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Cruise Ship Faves-things to do | |
This all day tour includes a dune buggy drive to the other side of
the
island, down the coastline, to the Southern tip of the island and back
to
town. You drive your own buggy and we guide you in ours. We
include
all the beer, soft drinks, water you can drink and a delicious lunch on
the
beach of chicken, rice, tortillas, and more. The tour stops to
allow
snorkeling in crystal clear waters, and discovery of white sand
beaches.
They also include a stop at the Cozumel butterfly farm, with a
fresh
water pool, facilities, and time to photograph the butterflies.
Note
that the butterflies have seasons and you may or may not be there when
there
are many butterflies. This all inclusive tours is the perfect way
to
see Cozumel and it's beaches. Drivers license is required.
Tips
for guides are not included.
Take a scooter, a map and helmets and tour yourself around the
island
to see the sights. Scooters are the best way to be able to see
the
sights, smell the different flavors and are easy to park. We
include
two helmets and two snorkel/fins sets so you can snorkel whereever you
want.
Our map gives you options on where to go and what to see.
Knowledge
of driving a scooter is required. Cozumel is a good place to get
around
in a scooter but not a good place to learn to ride one. Driver's
license
is required.
For the Un-Certified Scuba Diver, a resort tour is a fun easy way to
learn
to dive in Cozumel! It's fun and easy! Experience Cozumel diving
even
if you are not certified.
We offer two options:
· 1 tank only $75!
all of your equipment is included - fins, mask,
BCD, regulator, weights, and a fun 3-hour
lesson from shore!
· 2 tanks only $115!
includes all of your equipment, a fun 3-hour
lesson and two reef dives from the boat!
Spend a day living a dream aboard our Caribbean vessels being
pampered
by our crew. Snorkel the world famous Palancar reefs while relaxing in
the
tropical sun.
Our snorkel adventures offer you a peaceful day at sea laughing and
snorkeling
with family and friends in our turquoise water. Relax to the
rhythm
of the sea and let our friendly fish share their Mexican paradise with
you!
3 Reef Snorkel Trip
· Price: $65 (kids 7 & under and those wishing to ride
along,
half price)
· Time: Departs daily at 10 a.m. (maximum of 15 people)
· SNORKEL TIME: three reefs with 45 minutes to one hour at each
· Trip includes: snorkel equipment, three reefs inside the
Palancar
National Park, snorkel guide, a lifejacket, fresh fruit, cookies, soft
drinks,
beer, and water and lunch at one of Cozumel's beach clubs
Our 3-Reef trip is ideal for our guests who want to spend a day at sea
enjoying
the ocean breeze and the more distant reefs. We will explore 3 of the
following
reefs during your visit: Colombia, Palancar, Santa Rosa Shallows,
Cardona,
Chankanaab Shallows, Dzul-Ha, Paradise and Villa Blanca.
(5% tax and $2 marine park entrance fee included in the price)
2 Reef Snorkel Trip
· Price: $50 (kids 7 and under and those wishing to ride
along,
half price)
· Time: Departs daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (maximum of 15
people)
· SNORKEL TIME: 2 reefs with 45 minutes to one hour at each
· Trip includes: snorkel equipment, beer, and softdrinks. Visit
two
reefs
inside the Palancar National Park with your snorkel guide right
in
front to point out all the "good stuff"!
Our 2-reef snorkel trip is designed especially for those visitors to
Cozumel
who are only on the island for a limited amount of time. We'll spend
less
time travelling to the farther reefs and more time snorkeling at the
reefs
closer to the marina. It's the perfect trip for our cruise ship guests
who
only have a few short hours in port and would like to do other things
as
well as snorkel. We will visit 2 of the following reefs on the 2-reef
trip:
Chankanaab Shallows, Dzul-Ha, Paradise, Villa Blanca, Santa Rosa,
Cardona
and Las Uvas.
(5% tax and $2 marine park entrance fee included in the price)
Cozumel Diving: For the Certified Diver
· Two-Tank Dives: $68; 10 a.m. departure
· Three-Tank Dives: $88
Great Savings on Multi-Day Dive Packages
· Two Days, four tanks: $125 US
· Three Days, six tanks: $180 US
· Four Days, eight tanks: $230 US
· Five Days, ten tanks: $280 US
· Six Days, twelve tanks: $330 US
2-Tank NITROX Dive Packages
· One Day: $85 US
· Two Days: $160 US
· Three Days: $238 US
· Four Days: $308 US
· Five Days: $378 US
Fly and enjoy the great view during your fantastic excursion to the
interesting
and amazing archaiological zone of Chichen Itza. The trip takes
45
minutes and allos you to take unforgettable photos. You'll visit the
famous
site with an English speaking guide who will explain all about the
mysteries,
ceremony and magic in Chichen Itza's legend. You'll get to climb
the
Observatory and admire the Majestic Kukulcan pyramid. Price
includes
round trip air, admission fee, soft drinks on board, guide, ground
transportation
to ruins from airport and back, and a farewell drink at the soda
fountain.
Not included is a video camera entrance fee, and airport tax.
Tips
not included for the guides.
Visit this famous Mayan archeological site which has mystified
people
for hundreds of years. The combination of Maya and Toltec
architecture
is clearly evident although only the lifeless stsones know all the
secrets.
See El Castillo and the surrounding building, including the well
or
cenote from which Chichen Itza has its name. Tour includes round
trip
ferry, round trip ground transportation, admission fee, lunch, city
tour
of Valladolid, and your English speaking guide. Not included are
video
camera entrance fee, beverages for lunch, and tips for guides.
This tour is a nice two hour guided tour to Coba and a Mayan village
with
cenote. This incredible site with various groups of interesting
buildings
such as the pyramid called 'the church'. To this group belongs a
Mayan
ball court. The most important group of this site is the one
called
"nohoch-mul" with a 42 mts. high pyramid, the highest one of the area.
After
the visit to Coba, we go to "Cenote CHO-HA", then 40 minutes free time
for
simming or just to take photos. Then you will be served a typical
lunch
in a restaurant for a buffet, beverage not included.
Discover the walled, Mayan city located on a bluff overlooking the
blue
ocean waters. Frescoes dating back 500 years are still visible
painted
on the interior walls of several temples. Tulum was considered
one
of the most important political, religious, and ceremonial Mayan
centers
of the coast and Yucatan peninsula. Explore Coba's pyramid,
Nohoch
Mul, the world's second tallest pyramid, at 42 meters high wtih
120
steps. The top is sometimes windy but the view is spectacular!
The
site includes a well restored pelota court (ball court) and other
important
points of archeological interests. Spend a full day of Mayan
Culture.
Includes round trip ferry, ground transportation, admission fee,
English
speaking guide, and lunch in Coba. Tours scheduled on Tuesday, Thursday
and
Saturday.
The name "Tulum" comes from the Yucatec word for fence, tranch or
wall.
These cliff side ruins create a dramatic setting for the white
sand
beaches and crystal clear waters of its shoreline. The city's
original
name was Zama, or 'place of dawn' due to the unforgettable sunrises of
the
eastern horizon. The city of Tulum was re-occupied by the Mayas
for
several decades after the conquest, from 1890-1910 by a secto of the
"Talking
Cross Maya" who held rituals in the 'Castillo" Temples. Don't miss the
legendary
city of Tululm.
Tour goes Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Discover the walled Mayan city located on a bluff overlooking the
ocean.
Frescoes dating back 500 years are still visible on the interior
walls
of several temples. Tulum was considered one of the most
important
political, religious ceremonial centers of the coast. You'll also
get
to explore Xel-Ha, where waters are born. The waters of this area
are
a combination of saltwater from the Caribbean and freshater from the
regions
of underground rivers. Xel-ha is a unique phenomenon and a
protected
habitat for marine life. This blend of ancient Mayan culture, and
a
unique outdoors experience make this tour one of the most popular.
With the All inclusive plan, everything you want to eat and drink at
any
of the five restaurants in Xel-Ha, includes ice cream.
Also
included, snorkel equipment, towels, lockers, transportation to the
river,
hammocks and sun chairs. Not included at the Dolphin activities
and
video camera entrance fees in Tulum.
Daily tours.
See above.
Nestled amidst the luxuriant rainforest of the Yucatan peninsula and
the
glittering, turquoise waters of the Caribbean lies a place like no
other
in the world. Xcaret, meaning 'small inlet' in Maya is a
spectacular
eco-archeological park in the heart of the Riviera Maya. You'll
disvocer
a new type of endless recreation through its wide range of attractions.
At
sunset, Xcaret turns into a fantastic place known only by the Maya, one
thousand
years ago. Be a part of this journey into the past wile admiring
the
Mayan Ball game, walking through the ancient caves, an exotic Mayan
village,
and the Candle lit archeological sites. Not included at the
dplphin
activities, horse back riding, aquatic activities. Daily tours.
This exciting 12 hours tour includes the 12 seat, air conditioned
ferry,
and ground transportation. The first stop is Tulum for a
quick
snorkel to the entrance of the reserve where we pay $2 per person to
enter.
The guide will tell you about the scenery as we head to the
'bahia
de la ascension" through a whisper of a road, (dirty) to Punta Allen, a
fisherman's
village. There, we board a 7 passenger boat to go through the
bay.
We take three hours in the bird sanctuary where we will see white
herons,
eagles, spoonbills, pelicans, etc. Then we go search for
dolphins,
sea turtles, star fish and more. Don't forget to bring your
camera
and take care of them while on the tour. We'll snorkel in the
reefs
if weather permits, see the reefs with more than 80 different corals
and
exotic fish. The last spot to see is the natural pool, sandy
beach,
and clear waters that look as clear as a pool. After the boat
ride,
you'll have lunch at "Punta Allen", have a delicious plate to eat
(chicken
or fish) and drinks included. End of tour at Playa del Carmen.
Tuesday, Thursdays or Saturday tours.
Saddle up and join an unforgettable ride through the Jungles of
Cozumel,
after a 15 minute rour of El Cedral The trail goes to a small
Mayan
ruin, Savanna, and opens to a wider trail where you can gallop your way
to
visit ancient caves dating back 8000 years and sink holes unique to our
island.
The riding time is 2 hours. Tour includes ride to and from
Carlos
and Charlie's, a short riding class, and guides. Children
4-8
years of age can ride on the same horse as the tour guide.
Children
8-12 years of age can ride their own horse behind the tour guide.
Long
pants and shoes recommended. Max. weight per rider is 240 lbs.
Daily
tours.
Join the Pirates of the Caribbean and set sail on a real life
adventure
in Cozumel. Board the authentic Spanish galleon of Jean Lafitte
for
the most memorable event of your vacation. Just enjoy the
sensation
of a cruise in this incredible boat with it delicious lobster and steak
dinner.
Dance the night away under the Caribbean sky as our captain will
sail
you through Cozumel's beautiful coastal waters. This incredible
Caibbean
adventure is great for the whole family.
Atlantis Submarine operates the largest passenger submarine fleet in
the
world. One the most technologically advanced, Atlantis XII offesr
you
a chance to experience why Cozumel remains of the the top dive
destinations
in the world. Diving to a depth of up to 100 feet, Atlantis
bring
you up close and personal with Cozumel's top attraction, Chankanaab, an
exciting
poart of the second largest reef in the world. Chankanaab is an
underwater
marine park established to protect the delicate balance of its dazzling
coral
reefs and countless species of tropical fish, crystal clear visibility
of
up to 200 feet!
Tour begins 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00. Each tour is two
hours.
Includes Spanish/English narration, run punch on board.
Not included: Marine Park admission fee $2.00
Monday-Saturday. Not on Sundays.
This is a three hour trip that gives you the opportunity to admire
Cozumel's
amazing reefs through the bottom of the boat and snorkel two beautiful
shallow
reefs. Tour includes snorkel equipment, three reefs and sunken
plane,
purified drinking water, soft drinks, beer, guide, and last three
hours.
Tour 11:00 am-2:00 pm or 2:00-5:00 pm. Not included: Marine Park
admission
fee. $2.00Daily tour from Ferry pier downtown.
Snorkel on this 65 foot sailing caramaran on the beautiful
Chankanaab
Reef and the world famouso Palancar reef. Visit the powdery sand
beaches,
and relax with a drink on a float. Enjoy kayaking, beach
volleyball
and rest on hammocks aor under the shade of a beach umbrella. We
know
y ou will have one of teh most awesome experiences of your life on this
great
adventure for the whole family and all friends. Includes two reefs,
high
quality equipment, guides, soft drinks, beer, margaritas, on board and
on
the beaches. Beach toys like kayaks, floats and beach balls are
available
for guests. Lunch on the beach consists of one Black Angus
cheeseburger
per person plus plenty of salad and pasta. Not included: Marine
Park
admission fee $2.00. Tour goes daily
The swim program is one hour long and is divided into two parts.
Guests
begin with a 30 minute orientation siminar during which they will watch
an
educational video to learn some of the more interesting facts about
dolphins.
They follow up with specific instructions from the training staff
on
what they will be doing when they enter to swim with the dolphins.
Following
the orientation, our trainers will take guests dock side, for 30
minutes
of 'an experience of a lifetime" as they enjoy the power of the
dolphins
and grace as they push guests through the water by their feet or jump
over
them. A portion of the water time also will be dedicated to the
'free
time' to swim. This is time when guests will interact with the
dolphins
allowing each person a personal experience of a lifetime.
Includes
a one hour education program. Not included: Chankanaab Park
Entrance
fee. Children 8-12 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Children
younger than 8 are not accepted. All companions will pay $5 each
to
go into the pier to see or accompany the participants.
Tour goes daily 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:30.
Cozumel's best all inclusive, "see the island" tour. This
begins
downtown and goes around the southern tip of the island. Most of
the
day is spent exploring the shoreline along the highway, and sightseeing
the different beautiful beaches.
This is the tour with Omar and Felipe as their helper, Antonio!
Our Cozumel Dune Buggy Tour is one of the most popular adventures
offered
in Cozumel. Our professional operator personally builds these
awesome
Dune Buggies that enable you to explore a slice of Paradise in Cozumel
that
few tourists ever see. This tour shows you the complete beauty of
Cozumel,
both above and below the water, and will be a memory to treasure for a
lifetime!
Hurricane Wilma has taken nothing from fun of this adventure. It
is still
the most complete tour in Cozumel! It's an 'all in one'
orientation of the true spirit of Cozumel!
Perfect for couples, families, and special groups, our Dune Buggy
Tour begins close to the Punta Langosta Cruise Ship Pier at 10:30am
daily
(10am meeting time) and takes you across the island to drive along the
wild
Eastern Shoreline of Cozumel.
This island adventure will take you along spectacular windswept beaches
and
includes stops along some of Cozumel's most remote beaches, as well as
beach
bars.
This Dune Buggy adventure has several stops that allow for some awesome
photos. Our guides have been with us for years and are part of the
highlights
of this excursion. They go the extra mile to ensure your
fun.
Be sure to ask them a lot of questions!
Our beach stop will allow you to swim or snorkel in Cozumel's crystal
clear
waters. While you play in the water, your guides will be chopping
onions,
tomatoes, peppers, cilantro and limes and preparing a fresh lunch that
features
Island Grilled Chicken, Tortillas, Guacamole, Mexican Salsa, Chips, and
more.
At times and if conditions require we can also do our snorkel stop on
the
western side of the island before making the trek to the eastern
coast.
Again, any changes made on any date are done so to enhance your
experience.
Our guides drive their own lead vehicle filled with everything you
will need throughout the day, including snorkel gear and vests.
Each
Dune Buggy has a custom design cooler hatch full of purified water,
sodas
and bottled Mexican Beer. A very cool touch and all included in
the
price!
The tour begins daily at 10:30am and returns at about
3:30pm.
We can modify the return time to ensure we get you back to your cruise
ship
port with time to spare. All drivers must have a valid drivers license
and
know how to drive a stick (automatic transmission)! Please be sure to
book early as this is a very
popular tour and is often sold out weeks and at times months in
advance, especially for holidays.
2007/2008 tour: $89 per person includes:
Click to make your
reservation!
Email us if you have
questions
Shows original route, not taken any more.
If you have Windows Media Player installed on your computer, you can watch a movie about Jungle Buggy Tours. and how it used to be. (This is a 1.4 megabyte file.)
The "route" previously used by the Cozumel Dune Buggy Tour was
badly
damaged in Hurricane Wilma.
Since then, one of our competitors took the liberty of clearing a route
that
was incorrectly defined and performed without government
permission.
Since this area is protected by state and federal enviromental
protection
agencies, they were fine heavily. All tour operators have been
told
that the road will not open again.
Cozumel Dune Buggy Tours is also using Jeeps and Trackers to
compliment the guests who wish to book when all the dune buggies
are reserved.
The change in route denies us the ruins and former snorkel area as
described on the tour page. We now drive to the other side of the
island, along the paved southern part of the island, and around the
southern tip. Depending on the wind and weather, we take guests
snorkeling, to visit El Cedral ruins or teach guests how to fly a
kite. This is not just a one
string kite, but a real grown up kite! There are only two kites
at
this point so you'll have to take your turn.
The tour includes beaches that have been enhanced by the storm,
creating thick white powdery sand and crystal clear waters.
The delicious Mexican food picnic that guests enjoy is the
same. Guests are having a wonderful time enjoying
this newly evolving Cozumel tour.
We've added a butterfly preserve to the tour. This butterfly park
features
unique species to the island. Depending on the season, guests can
see
many kinds of butterflies and create many beautiful photographs of the
butterflies.
At the resort in front of the butterfly park, there is a fresh
water
swimming pool, and showers to guests to use.
All driver's must carry their driver's license which is required to
drive
in Mexico as in most countries. Payment for tour implies that you
take
responsibility for any damages if they occur to the vehicle you drive,
all
other vehicles that may be involved in an accident, and all
people
involved. Our insurance covers personal injuries to third parties
as
long as they are taken to the San Miguel hospital, as long as guests
driving
has their driver's license. Guests must take responsibility for
their
own items such as cameras, snorkel equipement, towels, ect.
Thousands of divers come every year to Cozumel Island to dive the spectacular reefs, mostly along the southwest coast. All the hotels and the town of San Miguel are on the west side of the island. The weather comes mainly from the east, so the east side of the island is virtually uninhabited. There used to be a road around the south half of the island and a little stub of road on the northwest. The former tour went to the northern half of the island — especially the east side. It is now completely inaccessible, except by a long boat ride that won't necessarily get you to the beach because of the offshore reefs. No one gets to see this except land owners and military men who visit the base along this strip.
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There was once something of a road up that northeast side, but several hurricanes and no maintenance have reduced it to a whisper. The military guys who man the lighthouse at Punta Molas at the north end of the island get in and out by HumVee. They'll go anywhere. There are jeeps available for rent on the island, but right there in the rental contract in bold language it is made clear that your insurance is void if you try to go up that road, and for good reason: you'd never make it, and it'd be tough to get you out.
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On that "road", there are — in addition to the pounding sequences over pitted coral-formed limestone outcroppings — various stretches of "sand moguls" where lightness is a virtue and dizzying ground-clearance is a must. When I was there, the pitches through the swamp were pretty dry, but it's not hard to imagine lightness again saving a vehicle from miring in infinite mud.
Don't forget to bring a hat!
Wear sunglasses!
So who goes there? Practically no one. The guys at the lighthouse. The guy manning the pumps on the newly planted coconut plantation on the way in. And our tours.
Dan Withington has designed and built a fleet of dune buggies that can make it up that whisper of a road and back. And the clear ability to go up that road to some very isolated places, where there are offshore reefs no flipper has ever kicked, Maya ruins no one ever visits and beaches where there's not only no one else there, there's no one on the next beach north or south, either.
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We've got the wherewithal to provide passage — on an island to which so many go — to that part of the island where virtually no one goes. A wilderness at the resort. A day-trip to paradise.
Family Fun for All Ages
Our trip began with a meeting of the parties at Dan's house.(Yours will begin at the office of Rentadora Isleña.) We loaded up four buggies, appropriately loaded with not much gear, but enough. Then we headed east on the road that bisects the island, to the east side.
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The road lies flat as a pancake and straight as an arrow, in the Maya tradition of the sacbe, and runs eastish for 16 kilometers past not much but jungle and the odd homestead until the road abruptly turns right when it gets to the beach. That's where we turned left.
Through the horse-on-the-beach rental place, the road ran on, strictly first-gear. For the first few kilometers, we found the occasional Datsun taxi-driver-with-girlfriend (or wife) and a few fishermen's trucks. Then there were none but us. With each challenge in the road, we became more confident, as we successfully processed them. We had the bare stone, the deep sand, the jungle ruts. We pressed on. We passed a four-mile beach with nary a human. We broke for shade and "rest" in a patch of palms and mangroves. A coolish spot on a hottish day.
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We passed an isolated stretch of beach and rock outcrop supposed to be the nesting place of Terns, and great nesting habitat it was, though we saw none nesting, for it was too late in the year. Lots of Terns, yes; nests, no. (Editor's note: On a later visit, it turned out [no pun intended] that Terns do nest there — Least Terns, otherwise undocumented as nesting in this part of the Caribbean.)
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We passed patches that would, in wetter years, be much muddier. The mangroves had a surreal look when high and dry, but would look much more natural with the caimans that live there peering out from the shallows closer to the road.
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We came to a small Maya-built structure whose purpose was difficult to determine. On the coast, reef offshore, caved-in. Lighthouse? Who knows?
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We pressed on for several kilometers, and came to a patch of larger trees, and a track over a hill to the beach. We pulled over. We carried our tarp-for-shade, various refreshments, and our snorkeling gear over the dune and onto a beach a couple of miles long, totally deserted, and protected offshore by a reef growing off the sand bottom about two hundred meters out.
It was beautiful. No one in sight but us. White sand as far as we could see. Gentle waves lapping the protected, lightly sloped beach. Waves crashing on the outer reef. Water the color of . . . well, you'll just have to see it for yourself.
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We pitched our shade on a couple of poles with rope, dead-men, and bunji. Broke out the gear. Saddled up, headed out. At our point on the beach, the reef offshore was about 200 meters out, and we were at the southern end of a long barrier that protected to the north, but was open to the south: an ideal situation most of the time, including this one.
We donned our gear and paddled out the 200 meters to the reef over a sandy bottom, uninteresting except that it was perfectly visible and featured the odd skate, coral head, stingray, but not much else. Visibility was crystal to the average depth of 20 feet or so, and ahead far enough to find the long fish near the surface (¿flying fish?) every now and then.
Then, after a comfortable swim, there arose from the sand bottom large ledges of old coral rock, alive with current coral growth, aswarm with the critters that live on coral, and awash with fish. Little cliffs of reef, with ledges of old sea level and flats of stone, all alive with current residents. And all very shallow.
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In very clear water — which is to say the best of conditions, like we have in Cozumel's water — red light penetrates no farther than three feet, yellow no deeper than nine. After that, it's just blue and your brain's ability to fake it. (That's why all your un-flashed underwater photos look blue: color is a function of total distance — surface-of-water to object to eye.) So shallow — very shallow — reef is best for snorkeling for color. And color is, after all, one of the many grandiose miracles of the reef lost to most visitors to it.
Trouble is, most shallow reef has been kicked to death by visitors. Witness the west side of Cozumel. The best efforts of the local divemasters have preserved the heavily traveled reefs in rough good condition. One certainly gets a feeling for the majesty of what lives there. But they've clearly suffered from a lot of traffic. The beaches in the north hotel zone — and the south, for that matter — once had abundant offshore coral heads and inshore cliffs alive with sponges, corals, urchins, and fish of rainbow hues. Now those rocks are covered with the sand kicked up by jet-skis and too-many snorkelers. I watch people snorkel in this impoverished environment who are roundly pleased and impressed, and am so glad, but would like them to be able to see the real thing, before it is covered by sand.
And, of course, I hope, through some glass darkly, that this virgin reef will not become trampled and kicked to death. I think you should be certified to visit a reef. You can't get into to visit the old manuscripts in the British Museum unless you bring compelling reasons and a certain amount of preparation and a sense of purpose, and neither should you be able to visit the archive of tropical marine biology that is a reef unless you're prepared to assume a high degree of responsibility for your alien presence.
(True Confessions: I've kicked a coral or two in my time, and I find no joy in it. Each flipper-contact pushes me toward better buoyancy-control. I like to see things up close, but I want to be like the guys in Star Trek, whose prime imperative compels them to observe, but not interfere. Three-D awareness, fluid medium, good light, good tools, no need to kill the locals.)
But here is virgin reef. These shallow cliffs and ledges of old coral stone newly alive with living new coral, gorgonians, two-tone sea fans, big old parrotfish, and lobster under the ledges are the way they've been for the past, oh, ten thousand years — since the ice left. The colors are primary and complementary, and all vivid. The waves above dapple the brilliant light. The pockets in the reef house long-spined black urchins. The holes that lead to white sand reveal cowering lobsters, big ones, ever receding. Tiny territories of damselfish and their allies and enemies are constantly being violated by our passage. We appreciate their attendance, and revel in their casual spectacle.
 Walking on the Maya wall to the cenote |
 The cenote |
Next time, I'm going to take tanks on Dan's white buggy — specially rigged with clips to hold four air-cylinders. At twenty feet maximum depth, even a heavy breather like myself can stay down for 70 minutes or more. Seventy minutes followed by a very short interval, and ¿seventy? more minutes.
Following our sojourn on that isolated stretch of beach, our caravan headed further north, by six or seven kilometers to the largest Maya ruin on the coast of Cozumel (and coastal Maya ruins are relatively rare, overall), a structure called El Castillo — a Spanish appellation for Castle, which is as close as the Spaniards could get on a good guess, though this structure was never a castle, but is an impressive bit of work with two inner chambers in which the coals of even recent offerings can be found, strategically located, facing the rising sun.
Omar, Dune Buggy Tour Guide
We drove out. Same way we came in, but backwards. Hell of an adventure. Rejoined the blacktop at the place where madmen raced their cars across the island and launched them into the Caribbean. Long ramp. Short jump. Good open-air palapa bar at the turn. Cold beer, sunset on the sea, good company.
Dune Buggy Tours.
Uncontestedly world-class.
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The guide buggy in front of Rentadora Isleña, loaded and ready to go north |
Cozumel's finest eco-tour is an adventure you'll treasure forever. This trip is taken in our recycled VW dune buggies that we make right here in Cozumel. Omar is your tour guide. He will prepare the dune buggies, pack your lunch, and will bring plenty of refreshments and beer. He'll show you two coastal ruins, remote coastline, pristine reefs, and you'll have frequent encounters with local wildlife. All-day fun for the whole family.
The cost is $89 per person. Children from three to eight years old are half-price, and children under three are free.
All you need to bring is your bathing suit, sunscreen, camera, and your snorkel gear. If you wish, snorkel gear may be rented from our office. Please make your reservations 24 hours in advance at the Rentadora Isleña or contact our office at 872-0788.
Click to make your reservation!
Don't let this happen to you! Do not go off the road and be careful of the deep sand. And above all, follow the instructions from your tour guide. He's been there before, and knows what he's doing!
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Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was the most exciting and fun trip ever. The
short (1 block ) walk from the docks to the office was fine, it was fun
watching the preparations for the adventure. Then we loaded the dune
buggys and went off. We all ( my husband, who is a Utility
Administrator for the Public Utilities, my mother a first grade teacher
for 40 years, our 3 college age kids and myself)
had a blast! I would recommend this trip to anyone who could stand up
to
a very bumpy ride, and the swim out to the reef and the snorkeling. We
all
truly enjoyed the trip. The staff at Jungle Buggy Tours were excellent.
They
were knowledgable and fun to joke around with. The price was right. We
will
certainly be passing your company name on and sharing this adventure
with
many. So, as my mother would say, "if you have any freebie's for us we
will
be happy to advertise for you". Like I said she is a first grade
teacher.
We loved it!
Brenda, Carl, Jonathan, Tiffany, Melissa & Romelle
Hi Veronica,
Just a note to thank you for the wonderful day we
had last week on our Dune Buggy Tour. It was a highlight of our trip
for
all eight of us! We laughed so much! Our guides, Petunia and Jorge,
were
the best-so informative and friendly. We loved the lunch, the coral at
the
reef we snorkelled was the best I've seen, it was so great to see that
part
of the island. Before we left last Saturday, we'd told many people we'd
met to make sure to check out Dune Buggy Tours! What a great way to
spend a full day-and well worth the money.
Thanks for so much fun, Jo Tuomisto and family
WE DID THE Dune Buggy Tour THIS PAST DECEMBER AND GEORGE WAS OUR GUIDE. HE WAS THE BEST EVER AND THE TOUR WAS A BLAST! . . . I WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND YOUR TOUR!!!!
NIKKI
THE CHICKEN GEORGE COOKED AND THE GUACAMOLE WAS INCREDIBLE!!
Hi,
Have been looking for a way to give special
thanks to you guys. .We had an absolute blast on your dune buggy tour.
.Getting picked
up at the Allegro by Dan in a Dune Buggy was such a nice start. .What
an
entrepeneur! .I had so much fun driving. .It's like bumper cars without
the
crashes. .Everything was first class, and we really felt spoiled. .Then
the
sunset drive around the island taking us back to the Allegro was a
grand finale
to a great day. .You guys are the best. .The chicken lunch was mui
bueno,
and there were certainly enough sodas and beer to keep us all
satisfied. .Thanks
again.
Carl
Veronica . . . we had a blast!!!
We have our Dune Buggy Tour pics all over our PCs and home and at work
. . .
darren, elaine, eric, adam
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Hello Dan, Veronica and Omar,
WOW!We had a blast!Your Dune Buggy Tour was the best day of our entire
stay in Mexico.Omar did a fabulous job in making our tour one of a
kind.
Words cannot begin to explain how much fun we had. We will never forget
that
day. When we come back you will definitely see us again.
Happy days, Chad & Amy Smith
.
Here are a few pics for your scrapbook...
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Hello! Greetings from Omaha NE! We made it back to Omaha safe and sound and are back to work doing hair and massage. I wanted to send you the best of our pictures I took on our tour. By the way, I should let you know that out of all the different tours, we had the best time on the Dune Buggy Tour! Omar was a really fun guide, the snorkeling was awesome, and Joe loved off-roading in those dune buggies! We can't wait to come back to Cozumel, but for now, I hope you enjoy our pictures. Email me back please if you decide to put any on your website. Thanks again!
The Bode Family
Thanks for the great Dune Buggy Tour through the jungle and along the beach. It was a great adventure to visit the Maya ruins and enjoy that beautiful beach all by ourselves. The snorkeling out to the reef was awesome -- especially seeing the sting rays and curious barracudas.
Your upbeat attitude made the all-day adventure a delight. I would recommend this to anyone. The roads were a little rough, but I guess that is why probably no one else was up on that part of the island. I hope this tour continues to be a part of many others' vacations.
We wish you the best.
Loretta Harper
HI! WE JUST WANTED TO TELL YA'LL THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL TIME ON JULY 5TH WITH OMAR. ALL OF THE KIDS COULD NOT STOP TALKING ABOUT IT! WE REALLY APPRECIATED YA'LL ANSWERING ALL OF OUR QUESTIONS UPFRONT AND MAKING US FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH EVERYTHING. WE HAVE ALREADY TOLD ALL OF OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT IF THEY GO TO COZUMEL THAT THEY HAVE TO DO THIS! PLEASE TELL OMAR THANK YOU FOR PULLING SARAH OUT TO THE REEF. SHE IS NOW ON A DIET! AND PLEASE THANK HIM AGAIN FOR US FOR THE DRIVING LESSON HE GAVE OUR SON EDDIE. OUR SIX YEAR OLD, TYLER, CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT THE EUGENIA(?) THAT JUMPED OUT OF THE TREE AND ONTO THE JEEP'S ROOF. AND OUR OTHER SON, AUSTIN, CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT THE SCENERY. IT WAS PRETTY! Y'ALL TAKE CARE AND WHEN WE COME BACK TO COZUMEL WE PLAN ON DOING THIS AGAIN!
THANK YOU.
-- ED AND DARLA MCDONALD (and SARAH, EDDIE, AUSTIN AND TYLER)
Thanks for making our day at Cozumel so great.
Without a doubt it was the best day of our seven-day cruise. I hope
that all is well with you. I hope to return again in the near future. I
have already recommended this tour to several friends. We will send
pictures as soon as we receive them! Thanks again for making the day
great!
-- Greg Neill, Seagoville, Texas
Thank you for the great adventure, Cari and I
really appreciated your professionalism and knowledge of the territory.
It was an outstanding learning experience in both history and current
culture.
If you ever need a reference, please feel free to have someone e-mail.
In addition, thank you for your help in allowing Cari to feel
comfortable
in snorkeling. You did such a great job, she actually went with me in Grand Cayman.
Thank you again.
-- Howard
Veronica-
Again thanks for the wonderful outing with Omar
and our Team
and Training group. We had a delightful time.
-- Kristen
Another happy client:
Veronica,
Just wanted to pass along a note of gratitude to the Dune Buggy guide,
Juan. After cruising from island to island, this was definately
our
favorite stop!!! My son and I immensely enjoyed the entire tour,
from
the sights to the food, we had the time of our lives. My son and
I
agreed that this was one of the most exciting experiences of our
lives.
In spite of an approaching hurricane (Wilma), Juan made our entire
group
feel welcomed and appreciated. Kudos to the entire staff for
making
our trip exciting, and allowing us to experience the beauty of Cozumel
and
taking us where most "tourists" dare not go.
Jim and Nathan Martin
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Oct. 19, 2005
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