One of the things Mexico is known for is the Mayan ruins.
And with a visit to Cozumel, an island of Mexico, you can also get a glimpse of the Mayan ruins during your Caribbean cruise!
What are the Mayan ruins in Mexico?
The Mayan ruins are remnants of the past. The Mayan civilization existed long ago, and the earliest developments can date back to BC. The ruins can be seen as a symbol of Mexico’s past.
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Mayan ruins tours on Cozumel
When you’re cruising to Cozumel and want to see a significant part of Mexico’s past, you can do so right on Cozumel island with convenient and easy to access Mayan ruins near Cozumel cruise port. It’s about a 30 minute drive taking you inland.
what to wear on a cruise – what NOT to bring on a cruise – how to prevent seasickness
San Gervasio Mayan ruins
The San Gervasio ruins are the most significant and best maintained Mayan ruins on Cozumel. It is also the only official archaeological site on the island.
Packing for the San Gervasio Cozumel ruins tour
Bring bug spray! It may be rather buggy when you go, to the point where it can be distracting. Despite the hot weather, you may also consider wearing breathable long pants and a breathable long sleeve shirt to stave off the mosquitoes. A hiking hat may also minimize the impact of the mosquitoes. Dress as if you’re going hiking in a tropical jungle! (You’re not actually hiking in a tropical jungle.) Bring water, since you’ll be walking in hot weather. See more tips for packing for a hike. And see more Caribbean cruise packing tips!
Famous Mayan ruins tours from Cozumel on mainland Mexico
The most popular shore excursion on mainland Mexico is a Chichen Itza Mayan Ruins tour. The Chichen Itza ruins are also the popular ruins in all of Mexico and the most visited Mayan ruins site on the Yucatan peninsula. It is designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Another famous ruins site on the mainland is in the ancient city of Tulum.
Because of the amount of time both tours take, they may not be available on all cruises to Cozumel. And because of the length and logistics required, it is recommended that you book mainland tours through your cruise line as opposed to going on your own or through another tour operator. The onboard shore excursions team will be awaiting your return and report to the ship that your tour group is back! (That is how close to departure time you may get back on the ship!)
A tour to the more expansive Mayan ruins on mainland Mexico requires taking a ferry from Cozumel, and then a shuttle to get to the site of the ruins. Your time at the site itself may be around an hour or less. A tour to the ruins on the mainland will pretty much take up your entire day in port. This leaves little, if any, extra time to wander around and explore Cozumel island.
Despite the little time on site and much time in transit, if you do take a visit to see the Tulum or Chichen Itza Mayan ruins, you will likely find it to be worth your time! Just think about the significance of the sites and its place in history. 🙂
Cozumel ruins as an alternative to mainland Mexico Mayan ruins tours
The San Gervasio Cozumel ruins aren’t as magnificent as the ruins on the mainland.
But if you are looking to experience a piece of Mexico’s ancient history while also having time to enjoy other parts of Cozumel, the Cozumel ruins can be a good alternative to visiting the mainland.
Map: Location of the Mayan ruins tours
Explore the map of Mayan ruins tours below!
Things to maybe pack for your cruise to Cozumel
Now, here are some things that you just may want to add to your cruise packing list!
- This case so you can take pristine underwater pictures or pool pictures! (It’s cheap!)
- This pouch so you don’t have to worry about leaving valuables on the beach
- These tag holders so you don’t end up with lost luggage on the cruise ship!
- These packing cubes so you can find your stuff once on the cruise
- These types of beach shoes so you don’t have to worry about hidden rocks under the sand at any of the cruise ports
- This type of beach bag that’ll help you dry things out so you can be ready for the next beach day!
- For your beach outfits, take a look at…
- These swimsuits and cover-ups for women
- This swimwear for plus-size women
- These swimsuits for men
- Cruise formal: And here are ideas for your cruise outfits for formal night!
- Seasickness: And here are ideas for snacks and wearables to prevent seasickness
- Snorkeling: And here are tips on what to wear snorkeling
HAPPY CRUISING TO COZUMEL!
More cruise ports: nassau | puerto rico | grand cayman stingrays | st maarten beaches
More cruise tips:
– What to pack for a cruise
– What NOT to pack for a cruise
– Prevent cruise luggage from getting lost on the cruise ship
– Things to do on a cruise
Cruise tips on Pinterest: Follow the Cruise Travel board!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling