Why We Chose the Cruise Line for the Tulum Mayan Ruins Excursion

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As we prepare for our upcoming cruise, one of the most anticipated stops on our itinerary is Cozumel, Mexico. While there are countless ways to spend a day in this vibrant port, we decided to take a step back in time and visit the world-famous Tulum Mayan Ruins. After doing some research and weighing our options, we ultimately booked the excursion through the cruise line, and here’s why.

(Disclaimer: Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click or buy on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.) 


(Photo: Getyourguide Things to do in Tulum)

The Excursion: Tulum Mayan Ruins

The cruise line excursion to the Tulum Mayan Ruins is advertised as a seamless way to experience one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. The tour includes:

  • A 45-minute ferry ride from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen.
  • A 1-hour air-conditioned bus ride to the ruins.
  • A guided tour of the walled city, showcasing restored temples, hieroglyphic carvings, the famous temple of frescos, and the breathtaking “El Castillo,” perched dramatically above the Caribbean Sea.

This guided excursion promises a deep dive into Mayan history while taking care of all transportation logistics.

Why We Chose the Cruise Line

While we often prefer third-party tours for their affordability and smaller group sizes, this time we made an exception. Here’s why:

  1. Complex Logistics
    Visiting Tulum from Cozumel is not straightforward. It involves multiple legs of transportation: a ferry from the island to the mainland, followed by a bus ride to the ruins. For first-timers in the area, figuring out these connections independently can be overwhelming. With the cruise line excursion, everything is arranged, and the ferry and bus schedules align perfectly with the ship’s itinerary.

  2. No Worry About Missing the Ship
    The biggest perk of a cruise-booked excursion is the peace of mind. If there are delays due to transportation or unforeseen circumstances, the ship will wait for you. This assurance is especially important for an excursion like Tulum, which involves a full-day itinerary and multiple transfer points.

  3. Location of the Dock
    Since Cozumel is an island, reaching Tulum requires a ferry to the mainland. Had we docked directly on the mainland, we might have considered a third-party provider, as there are plenty of well-reviewed and affordable options for Tulum tours starting from Playa del Carmen or Cancun.

  4. Tulum's Iconic Status
    We researched several Mayan ruin sites, and Tulum stood out as the most impressive. Unlike smaller ruins, Tulum’s location right on the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea makes it both historically significant and visually stunning. Since this is likely the only Mayan ruin we’ll visit on this trip, we wanted it to be a memorable one.

A Future Trip to Cancun

This research has also sparked inspiration for a future trip to Cancun, where we could visit Chichén Itzá, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tours like this one combine a visit to Chichén Itzá with a swim in a cenote and a traditional Mexican lunch—an experience we’re now dreaming about!

Third-Party Options for the Adventurous

For those more comfortable with independent travel, there are plenty of third-party tours to Tulum, often at lower prices. For example, GetYourGuide offers a guided walking tour of the Tulum ruins for a fraction of the cruise line price. While these tours might require a bit more planning, they’re worth considering if your cruise docks on the mainland or you’re confident in navigating ferry and bus schedules.

Final Thoughts

We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to explore the Tulum Mayan Ruins, and booking through the cruise line felt like the best choice for this particular excursion. While we love the flexibility and cost savings of independent tours, the logistics of this trip made us appreciate the convenience and reliability of a cruise-booked option.

Stay tuned for our post-trip update, where we’ll share our experience at Tulum and whether it lived up to its world-famous reputation. And who knows? A trip to Cancun might just be on the horizon!

Until next time, happy adventuring!
— The Trekking Pawns

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