ATV Excursion: Discover El Cedral Town & Ruins, Cenote Swim

When visiting Cozumel, most travelers picture pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs, but there’s a side of the island that offers a different kind of adventure. The ATV Excursion: Discover El Cedral Town & Ruins, Cenote Swim provides a balanced mix of off-road thrills, cultural insights, and natural beauty. For $35 per person, you get about three hours of activity — including an exhilarating ride on rugged jungle trails, exploring ancient archaeological sites, swimming in a stunning cenote, and tasting authentic tequila.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the chance to feel the adrenaline as we navigated through lush terrain on personal ATVs, and the informative guides who shared stories about the historic El Cedral village and the surrounding ruins. Another highlight is the refreshing swim at Cenote Jade, which offers a peaceful contrast to the adrenaline rush. It’s a trip that’s both fun and culturally enriching, perfect for those eager to see a different side of Cozumel beyond the beaches.

A potential consideration is the additional fee of $20 for the Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax, which is not included in the base price. Also, some travelers noted logistical hiccups, such as meeting point confusion or unexpected fees at the start, so staying in touch with your guides and arriving prepared can help.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy adventure, nature, and cultural exploration — particularly those looking for a mix of excitement and authenticity. If you’re traveling with family or friends who thrive on outdoor activities and can handle a bit of rugged terrain, this excursion will likely hit the mark.

Key Points

• Balanced experience with ATV riding, cultural visits, and swimming.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local stories and photos.
• Affordable price offers good value for a multi-part adventure.
• Extra taxes apply, so budget accordingly.
• Group size is limited to 20, providing a more personalized experience.
• Tour timing can be affected by logistical issues, so plan to arrive prepared.

A Closer Look at the ATV Excursion in Cozumel

If you’re craving a dose of adventure mixed with cultural discovery, this tour offers a well-rounded way to spend around three hours. We loved the way it combines off-road fun with the chance to learn about local history, making it more than just a ride — it’s an experience that gives you a glimpse of Cozumel’s past and nature.

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour kicks off at the Royal Village Shopping Center, conveniently located near Cozumel’s cruise port and accessible from both the main town and nearby resorts. The meeting point is outside a sports store, which some might find a little confusing at first, so arriving a bit early is wise. Due to logistical issues mentioned in reviews, travelers should confirm their meeting details beforehand to avoid missing out — especially if arriving from the cruise terminal.

The tour is operated by Hi Travel Tours, with a maximum group size of 20. This relatively small number helps ensure everyone gets attention and plenty of photos, as one reviewer appreciated the guide’s helpfulness and photo-taking.

The El Cedral Stop: Exploring History and Culture

Your adventure begins with a two-hour ATV ride through the historic village of El Cedral. We loved the way guides shared stories about the site’s significance, connecting history with the landscape we were riding through. The rugged terrain provides some real thrills, with mud and natural obstacles making each ride lively.

One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was very helpful and took many pictures,” which is a plus if you want memories to take home. The ruins themselves are modest but meaningful, offering a taste of old Cozumel life. While some hoped for more ruins, most appreciated the blend of adventure and culture.

Cenote Jade: A Natural Oasis

After the village, the tour moves to Cenote Jade, about an hour’s drive away. This hidden swimming hole is surrounded by dense jungle, and the clear waters invite a refreshing dip. The cenote’s natural rock formations and bats overhead add a touch of wilderness charm.

Expect to spend about an hour here, swimming and relaxing. As one guest noted, “Papi (the guide) provided a lot of details about the area and its history, and we enjoyed the bat sighting.” The cenote is a peaceful spot that gives you a break from the adrenaline rush of riding, allowing for some peaceful reflection in nature’s quiet.

Tequila Tasting: A Flavorful Finish

The tour wraps up with a tequila tasting session, a delightful way to end the day. Guides are well-versed, sharing insights about the tequila-making process and helping you appreciate the different flavors. However, note that the tasting is only for adults 18 and over.

Additional Considerations

While most reviews highlight the fun and educational value, some travelers faced challenges. For example, one reviewer mentioned, “We didn’t get to go on the excursion because of the additional tax fee,” highlighting the importance of understanding extra costs beforehand. Also, logistical issues like incorrect contact numbers or delays can happen, so it’s good to confirm all details before the day.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This adventure is ideal if you’re someone who loves outdoor activities, enjoys learning about local history, and wants a mix of thrills and relaxation. It’s suitable for families with older children, groups of friends, or individual travelers eager to see a different side of Cozumel.

The Value of This Experience

At just $35, this tour offers a lot of variety — engaging ATV riding, cultural insights at El Cedral, a peaceful swim at Cenote Jade, and a chance to sample authentic tequila. The inclusion of fuel, guided commentary, and photos adds to the perceived value, especially considering the small group size and personalized attention.

The extra fees (around $20) for taxes are an unavoidable part of many tours in Mexico, but they’re clearly disclosed, so you won’t face surprises at check-in. The tour’s three-hour duration strikes a good balance — enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re craving adventure with a cultural twist, this is a smart choice. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer active outings rather than lounging on the beach. The natural beauty at Cenote Jade and the historical charm of El Cedral offer a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and meaningful.

It’s also suited to those who appreciate guides who are knowledgeable and engaging, making the journey more memorable. If you’re traveling with a group that enjoys photo opportunities and learning about local traditions, this tour won’t disappoint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there transportation included from the cruise port?
The tour starts at the Royal Village Shopping Center, which is accessible from the cruise port. Some travelers find it easy to walk or take a short taxi, but check with your tour provider for specifics on transportation options.

How long is the ATV ride?
The ATV circuit through El Cedral lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the rugged trails.

Are the ATVs suitable for beginners?
Most travelers, regardless of experience, can participate. Guides are helpful, and the terrain is manageable for most skill levels, but a basic understanding of riding is helpful.

What’s included in the price?
The $35 fee covers the ATV jungle circuit, fuel, visits to El Cedral and the ruins, swimming at Cenote Jade, bottled water, and tequila tasting (age restrictions apply).

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there is a $20 fee for the Ejidal Tax and Cenote Ecotax, payable at the site, so budget for that.

How many people will be on the tour?
Maximum group size is 20, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear and a towel for Cenote Jade, sunscreen, a hat, and closed-toe shoes suitable for riding and walking on dirt trails.

To sum it up, this ATV tour in Cozumel offers an energetic and culturally meaningful way to explore a different side of the island. It’s well-suited for those open to adventure, interested in history, and eager for a splash of natural beauty. While logistical details and extra costs warrant some planning, most travelers find the experience worth the effort, especially given the chance to interact with knowledgeable guides and see stunning sights. Whether you’re riding through lush jungle, discovering ancient ruins, or cooling off in a secret cenote, this tour promises a memorable and authentic Cozumel experience.