Jeep Exploration Excursion in Cozumel
Amy Baranek5.26.19Looking for a fun excursion in Cozumel that gives you an experience with a little bit of everything for your family? Wanting something good for swimmers and non swimmers, kids, grandma and grandpa? This excursion is it! On our recent Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Fantasy, we were traveling with my Dad, my brother and his girlfriend, my boys ages 10 and 11 years, my husband and myself. We wanted to try and do at least one excursion together and this one looked like it would fit the bill. The brief description says that a Jeep Wrangler will take you to explore jungles, coastline and a beautiful beach. This only touches on the immersive experience you receive!
After getting off the boat, we were met by our tour guides, Rocky and Julio (Or Antonio and Banderas as they jokingly referred to themselves.). They stopped and gave us a brief history of the island as well as bringing a map to show where we were and where we were going. We were heading to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park about 30 minutes from the port. A note on the jeeps; you do the driving and most were manual Jeeps; however, they did ask if anyone needed automatic jeeps, and they accommodated those that did. We were then taken to our jeeps and our caravan was on its way. Rocky and Julio split up so one was leading the group while the other was the tail end. They would communicate back and forth with each other so if anyone got held up, the leader would pull over and we would wait for the rest of the group to catch up. Once we arrived at the park, they checked our wristbands which had been given to us outside the ship, and we were on our way into the park!The park’s roads are all dirt and quite bumpy at points, so prepare for a slower go of things at this point. Keep your eyes open for wildlife and beautiful scenery along the way. Our first stop was at the Mayan ruins. We learned of their history on the island and that we were only seeing about 30 percent of the actual ruins, the rest are still underground! From the ruins we walked down a path that led to a bridge with a tower that you can climb up. What a beautiful view! Under the bridge was a crocodile hanging out in the shade. This area was breathtaking and very different from our next spot.
Our next stop was my absolute favorite part of the excursion. We stopped at a beach where you had the option to go on a guided snorkeling tour or you could stay and enjoy the beach and swim. If you chose to snorkel, all gear was provided as part of the excursion. This included vests, snorkel, mask and fins. We met for a quick run through of our equipment, learned some hand signals to use while we were in the water and then we were off. Our guide was amazing! He slowly worked us into snorkeling and he knew all the spots to take us to. We saw so many fish, stingrays, a baby lobster, a crazy spider crab, and more. It was wonderful having someone so knowledgeable about everything, and being able to learn so much from him. I had only snorkeled a couple times before and wasn’t so sure about doing this, but I was so happy that I did! We went out a pretty far distance, but I was never worried because we had our guide with us the whole time. The best part is that while my brother and I snorkeled, the rest of our non-snorkeling party, was on the beach breaking open a piñata (Kids get to do the breaking while adults watch.). They also were enjoying playing on the beach and swimming in the water. My brother and I returned just as everyone were starting to tackle the buffet. The food here was great as well; even my dad, who is not a fan of Mexican food, enjoyed the array of options. There was bottled water and soda included with the meal. Rocky and Julio even had some special homemade guacamole that they shared with us.
After lunch we made one final stop in Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, at the lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of two standing on the island and you can climb up to the top for an amazing view. This is also where the adults can take part in a tequila tasting, which I would recommend! This is not your make-a -face combined with coughing fit tequila, this was smooth and really good. There were different flavors from traditional, to almond, to coffee; it sounds odd, but trust me, try it!! After your tequila tasting, you could either head over to a few stores in the area or you could climb up the lighthouse. Do know, if you climb the lighthouse, at the top is a small cubby hole area you need to climb through to get outside to enjoy the view. This could be a little rough if tight spaces make you nervous. Enjoy the area; our time here went fast! This was our final stop before we started our caravan back towards the ship. Once you return to the parking lot, you make your way back to port to return to the ship.
This excursion gave my family so many wonderful memories. I feel we all left with a little more knowledge and admiration for Mexican history and culture. Our guides were fantastic. Be sure to bring money to tip them, they deserve it!At the time I went on this excursion in December 2018, the cost was $88/ages 10 and up and $78/child ages 8-9 through Disney Cruise Line. This excursion is available for ages 8 years and up and you must be 21 years or older with a valid driver’s license to drive.Are you thinking of a Disney cruise or vacation in the future? I would love to help you craft your perfect vacation! Please contact me at amyb@wishesfamilytravel.com . Follow my adventures on Facebook and stay up to date on all things Disney and travel related. Learn more about me by reading my personal page here!
