Best Mayan ruins, scuba, beach excursion for western Caribbean cruise

[Farley5]

We will be going to Belize, Routan, and cozamel. We have three kids. With different ages and adventure level so we may split up. Which port best for Mayan ruins? Which is best for scuba and what is an alternate option for non-scuba divers. Best scuba company? Or use ship excursion. What would you definitely wouldn't want to miss. Is hiring a driver the best way to get around and at which port? Kids are 10 less adventurous, 18 most adventurous and certified diver, 21 medium adventurous

Thanks for the help

[crewsweeper]

IMO, best port ( and in many ways only port of your 3 ) for Maya ruins is Belize City. Altun Ha is the nearest ruins to Belize City and you can do that via ship or private in about 4-5 hours. Cave tubing is also popular here. So look for a private vendor that can do both. Unfortunately, Belize is also a good scuba/snorkeling port.

 

But Roatan also has great reefs and some good dive companies (google West End Divers or Coconut Tree Divers). There's good shore snorkeling in Roatan and I believe both of these companies operate snorkeling excursions in addition to dives.

 

Eagle Ray Divers in Cozumel is an excellent dive shop as is Mestizo Divers. You can get in some good shore snorkeling at the Money Bar. Unless you want to just veg on a beach, hiring a driver for the day is a great way to explore the island. They'll take you to the East Side, Punta Sur lighthouse, "tequila factory"(really more of a exhibit/museum as tequila isn't made in Coz), the small San Gervasio ruins, KaoKao Chocolate Factory and lots a shopping at places not overly crowded with cruisers.

[Farley5]

Crewswepper. Is there enough time to do both? Can't find private company that does both. Also can you suggest a private driver company in Cozumel