Rethinking Tulum Ruins tour & Beach Break with RCI. Advice/help please

[tusconcam]

Hi there. My girlfriend and I are booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise with a Western Caribbean itinerary for late April. One of our ports is Cozumel.

 

We have pre-booked the Tulum Ruins and Beach Break excursion with RCI already, but have perhaps changed our mind after reading some reviews. This excursion has us travel by ferry to Playa del Carmen and then bus to Tulum, get a guided tour of the ruins and then get bused to another beach for beach time and food and drink, then go through the whole travel routine to get back to the ship.

 

I'm hoping that someone can chime in on their experiences with this tour and advice about whether we should keep it or cancel and re-book something else.I realize these things are subjective but real life experiences are much appreciated to help us make the best decision.

 

What was the ferry ride like? Was it as bad as most say?

How long is the bus ride to Tulum?

Is there a long "restroom break" on the way there that really is for trying to sell souvenirs? If so, was it a bother?

What was your experience like with your guided tour? Was it rushed? Just right?

How was the meal they served at the private beach?

How was the sand/water/chairs/facilities etc. at this beach break? How crowded was it? Were you able to get a chair? Do you have to bring a towel from the ship?

I guess I'm trying to say: Was it a worthwhile experience?

 

Sorry for the long winded post. I just need more information/personal experiences/advice to help me keep or cancel this excursion.

If cancel is your opinion; are there any other options you'd recommend? (we don't do water themed activities)

 

Thanks very much.

Cameron

[jticarruthers]

We did the RCI Tulum tour a couple of years ago.

 

The ferry was rough, didn't bother me at all but my wife was looking a little green, not sure if that was the exception or the rule but from the staff reaction it seemed like the rough end of the spectrum.

 

Bus ride was probably 40 mins or so from memory, there was a "restroom" stop at a souvenir shack ... probably about 20 mins, no real pressure to buy anything but that was definitely why we stopped.

 

The tour was ok, IIRC it was about an hour of guided tour and was interesting the guide was pretty good.

 

We did not have a beach break stop afterwards but there was a beach on site and we had maybe an hour of free time after the guided section of the tour.

 

Needless to say we found ourselves running all the way back to the parking lot, hoping the bus wasn't going to go screeching out at exactly "time".

 

By the time the bus got back to the ferry and the ferry got back to the ship we were about 30 minutes after "all aboard" but no big deal since it was an RCI tour.

 

We would probably not do anything on the mainland from a cruise at Cozumel again, both times we felt like the travel time was more than the tour was worth. With that said we did enjoy Tulum and would definitely do it again but probably only if we are staying in Mexico on vacation.

[champagne123]

Wow jticarruthers.....that sounds very stressful to me.

 

OP....we have not been there, but may I add my two cents? Out of all the Islands we have visited, we find Cozumel to be the easiest Island to navigate and do things on your own. (and you will save tons of money)

 

On the pier...you will see many signs as you walk thru all of the souvenir stores for the taxi stand.

 

They have a BIG sign with itineraries and prices for their shuttle buses. They take you anywhere you want to go.

 

Great examples...Dr. Caves....Mr. Sanchos....The park with the Dolphins (cannot think of the name) and many more. OR you can get in a taxi also.

 

There are so many options. Do a little more research. It will be worth it. :)

[EleanorNoway]

Hi Cameron,

 

We did Tulum Ruins years back while staying for a week at a dive destination in Cozumel. The ferry ride was long, and rough. The bus ride was long, don't remember any stops on the way. The ruins while interesting would not inspire us to return. I remember we had a video camera that was not allowed in the ruins area, but we were free to leave it on the bus....I think not! One other highlight of the tour, you had to pay for toilet paper in the restrooms. I sincerely hope this issue has been resolved.

 

We are on RCI in May and trying Nachi Cocom (first time) here's a link: http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com - They only take 100 guest per day. If you like something a bit busier then try Mr. Sachos. As suggested by another, Cozumel is a great place to walk around on your own. Very friendly and safe.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

El

[champagne123]

Hi Cameron,

 

We did Tulum Ruins years back while staying for a week at a dive destination in Cozumel. The ferry ride was long, and rough. The bus ride was long, don't remember any stops on the way. The ruins while interesting would not inspire us to return. I remember we had a video camera that was not allowed in the ruins area, but we were free to leave it on the bus....I think not! One other highlight of the tour, you had to pay for toilet paper in the restrooms. I sincerely hope this issue has been resolved.

 

We are on RCI in May and trying Nachi Cocom (first time) here's a link: http://www.cozumelnachicocom.com - They only take 100 guest per day. If you like something a bit busier then try Mr. Sachos. As suggested by another, Cozumel is a great place to walk around on your own. Very friendly and safe.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

El

 

NACHI....that was one of the ones I was trying to think of!!!:o

[39august]

I have been to Tulum, but not on a cruise tour. Yes, the ferry ride is generally rough. IMHO you will not get enough time to see the ruins once you get there. I also suggest you stay on Cozumel. Do not do the "ruins" on Coz, though. These are not worth the cost of a taxi to get there. There are many beach clubs an easy taxi ride away. Taxi prices to various beach destinations are posted as you leave the terminal to get to taxis. Easy to catch a taxi back, as they tend to be lined up at various beach clubs. Chankanaab Park has a bit of everything; good snorkeling, a man-made beach, walking paths, recreated "ruins", a free sea lion show, etc. You can google Chankanaab for more info and a $2 off coupon for the entry fee which I think is $21 pp.

[Lynda133]

I did the Tulum Ruins and Beach Break tour a couple of years ago. I enjoyed it. The ferry ride is not too bad but you follow your RCCL guide to the ferry pier. After crossing you meet the local tour guide on the pier and you follow him through Playa Del Carmen to board your bus. The tour guide from this point was very informative. Yes there is a bathroom break but no pressure to buy anything. The tour itself was pleasant. Not rushed. You get some free time at the ruins to walk around and then meet outside for the walk back to bus parking lot. There are a lot of vendors present where the bus is parked. Also good to remember your bus number. The beach break was very good. Just seeing the beach alone. The beach break was at a resort that you would possibly book for a destination wedding. The meal was served up on a deck. Just below the deck were beach swings and cabanas. Yes bring a towel from the ship. A few guest bought along their own snorkel gear. You just need the mask and snorkel. Beach was not crowded at all and this was in July. You are not rushed at this stop either but it was about a couple of hours. It was only one bus at this location so you knew your bus. During the bus ride back, the tour guide didn't talk as much. When we returned to Playa Del Carmen he escorted us back to the ferry pier and pointed out various sites on the way. Even though we had to walk quickly to make the ferry we were the last ones to make it back to the ship but it was a ship excursions so no worries. I thought it was worth it even though you had to travel a bit to see it.

[luvscruising2007]

I think the value of the Ruins and beach break is subjective.

We did this tour several years ago for the sole purpose of visiting Tulum ruins. Our guide was excellent and took a lot of time to explain what we were seeing and some history of the area. Yes, the ferry ride can be rough, but it wasn't that bad for us. The bus ride is long. But again, didn't bother us.

The beach break too long for us. We had lunch, seems like Mexican food, some of kind of chicken, refried beans, rice, tortillas or tacos, and punch. There was a bar to buy alcoholic drinks.

There were a few loungers on the beach which was a small area. There were enough tables with chairs so you could sit and enjoy the ocean and have a drink.

From my perspective we just wanted to see the ruins. It wasn't about the beach or the food.

Would we do that particular excursion again, probably not. But I wouldn't mind visiting other ruins in a different location.

[tomko2]

I did the excursion years ago when the RCL ship stopped off just off the coast of Mexico at 7:30 am and a ferry took us from the ship to the pier at Playa del Carmen. the ship then carried on to Cozumel where it docked for the day. We had to trek up a hill to the Bus Area, then headed out the highway with a stop at a souvenir shop (large) with restrooms. Had a guided tour of the ruins then wandered around for a bit. Lunch was provided in boxes back on the bus along with cold drinks including beer. Bus returned to Playa Del Carmen where we boarded the high speed ferry to Cozumel. It was bumpy (I took something before I boarded so I wouldn't get sea sick). Arrived back in Cozumel around 2:00pm.

It was interesting to see the ruins but honestly I have never recommended the excursion since you see little given the big investment in time (unlike tours in Europe).

I say get a taxi and head to one of the beaches - Carlos 'n Charlie's Beach Resort, Paradise Beach, and enjoy the day there. It costs $14.00 per taxi to get there.

Have a great time whatever you decide to do.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

To the OP, are you likely to return to Cozumel ever again? If this is a one time trip for you, maybe you should consider being willing to put up with the inconveniences and see Tulum as it will be a special once in a lifetime event for you. However, if you are likely to make repeated trips to Cozumel in the future, it won't be so important to go to Tulum on this very trip.

[Nado44]

To the OP, are you likely to return to Cozumel ever again? If this is a one time trip for you, maybe you should consider being willing to put up with the inconveniences and see Tulum as it will be a special once in a lifetime event for you. However, if you are likely to make repeated trips to Cozumel in the future, it won't be so important to go to Tulum on this very trip.

 

This is the best answer. Tulum is worth seeing once. It's a long, strenuous trip. But one I wouldn't do again.

[TravelerThom]

To the OP, are you likely to return to Cozumel ever again? If this is a one time trip for you, maybe you should consider being willing to put up with the inconveniences and see Tulum as it will be a special once in a lifetime event for you. However, if you are likely to make repeated trips to Cozumel in the future, it won't be so important to go to Tulum on this very trip.

IMO if you are only going to Cozumel once, you might as well enjoy Cozumel, rather than have a trying, potentially seasick rough, trip to a second class Mayan ruin.

 

Thom

[N41EF]

We did the Talum/beach break Christmas of 2014. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes, I didn't think it was rough, it depends on the weather.

 

Then there was almost an hour on the bus to Talum, with a stop at a souvenir shop for bathroom break. The guide at the ruins did a good job, very informative, and had 20 or so minutes after the tour to wander at will.

 

Next a bus ride to the beach break. Mexican food, a buffets decent, the upstairs was a bathroom changing room for the beach part. The beach was ok, there were plenty of loungers and shade, and we waded in the ocean a bit. About an hour of beach after the meal.

 

About 30 minute bus ride back to the ferry, where we waited another 30 minutes because one of the other tours wasn't back yet. They held the ferry for that tour to arrive, and then headed back. We arrived at the pier about 10 minutes before all hands on board time.

 

I thought the tour was pretty good, glad we did it, but not ready to do again.

 

Yeah, if you've never seen ruins, do it.

[JimAOk1945]

We did the Tulum Express Tour in December 2012. It was shorter that the one described by a previous poster since the beach is right next to the ruins. The ferry ride was about 40-45 minutes long but not very bumpy.

 

It was a long bus ride to and from the ruins with a restroom break, but we feel it was well worth it since we enjoy viewing Mayan Ruins whenever we have the opportunity. We were on a ship sponsored tour which was a good thing since our bus and two others were late getting back to the ferry dock and the lines to the ferry were very long.

 

If you have time, you might enjoy seeing the slide show my wife made with pictures she took for her website. It may help you decide whether to take this tour or not.

 

Tulum Express Tour

 

Happy Cruising!

Edited February 27, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[Tobleronebar]

We did this without the beach part in January 2015 and really enjoy It. The ferry was a little rocky. The bus ride was very personable and educational. Yes, we did stop at a gift shop for about 20 minutes or so. At the ruins we received a guided tour and then an hour or so to explore on our own. We were given a box lunch to eat on the ride back.

[Royalpair]

We did this tour March 2011. They hand you seasick bags as you board the ferry, and while it was rocky (my DD swears never again) you are on a huge boat. We love seeing ruins, and Tulum is very different than other sites. And being on the water is really cool.

We really enjoyed the beach break. Thought the food was decent. My "kids" (college grads) enjoyed the water, and I put my feet in. DH and I stayed in the shade. All in all, we enjoyed it.

In about 2 weeks we leave for our next cruise, which stops in Cozumel. We are doing a general island tour through the ship, since DH and I aren't really beach people.

[Turtles06]

We did an NCL-sponsored excursion from Cozumel to Tulum a number of years ago. I thus can't speak to the RCI excursion itself, but I just wanted to post that Tulum is unique, the only Mayan city built along the coast. So it's quite a beautiful setting.

 

Yes, it's a very long day. But we really wanted to see the Mayan ruins, and I'm very glad we did it. As described above, the RCI excursion seems to have beach time built in, which imho would be a waste; you are going a very long way to see Mayan ruins, I wouldn't go that far for a beach. If I were the OP, I'd want to be sure there was sufficient time at the ruins, and whether you had to do the "beach break" or could use the time at the ruins.

 

Our NCL tour also had a stop along the way at a big souvenir place, ostensibly for a "bathroom break." People took far too long there shopping, time that wold have been better spent at Tulum. I hope whoever RCI uses does a better job of herding people back onto the bus.

 

 

 

(photos by turtles06)

[msmayor]

When we cruised with RCL to Cozumel we did a ruins tour as well...not Tulum, but we went to Coba. Similar travel situation.

 

The ferry ride for us was fine...the water was not smooth but from my perspective not so awful that I wouldn't do it again. We boarded buses off the ferry for the drive out to Coba which is just a bit further than Tulum (I seem to recall passing the exit on the highway to Tulum.

 

The Coba ruins are in a heavily wooded area, some describe it as a 'jungle' but I don't know that I would go that far. The sunlight peeked through a number of areas; the trails throughout the grounds were wide. So wide, in fact, that they offer pedi-cabs to those who don't want to walk or bicycle rentals to those who wish to pedal on their own.

 

Sturdy shoes are needed as the trails are not paved. We were there in March and the temperatures were quite pleasant, especially considering the generous shade. My understanding is Tulum is all out in the open.

 

The other big difference is the ability to get up close to the ruins themselves. It is my understanding that at Tulum, guests cannot climb any ruins. At Coba, you can go almost anywyere (there are some ruins that are roped off, probably for safety reason). The largest of the pyramid ruins at Coba can be climbed up to the top...my husband did it and said the view was fantastic.

 

We had about 45-50 minute tour with an excellent guide after arriving at the site and then had about 45 minutes to wander about on our own. We then boarded the bus for the trip back to Playa del Carmen but stopped for a buffet lunch at a wonderful restaurant in a cave (yes...a real cave). Our guide handed out our ferry tickets as we walked right past the line of everyone else waiting to board and then we headed back to the ship.

 

It WAS a long day...we were one of the first off the ship and went straight to a waiting ferry, and when the return ferry docked we walked straight back to the ship. Less than 30 minutes after we boarded the ship was underway.

 

For us, the trip was worth it; my husband is very interested in ruins and the Mayans. If we return to Cozumel I wouldn't be surprised if we go to Tulum now that we've been to Coba.

[squiffynimrod]

When we cruised with RCL to Cozumel we did a ruins tour as well...not Tulum, but we went to Coba. Similar travel situation.

 

 

I heartily agree with msmayor. I've been to both sites, albeit on land vacations. Tulum has a packaged, roped off, just look don't touch museum feel.

Coba is much more natural, immersive and interactive.

 

Both are nice, depending on your wants and needs. But overall to me Tulum was a disappointment compared to Coba.

[tusconcam]

Thanks fore everyone's replies.

 

it really helps to hear about personal experiences, but I am still stuck as to whether to do the Tulum tour and Beach break or stay in Cozumel and do an all-inclusive Beach club.

 

My girlfriend is now more worried than ever about the possibility of getting seasick even with medicinal precautions, and the long bus rides.

 

I have been to Tulum years ago when vacationing in Cancun and did have longer there then. But i'm torn as the other 2 port excursions on our cruise are days at the beach. I had hoped to come back from this trip having seen at least something of interest, but is it worth it?

 

Any more advice/experiences would be appreciated.

If you also have had any experience with Playa Mia, Nachi Cocom or Mr Santos beach clubs that would really help too.

 

Thanks again.

[marci22]

Here are some cc member reviews: http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/shore-excursions/excursion/2665/

 

Scroll down to the long review- that guy was not happy. Someone also said that the mosquitoes were horrible.

 

I haven't been, but from what I have read here over the years, it is not the best use of your time.

Edited February 27, 2016 by marci22

[TravelerThom]

...I am still stuck as to whether to do the Tulum tour and Beach break or stay in Cozumel and do an all-inclusive Beach club.

My girlfriend is now more worried than ever about the possibility of getting seasick even with medicinal precautions, and the long bus rides.

I have been to Tulum years ago when vacationing in Cancun...

You have been before; your girlfriend is worried about getting seasick.

Given those two facts I'm trying to figure out why NOT going is a difficult decision.

 

I suspect that you may be back to Cancun/Riveria Maya at some point in the future and be able to do a pleasant day trip to Chichén Itzá, which actually is a far superior archaeology site.

[Paulette3028]

When we were on Navigator this past November, we could choose to take the ferry to the mainland and go on a much longer excursion to the ruins but chose to go to a much closer ruins location on a shorter excursion. Glad we did. Those that were at dinner with us went to the mainland on the ferry, which they described as a rough ride. The ruins were fine, but from their description they did not learn more than we did on our shorter excursion. They said the beach part of the excursion was disappointing and then it was a long trip back to the ship. They were late, but since the excursion was booked through Royal the ship waited for all the participants to return to the ship before departing.

[whataboutport]

I haven't read through all the replies so if I repeat someone, my apologies. My answers are below:

 

Hi there. My girlfriend and I are booked on a Royal Caribbean cruise with a Western Caribbean itinerary for late April. One of our ports is Cozumel.

 

We have pre-booked the Tulum Ruins and Beach Break excursion with RCI already, but have perhaps changed our mind after reading some reviews. This excursion has us travel by ferry to Playa del Carmen and then bus to Tulum, get a guided tour of the ruins and then get bused to another beach for beach time and food and drink, then go through the whole travel routine to get back to the ship.

 

I'm hoping that someone can chime in on their experiences with this tour and advice about whether we should keep it or cancel and re-book something else.I realize these things are subjective but real life experiences are much appreciated to help us make the best decision.

 

What was the ferry ride like? Was it as bad as most say?

It can be bumpy. Try to get there early and a seat inside in the AC and in the back. We got there late and sat inside but in the front away from the windows. I usually don't get seasick but I started to feel a bit queasy sitting in the front and not being able to look out onto the horizon. It's about 40 mins.

 

How long is the bus ride to Tulum?

It's about another hour or so. It's in a large charter style bus.

 

Is there a long "restroom break" on the way there that really is for trying to sell souvenirs? If so, was it a bother?

We did the tour with Princess, but I believe other cruiselines do the same as there were many busses there from different ships. There is a large gift shop and bathroom break before actually getting to the Tulum site. Beware that most of the toilets are clogged, as many places in Mexico don't have septic systems than can take toilet paper flushed. Many people don't know this, so most the toilets are backed up. The shop is large and no pushy sales people. They actually have some pretty cool stuff. You can also buy water, soda or snacks here. We bought some magnets. They can't even hold up one piece of paper on the fridge they are so weak!

 

What was your experience like with your guided tour? Was it rushed? Just right?

We went on a day where there weren't many ships in port. Check on a cruise time table website and check. If there are more than 3 ships in port (very likely), you will feel like herded cattle. Not fun and hard to get good pics. Which is a shame bc the site is amazing and gorgeous.

 

How was the meal they served at the private beach?

Our excursion had beach time at the Tulum site, and we weren't bussed elsewhere so I cannot answer this question.

 

How was the sand/water/chairs/facilities etc. at this beach break? How crowded was it? Were you able to get a chair? Do you have to bring a towel from the ship?

Again, we used the beach at Tulum. In the afternoon the tide comes back in so the sand starts to get small. There is one lifeguard. The coastline is rocky. There are steep stairs leading down to the beach. NO chairs.

 

I guess I'm trying to say: Was it a worthwhile experience?

We loved our time there, but we were not rushed, and Tulum was not crowded that day compared to how it usually is. You can click on my signature for Tulum to see pics.

 

Sorry for the long winded post. I just need more information/personal experiences/advice to help me keep or cancel this excursion.

If cancel is your opinion; are there any other options you'd recommend? (we don't do water themed activities)

 

Thanks very much.

Cameron

 

Also I don't recommend Senor Frosty's for food. It was pretty bad. But we did get a fresh coconut before we went onto the site. That was great.

 

Oh yeah, the walk from the busses to the entrance is about a 1/4 mile or so, on a rocky/pebbly path, some parts which may be flooded. Bring a hat or umbrella, it gets hot.

Edited February 27, 2016 by whataboutport

[mymirabella]

When I stayed in Cozumel we visited the crocodiles i believe it was at Punta Eco or something like that they had a museum,an area that talked about the turtles that lay on the island and a viewing area to see the crocodiles. it was a different experience then the typical island beach day.