Puerto Aventuras dolphin connection program ticket

Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring the Mysteries of the Cenotes - A Journey into Mayan Culture

On this National Geographic Day Tour, explore Tankah Park in Mexico's Riviera Maya. After an orientation, swim in two cenotes, once considered portals to the Mayan underworld. Enjoy a canoeing session at the third cenote, then end with a refreshing swim at the forth cenote.With insights from a National Geographic guide, trek through the jungle to Cenote Cueva and Cenote Piraña for a refreshing dip. You'll also visit Cenote Naval for an adventurous canoeing session and Cenote Azul for another invigorating swim in its crystal-clear waters. These cenotes were not only sources of fresh water for the ancient Maya but were also believed to be passageways to Xibalba, the Mayan underworld, and were sites for important rituals.Next, head over to a traditional Mayan house to learn about the Melipona bee, a stingless bee that has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal honey. Enjoy exclusive access to a traditional Mayan kitchen and take part in a demonstration of the art of tortilla-making, where you'll get hands-on with shaping the dough and learn about the secrets of ‘masa' (corn dough). Then, tuck into a buffet meal featuring dishes rooted in the local heritage that highlight the day's discoveries and flavours.Finally, hike to a fifth cenote, learning about the discovery and preservation of these natural sites. Spanning 300 hectares, Tankah Park's cenotes and forests offer Mayan heritage and ecological diversity. This tour also supports the local community and promotes sustainable tourism, helping to preserve these remarkable lands.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Unveiling the Importance of Cancun’s Reef Restoration

Explore the wonders of the Mesoamerican Reef System on this exclusive National Geographic Day Tour. Led by marine specialists, you will have the unique opportunity to snorkel and witness the impact of humanity on the reef and see coral bleaching. This is followed by an insightful talk on actionable steps for reef restoration.Setting sail when the waters are at their calmest, you'll venture to two different reefs, each affected by bleaching due to global warming, water pollution, and microplastics. Visit the reef known as “El Meco”, which boasts the youngest corals, making it a particularly special attraction.The boats used for the tour are certified by Blue Flag for sustainable tourism, ensuring your voyage aligns with eco-conscious practices. Along the way, you'll also get to know the local fauna and savour a delicious burrito lunch. During this tour, you will be inspired to protect these marine ecosystems, which is the aim of the National Geographic-sponsored Pristine Seas project. This project has carried out expeditions to Banco Chinchorro, a significant part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. This project's work underscores the importance of safeguarding marine environments from human influence while protecting the last wild places in our oceans.By joining this tour, you will engage with the vital importance of preserving and protecting the precious Mesoamerican Reef System. See for yourself the marvels of the ocean and gain a profound understanding of coral reefs and their critical role in the biosphere.

Riviera Maya Day of the Dead Celebrations with dinner

Celebrate like a local on Mexico's biggest and most vibrant holiday with this Day of the Dead outing. You'll dive into ancient traditions, and get a memorable glimpse into one of Mexico's most significant cultural events. Lucas, one of our local expert guides, says, ‘Dià de los Muertos is like a family reunion – but with an otherworldly twist. It's a joyful celebration where families honour loved ones through storytelling, music, dancing and of course, delicious food.' Kick off your journey by plunging into the crystal-clear waters of Mexico's mystical cenote – an underground river that's the perfect refreshing start to your adventure. After your swim, you'll sample traditional festival foods like 'pan de muerto', a sweet bread baked in the shape of skulls or bones, as well as savoury tamales, both believed to comfort the souls of the departed. Throughout the day, you'll also learn about cool traditions like ‘offrendas' – offerings to loved ones – and the significance of bright orange marigold flowers. Next, roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Mexican culinary magic by making your own guacamole. Sip on local wines while a chef spills the secrets behind regional flavours and cooking techniques. Lucas adds, ‘We whip up all the favourite foods and drinks of our loved ones to show we still care. Plus, we even set out their favourite snacks on the altars – you know, just in case they get hungry!' The tour wraps up with a dinner that captures the essence of the day, offering unforgettable memories and a whole new appreciation for Mexico's rich cultural heritage.

KUZA Beach and Adventure Park day pass with off-road razor tour

Looking for an experience that's part nature, part action-packed adventure? Look no further than this beachfront experience with RZR adventure. After a quick safety briefing, you'll buckle into a RZR – a high-energy, off-road buggy built to handle rugged terrain and hit a scenic route through back roads and coastal stretches. Along the way, you'll stop in El Cedral, Cozumel's oldest village to discover its historic ruins and landmarks.Afterwards, the pace slows down at KUZA, where your day pass unlocks full access to a large private beachfront, perfect for some R&R after your ride. You'll enjoy live music, beach games and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. When you're feeling peckish, there's an open-air buffet to dig into, with unlimited cocktails to wash it all down.Your adventure doesn't stop there. You'll also get one non-motorised water activity included, so whether you're into kayaking, paddle-boarding or snorkelling, the oceans ready when you are.

Flavours of Yucatán with market visit, cooking and cenote swim

The cool rush of freshwater as you plunge into the Chukum Cenote awaits you on this flavour-packed tour that explores the Yucatan Peninsula's colourful culture and cuisine. After arriving in the pastel-painted town of Valladolid, you'll head to a lively local market where the air is thick with fragrant spices and the stalls overflow with fresh produce. Sofia, one of our local expert guides, says “Valladolid's market isn't just a place to shop, it's where you will feel the heart of Yucatan. The stories, the flavours, the people…it all starts there.”You'll head to a traditional mill to discover the ancient art of transforming corn into masa – the base of Mexico's famous tortilla. Followed up with a stroll down the Calzada de los Frailes, one of Valladolid's most picturesque and historic streets, lined with colourful colonial houses, artisan shops, and boutique cafes. After you've worked up an appetite, it's time to get hands-on with workshops focusing on ancient Mayan cooking techniques. You'll master the art of salsa, press your own tortillas, and learn about the beloved cochinita pibil, a classic pork dish that's slow-cooked underground over hot stones. Taste the fruits of your labour as you tuck into a buffet lunch bursting with those rich traditional Yucatecan flavours. After lunch, you'll take part in a traditional Mayan ceremony before a well-earned cool-down dip in the mystical caves of the jungle cenote in Hacienda Chukum. Finish the day by delving further into the heritage with a wander through a garden to harvest a few fresh picks before visiting a thatched-roof space and traditional Mayan house, each offering a glimpse into daily life shaped by the Yucatan community.

Akumal Monkey Sanctuary with ATV tour and snorkelling in Cancun

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is loaded with wild landscapes, and you'll have a chance to dive into them on this full-day itinerary. You'll tick off everything from a visit to a monkey sanctuary to an ATV ride in the jungle, with some snorkelling in Akumal Bay thrown in for good measure. Javier, an expert local guide, says “this activity is perfect if you want to leave the big cities and hotels behind for a while and experience Mexico's greener side. Cenotes, wildlife, beaches, jungle – you'll encounter them all.”You'll start your day with a visit to the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary, a place where rescued animals from around the area are looked after and treated. You'll be shown around by one of the people who work here, and you'll be introduced to some of the primates and birds currently being cared for. Then, you'll switch things up a few gears for an ATV ride through the jungle. You can get behind the controls of a vehicle as you head to a cenote tucked away within the greenery. These natural, freshwater sinkholes are unique to this part of Mexico, and your guide will tell you about their cultural significance before your chance to hop in for a swim.When you're done here, you'll make your way to today's final stop, Akumal Bay. This sandy spot is known from Tulum to Cancun as one of the area's top snorkelling spots. And that's exactly what you can do here. To make things even better, Akumel Bay is known for its native turtle population, so it's likely you'll share the waters with these gentle reptiles during your visit.

Isla Mujeres family cruise with snorkelling and lunch with shared golf cart tour

The best of the Mexican Caribbean is calling on this exclusive boat trip to Isla Mujeres – think snorkelling, A-list landscapes, and pampering along the way, all in a family-friendly setting. Maria, one of our expert local guides, says, "Isla Mujeres, or the 'Island of Women,' was once a sacred place for the Maya, who linked it to the goddess Ix Chel. These days, it's a sanctuary for sea turtles and sits right next to the UNESCO-sited Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, making it a prime spot for snorkelling, diving, and eco-adventures."Your day kicks off with a hotel pick-up and check-in at Marina Hacienda del Mar. After hopping aboard the exclusive TUI Collection catamaran, you'll cruise through the Mexican Caribbean waters, making your first stop to snorkel. The coral reefs here are something to shout about, plus, you'll likely spot tropical fish – and if you're lucky, maybe even a sea turtle. Kids aged over eight can join in on the snorkelling fun, too, if they're with an adult, while those a little younger can enjoy a swim as long as an adult stays with them.Next, you'll head to Isla Mujeres' downtown before arriving at our exclusive beach club, where it's relaxation to a T. Think unlimited drinks from the open bar, a delicious grill buffet and sun beds under the palms. If you're in the mood for a little adventure, a guided golf cart tour can take you to the southern tip of the island – perfect for those all-important holiday pics, with rugged coastline views and a lighthouse. After a day of exploring and unwinding, you'll sail back to the marina, soaking in the last views of the coast.

Catamaran cruise to Isla Mujeres with beach club visit and brunch

Set a course for the high life on this luxury catamaran cruise to Cancun's playground, Isla Mujeres. It's VIP all the way on this daytrip. You'll begin with a dedicated TUI check-in to board a brand-new catamaran that'll whisk you away to the island, just off Cancun's coastline. Stretch out and relax in the comfort of this boat, complete with an open bar. En route to Isla Mujeres, your crew will drop anchor at an exclusive snorkelling spot. The corals here are part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest of its kind in the world, stretching from Mexico to Honduras – that's over 700 miles. Dive in for a swim or snorkel (equipment is provided) to look for resident sea turtles, rays and tropical fish.Once you've towelled off, you'll dock at the northwestern tip of Isla Mujeres and head to Zama Beach Club. There's an area reserved for your group here, making it feel like your own private Caribbean retreat. Swap the sea for a freshwater dip in the two pools, relax on the sunbeds and feast on fresh Mexican fare at an exclusive brunch. After you've finished splashing, eating or lounging at the club, the crew of the catamaran will sail you back to the mainland.There are two ways to enjoy this trip:Adults-only – available on Tuesdays, if you're after a more laid-back, grown-up vibe. Family-friendly – available on Saturdays, great for families with kids to enjoy the fun together.

Cozumel guided snorkelling and island tour from Cancun

Hop aboard a super-speedy boat headed to Cozumel Island, where the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and its marine life are waiting. Soak up the breathtaking landscapes before snorkelling at two of the most famous reefs in the southern part of the island, Palancar and Colombia. They're separated by a couple of metres of open water, so you'll have wall-to-wall reef to explore. Next stop is the shores of El Cielo – which literally means ‘the sky' in English – as it's famous for its peaceful atmosphere and giant starfish population, which you'll find covering much of the ocean floor. You'll also have the chance to see stingrays and other sea creatures during your time here. Afterwards, there'll be some time to relax and check out the views from El Cielito Sandbar, before heading towards the centre of Cozumel.For lunch, you'll get to try some of the region's typical dishes at a vibrant, local restaurant with an ocean view, before rounding off the day with free time to wander around Cozumel Centre. You've the option of a quick tour here – including a visit to the central clock tower at the heart of the island. Then jump back on the boat to sail back to Playa del Carmen, where your transfer will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.

Tour of Chichen Itza’s Maya ruins and Cenote Tsukán with Lunch

A duo of Mexican delights await on this full day tour from Cancun. The adventure begins at the break of dawn with a journey to experience the wonder of Chichen Itza, a UNESCO-listed ancient Maya city. Then, wind down with a swim in a natural underground cenote cave. Hugo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The early start is worth it – we'll arrive first thing in the morning to experience the magic of the ruins in the soft sunlight and beat the heat'.A guided tour of the ruined city reveals the stories of this remarkable site. It's not hard to imagine the daily lives of the community that lived here and built these impressive monuments. After the guided tour, enjoy free time to make the most of exploring this archaeological treasure trove as you wish. Hugo adds, ‘This ancient city isn't just about admiring the grandeur of El Castillo, but also about feeling the pulse of the Maya civilization that thrived here centuries ago. Don't miss the Great Ball Court—imagine the echoes of the past as players competed in this very spot.'Next, you'll be whisked away to Cenote Tsukán. Cenotes are believed by the Maya to be portals to the underworld, and they are revered in traditional culture. Here, you will plunge into the limpid waters, participate in a traditional ceremony and feel your senses awaken in glorious natural surroundings. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a tasty local lunch, savouring the flavours of regional cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients.