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1st Stop: Cozumel!

January 20, 2019

Port of Call: Cozumel, Mexico (Puerta Maya)

St. Miguel Craft Market
The craft market is by the main plaza of St Miguel de Cozumel. Here you’ll find Mexican crafts, simulated Mayan artifacts, Mexican blankets and everything else Mexican!

Chankanaab Marine National Park
Chankanaab Marine National Park is situated just south of San Miguel. There’s a lovely beach, which offers good swimming and wonderful snorkeling. There’s also a wildlife refuge, and a lush botanical garden surrounding an inland lagoon.

Playa San Francisco
A few miles further south of Chankanaab lies Playa San Francisco (also known as Paradise Beach), a beautiful 3-mile stretch of sandy beach. All basic amenities are on offer, including two al-fresco restaurants, a bar, changing rooms, gift shops, volleyball courts, beach recliners, and a variety of water-sports equipment for rent. You will see scuba divers using Playa San Francisco as their start point for the San Francisco reef and the Santa Rosa wall.

Passion Island
Beautiful Passion Island, situated just off the north west tip of the main island, is a short (about 4 mile) ferry ride from St Miguel. This picture-perfect Caribbean island is blessed with idyllic beaches, and is a great get-away-from-it -all. Facilities at the main beach include restrooms, showers, lockers, sun beds, hammocks, pedal boats, and kayaks.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum
Tulum was built by the Mayans between 1200 and 1450, but was abandoned during the Spanish conquest of the 16th century. The ruins stand in a spectacular setting overlooking the Caribbean. Be warned though it can be very hot, and there’s little shade on offer. There is a beach though, for a cool and refreshing swim. The ruins are quite a trek from Cozumel, requiring a ferry transfer to the mainland (50 minutes) followed by a walk to get to a bus, and coach ride (30 minutes).

Ride the Ferry to Playa Del Carmen
There are two ferries that service the 30-min. ride to Playa Del Carmen. Both leave hourly, on the hour. Double check the time for the last crossing of the day to make sure you don’t get left behind!

Fly High Adventure Zip Line & Beach
Get ready for a day of high-flying fun at Fly High Adventures’ Eco-Park in Cozumel. Prepare to sail through the air above lush mangrove jungle along a 2,400-foot zip line circuit connecting six landing platforms.

When the circuit is complete, jump out of your harness and into a car—you’re off to Cozumel’s relaxing El Cid La Cieba beach resort to cool off. Recline ocean-side after your zip line adventure or swim in one of the resort’s two waterfront pools or private beach. For an extra charge you can enjoy a beachside meal at La Chopa, El Cid’s waterfront restaurant, or Trattoria Da Salvatore, inside the resort. Or book a soothing massage at the El Cid’s on-site spa.
You can also shop at the dive center, play tennis, soak in a Jacuzzi, or simply stroll through the resort. Take as much time as you like relaxing and recounting your adventures; Fly High Adventures will take you back to the cruise center whenever you’re ready.
Min. Age: 8yrs * Max. weight 240lbs * CLOSED-toe shoes required * Bring insect repellant!

Mini Speed Boat Snorkel & Beach Adventure
Join in the fun of this exciting combo tour! Enjoy the unique experience of getting behind the wheel of your very own speedboat and explore the underwater world with your snorkel equipment. Start your adventure with a 20-minute taxi ride to the beach. After orientation and safety instructions, you’re now at the helm of a two-seater speed boat and ready for a speed run across the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. After your one-hour navigation, gently pilot your boat to the shallow waters, jump into the ocean and enjoy snorkel time.
Embark on your boat again for a trip back to the Beach where you’ll spend a relaxing time. Cool off at swimming pool, Sip a cold drink, and snack on complimentary salsa and chips. After this fun-filled adventure, take a short taxi ride back to the ship.

Must have a valid Driver License! * Min. Age to ride: 6 * Min. Age to snorkel: 10

Beginner’s Scuba Diving
A magical marine world is yours to explore when you arrive in Cozumel, Mexico.
This Beginner’s Scuba Diving in Cozumel shore excursion is tailor-made for rookie divers who prefer a gentle introduction to diving the deep. Your undersea adventure starts on beautiful Sunset Beach, site of your Beginner’s Scuba Diving orientation. Experienced, bilingual PADI-certified dive instructors provide a thorough briefing on the rules and regulations of scuba diving and communicating under water by hand signals. Once you’ve fully absorbed the basics, it’s time to head into the water!

Led by your experienced instructor, you and up to three other guests walk out from the beach into the shallow water. Begin your 30-minute descent down 20 feet with your able instructor leading the way. Once your dive is over and you’re back on land, you’re free to relax at Sunset Beach for the rest of the shore excursion or grab the free snorkeling equipment and head back to the reef for a swim.

Min. Age: 10yrs

Sea Trek Helmet Diving & Snorkel
An ideal way for non-swimmers to thrill to the mysteries of the deep, the Blue Water Sea Trek Helmet Diving and Snorkel shore excursion puts you face to face with brilliantly colored marine life—and walking and breathing are the only skills required. The specially designed helmet keeps your head and shoulders dry the entire dive: You can even leave your make-up and prescription glasses on!
After a short briefing on equipment, safety and communication, you and seven other divers head to the SeaTrek platform right off the beach. Once your group is underwater, march along the ocean floor, holding on to the rope line as you gaze at the wonders that lie beneath the crystal-blue Caribbean. Watch sea creatures as they swim in and out of their underwater habitats. A half-hour later, it’s back up the ladder to dry land. Spend the rest of your Cozumel helmet diving excursion relaxing beachside, or swap your helmet for the complimentary snorkeling equipment and dive back into the surf.

Min Age: 12yrs * Min. Weight: 80lbs

Snuba
This Cozumel Snuba diving excursion lets you explore the marine riches of Villa Blanca Reef without cumbersome scuba equipment—or time-consuming lessons. It’s a quick taxi ride from your cruise terminal to Sunset Beach, where your expert Snuba diving instructor shows you how easy it is to use Snuba equipment and communicate underwater. Move on to shallow waters to master your confidence-building skills. When ready, you’ll descend a gentle slope into deeper waters, 100 yards offshore. Your skilled guide totes the air tank and raft while you splash alongside. The warm turquoise waters of the Villa Blanca Reef teem with coral gardens, blue tang, green moray eels, and spiny sea urchins. Even though you’re just feet away from a magical underwater world 20 feet below the surface, you’re securely connected with an air hose to the surface, while your Snuba leader accompanies you every step of the way. Min. Age: 8yrs * Must be able to swim!

Clear Kayak & Snorkel Adventure
See the Caribbean from a totally unique point of view; gliding over the coral reef in your Clear Kayak. You’ll have a great view of the beautiful tropical landscape as you paddle your 2-person kayak away from shore, out into the Caribbean. Look down through your transparent kayak to see an amazing underwater world. Paddle as you peek at brilliant tropical fish swimming through fascinating coral reef formations beneath you.
When your unique journey over the sea is done, put on a mask and fins and head down under the sea. Your guide will lead you back out to the reefs for a closer look at Cozumel’s marine life in an inspiring snorkel excursion and a great opportunity to take underwater photos. Ready for a rest? Return to the beautiful beach facilities to soak up the sun, swim in the pool, or relax in the shade of an umbrella.

ATV Jungle Adventure & Beach Day
Get ready for the ride of your life on this Cozumel ATV Adventure and Beach Day.

Everybody Loves Rays

Your experience begins at Stingray Beach, a 5-minute taxi ride from the cruise pier. Stingray handlers provide a full briefing on how to safely interact with these gentle critters; afterwards, it’s time to don snorkel equipment and head out to the protected 1-acre stingray preserve for your Everybody Loves Rays! Cozumel stingray tour.

Deluxe Sail, Snorkel & Beach Party
Enjoy the best beach day ever on the Deluxe Snorkel, Sail and Beach Party. This boat-and-beach Carnival Cruise shore excursion is the perfect mix for those who want a little bit of everything under the sun.

Dolphin Swim with Lunch at Chankanaab
Cozumel’s only certified Dolphin Park! Don’t miss the opportunity to visit and get dazzled by Cozumel’s most recommended attraction, full of adventure and fun for the whole Day! Book today to see some of Cozumel’s most amazing animals, including Bottlenose Dolphins, Sea lions and Manatees.

Stand Up Paddle Board & Beach
Come experience the exciting new sport of paddle boarding at one of the premier beachside resorts in Cozumel! You will love the feeling of standing on your personal “magic carpet” as you paddle across the crystal blue waters surrounding Cozumel. Your adventure starts with a short taxi ride to a fabulous Beach Club on the beautiful north side of the island. Here you will be met by your expert guides and receive instructions on paddle boarding. Next you are off to enjoy an amazing 45 minutes paddle along the beautiful coastline. Paddle boarding is for everyone and you can choose whether you stand or sit as enjoy this unique experience. After your paddle you will receive snorkel equipment and follow your guide into the island’s premier snorkel area. You will love the incredible underwater views and the clouds of colorful tropical fish. Min. Age: 12yrs

Reef Explorer Semi Sub
Stay high and dry on this 44-seat semi-submersible boat, the Ocean View Explorer. The Ocean View Explorer was built to stringent U.S. Coast Guard requirements to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Take your seat in dry, air-conditioned comfort and get ready for the show. In front of each seat is a large glass window with fantastic views. Travel one mile from shore to Paradise Reef off Cozumel’s southern coast, just four feet below the water’s surface. Part of the Reefs National Park, Paradise Reef is a protected underwater environment covering 29,000 acres of coral gardens.

As your boat cruises the calm, clear waters, your onboard guide will be happy to answer questions about the sights you’re seeing below the sea. You can also use the handy “fish cards” onboard your Ocean View Explorer to find out more. At the end of your Sub-Ocean View excursion, you’ll head back onto dry land to share tales of the deep with your Carnival shipmates.

Adventure Park, Zip Line & Snorkel
Get ready for the adrenaline rush of your life on the Adventure Park, Zip Line & Snorkel Combo shore excursion as you join in the fun-filled activities at Cozumel’s Adventure Park. After getting instructions from expert guides, you’ll be outfitted with all the equipment you need to play on the six adventure towers of varying heights. Rappel, SWAT-team-style, down the wall from the 60-foot adventure tower, the highest in Mexico. Along the way, you can test your balance on five suspension bridges that cross between the towers, or take flight on three short zip lines, with breathtaking ocean views from atop the tallest towers.
After all that action, the white-sand beach at Adventure Park beckons. Armed with safety instructions from your expert guides, trade in your helmet and harness for mask and fins and snorkel. Swim alongside parrotfish, sea urchins, angelfish and trumpet fish. If you’d rather relax, feel free to simply float in the Adventure Park pool or in the beautiful turquoise Caribbean water.

Min. Age: 6yrs * Max. Weight: 280lbs * Max. Waist size: 44in.

For more information or ideas, visit PuertaMaya.com