Tulum and Xel-Ha-Lagoon excursion

[1stimecruiser]

We would like to see some Mayan ruins and it appears that Tulum from Cozumel is our only option. Has anyone taken this excursion? Would you recommend it?

 

Thanks

[Genessa]

we took this excursion with Princess, not Costa, but it should probably be similar.

 

It was worth it, but...it took up our entire day and we would have liked to have spent more time at Xel-Ha.

 

Leaving from Cozumel, we got on a bus with a Mayan guide who explained told us about some of what we were going to be seeing and about the Mayan culture in general. We had a short stop (maybe 15-20 minutes) at a souvenir shop/restroom break and continued to Tulum.

 

The bus can only go so far in, if you want to take the trolley/bus the rest of the way it was additional money - but not a lot $2??. The walk, however, is over level ground, so as long as you don't have any difficulties walking, it is nice to stretch your legs. The ruins are magnificent and the guide on the bus is the same man who took us around the ruins. Wear a hat and sun block is you need it. There is virtually no shade at the ruins. The ruins are on the coast, and if we had been better prepared, we would have spent the half hour or so "free time" we had at Tulum swimming. We did watch the men who swing down the pole (can't remember what it is called).

 

We got back on the bus and opted to eat on the bus rather than spend time at Xel-Ha eating. We had about 1 1/2 - 2 hours at Xel-Ha. We had brought our own snorkeling equipment and didn't need to spend any time waiting in line (there was a long line for snorkel rental when we were there).

Xel-ha was great. There were a lot of locals at the park, but they were very friendly.

 

On the down side, while seeing the ruins was a once-in-a lifetime experience, we would have liked to have spent more time at Xel-ha or been able to have spent any time in Cozumel or at Playa del Carmen. If you are planning to every go back to the area on a land based trip, then I would recommend skipping Tulum and waiting until you have more time. If you don't expect to be in the area again, love ruins and history, then go on the excursion.

 

Enjoy!

[WKM]

We would like to see some Mayan ruins and it appears that Tulum from Cozumel is our only option. Has anyone taken this excursion? Would you recommend it?

 

Thanks

 

Have been 3 times. Last two times took our adult children. You will love the view nothing like it. The white ruins with the blue water and palm trees are not to be missed. Take your swim suit and towel to cool off!

[1stimecruiser]

Now I have to figure out how to signup for shore excursions. I have a userid, but can't find the link to register. Anyone help is greatly appreciated.

[NancyJewel92]

There doesn't seem to be a way to sign up for excursions on Costas site. I've been checking on it all week as we're sailing today on the Magaic, but all the site gives are descriptions. Other posters have had the same experience. So, you're probably not doing anything wrong.

 

After reading the responses to your question, though, I am thinking of going to Tulum. Have been to Cozumel twice and have elected not to go on the Tulum excursions because of the time involved. Maybe this trip will be it!

[1stimecruiser]

Thanks for the verification of not being able to book excursions online. Now I can stop trying to locate it. Please post a reply when you return from your cruise. I'd love to hear more about Tulum. Have a great time.