See the Ruins in Costa Maya, Belize, or Cozumel...?

[bjstenman]

We will be on a Carnival Cruise in September stopping at all three of these Ports, and we're wondering which Port is best to go on an excursion to Ruins? If so, which specific Ruins?

[lifes-a-beach]

I’ve never been to ruins in Costa Maya but it’s our favorite beach stop so we probably never will. Unless you plan to take the vomit comet across to the mainland to go to the ruins there, Cozumel won’t have anything worth wasting a day on. I think there are some fake ruins on the island but nothing great. Belize, on the other hand, has several ruins and they all get great reviews. We’ve been to Lamani and it was an amazing excursion. We went with the ship, either Princess or Norwegian back when they were going out of Houston. It’s a long day. Take lots of water and some bug wipes (we don’t use the spray as it tends to blow everywhere). Head over to the Belize forum and you’ll find lots of stuff about the different ruins there and the associated excursions. Good luck and safe travels.

[Rocket3D]

We will be on a Carnival Cruise in September stopping at all three of these Ports, and we're wondering which Port is best to go on an excursion to Ruins? If so, which specific Ruins?

 

Hi,

 

In Belize I have done Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, and Lamanai.

I used Royal Caribbean ship tours. Not sure what Carnival offers.

We climbed the main temple at Xunantunich, fun. Some climbing at

Altun Ha. Lamanai was fun and climbed 2 there. To get to Lamanai

we took a fast boat ride as part of the tour. Very long day though....advise

to use ship tour because of distance...ships wait for their own tours.

 

In Costa Maya I have done Chocchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche.

No climbing pyramids at Chocchoben. Kohunlich notable for big masks.

 

Cozumel, wife and I have both climbed Coba, temple Nohoch Mul is138 feet high.

Remember that going up is all physical, and going down is all mental, ha.

Tulum is nice, no climbing though, from Coz.

 

Royal offers Chichen Itza from Cozumel. Long day but the best of all

(but no climbing at C.I.).

 

San Jervasio on the island of Cozumel has interesting history but

nothing left to see.

 

My picks would be:

1. Cozumel - Chichen Itza or Coba ..but Tulum is picturesque.

2, Costa Maya - Chocchoban or Kohunlich.

3. Belize - Lamanai or Xunantunich.

 

HAVE FUN!

[bjstenman]

Thanks for the information. We just booked the Lamanai tour through the ship earlier today---really looking forward to it!

[Rocket3D]

Good choice, enjoy.

 

Here's a tip or two.

 

Be first in line at the meeting place

for your tour...be early...stick close to the guide

(this goes for all tours, actually).

 

Tendering from ship to shore..sit as close to

where you got on tender..so you can be first off tender.

Stay first in line ...so you can be first onto

the bus...sit in front row(s) of bus because

easy to hear guides talking!

 

The lamanai boat we were on was fast and

was up on plane...so the best view

from the boat was 'first or second row'

just behind driver/capt ...on our boat anyway.

 

Long day, hat with double lanyard so you won't lose it,

bottled water and sun screen.

 

Again, stick close to the guide when walking...

so you hear everything.

 

If your guide is Donna...say Hi.

Edited July 3, 2018 by Rocket3D

[Ginnyfyr]

Hi,

 

In Belize I have done Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, and Lamanai.

I used Royal Caribbean ship tours. Not sure what Carnival offers.

We climbed the main temple at Xunantunich, fun. Some climbing at

Altun Ha. Lamanai was fun and climbed 2 there. To get to Lamanai

we took a fast boat ride as part of the tour. Very long day though....advise

to use ship tour because of distance...ships wait for their own tours.

 

In Costa Maya I have done Chocchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche.

No climbing pyramids at Chocchoben. Kohunlich notable for big masks.

 

Cozumel, wife and I have both climbed Coba, temple Nohoch Mul is138 feet high.

Remember that going up is all physical, and going down is all mental, ha.

Tulum is nice, no climbing though, from Coz.

 

Royal offers Chichen Itza from Cozumel. Long day but the best of all

(but no climbing at C.I.).

 

San Jervasio on the island of Cozumel has interesting history but

nothing left to see.

 

My picks would be:

1. Cozumel - Chichen Itza or Coba ..but Tulum is picturesque.

2, Costa Maya - Chocchoban or Kohunlich.

3. Belize - Lamanai or Xunantunich.

 

HAVE FUN!

 

Thanks so much for your suggestions & expertise! We are sailing with NCL at the end of Sept - our first Western itinerary - and I was coming here specifically to ask the same question that the OP did. You've saved me some time on researching so thanks for narrowing it down for me! :D

[Rocket3D]

Have fun!

[jaildoc]

Hi,

 

In Belize I have done Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, and Lamanai.

I used Royal Caribbean ship tours. Not sure what Carnival offers.

We climbed the main temple at Xunantunich, fun. Some climbing at

Altun Ha. Lamanai was fun and climbed 2 there. To get to Lamanai

we took a fast boat ride as part of the tour. Very long day though....advise

to use ship tour because of distance...ships wait for their own tours.

 

In Costa Maya I have done Chocchoben, Kohunlich, and Dzibanche.

No climbing pyramids at Chocchoben. Kohunlich notable for big masks.

 

Cozumel, wife and I have both climbed Coba, temple Nohoch Mul is138 feet high.

Remember that going up is all physical, and going down is all mental, ha.

Tulum is nice, no climbing though, from Coz.

 

Royal offers Chichen Itza from Cozumel. Long day but the best of all

(but no climbing at C.I.).

 

San Jervasio on the island of Cozumel has interesting history but

nothing left to see.

 

My picks would be:

1. Cozumel - Chichen Itza or Coba ..but Tulum is picturesque.

2, Costa Maya - Chocchoban or Kohunlich.

3. Belize - Lamanai or Xunantunich.

 

HAVE FUN!

 

Rocket,

You were so concise with your picks. What would you recommend doing in each of the ports listed? Also Harvest Caye. Group of 6 adults from Florida, so sitting on a beach is not a priority. Only wishes expressed were Dolphin Swim and a snorkel trip. And Costa Maya we are only in port from 7-2pm. All new cruisers here so help is appreciated.