So of the ones mentioned, it seems Tulum is the winner. Thank you for the travel time detail as well as possible weather conditions that could occur. So based on that, I will put more thought into whether or not we will do this particular one. We were also thinking of doing Ancient Culture/Mayan Ruins including sightseeing, which seems to be in San Gervasio. It seems to be shorter travel time and it is only motorcoach, which is better for me. But will certainly keep in mind to bring the bug spray and buying souvenirs at the pier rather than any stops, no matter where we go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsfuzzmo Posted September 24, 2014 #10 Share Posted September 24, 2014 Great tips, good and useful info! So of the ones mentioned, it seems Tulum is the winner. Thank you for the travel time detail as well as possible weather conditions that could occur. So based on that, I will put more thought into whether or not we will do this particular one. We were also thinking of doing Ancient Culture/Mayan Ruins including sightseeing, which seems to be in San Gervasio. It seems to be shorter travel time and it is only motorcoach, which is better for me. But will certainly keep in mind to bring the bug spray and buying souvenirs at the pier rather than any stops, no matter where we go. You can get some great items at great prices (with some negotiation) at the ruins or the little shops the tour may stop at. I'd rather shop there than the touristy shops at the pier. Much more authentic (although they are probably ALL made in Taiwan ;)). You can use US$ so take lots of smaller bills if you plan to purchase. I LOVE Coba, but would not do it from the ship. It would be way too long of a day! You can still climb the large pyramid there and the views above the jungle are awesome. There are lots of excavated buildings/ruins/ball courts/ etc. at Coba. We spent 3 hrs there and didn't see it all. I much prefer the rustic Coba to Tulum, which looks like a museum (and no touchy-touchy), vs. Coba which is set back in the jungle and very authentic. Tulum is OK. My least favorite of the mainland ruins. Just too touristy, but to each his own. Different people like different things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GalCruzer Posted September 24, 2014 Author #11 Share Posted September 24, 2014 OK. Another good tip. Because even though I would never use my credit card there, it is a good idea to have small bills on me. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BenjiRodney Posted September 30, 2014 #12 Share Posted September 30, 2014 We did the Ancient Culture tour last year and loved it. Guide was very informative, the ruins are not very large, but a lot of history to see and learn about. The Island tour was nice as well. We are think of doing it again in November. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GalCruzer Posted October 1, 2014 Author #13 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I think we are going to do one of the shorter ones, just so to have some time to "explore" the area we will be at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsfuzzmo Posted October 1, 2014 #14 Share Posted October 1, 2014 I think we are going to do one of the shorter ones, just so to have some time to "explore" the area we will be at. That's an excellent idea. Cozumel is a fun little island! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GalCruzer Posted October 2, 2014 Author #15 Share Posted October 2, 2014 That's an excellent idea. Cozumel is a fun little island! Good to know. Cant wait to see it.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
semichigan Posted October 7, 2014 #16 Share Posted October 7, 2014 OK. Another good tip. Because even though I would never use my credit card there, it is a good idea to have small bills on me. Thank you Very important because the vendors "don't have any change" :) Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEBBIE 275 Posted July 4, 2015 #17 Share Posted July 4, 2015 (edited) For those of you who have did a ship excursion to Tulum, can you please help me with a few questions. We will be on the Splendor in December and will be doing the ships Tulum tour, can you tell me if the cost for the excursion includes the ferry ride to PLAYA DEL CARMEN? And did the cost for the excursion get you to the ferry site, or did you have to pay for a cab from the ship to the ferry site in Cozumel? Thank you to all of thoses who can help . Edited July 4, 2015 by DEBBIE 275 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted July 5, 2015 #18 Share Posted July 5, 2015 (edited) For those of you who have did a ship excursion to Tulum, can you please help me with a few questions. We will be on the Splendor in December and will be doing the ships Tulum tour, can you tell me if the cost for the excursion includes the ferry ride to PLAYA DEL CARMEN? And did the cost for the excursion get you to the ferry site, or did you have to pay for a cab from the ship to the ferry site in Cozumel? Thank you to all of thoses who can help . IF you are doing the ship excursion you leave from the ship on the ferry. the price includes your transportation. Including the bus when you get over to Playa. IF you want to shop when the ferry brings you back you will be paying the cab to get you back. (but can tell you there will be very limited time for shopping. This is an all day exursion and the only way to do it is through the cruiselines as you know you will make it back to the ship. You spend a considerable amount of time on transportation between the ferry -30- 40 minutes. the bus ride which is another 60-90 minutes. The bus stops at some soverneir store. Dont buy stuff as this is VERY expensive and you can find the stuff at the pier when you get back. When you get on the SPlendor could you find Chloe (assistant cruise director) and give her a hug from my grand daughter Jada. Edited July 5, 2015 by serene56 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEBBIE 275 Posted July 6, 2015 #19 Share Posted July 6, 2015 Thanks for the information, Serene 56...When I get on the Splendor, I will look up Chloe!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serene56 Posted July 6, 2015 #20 Share Posted July 6, 2015 Thanks for the information, Serene 56...When I get on the Splendor, I will look up Chloe!! My grand daughters says thanks in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now