Riviera Maya & Cozumel Tours
Local tours are a fun and convenient way to explore the Riviera Maya, and many tours include transportation directly from Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Ask our resort concierge to arrange Riviera Maya tours and Cozumel - adventures - from zipping through the Mayan jungle to diving in the cenotes of Cozumel.
Explore & Tour Cozumel -
Cozumel is a sleepy island located 12 miles off the coast of Playa del Carmen. Cozumel is one of the most popular spots in the word for scuba diving with its impressively large coral reef. Cozumel also attracts tourists for duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, fishing, horseback riding, lively events like Carnival, and dolphin swim programs. Ferries run throughout the day between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. Ferry trips take approximately 40 minutes each way.
Cozumel Water Sports -
Cozumel is a water sports paradise. Cozumel offers fantastic scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and dolphin swimming adventures. The Santa Rosa Wall and Palancar Reef are two of the most popular dive spots in Cozumel. Cenote diving is also very popular in the area. Cenotes are natural underground wells that lead to labyrinths of water-filled caverns.The calm waters on the west side of Cozumel are perfect for snorkeling. Anglers find thrills in Cozumel during the spring fishing season for swordfish, marlin, and sailfish. Swimming with dolphins is a memorable experience. Dolphin Discovery offers programs that emphasize education and include swimming with the dolphins.
Chichen Itza -
The ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza are the most famous in Mexico. Located 3 hours west of Cancun, a full day is recommended for touring the fascinating remains of the mysterious Mayan civilization. Start your tour early when temperatures are cool and carry plenty of water. The ruins of Chichen Itza occupy roughly 2½ square miles. The cost of admission to the park includes access to the evening light show.
Chichen Itza Ruins -
While Chichen Itza comprises many ruins, the most notable are El Castillo, Juego de Pelota, and Templo de los Guerreros. El Castillo, meaning castle and also known as Pyramid of Kukulkan, symbolizes the Mayan calendar.During the spring and fall equinox, shadows cast on the pyramid's north-side stairway by the setting sun are said to resemble a snake. Juego de Pelota, or Main Ball Court, is the best preserved ball court of any kind. It's uncertain whether the winning or losing team was sacrificed to the gods. Templo de los Guererros, or Temple of the Warriors, is recognized by its numerous columns and intricate carvings of marching warriors.
Canopy Tours -
Fly through the treetops of the jungles of the Riviera Maya with an exciting canopy tour, stretching over 20 Acres of pristine Mayan jungle. Ride 12 zip lines, including the longest zip line in North America (an astounding 2,000 feet long) and speed over rivers, splash through streams and learn wilderness techniques while spotting wildlife! After the zip line portion of the tour, you'll jump on a mountain bike in the jungle and ride to a secret cenote, where you can swim, check out exotic fish and wildlife and even ride a zip line into the water! This tour is truly one of the Riviera Maya's wildest adventures.
