zummazumma wrote: I did a little research on the Mayan temples on Cozumel and it turns out that it's not worth the visit.
Just wondering Zumma, did you come across negative reviews about the ruins themselves or the service on the tour or are you just not very interested in this type of thing to begin with?
KevinP wrote:When I went to Cozumel a few years ago it wasn't anything worth venturing off the ship for IMNSHO.
Sort of the same question for you Kevin. Did you check out the temples when you were there or does that kind of thing just not interest you at all? I definitely want to do something different and memorable while we're there and I'm not really into dolphins but was hoping for a trip to the ruins. If they're a bust however, i think I'll have to sign up for something like scuba diving or para-sailing at the very least.
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Of all the info I've come across so far, I think this combo day sounds the most appealing:
Join us on an exciting ATV Adventure through the heart of the Jungle of Cozumel! On this adventure ride you will leave from the Mayan Town of “El Cedral,” and visit a natural sinkhole, followed by an underground cave and later on to visit a small Mayan Ruin all of which are tied to the Mayan Civilization. After enjoying this exciting ATV ride you will be transported to one of Cozumel’s beautiful beaches where if you choose you may experience a one of a kind snorkel experience at no extra cost in the pristine waters of the Caribbean! Feel free to stay and extend your stay at the beach for as long as you wish enjoying the beaches facilities.
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Here's a bit of info on the ruins and the area in general:
From http://www.cruisecritic.com/ports/newport.cfm?ID=6
Cozumel Overview
Before I'd even taken my first cruise -- nevermind sailed in the Western Caribbean -- I had a pre-conception of Cozumel as being a shopper's paradise that just so happened to be in Mexico. Folks I knew who'd been there came back with nothing but pictures of them shopping -- and of course, the things they bought.
Indeed, Cozumel offers darn good deals on jewelry, Mexican handicrafts, T-shirts and other souvenirs, mostly in the main -- actually, make that only -- town of San Miguel. But what was pleasing to discover is that there's much more to Cozumel than duty-free shopping. This small island (measuring just 28 miles long and 10 miles wide) lies just off the coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula, and offers incredibly diverse options for watersports' lovers, due partly to its proximity to spectacular coral reefs. And along with snorkeling, beach bumming and boating are popular activities, scuba diving is one of the biggest draws here.
Cozumel also has a rich enough background to satiate any history buff's appetite. In fact, the island derives its name from the Mayan civilization that settled there approximately 2,000 years ago. According to Mayan legend, Cozumel was the home of Ixchel, the goddess of love and fertility. It's said that when religious temples were dedicated to her, she sent her favorite bird -- the swallow -- as a sign of her gratitude. For this reason, the people coined the island "Cuzamil" -- Mayan for "Land of the Swallows." There are several important Mayan sites on the island (such as San Gervasio and El Cedral) and even better preserved ones on the (fairly) easily accessible mainland -- Chichen Itza and Tulum are hot numbers as far as day trips and shore excursions are concerned.
Although Cozumel is Mexico's largest and most populated island, it wasn't until the 1960s that this once-sleepy fishing village became a tourist attraction in its own right, following a documentary in which Jacques Cousteau declared it one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the world. These days, Cozumel is a major cruise port welcoming more than one million cruise passengers each year, and as many as eight ships per day. But even with all this progress, Cozumel has held onto its non-touristy side; only one-third of the island has been developed, leaving large stretches of pristine jungle and sandy beach basically untouched.
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Also, here's the info from the official cruise page:
COZUMEL
The Conquistadors first saw Mexico from the shores of Cozumel while searching for gold. Today, visitors to the island continue to seek out gold and silver jewelry in the shops of San Miguel while having a great time in its many local bars and restaurants. Plus, the waters around Cozumel's sheltered coral reefs make this one of the best snorkeling areas in the world.
The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss:
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the ruins of the ancient Mayan city of Tulum, majestically perched above the turquoise Caribbean. The site was occupied as far back as 600 A.D. However, it was most densely populated around 1200 A.D. You will be struck by the pyramid-shaped El Castillo, which dominates the city from atop a forty-foot cliff. The nearby Temple of the Descending God provides equally excellent insight into the architecture of the Mayan people, who gained considerable achievements in the arts and sciences, only to decline and vanish for no apparent reason.
Other Fun Things to Do:
- Snorkel in the clear sapphire-colored water around Cozumel's coral reefs. It's a snorkeler's dream, and one of the world's premier snorkeling destinations. Equipment, instruction and guidance begin at Sand Dollar Beach. From there, you'll be able to enjoy everything your eyes behold for as long as you like, with transportation ready and waiting to take you back to your ship.
- Explore the underwater world of Chankanaab on a deep-sea adventure aboard the Atlantis Submarine.
- Sit back, relax, and bury your toes in the white sand of Playa Mia Beach in Cozumel. This destination offers all the food, drinks and activities you can imagine, including relaxing massages on the beach.
- Take a Safari adventure through the tropical landscape of Cozumel's east side. Ride through sand dunes and trails for an unforgettable experience.
Shopping for Bargains:
Regarded as the "St. Thomas of the Western Caribbean", Cozumel has become one of the world's best duty-free shopping ports. Cozumel offers unbelievable prices on diamonds, colored gemstones, jewelry, watches, gold, sterling silver, and even Oriental rugs as well as Mexican housewares and handicrafts.
Local Currency
Mexico's currency is the peso (MXN). The $ sign is used to refer to pesos, so don't be shocked at the price tags. Any prices in U.S. dollars are listed as US$ or USD. Many hotels, restaurants and shops also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate.
You can find more information on Cozumel at the official destination website: http://www.islacozumel.com.mx